ROTATIONAL MULTI VANE POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT VALVE FOR USE WITH A SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Rotational multi-vane positive displacement valves, preferably for use with a solar air-conditioning system. Each valve has an outer cylindrical valve body housing having an inlet port and an outlet port and an inner rotational cylinder disposed within the outer cylindrical valve body housing. The inner rotational cylinder can be supported by a longitudinal shaft offset from a center position of the outer housing. The inner rotational cylinder has a plurality of spring loaded vanes along a substantial portion of its longitudinal axis equally spaced around a circumference of the inner rotational cylinder. The outlet port is preferably located at least 100 degrees in direction of rotation from the inlet port, when the inner cylinder has four vanes. The shaft can extend beyond the outer valve housing and is adapted for attachment to external appliances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen best inFIG. 1a solar air-conditioning system is illustrated and generally referenced as system10. System10includes one or more solar concentrators20and preferably a plurality of concentrators20preferably arranged in a parallel configuration or communication with each other. Concentrator(s)20capture energy from the sun raising the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant within the pipe, tubing, plumbing, conduits, hoses, etc. (all collectively referred to as “pipe” or “piping”) at the focal point. Though not considered limiting, the refrigerant can be Freon or ammonia gas. All of the pipe, valves, components, etc, of the present invention are preferably connected to each other through conventional connectors, fasteners, etc.

The refrigerant within the pipe proceeds or otherwise travels to the one or more heat dissipaters, commonly known as condensers30, which can be large area condensers. The number of condensers30can correspond to the number of concentrators provided for system10. Condensers30dissipate heat from the heated refrigerant to the atmosphere. In one embodiment, condenser30can be approximately the size of its corresponding concentrator20in length and width and affixed to concentrator20with a spacing measurement between concentrator20and condenser30preferably within twelve (12″) inches of each other. However such spacing measurement is not considered limited to within twelve (12″) inches and other values can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, condenser30can be a single stand alone unit, which can include an electrically driven fan similar to conventional condensers. Thus,FIG. 1illustrates multiple condensers, whereasFIG. 3illustrates a single condenser coil260.

After leaving condenser(s)30, the refrigerant proceeds through a one direction valve40. In a preferred embodiment, the one direction valve can be a “high side” positive displacement one direction rotary valve. Valve40assures that the refrigerant proceeds in the proper direction through the refrigerant circuit. As shown inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, a plurality of vanes are provided within the valve housing, which are moved by the circulating refrigerant to portion of the refrigerant within the valve is shown in shading/hatched lines between two of the vanes). Valve40can also provide a mechanical link60to the energy produced by the moving refrigerant. The mechanical link can be used to drive a generator, water circulation pump and/or other device.

From valve40, the refrigerant travels to an evaporator80which is preferably fitted with an expansion valve90. In the preferred embodiment, expansion valve90can be an electronically controlled valve, though such is not considered limiting.FIGS. 5 through 7provides further details on various non-limiting expansion valve embodiments that can be used with the present invention system or circuit.

Valve90is controlled based on the pressures contained within the refrigerant circuit which can vary as the solar energy varies. The expanding refrigerant within evaporator80removes the heat from the coil and medium surrounding evaporator80. Preferably, evaporator80can be disposed within a water tank100. Water tank100is preferably large enough in size to hold a large amount of a liquid, such as, but not limited to, approximately two thousand (2000) gallons of the liquid. However, other size water tanks can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the liquid106contained within water tank100can be a mixture of water and anti-freeze. Preferably, water tank100can be insulated, such as, but not limited to, burying water tank100beneath ground level. Additionally, water tank100can be greater in height than width to operate co-operatively with temperature stratification. As such, heat can be removed from many gallons of water, which a non-limiting example is shown by the following factoid using a non-limiting 2000 gallon water tank100:

The refrigerant exits from evaporator80and is directed to a second one directional valve110, which again can be a positive displacement one direction rotary valve. Valve110can have a larger positive displacement chamber as compared to valve40since it may be working with lower pressures, and thus in the preferred embodiment, can be considered a low pressure valve. Valve110can also have a mechanical link62and can be (though not required) mechanically linked with valve40, as illustrated inFIG. 1. By linking valves40and110together, stability can be provided to the refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the rotation of valves40and110can derive rotational mechanical energy which can be utilized to drive a generator, water circulation pump, etc. and is illustrated with a generator or water pump112. The vanes of valves40and110can be spring loaded.

