An improved commercial solar space heater system for a commercial building consisting of a plurality of solar-energy absorbing units atop the roof of the building providing passive solar heating. Each unit includes a frame having sides defining a heat chamber between a top plate and an absorber as well as an insulating pocket between an inner wall and a support. The heat chamber is enclosed except for an inlet and outlet through which air is directed to be heated. A housing frame holds the frame at an angle conducive to sunray absorption and a curb frame spaces the frame and housing frame from the rooftop when attached to the building. Duct work runs the outlet air from said heat chamber into at least one room of a building and a controller is used for detecting the temperature in the room and directing heat from the outlet into the room when said temperature is below a pre-determined temperature.

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

A solar phase-change energy storage heating ventilation partition wall and modular heating system thereof, the partition wall consists of a solid partition wall (1), a thermal insulation layer (2), a decoration layer (3), frame of steel reinforcement (4), reflecting layers (5) and phase-change heat storage modules (6), the modular heating system comprises a solar air collector (13), phase-change heat storage units (23) arranged modularly, and a partition wall, to achieve energy storage and heating. Compared with the prior art, the modular heat storage partition wall components are simple in manufacturing process and flexible in assembly, and can be freely arranged and combined according to actual conditions; the system collects solar energy by the solar air collector during the daytime and stores the heat in the phase-change heat storage modules in the partition wall; and the heat storage partition wall can provide heat for the room in a radiation manner.

A recoverable and renewable heat recovery system includes a variable speed inverter compressor in fluid connection with a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger via a fluid circuit. The system further includes a solar thermal collection module positioned on top of the compressor and in fluid communication with the compressor, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger via the fluid circuit. A light intensity sensor is configured to determine light intensity on the solar thermal collection module. The solar thermal collection module is configured to retain solar energy thermal energy to increase fluid pressure in the compressor.

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

A modular building with a structure having various constructional elements including columns joists and rafters each including a void to accommodate pipes that carry fluid at a certain temperature, the pipes extending at least below the floor of the building through the joists that are enclosed by a base to define a cavity affecting the temperature of the air in-between the floor and the base. Air vents are provided in the floor to allow for the air flow between the cavity and the inside of the modular building.

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

A solar thermal control system includes a membrane configured to receive solar energy, wherein the membrane is configured to form a cavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structure by coupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy is configured to heat air within the cavity. The control system also includes a thermal collection unit configured to connect to the cavity and receive and direct air from the cavity, and a ducting system coupled to the thermal collection unit and configured to direct air from the thermal collection unit to at least one of the interior of the structure and a vent.

A thermal insulating apparatus for insulating a building envelope is provided. The thermal insulating apparatus may comprise at least one panel comprising one or more layers of insulating material, and at least one attachment site for joining the thermal insulating apparatus to at least one position of said building envelope. The thermal insulating apparatus may be operable between an open position allowing access to a wall opening, and a closed position in which at least one panel of the thermal insulating apparatus substantially covers and thermally insulates said wall opening. The thermal insulating apparatus may further comprise at least one solar thermal energy collector unit for collecting heat from solar thermal energy from sunlight, and the collected heat may be used for heating a structure such as a home or garage.