초록 ▼

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 m

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.

대표청구항 ▼

A thermal energy transfer device adapted for installation in an exterior wall or roof of a building structure, said energy transfer device comprising: at least one high thermal capacity collector means for receiving and storing thermal energy, said collector means extending in an axial direction; mo

A thermal energy transfer device adapted for installation in an exterior wall or roof of a building structure, said energy transfer device comprising: at least one high thermal capacity collector means for receiving and storing thermal energy, said collector means extending in an axial direction; movable thermal reflector means for reflecting thermal energy to said collector means, said movable reflector means having a thermally reflective concave inner surface thereon facing toward said collector means and a convex outer surface facing away from said collector means, said movable reflector means extending in an axial direction generally parallel to but spaced from said collector means; at least one fixed reflector means extending in an axial direction generally parallel to but spaced from said collector means and being disposed laterally of said movable reflector means and said collector means, said fixed reflector means having a thermally reflective concave lateral surface thereon facing toward said collector means; and actuating means for rotating said movable reflector means about said collector means to a first position wherein at least a portion of said movable reflector means is positioned between said collector means and the interior of building structure, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said movable reflector means is positioned between said collector means and the exterior of said building structure, or to any third position intermediate said first and second positions, said inner surface facing said collector means as said movable reflector means is rotated to or between any of said first, second and third positions.