TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to building blocks and particularly to building blocks with integrated solar mechanisms.

BACKGROUND ART

[0001] There is a significant tendency toward technologies that allow for utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar energy. This tendency is created due to both increasing energy costs and the need for reducing fossil fuel consumption. Utilizing solar energy is of particular importance in construction sector, where among other green technologies, passive solar collectors may be installed on the outer surfaces of the buildings. For example, US 8,919,072 describes a method for integrating a solar power unit that generates a power signal, into a building structure. The disclosed method includes attaching a frame of the solar power unit to the building blocks, installing the solar panel on the attached frame, and then securing the solar panel to the attached frame with the front cover. The solutions proposed in the aforementioned patent and other similar disclosures revolve around attaching solar power units to the outer surfaces of the buildings.

[0002] There is a need for solar power units that may transform a roof or walls of a building into an active solar power system that may contribute to the energy needs of the building. To this end, there is a need for new designs that allow for turning the building blocks themselves into components of an integrated solar system, thereby, achieving a maximum level of architectural integration.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a solar collector system. The solar collector system may include a plurality of interconnected building blocks, each building block including at least one core defined by a rear wall, a front wall, an upper end wall, and a lower end wall, the front wall including a removable front panel transparent to solar radiation. The at least one core of each building block may be in communication with corresponding cores of adjacent building blocks defining a continuous passage within the plurality of interconnected building blocks. The solar collector system may further include a heat absorbing pipe disposed inside the continuous passage within the plurality of interconnected building blocks, the heat absorbing pipe carrying a heat transfer fluid.

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, the internal surfaces of the rear wall, the upper end wall, and the lower end wall may include dark-colored surfaces. According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat absorbing pipe may include a dark-colored outer surface.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment, the solar collector system may further include a concave reflective surface that may be disposed within the at least one core of each building block such that the heat absorbing pipe may be placed between the removable front panel and the concave reflective surface may be within a focal length of the concave reflective surface.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, the solar collector system may further include at least one solar cell that may be placed on an inner surface of the rear wall within the at least one core of each building block receiving solar radiation via the removable front panel. The at least one solar cell of each building block may be connected to corresponding solar cells of adjacent building blocks.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the removable front panel may include a convex lens in a central portion thereof and at least a flat transparent panel at an upper or a lower side of the convex lens. The convex lens may be configured to concentrate the solar radiation onto the heat absorbing pipe. The at least one flat transparent panel may allow solar radiation to shine on the at least one solar cell.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, the removable front panel may include a convex lens, wherein a focal point of the convex lens is on a central axis of the heat absorbing pipe.

[0009] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is further directed to a multipurpose building block that may include a hollow building block defined by a rear wall, a front wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall. The hollow building block may include a first set of cores, a second set of cores and a third set of cores. The first set of cores may include at least one first core exposed to solar radiation through a transparent front panel, the second set of cores may include at least one second core, where an entire inner surface of the at least one second core may be covered with a water-proof layer, and the third set of cores may include at least one third core, where the at least one third core may include a number of apertures on at least one side of the at least one third core in fluid communication with outside environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, internal surfaces of the at least one first core include dark-colored surfaces.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the multipurpose building block may further include a concave reflective surface that may be disposed within the at least one first core. The first core may further be configured to accommodate a heat absorbing pipe such that the heat absorbing pipe may be placed between the transparent front panel and the concave reflective surface within a focal length of the concave reflective surface.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one first core may further include at least one solar cell receiving solar radiation via the transparent front panel.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transparent front panel may include a convex lens in a central portion of the transparent front panel and at least a flat transparent panel at an upper or a lower side of the convex lens. The first core may be configured to accommodate a heat absorbing pipe, wherein the convex lens is configured to concentrate the solar radiation onto the heat absorbing pipe, wherein the at least one flat transparent panel allowing solar radiation to shine on the at least one solar cell.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one second core may include an inlet port and an outlet port allowing water to flow in and out of the at least one second core. According to an exemplary embodiment, the transparent layer may include an upper wall of the at least one first core. The transparent layer may slope downward at one end thereof.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one core may include a middle web, the middle web configured to divide the at least one first core into a first section and a second section, the first section and second section covered by the transparent layer and in fluid communication through a clearance between the middle web and the transparent layer.

