Thermal energy transfer device

Patent · Tue Jul 24 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6283404

Pardo, J

A thermal energy device is disclosed and generally includes one or more collector means for receiving and storing thermal energy, movable thermal reflector means, fixed thermal reflector means, and actuation apparatus for rotating the movable thermal reflector means about said collector means. The movable thermal reflector means preferably include thermal insulation means for preventing undesirable heat gain or loss and are rotated between a first position wherein the reflector means are positioned between the collector means and the interior of a building structure and function to reflect and concentrate exterior ambient thermal energy on to the collectors for storage therein. The movable thermal reflector means is also rotatable to a second position generally between the collector means and the exterior of the building structure in order to reflect and disperse previously-stored thermal energy from said collector means into the interior of a building structure. Such positions and rotations may be reversed during warm weather to collect thermal energy from the interior of the building and discharge such energy to the exterior surroundings. Furthermore, the reflectors may be rotated to positions intermediate said first and second positions, if desired, to maximize light transmission when heating and cooling are not necessary. The energy transfer device may also optionally include various devices and apparatus for automatically rotating the movable thermal reflector means in response to predetermined conditions, for providing convective heat transfer and dispersal, as well as various other optional features.

• Assignee: EDB-85-011651
• Patent Number(s): US 4461277
• OSTI ID: 6283404
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
141000 -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
142000 -- Solar Energy-- Heat Storage-- (1980-)
ACTUATORS
DESIGN
ENERGY STORAGE
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENERGY TRANSFER
EQUIPMENT
HEAT STORAGE
HEAT TRANSFER
HEATING SYSTEMS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
SOLAR REFLECTORS
STORAGE
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
THERMAL INSULATION
TILT MECHANISMS