The refrigerant then is directed from valve110to a preferably commonly connected balancing valve120and/or as an inlet to compressor140. System balancing valve120can have a first inlet valve122which can constitute the primary circuit for the refrigerant and a second inlet valve124which is in communication with the outlet of compressor140. Refrigerant travels through balancing valve120to one direction or one-way valve150where it proceeds to solar concentrator(s)20to restart the cycle.

Compressor140can be driven by a conventional compressor motor144. Thus, when there is insufficient solar energy (cloudy day, etc.), system10(such as through one or more sensors provided in the circuit) can sense or otherwise determine to activate motor144to electrically drive compressor140. In one non-limiting example, a temperature sensor can be disposed within the water tank for determining when to turn motor144on. Additionally, pressure sensors or other devices can also be used for this purpose. Pressurized refrigerant from compressor140can proceed through second inlet valve124on the balancing valve to one direction valve150. Where a temperature sensor is provided within water tank100, compressor140can be activated at predetermine temperatures through its connection to a conventional switcher not shown inFIG. 1but can be similar to the switch control shown inFIG. 2). In one non-limiting example, the predetermined temperature can be anywhere in the range of about 32° F. to about 12° F. However, other temperature values can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention.

The present invention can store air conditioning energy in the form of chilled water, which can be below the freezing point of 32° F., and preferably within the temperature range of 32° F. to 12° F. or about 32° F. to about 12° F. However, the present invention is not limited to this specific range and other ranges can be chosen and are within the scope of the invention.

Balancing valve120can be constructed such that there is linkage between first inlet valve122and second inlet valve124. Thus, first inlet valve122can be closed, when the force of the pressurized refrigerant from compressor140opens second inlet valve124. Similarly, when first inlet valve12.2is opened through receipt of refrigerant from valve110, second inlet valve124can be closed. It is also possible and within the scope of the invention that both first inlet valve122and second inlet valve124are partially opened at the same time and the refrigerant traveling through both inlet valves (122and124) merges or combines and enters a single outlet which serves as the inlet to one way valve150.

As seen inFIG. 1, water tank100also contains a pickup radiator180acting as heat exchange coil which functions as part of a separate chilled (or heated) water system175of air-conditioning (heat) for withdrawing (or adding) heat from (or to) a dwelling or structure through one or more radiators190. Pickup radiator180in water tank100and one more radiators190disposed throughout the dwelling can circulate anti-freeze/water by way of a pump196, which can be electrically or mechanically driven. The circulation of the water allows heat to be removed from or added to (as desired) from the dwelling. The chilled (heated) liquid or water system in the preferred embodiment is separate and isolated from the storage medium liquid or water. One skilled in the art would include a control, such as a thermostatic control, at each dwelling coil controlling the cold water flow such that the freezing point is not attained in these coils.

The present invention system can also be convened or otherwise switch from solar air conditioner to solar heating. As seen inFIG. 2, system250, which can contain similar not shown components as system10, where a stand-alone (single) condenser260(FIG. 3) is used a bypass valve270(with associated pipe) can be provided at condenser260. It should be recognized that multiple condensers, such as shown inFIG. 1, can also be used and each condenser can be provided with a bypass valve and associated pipe. By opening or otherwise engaging bypass valve270and electrically withdrawing the controlling element of the electronic expansion valve90, the solar heated refrigerant is allowed to circulate through evaporator80, which heats the water or mixture in water tank100by conduction. Generator190, which can be commonly connected to rotary valves40and/or110can be electrically switched to function as a motor. The motor can drive rotary valves40and/or110to assure circulation of the heated refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit.

