Compositions, systems, and neural networks for bidirectional energy transfer, and thermally enhanced solar absorbers

Abstract

The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and / or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and / or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and / or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and / or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and / or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

Description

PRIORITY DATA[0001]This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 658,724, filed on Jul. 25, 2017, which is a non-provisional application having priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62 / 367,570, filed on Jul. 27, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention pertains to compositions and systems for capturing and releasing energy in a neural network system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pavement has various uses in a multitude of locations. Pavement in its various forms is prone to cracking, chipping, fracturing, potholing, crumbling, dissolving, spalling, and allowing water and salt migration to undermine structural reinforcing elements. Some pavements are used outdoors and some are used indoors. Climate control for pavement has been the subject of great debate as it has traditionally been used to insulate or mask temperature migration. Because of pavement's insulative propert...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for transferring heat or cold between a structural object and a separate location using a thermally conductive concrete. The concrete is made with a combination of thermally conductive materials such as carbon, metals, or conductive polymers, and is designed to have high thermal conductivity. The system can be used in a variety of applications such as solar energy collection, building insulation, or refrigeration. The concrete can be cured and is physically isolated from the external environment. The system can also include a matrix of pipes or other containment regions containing a thermal energy-transfer medium, such as water or a mixture of water and non-aqueous liquid. The system can be designed to operate at a temperature difference of less than 20°C between the external object and the concrete. The thermally conductive concrete composition includes carbon, metals, or conductive polymers, and can have a compressive strength of about 2500 psi or more and a flexural strength of about 500 psi or more. The system can also be electrically conductive and can transfer heat or cold through electrical communication.

Problems solved by technology

Pavement in its various forms is prone to cracking, chipping, fracturing, potholing, crumbling, dissolving, spalling, and allowing water and salt migration to undermine structural reinforcing elements.

Because of pavement's insulative properties, short life span, and high energy consumption, it is very often the enemy of the green building industry.

With high resistivity and slow reaction time, the pavements in use have created heat-island effects and exacerbated poor air quality.

Traditional concrete or asphalt pavements and pavestones are not very conductive, requiring a lot of energy to remove snow and ice from these surfaces, for example.

The obvious solution is to hire a team of people with shovels to clear the area, which is often not practical in many remote settings.

It also comes at the expense of extensive damage to the surfaces from physical chipping, scraping, and salting of the surfaces.

Damage to the infrastructure and pavement was often the case.

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