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[news 2003
- 2004]
Queen's-developed
solar energy technology recieves first U.S. patent
Dec. 15, 2004
KINGSTON, ON
-- A novel solar heating technology developed at Queen's
University has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office.
U.S. Patent No. 6,827,091, for Passive Back-Flushing
Thermal Energy System, was issued to Queen's earlier
this month.
The patented heating technology was invented by Dr.
Stephen Harrison, Associate Professor of Mechanical
Engineering at Queen's University, for application in
a prototype solar hot water heater developed by EnerWorks,
Inc., a London, Ontario-based alternative energy company.
Dr. Harrison's innovation eliminates mineral buildup
in the heat exchanger portion of a solar heater unit,
which can reduce the unit's effectiveness over time.
It represents a major technological breakthrough in
the commercial development of reliable solar heating
technology.
A second patent is pending on complementary technology
developed by Dr. Harrison that prevents overheating
in solar panels. Patent applications in other jurisdictions
are pending as well.
Both technologies were licensed to EnerWorks by PARTEQ
Innovations, the technology transfer arm of Queen's.
EnerWorks has begun commercial production of solar hot
water heaters for the domestic market. Currently it
has over 100 units operating in homes across Canada.
"Dr. Harrison's work has contributed to the development
of a market-ready solar powered product that has become
the initial product of a new company targeting the alternative
energy space," says John Molloy, President and CEO of
PARTEQ Innovations.
"This patent is a strong example of the success that
can result from collaboration between industry and Canadian
universities," says Michael Noble, President and CEO
of EnerWorks Inc. "In 2005, we are looking forward to
scaling our manufacturing capabilities, so our affordable,
clean energy products will be available to North American
residential construction markets."
Contact:
John Molloy
PARTEQ Innovations
P: 613. 533. 2342
E: jmolloy@parteqinnovations.com
Michael Noble
EnerWorks Inc.
P: 519. 268. 6500
E: mnoble@enerworks.com
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