Bypass valve270is shown in more detail inFIG. 4. A housing271with inlet port273and outlet port275is shown. Actuator solenoid277controlling a piston279dictates the travel route of the refrigerant by opening or closing appropriate ports depending if the system is being, used for air conditioning or for heating purposes. However, other types of bypass valves can be used with the present invention system or circuit and are also considered within the scope of the invention.

As the heat of the refrigerant has not been dissipated through a condenser, the refrigerant warms water or mixture in tank100, which in turn causes the liquid/water in pickup radiator180to be heated and then dispersed through system175by pump196as described above.

As seen inFIG. 2, the present invention system can also be complemented with solar electric panels300and battery320. Electricity derived from this sub-system can drive compressor140. The energy from concentrator(s)20and the solar electric can compliment each other to drive the refrigerant within the circuit. Additionally, at times of insufficient solar energy or battery energy, power from a utility grid370can supply the energy to drive compressor140. A switching control324can be provided for managing or controlling the various energy sources. Thus, the various components help to drive compressor140when needed, which can be considered, though not required, a supplement mode of energy.

It should be recognized that various combinations of concentrator(s), battery(ies), utility grid (conventional electricity), solar panel(s), etc. can be used and all combinations are considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, as non-limiting examples, the complimentary system does not necessarily preclude (1) a system which operates solely on energy from solar concentrators excluding solar electric; or (2) a system which operates solely on solar electric panels, excluding solar concentrators. Again, the above-described energy sources can be used in various combinations or by themselves and all variations are considered within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 5 through 7illustrate several embodiments for the expansion valve component of the present invention. The primary function of the expansion valve is to meter pressurized gas (high side) into the evaporator (low side) allowing expansion of the gas and corresponding heat absorption. Conventional expansion valves operate with a constant known pressure. However, with the present invention system it is preferred that the expansion valve operate over a range of pressures as solar energy will vary. Thus, different types of novel designs for the expansion valve can be used and incorporated into the present invention system where the expansion valve can be controlled according to pressures on the high side and on the low side within the refrigerant circuit.

As seen inFIG. 5, an expansion valve110is shown and can be controlled by sensing, refrigerant which has been compressed to a liquid state, and acting at that point to control the expansion valve to open slightly to allow a greater flow and thus reducing, the pressure in the evaporator.

As seen inFIG. 6, an expansion valve200is shown and can have a pressure sensing diaphragm202connected to a control element203of expansion valve200. The active chamber of the diaphragm202can be connected to evaporator80, such as, but not limited to, through a suitable conduit (i.e. pipe204). Diaphragm202can be connected to control element203through a leverage bar205and a spring206. Spring206has increasing tension with compression. In operation, as gas pressure in the high side207of the refrigerant circuit rises, valve control element203is raised and thus overcoming the spring tension and allowing passage of the refrigerant. As pressures begin to rise in the evaporator, diaphragm202moves to close control element203and thus blocks or limits passage of the refrigerant. As such, control element203meters the flow of gas according to the pressure in the evaporator. With even higher pressures diaphragm202limit will be reached and spring tension will maintain the restrictive pressure on valve control element203. Spring206can be gradually increasing pressure with compression.

As seen inFIG. 7, an expansion valve350is shown and controls its control element203through the use of an electrically drive linear motor301. Control of valve element203is again according, to pressures within the refrigerant circuit and particularly on the high side before expansion valve300and after the valve within evaporator80. Valve300can include an electrical potentiometer combined with a mechanical pressure sensor and is shown inFIG. 7as a pressure diaphragm302with associated potentiometer303. As the circuit ofFIG. 7reacts to changing pressure the wiper/arrow moves along the resistive element of the potentiometer to vary the resistance.

