Abstract:
A device and apparatus utilizing thermal energy is disclosed. The device includes a heat dispensing module having a heat dispensing surface, a heat communicating module in thermal communication with at least one thermal energy source and the heat dispensing module, a thermal interaction layer interposed between the heat dispensing module and the heat communicating module and a heat control device. The thermal interaction layer communicating thermal energy from the heat communicating module to the heat dispensing module. The heat control device regulates thermal energy communicated to the heat dispensing module by varying area of thermal interaction between the heat dispensing module and the heat communicating module.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for operating a solar-heated continuous flow steam generator comprising an evaporator heating surface (4), whereby a target value (formula (II)) for the supply water mass flow (I) is fed to a device for adjusting the supply water mass flow (formula (I)). In order to further improve the quality of a predictive supply water or mass flow control and to maintain the enthalpy of the flow medium at the evaporator outlet particularly stable especially when load changes occur, a correction factor (Kf) is taken into consideration during production of the target value (II) for the supply water mass flow (I), said correction faction being characteristic of the temporal derivative of enthalpy, the temperature or the density of the flow medium at the inlet of one or more heating surfaces (2, 4). Said method is particularly suitable for operating a solar-thermal continuous flow steam generator (1) in a solar tower power station (129) with direct evaporation.
Abstract:
The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a solar thermal system, the use efficiency of which is improved, and which enables heat collected in a heat-collecting unit to be quickly used for a heating and hot water supply load, and which operates in a stable manner. To accomplish this, the solar thermal system of the present invention comprises: a solar-heat collector which absorbs solar heat to heat a heat medium contained therein; a heat storage tank which contains hot water therein, and in which a first regenerative heat exchanger and a second regenerative heat exchanger, which are connected to the solar heat collector via a regenerative pipe, are arranged in an upper portion and a lower portion of the heat storage tank, respectively, wherein the heat storage tank comprises a diffuser for diffusing hot water circulating through the system; a pressure sensor connected to the regenerative pipe to sense the pressure in the regenerative pipe; a circulation pump which transfers and circulates the heat medium; a heat medium supplementing water tank connected to the regenerative pipe via a pressure pump so as to make up for a deficiency of heat medium; an auxiliary boiler having a hot water outlet port connected to a hot water supply pipe of the heat storage tank via a hot water supply control three-way valve, and having a hot water returning port connected to the diffuser of the heat storage tank via a hot water return control three-way valve; a check valve interconnected between the hot water supply control three-way valve and the hot water returning port of the auxiliary boiler; and a heating load connected to the hot water outlet port of the auxiliary boiler and to the hot water return control three-way valve.
Abstract:
A transfer module for transferring thermal energy is disclosed. The transfer module includes a first surface, a second surface and a transfer medium. The first surface has a transfer port for coupling with and transferring thermal energy to a portable thermal storage device. The second surface defines an energy capturing enclosure. The transfer medium communicates energy between the first and second surface. Substantial part of the energy incident on the second surface is at least one of reflected within the energy capturing enclosure and absorbed by the second surface.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a solar apparatus with at least two solar collectors (1, 2) with different exposure, with a receiver (10), with a main supply line (3) that branches into individual supply lines (4, 5) to solar collectors (1, 2) and with a main return line (8) into which individual return lines (6, 7) from the solar collectors lead, with a distribution valve (17) located where main supply line (3) branches into individual supply lines (4, 5) or where individual return lines (6, 7) join main return line (8), and with a pump (9) for conveying a heat transfer medium. Optimal performance can be achieved if the distribution valve (17) is designed as a mixing valve. The invention further relates to a method for the automatic control of such a solar apparatus.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a system which can be used to air-condition buildings and other useful areas used by humans in a completely self-sufficient manner.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a system (1) or a method for heating of an enclosed space (2) comprising a solar collector (11), adapted to use air as heat-carrying medium, placed on the outside of the space (2), as well as a fan (13) adapted to, upon a heating of the space (2), generate an inward flow (31) of heated air from the solar collector (11) to the space (2). The present invention teaches particularly that the system (1) is adapted for a cooling down and simultaneously maintained ventilation of the space (2), that the fan (13) is adapted to generate an outward flow (32) of air from the space (2) to the solar collector (11), and that the outward air flow (32) is adapted to cool down the solar collector (11) and thereby decrease the stagnation temperature of the solar collector (11).
Abstract:
Solar energy generator comprising one or more concave mirrors (1) which are mounted in a rotating manner on a support structure (2) for being rotated around a substantially horizontal axis by a first motor (3), so as to change their zenithal angle, wherein the concave mirrors (1) can converge the solar rays toward one or more collectors (4) fixed by means of support members (5) in front of the concave mirrors (1) for being rotated by the first motor (3) together with these mirrors (1), wherein the support structure (2) of the concave mirrors (1) can be rotated around a substantially vertical axis by a second motor (6) on a fixed base (7) so as to change their azimuthal angle. The present invention also relates to a system and a process which can be employed for controlling said generator.
Abstract:
A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have header assemblies affixed to opposite edges thereof and which control the entry of liquid into the channel and the exit therefrom. The inlet header assembly has a plurality of nozzles that are adjustable in size to control flow therethrough while the outlet header assembly has elongated nozzles to receive flow or liquid from the channel. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell affixed thereto to face the sun and the other plate has a plurality of indentations that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.