USS-DST-1100 Thermal Distribution

In addition to extremely high solar thermal absorption of the panels, our system includes a distribution design that enhances absorption efficiencies, while continuing to conform to the low cost principle.

Distribution system cost savings come from a basic paradigm shift away from centralized fluid storage, in favor of a fully distributed model. We accomplish the cost savings through creative distribution of the fluid without complicated construction technologies and by limiting the amount of costly brazing of the metal tubing.

Our distributed system is designed to counter the effect that centralized storage causes, where heated fluids stored in central tanks or at a distance from point-of-use, dissipating and losing the BTUs captured and delivered by solar thermal panels.

Although the industry has been aware of this concept for some time, other engineering approaches have utilized traditional tank designs and brazed fittings, in part to work with prevailing labor practices (installation constraints) and also the prevailing materials practices (design constraints) that have been developed for high-pressure water, compressed air and natural gas. Although appropriate for these applications, they are not optimally suited to the more subtle nuances of solar thermal generation and the need for more economical solutions for distributing heated fluids throughout the building envelope.