Though in the preferred embodiment the chilled water system can be an isolated closed system with a pickup coil in the water tank, such is not considered limiting. It is also within the scope of the invention to have the present invention operate with no pickup coil within the tank. Such an alternative version could operate circulating the storage medium water within the water through the in-dwelling radiators.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrates a rotary valve400that can be used with the present invention system as such as valve40and/or valve110shown inFIG. 1. Valve400comprises an outer cylindrical valve body housing402having an inlet port404and an outlet port406. Preferably, outlet port406can be preferably at least one-hundred (100°) degrees in direction of rotation from inlet port404in a four (4) vane configuration and correspondingly so with multiple vanes. An inner rotational cylinder420is disposed within housing402and can be supported by a center longitudinal shaft422offset from the center of outer housing402. A plurality of vanes424(preferably spring loaded) are fitted into cylinder420. Vanes424are disposed along the longitudinal axis of cylinder420and preferably equally spaced from each other around the circumference of cylinder420. As seen in theFIG. 10, inner cylinder support shaft422can extend beyond valve housing402such that external appliances can be attached thereto. A portion of cylinder420is flush against the inner wall of housing402such that vane424ais fully compressed. As a gap is created between the portion of cylinder420associated with vane424band housing402, vane424bprotrudes outward from cylinder420, in view of its preferred spring loaded configuration.

Fundamental to the “refrigeration” or “heat pump” cycle is a dissipation of the heat of compression. This is usually accomplished by circulating the compressed refrigerant gas through a finned coil exposed to the atmosphere (i.e. a condenser coil). It may be a large area condenser to dissipate heat by simple conduction (FIG. 1, #30) or it may be smaller and compact with fan forced air circulation (FIG. 3).

Another embodiment or method that can be used with the present invention system is illustrated inFIG. 8. In this method, condenser coil30may dissipate heat to water circulated over its surface. The water can be drawn by a pump from an underground water table. The underground water temperature can be approximately twenty-five (25° F.) degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the atmosphere. Other degree differences can also be selected and are considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, the efficiency of the heat dissipation and of the overall cooling is enhanced. This method might circulate water from the water table. Alternatively, water can be sprayed as a mist onto the condenser in its own external evaporation cycle of liquid to gas.

It should be recognized that other concentrators can be used with the present invention system and all are considered within the scope of the invention. Certain examples of concentrators are generally shown in the Figures but are not considered to limit the types of concentrators that can be used and incorporated into the present invention system. Though shown with four concentrators for illustrative purposes, the present invention is not considered limited to any apparent size for or number of concentrators and various sizes and number of concentrators can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. The area of the concentrators is discussed above in connection with the parent application for which this application claims priority to and which has now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,611.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of a dish concentrator500that can be used with the present invention system.FIG. 13is a partial cutaway perspective view of a ceramic coil pickup unit502of dish concentrator500illustrating the internal ceramic spiral coil.FIG. 14is a perspective view of a solar receiver and heat-engine housing collectively referenced at numeral520.FIG. 15illustrated a parabolic trough concentrator530andFIG. 16illustrates a Fresnel lens concentrator540.

The above-described and illustrated rotary positive displacement valves provide a unique valve design which can be advantageously optimized for the instant invention system. The movement under pressure of a gas or liquid, such as, but not limited to, a refrigerant in liquid or gas form, causes the rotation of the valve. Preferably composed of four chambers in a four vane version, each vane chamber successively is filled and caused to rotate by the high side pressure on that chamber vane. The chamber is then closed by the following vane and finally emptied as such chamber is decreased in volume due to the preferred offset center, the point of co-incidence of the inner cylinder rotor and the vane and placement of the exit port. The valves of the present invention are driven by the pressure of the heated gas. Preferably, two valves are connected together, with the high side and the low side all given stability to the refrigerant movement through the circuit. In solar heat mode, the valves may be motor driven to promote circulation of the heated refrigerant. The valves do not compress in either the solar air conditioning mode or the solar heat mode.

Thus in one embodiment, a rotational multi-vane positive displacement valve is disclosed which can comprise: an outer cylindrical valve body housing having an inlet port and an outlet port and an inner rotational cylinder disposed within the outer cylindrical valve body housing and supported by a longitudinal shaft offset from a center position of the outer housing. The inner rotational cylinder can have a plurality of spring loaded vanes along a substantial portion of its longitudinal axis that are preferably equally spaced around a circumference of the inner rotational cylinder. The outlet port can be located at least 100 degrees in direction of rotation from the inlet port, when the inner cylinder has four vanes. The shaft preferably extends beyond the outer valve housing and can be adapted for attachment to external appliances.

