There is herein described energy storage systems. More particularly, there is herein described thermal energy storage systems and use of energy storable material such as phase change material in the provision of heating and/or cooling systems in, for example, domestic dwellings.

Falling particle solar receivers, systems, and methods are disclosed that include one non-linear falling particle curtain or two or more falling particle curtains within a solar receiver that receives incident solar radiation. The particles heated in the solar receiver may be used to heat a secondary fluid. In an embodiment, the particles may be recirculated to improve energy capture and thermal efficiency. In other embodiments, an air curtain may be used across the aperture of the receiver, and flow-control devices may be used to evenly spread particles across the width of the receiver inlet. Finally, feed particles may be preheated using heat from the solar receiver.

A method for improving the efficiency of a solar heating system based on absorbing heat from solar radiation into the outer surface of a concrete wall. The heat transfer device makes use of a fluid in a tube system to transfer heat from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall. The inside wall is then used to heat air that is passed over it, and that air is then used to heat up a heat storage system.

A thermal pump system energized by a daytime heating phase and a night time cooling phase associated with a naturally occurring environmental heating and cooling cycle includes a hydraulic fluid source, a thermal fluid expansion chamber having a fixed internal volume, and a hydraulic accumulator at least partially filled by a compressible gas. A first unidirectional flow valve connected to a first duct permits flow only out of the hydraulic fluid source during the night time cooling phase. A second unidirectional flow valve connected to a second duct permits flow only out of the thermal fluid expansion chamber upon expansion of the hydraulic fluid trapped in the thermal fluid expansion chamber due to heating during the daytime heating phase. The thermal fluid expansion chamber has a thermally conductive wall communicating thermal energy from the naturally occurring heating and cooling cycle to the hydraulic fluid trapped in the fixed internal volume.

An integrated wind and solar solution is provided, including a solar energy collection assembly (100) and a vertical axis wind turbine (400), combined to provide an integrated power output. In preferred embodiments, the vertical axis wind turbine is positioned above the solar energy collection assembly. Concentrating solar mirror collectors (116) are used to direct sunlight to a heat engine (250), which converts the collected heat energy into rotary motion. Rotary motion from the heat engine and from the vertical axis wind turbine preferably are on the same rotating axis (600), to facilitate load sharing between these two sources. A dual axis azimuth-altitude solar panel alignment tracking system is used in order to boost the energy conversion capability of the solar energy collectors.

Falling particle solar receivers, systems, and methods are disclosed that include one non-linear falling particle curtain or two or more falling particle curtains within a solar receiver that receives incident solar radiation. The particles heated in the solar receiver may be used to heat a secondary fluid. In an embodiment, the particles may be recirculated to improve energy capture and thermal efficiency. In other embodiments, an air curtain may be used across the aperture of the receiver, and flow-control devices may be used to evenly spread particles across the width of the receiver inlet. Finally, feed particles may be preheated using heat from the solar receiver.

A method for improving the efficiency of a solar heating system based on absorbing heat from solar radiation into the outer surface of a concrete wall. The heat transfer device makes use of a fluid in a tube system to transfer heat from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall. The inside wall is then used to heat air that is passed over it, and that air is then used to heat up a heat storage system.

A method for improving the efficiency of a solar heating system based on absorbing heat from solar radiation into the outer surface of a concrete wall. The heat transfer device makes use of a fluid in a tube system to transfer heat from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall. The inside wall is then used to heat air that is passed over it, and that air is then used to heat up a heat storage system.

This thermosyphon cooling system cools fluid by thermosyphon to prevent overheating at a solar collector when forced circulation stops. The introduction of the fluidic diode in the thermosyphon heat dump flow path affords more design and installation options, higher reliability, and the opportunity to manufacture solar collectors of less expensive alternative materials.

This thermosyphon cooling system cools fluid by thermosyphon to prevent overheating at a solar collector when forced circulation stops. The introduction of the fluidic diode in the thermosyphon heat dump flow path affords more design and installation options, higher reliability, and the opportunity to manufacture solar collectors of less expensive alternative materials.