The University of Texas System

Fuel Automation Station, LLC

Michael Webber

Charles R Upshaw

Joshua D Rhodes

Ricky Dean Shock

A distribution station includes a plurality of pneumatic valves on a mobile structure. Each pneumatic valve is situated between a manifold and a reel of a plurality of reels. A plurality of secondary valves are connected by an air or gas line to corresponding ones of the pneumatic valves. Each secondary valve is operable between open and closed positions to permit air or gas flow to the corresponding pneumatic valve to open and close the pneumatic valve. A controller is configured to individually open and close the secondary valves responsive to fluid level sensors.

Mobile distribution station having pneumatic valves

A method, system and computer program product for optimally placing photovoltaic arrays to maximize a value of energy production. Incident solar radiation for various placements of the photovoltaic arrays accommodating different azimuths and tilts is calculated. Alternating current solar photovoltaic electricity energy and power production is then estimated from the calculated solar radiation on a plane and weather data. Furthermore, a value of solar photovoltaic electricity energy and power produced by the photovoltaic arrays for the various placements is calculating using the estimated alternating current solar photovoltaic electricity production. A placement out of the various placements for the photovoltaic arrays is then selected corresponding to a highest value of the solar photovoltaic electricity produced by the photovoltaic arrays. In this manner, the appropriate placement for the photovoltaic arrays is determined that maximizes the value of energy production (where 'value' may correspond to an economic value or a non-economic value).

Optimally placing photovoltaic arrays to maximize value of energy production based on peak power production, local solar radiation, weather, electricity market prices and rate structures

An integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system for reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems. Such a system includes a water conveyance system for collecting and conveying water to a storage tank for storing rainwater, where the rainwater functions as a lower temperature thermal reservoir while it is being held and awaiting use. The system further includes a residential air conditioning system with an air-cooled condenser unit along with an additional water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger connected to the storage tank on one side, and on the other side connected into the refrigerant lines with reconfigurable flow paths and actuated valves to control the discharging and recharging of the thermal energy storage. The lower temperature and better heat transfer capabilities of the rainwater improve operating efficiency and reduce power consumption of the compressor when used instead of the air-cooled condenser during the hottest hours of the day.

Reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems and reducing water consumption by implementing an integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

Michael Webber