Thus, summarizing the present invention provides a solar air-conditioning system that is preferably designed to operate with concentrated solar heat and uses a circulating refrigerant m a cycle of compression and expansion. Solar concentrators raise the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The raised temperature is dissipated to the atmosphere and the refrigerant proceeds to the evaporator coil, which is located within a water tank containing at least 1000 gallons of an anti-freeze water solution. As the water is the storage medium, heat can be added to or extracted from the storage medium by the evaporator coil. A radiator pickup coil is also located, within the water tank and is part of a separate chilled water system which can circulate its own water supply through other radiators located throughout a dwelling. Additionally, one or more bypass valve(s) within the refrigerant system allow switching to solar heating.

It should be recognized that the rotary valves of the present invention form an integral and unique component of the invention as a whole. The valves provide unique features, including, but not limited to, an inner rotating cylinder offset the center of an outer housing, the point of coincidence with the outer housing and port placement. Such valves can be advantageously optimized for use with the present invention system. The movement of the refrigerant under pressure either in gas or liquid form causes the rotation of the valve. Preferably composed of four chambers in to four vane version, each vane chamber successively is filled and caused to rotate by the high side pressure on that chamber vane. Then the chamber is closed by the following vane and finally emptied as the chamber is decreased in volume due to the offset center, the point of co-incidence of the inner cylinder rotor and the vane and the placement or location of the exit port. The valves in the present invention system are preferably driven by the pressure of the heated gas. Preferably, in certain embodiments of the present invention system, two valves are connected together, namely, the high side and the side, all to provide stability to the refrigerant movement through the circuit.

The air conditioning (cooling) mode may be switched to solar heating. In this mode the valves may be motor driven to circulate heated refrigerant.

With respect to the solar concentrators used with the present invention system, it is expected that the solar concentrators can generate refrigerant temperatures in the 400 degrees centigrade range (around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit) with a corresponding rise in refrigerant pressure. A radiator can be provided to dissipate such heat. This high pressure refrigerant gas is conducted to the expansion valve in the evaporator via the high pressure rotary valve. Multiple evaporators may also be provided for use during peak pressures.

It is expected that the average working temperatures m the water tank can be well below the freezing point of water. An anti-freeze mixture prevents the water storage medium from freezing.

It should also be recognized that under certain solar conditions, the low side rotary valve, or in another embodiment the compressor, may be driven by an associated electric motor in cooperation with the solar concentrators.

Turning back to the rotary valves, in another version of the low side rotary valve, the inlet port can be modified and located approximately ninety degrees from the outlet port. As each vane passes this port it expands the area behind creating a vacuum behind and drawing low side refrigerant from the evaporator. This volume of gas can then be contained between two vanes and then expelled as the following, vane pushes the gas in the diminishing area to the outlet port. The inlet and outlet ports can be located approximately forty-five degrees from the point of co-incidence, the inner cylinder and the outer housing.

Thus, the present invention provides a rotary valve preferably having a rotating cylinder incorporating a multitude of longitudinally placed and equally spaced spring loaded vanes. In the preferred embodiment, four vanes are provided, though such is not considered limiting. The cylinder can be located within a circular outer housing and offset from the centerline of the outer housing The inner cylinder can be co-incident with the outer housing at one point. Rotation of the inner cylinder results in the vanes following the outer housing inner surface by action of the springs exerting a push force against the vane. The area between the vanes will vary throughout rotation due to the offset from center. The varying area feature is used to forcefully expel, and to draw by vacuum, the refrigerant.

The outer housing incorporates inlet and outlet ports by which the refrigerant enters and exits the valve. These inlet and outlet ports can be located respectively and approximately forty-five degrees from the point of coincidence of the cylinder and housing.

As seen inFIGS. 18 and 19, the outer housing can also incorporate a stationary spring loaded longitudinal vane83at the point of coincidence with the inner cylinder. This vane serves as a seal to isolate the inlet and outlet ports.

