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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Solar power system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6520750

A method and apparatus are disclosed for use of solar energy. The method and apparatus have the advantage and benefit of providing for use of all collected solar energy, whether or not there is an immediate need in the home for heating. Solar energy is also used for cooling a home or existing building structure via utilization of a heat pump system. The apparatus comprises in combination a direct boil solar collector which boils a refrigerant therein, a Rankine cycle engine for converting heat energy transferred to said refrigerant to kinetic energy, a generator, a heat pump system, and means connected to the Rankine cycle to selectively transfer said kinetic energy from the Rankine engine to the generator or the heat pump. Excess energy not utilized for heating or cooling the home system is returned to a utility power grid for a credit for the homeowner and immediate redistribution by the utility to other users.

Assignee:
Hansen, Lind, Meyer
Patent Number(s):
US 4103493
OSTI ID:
6520750
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English