Abstract:
Reactor vessels with pressure and heat transfer features for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural elements, and associated systems and methods. A representative reactor system includes a first reaction zone and a heat path, a reactant source coupled to the first reaction zone, and a first actuator coupled to cyclically pressurize the first reaction zone. A second reaction zone is in fluid communication with the first, a valve is coupled between the first and second reaction zones to control a flow rate therebetween, and a second actuator is coupled in fluid communication with the second reaction zone to cyclically pressurize the second reaction zone. First and second heat exchangers direct heat from products to reactants in the reaction zones. A controller controls the first and second actuators in a coordinated manner based at least in part on a flow rate of the second product from the second reaction zone.
Abstract:
Disclosed are various building facade surface configurations and related methods. An exemplary facade includes grooved cavities that are configured in a manner that reflects summer (cooling season) insolation and absorbs winter (heating season) insolation. The effective absorptivities of the exemplary facade for various cavity reflectance characteristics, i.e., a wide range of diffuse and specular reflectance characteristics, are evaluated using a Monte Carlo model. The calculations in an illustrated embodiment are performed for the latitude of 41° N where both heating and cooling loads are significant. Embodiments of facades and other structures are similarly within the scope of the disclosure for locations of different latitudes and longitudes.
Abstract:
Chemical reactors with annularly positioned delivery and removal devices, and associated systems and methods. A reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a light-transmissible surface proximate to a reaction zone, and a movable reactant delivery system positioned within the reactor vessel. The reactor can further include a product removal system positioned within the reactor vessel and positioned annularly inwardly or outwardly from the delivery system. A solar concentrator is positioned to direct solar radiation through the light-transmissible surface to the reaction zone.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is related to a unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat.
Abstract:
A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.
Abstract:
A solar heater includes a plurality of suspended vertical components that cover at least a portion of an interior side of a window and have open top and bottom ends. Each suspended vertical component has a heat absorbing body position within the transparent sheath. The heat absorbing body is located a first spaced distance from the inner sheath surface of a first side portion of the sheath and a second spaced distance from the inner sheath surface of a second side portion of the sheath. The open bottom end of the sheath receives cool ambient air that is heated while passing between the heat absorbing body and the inner sheath surface of the first side portion and between the heat absorbing body and the inner sheath surface of the second side portion. The open top end of the sheath exhausts the heated air to an interior space of a building.
Abstract:
A wall covering assembly comprising a front layer of a vinyl coated fabric or paper, a rear ceramic layer, and an intermediate layer made of an acrylic compound containing finely divided phase change material such as crystalline acryl hydrocarbons or salt hydrates. The wall covering assembly facilitates thermo-regulation due to latent heat absorption and latent heat release in the phase transition range of the phase change material, which enhances the thermal comfort of rooms and leads to energy savings.
Abstract:
A wall integrated thermal solar collector with heat storage capacity includes a transparent layer and a solar radiation absorption layer, that is separated by an air gap from the transparent layer. A heat storage layer of phase changing material is positioned in close contact with the solar radiation absorption layer to facilitate heat transfer. A structural panel of thermally insulating material is positioned adjacent to the heat storage layer.
Abstract:
The invention provides a process for the separation and recovery of at least one selected salt from a mixture of salts containing at least one salt, the solubility of which increases with increase in temperature, comprising providing a pond having a dark bottom surface and a plurality of stratified salt solution layers wherein the solution closest to the bottom contains a salt concentration higher than that in the upper layers, the solution closest to the bottom is hotter than those in the upper layers and at least some of the layers are saturated with at least one salt; introducing a feed solution containing at least one salt, the solubility of which increases with increase in temperature into the pond thereby resulting in an increased ratio of the at least one salt in the bottom layer; withdrawing a solution from the bottom zone; and withdrawing a solution from the upper zone.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a construction element that comprises at least one first transparent pane and a parallel second pane that is at least partly transparent and contains a material that accumulates latent heat. The material that accumulates latent heat is dyed or pigmented so that it absorbs light in the infrared range of the solar spectrum. The construction element claimed by the invention is highly efficient in absorbing light directly in the material that accumulates latent heat.