Preferably there are two valves (i.e.FIGS. 1 and 19), namely, a high pressure valve40receiving pressurized refrigerant from the solar concentrators and a low pressure valve110pumping refrigerant into the concentrators. The two valves40and110are preferably connected together such that they rotate as one. The valves may be connected by a common shaft or in the preferred embodiment, by a common attachment to a motor/generator112.

The high pressure gas from the solar concentrators and condenser enters the port of the high side valve creating a pressure against the vane in that area and causes rotation of the cylinder. With rotation the gas is captured in the area between vanes. With further rotation the area containing the gas approaches the exit port and the area is decreasing. As the point of co-incidence is approached, the gas is forced out of the valve and on to the expansion valve within the evaporator coil.

The low pressure valve draws gas from the low pressure side of the evaporator due to the expanding area behind the vane as it passes the inlet port. With rotation the area can be sealed by the following vane. The gas is contained between the vanes. With further rotation the forward vane passes the exit port near the point of co-incidence and the area between the vanes decreases. Gas is forced out of the exit port and proceeds to the concentrators to repeat the cycle.

The motor112commonly attached to valves40and110, or in another embodiment motors attached to a common shaft near each valve, may be used to assist refrigerant circulation in times of less pressure as solar energy varies. Energy to operate the motor(s) may be drawn from a battery.

FIG. 18illustrates an alternative schematic/flow diagram for the present invention system where a conventional compressor140is used in place of low pressure rotary valve110. Thus, the refrigerant circulation system is driven by positive displacement rotary valves, such as, a high side40and low side110or one rotary valve40(high side) and a conventional compressor140. These valves and/or compressor140can be connected together by a common shaft69and are also provided with a conventional means for disconnecting from the common shaft, such as, by an electrically operated clutch111(shown in an engaged position). Preferably, each valve and/or compressor can be provided with an electric motor107and109, respectively.

The circulation system of the present invention is designed to operate in three regimes, which are: (1) exclusively solar energy from the solar concentrators (i.e. adequate sun); (2) no solar energy (i.e. cloudy day, nighttime, etc.); and (3) in-between regimes (1) and (2) (i.e. passing clouds, rainy day, etc.).

In the first regime where solar energy is adequate, the high side rotary valve40is driven by the high pressure refrigerant from the solar concentrators20and condenser30. In turn, the high side rotary valve40drives the low side rotary valve110or a compressor140(FIG. 18), by means of common shaft62or69, respectively. High pressure refrigerant passes through the high pressure rotary valve40and proceeds to the expansion valve/evaporator and is ultimately drawn from the evaporator to the low side rotary valve110or a compressor140. The refrigerant is forced from the low side rotary valve110or compressor140on to the solar concentrators20to repeat the cycle.

In the second regime where there is no solar energy, such as, but not limited to, nighttime conditions, compressor140or low side rotary valve110provides the force to move the refrigerant through the cycle. Low side rotary valve110or compressor140can be driven by an electric motor109attached to connecting shaft69. Low side rotary valve110or compressor140may be disconnected from high side rotary valve40by means of an electrically operated clutch111provided on connecting shaft69. Various amounts of electrical energy may be applied to the high pressure rotary valve40by means of an electric motor107. The second regime does not exclude engagement of clutch111and using one or more other motors with various amounts of electrical energy to promote the circulation of the refrigerant.

In the intermittent solar energy third regime, such as where there are passing clouds, rain, etc., a variety of combinations of solar and electrical energy may be combined to circulate the refrigerant. As solar energy fluctuates downward, the motor associated with low side rotary valve110or compressor140will drive such low pressure valve110or compressor140. Disengagement of the high pressure rotary valve40using clutch111may or may not be needed and can depend on the amount of solar energy and pressures throughout the refrigerant circuit.

Electrical energy into the motors and clutch is supplied as required in order to promote the circulation of the refrigerant. The amount of electrical energy can be determined by pressure and temperature sensors within the refrigerant circuit.

FIG. 19is illustrates one embodiment of the present invention system installed in connection with a dwelling501and showing alternate condenser503on an exterior sidewall505of dwelling501and cylinder concentrators509on roof507.

