The present invention relates to a solar water heater (SWH) for producing hot water for domestic use, said SWH is inspired from the thermosiphon SWH to manufacture an SWH more efficient in winter and in summer. It is made up of two hot water storage tanks (17) (22) mounted in series in order to have an operating temperature as stable as possible, equipped with a guidance system for heating incoming cold water by passing through the collectors before entering the hot water storage tank (25-a) (25-b), a solar collector receiving solar radiation through its twin transparent faces (35) (36), stainless steel sheet mirrors that reflect the solar radiation applied to the collector through its rear transparent face (36) and a low energy consumption integrated circulator for gaining heat by cancelling out load losses that characterize the resistances to the passage of water in the SWH circuit (29).

The present invention relates to a solar water heater (SWH) for producing hot water for domestic use, said SWH is inspired from the thermosiphon SWH to manufacture an SWH more efficient in winter and in summer. It is made up of two hot water storage tanks (17) (22) mounted in series in order to have an operating temperature as stable as possible, equipped with a guidance system for heating incoming cold water by passing through the collectors before entering the hot water storage tank (25-a) (25-b), a solar collector receiving solar radiation through its twin transparent faces (35) (36), stainless steel sheet mirrors that reflect the solar radiation applied to the collector through its rear transparent face (36) and a low energy consumption integrated circulator for gaining heat by cancelling out load losses that characterize the resistances to the passage of water in the SWH circuit (29).

Solar thermal devices are formed from a block of wood, where the natural cell lumens of the wood form an interconnected network that transports fluid or material therein. The block of wood can be modified to increase absorption of solar radiation. Combining the solar absorption effects with the natural transport network can be used for various applications. In some embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to evaporate a fluid, for example, evaporating water for extraction, distillation, or desalination. In other embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to change transport properties of a material to allow it to be transported in the interconnected network, for example, heating crude oil to adsorb the oil within the block of wood.

Solar thermal devices are formed from a block of wood, where the natural cell lumens of the wood form an interconnected network that transports fluid or material therein. The block of wood can be modified to increase absorption of solar radiation. Combining the solar absorption effects with the natural transport network can be used for various applications. In some embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to evaporate a fluid, for example, evaporating water for extraction, distillation, or desalination. In other embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to change transport properties of a material to allow it to be transported in the interconnected network, for example, heating crude oil to adsorb the oil within the block of wood.

A system and method for collecting solar energy wherein the system comprising a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and a plurality of solar panels secured to an outside periphery of the tower. The method comprises providing a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and securing a plurality of solar panels to and around an outside periphery of the tower.

Disclosed is a building envelope, in particular a building wall, floor, or roof, having at least two spaced-apart shells that enclose an intermediate space there between, the intermediate space being essentially empty except for weight-bearing and/or construction engineering elements or being filled in at least some sections with porous, open-cell material and being sealed from the exterior and interior of the building. A plurality of heat pipes which are connected to a heat collector on the shell facing the exterior and which end in the intermediate space is arranged in the intermediate space.

Disclosed is a building envelope, in particular a building wall, floor, or roof, having at least two spaced-apart shells that enclose an intermediate space there between, the intermediate space being essentially empty except for weight-bearing and/or construction engineering elements or being filled in at least some sections with porous, open-cell material and being sealed from the exterior and interior of the building. A plurality of heat pipes which are connected to a heat collector on the shell facing the exterior and which end in the intermediate space is arranged in the intermediate space.

A refrigeration and/or heat transfer device includes a heating section and cooling section, a release member, and a one-way check valve affixed together in a continuous loop so working fluid may flow in one direction therein. The heating section absorbs heat and transfers such heat to the working fluid, thereby heating, expanding and increasing pressure upon the working fluid therein. The pressurized working fluid is released in a regulated manner from the heating section to the cooling section, thereby carrying the heat away. The released working fluid cools and transfers its heat to the surroundings within the cooling section. As released working fluid enters the cooling section, such fluid displaces already cooled working fluid, pushing such fluid through the one-way check valve back into the heating section to absorb heat. The working fluid may undergo a phase change or remain in a single phase throughout to enhance heat transfer.

Disclosed is a building envelope for a building wall, floor, or roof of a building, the building envelope comprising at least two shells spaced apart from one another that enclose an intermediate space there between, the intermediate space being sealed against the interior and the exterior of the building and being filled with structural weight-bearing and building-technology components, and at least in sections with a porous, open-celled 3D-pattern material. A plurality of heat pipes which are connected to a heat-collector element on the shell facing the exterior and the interior of the building and which end in the intermediate space are arranged in the intermediate space.

Solar thermal devices are formed from a block of wood, where the natural cell lumens of the wood form an interconnected network that transports fluid or material therein. The block of wood can be modified to increase absorption of solar radiation. Combining the solar absorption effects with the natural transport network can be used for various applications. In some embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to evaporate a fluid, for example, evaporating water for extraction, distillation, or desalination. In other embodiments, heating of the modified block of wood by insolation can be used to change transport properties of a material to allow it to be transported in the interconnected network, for example, heating crude oil to adsorb the oil within the block of wood.