Solar energy storage and distributing device

An energy storage and distributing device, comprising, in combination:

• heat storage chamber means for retaining heat;
• furnace means disposed within the chamber means;
• plenum means mounted on the chamber means for directing a warm fluid to a space to be heated;
• fluid distribution means associated with the plenum means and chamber means for alternately directing a fluid current directly into the plenum means and directly into the chamber means, and supplying the plenum means selectively with warm fluid from one of the chamber means and from a source disposed outside the chamber means, including, in combination:
• a duct having a single inlet and a pair of outlets, the inlet being connected to a source of fluid current, with one of the outlets being in communication with the plenum means and the other of the outlets in communication with the chamber means;
• an opening provided between the chamber means and plenum means for placing the chamber means and plenum means in communication with one another for transfer of heat from the chamber means to the plenum means;
• and damper means mounted in the outlets of the duct and in the opening provided between the chamber means and plenum means for selectively directing the fluid current between the chamber means and plenum means;
• heat exchange means disposed within the chamber means comprising;
• a shell extending through the chamber means and partially forming a flow path for a fluid to be heated;
• a tube disposed within and extending through the shell and forming the flow path in cooperation with the shell, the tube being arranged forming a passageway through the chamber means for combustion gases from the burner;
• a blower mounted on the chamber means and arranged in communication with the shell for forcing a fluid into the shell and over the tube along the fluid flow path;
• and
• a burner arranged adjacent the heat exchanger means for applying heat to the exchanger means.