FIGS. 20 and 21illustrate perspective view of one embodiment for the physical appearance of the rotary valves40and110and their relationship with motor112. The various vanes are shown in phantom lines as members424aand424band input and outlet hoses and connections404and406are also shown. The appearance of the valves inFIGS. 20 and 21is also previously seen and discussed in connection withFIG. 10.

As seen inFIG. 22a schematic/flow diagram is shown for another embodiment of the present invention system In this embodiment the multiple condensers30of the earlier embodiments that were shown underneath the concentrators20have been removed and replaced with a single conventional condenser30ashown in the upper left hand corner. Condenser30acan be conventionally designed and positioned such that it receives the output from the first rotary valve40, such that the, heated and pressurized refrigerant from concentrators20can go directly to first rotary valve40and then to condenser30aand then to the expansion valve90in the evaporator80. The rotary valves40and110are shown in diagrammatic form. Though two solar concentrators20are shown, such is for illustrative purposes only and in use it is expected that the actual number of solar concentrators20would exceed more than the number shown in theFIG. 22.

A plurality of motors and clutch can be provided, separately and together can be computer controlled to maintain circulation of the refrigerant, as the solar energy varies. The motors may at times add rotational energy so that the refrigerant moves as desired or they may add a retarding force to maintain desired pressures within the circuit.

Sensors can be provided throughout the system to provide pressure information to the computer.

FIGS. 22 and 23illustrate non-limiting versions of the circuit of the present invention, and forFIG. 23in connection with a dwelling501showing the solar concentrators509disposed on roof507and a condenser coil (heat dissipator)503mounted (preferably vertically) to a wall505of dwelling501. Rotary valves40and110are shown in schematic/diagrammatic forFIG. 22and in a non-limiting representative form forFIG. 23.

A novel aspect of the two-valve configuration of the present invention is the uniqueness of both valves being mechanically coupled to each other in view of the offset shaft, which supports the vanes, can be supported by bearings in an endplate and which can be flush with the endplate. As a non-limiting example, to mate the two rotational valves together, or the motor to a valve, each shaft could employ a square hole in which is fitted a square joining pin, or a splined pin or shaft segment. This configuration can be used for joining the offset shafts of the valves or a motor to a valve. The end of each respective shaft can be correspondingly fitted with splined openings. Other conventional methods for joining the two rotating shafts can also be employed and are also considered within the scope of the invention. Rotation of the valves can be as a result of an electric motor incorporated in the valve pair unit and the raised pressure from the solar concentrators.

The valves are preferably part of a closed-system refrigerant circuit (closed to the outside environment). The first and second one way rotary valves can be mechanically coupled to each other such that they both rotate as one and that a pressurized circuit is maintained for the closed-system refrigerant circuit.

In addition to the above discussion regarding a two-valve configuration, another novel configuration for the present invention actually removes one of the positive displacement valves, which preferably is the valve on the left that was used for feeding the expansion valve. In this alternative embodiment, the high side of the refrigerant cycle containing the solar concentrators/refrigerant and condenser can be confined between the valve on the right side and the expansion valve. When the pressure from the heated refrigerant is sufficient to open the expansion valve (i.e. spring loaded dosed expansion with the pressure overcoming the spring pressure for opening the valve) the refrigerant passes into the evaporator giving up heat in the expansion. By way of conventional sensors provided in the closed circuit, the motor on the remaining valve can be activated at this time and used to circulate refrigerant from the low side (evaporator in the tank). Therefore, the refrigerant is cycled into the high side to continue the cycle (i.e. absorb solar energy—heat/pressure, etc.).

Furthermore, the condenser can be in the high side part of the circuit and serves to remove heat from the refrigerant. The condenser could be fitted with a fan or a circulating ground water system or simply by a design of very large area to dissipate the heat.

The above-described systems of the present invention can also be used for or applicable to large area coolers or refrigerators and provides a device which can provide refrigeration to areas where electricity is not present or available.

It should be recognized that certain features of one embodiment of the present invention system can be combined with other features of another embodiment of the present invention system to form a further embodiment of the present invention system.

While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments and modifications disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within the scope of the invention.