[0015] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is further directed to a system that may include a plurality of interconnected multipurpose building blocks, each multipurpose building block comprising a hollow building block defined by a rear wall, a front wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall, the hollow building block including a first set of cores, a second set of cores and a third set of cores, wherein the first set of cores includes at least one first core exposed to solar radiation through a transparent front panel, wherein the second set of cores includes at least one second core, an entire inner surface of the at least one second core covered with a water-proof layer, and wherein the third set of cores includes at least one third core, the at least one third core including a plurality of apertures on at least one side thereof in fluid communication with outside environment. The at least one first core of each multipurpose building block may be in communication with corresponding first cores of adjacent multipurpose building blocks defining a continuous first passage within the plurality of interconnected multipurpose building blocks. The system may further include a heat absorbing pipe disposed inside the continuous first passage within the plurality of interconnected building blocks, the heat absorbing pipe carrying a heat transfer fluid.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one second core of each multipurpose building block may be in communication with corresponding second cores of adjacent multipurpose building blocks defining a water reservoir.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one third core of each multipurpose building block may be in communication with corresponding third cores of adjacent multipurpose building blocks defining an air duct.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0019] FIGs. 1A-1C illustrate a solar building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. ID illustrates a side-view of solar building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a solar collector system, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; [0026] FIG. 5A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 7B illustrates a sectional perspective view of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 7C a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation of a multipurpose building block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 10A illustrates an implementation of a multipurpose roof block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 10B illustrates a side-view of an implementation of multipurpose roof block, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0041] The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0042] FIG. 1A illustrates a solar building block 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1A, in an exemplary embodiment, solar building block 100 may be a hollow building block 102 that may include at least one core 104. In an exemplary embodiment, core 104 may be defined by a rear wall 106, an upper end wall 108, a lower end wall 110 that may be a web separating an interior cavity of hollow building block 102 into two or more cores, such as cores 104 and 112. Core 104 may further be define by a front panel 114 that may be transparent to solar radiation. Consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a rear interior surface 116, an upper interior surface 118, and a bottom interior surface 120 of core 104 may be dark-colored surfaces that may be suitable for absorbing solar radiations that may enter core 104 via front panel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, lateral sides 121a and 121b of core 104 may be open and referred to herein as lateral openings 121a and 121b of core 104.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1A, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, core 104 of solar building block 100 may define a passage, through which a heat absorbing pipe 122 may pass. In an exemplary embodiment, heat absorbing pipe 122 may be carrying a heat transfer fluid and may have a dark-colored outer surface. Solar energy received within core 104 via front panel 114 may be absorbed by the dark-colored surface of heat absorbing pipe 122 and may be transferred to the heat transfer fluid flowing inside heat absorbing pipe 122. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, dark-colored surfaces 116, 118, and 120 of core 104 may absorb the solar energy and an interior cavity of core 104 may be heated up by the received solar energy which may further contribute to the heating of the heat absorbing pipe 122.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1A, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, solar building block 100 may further include at least one pipe holding member, such as at least one of pipe holding members 124a and 124b. In an exemplary embodiment, pipe holding members 124a and 124b may include central apertures 126a and 126b that may be configured for allowing the passage of a pipe, such as for example heat absorbing pipe 122. In an exemplary embodiment, pipe holding members 124a and 124b may be disposed between upper end wall 108 and lower end wall 110 in either lateral openings 121a, 121b of core 104. In an exemplary embodiment, such a configuration for pipe holding members 124a and 124b may further allow for increasing mechanical strength of solar building block 100 so that it can bear structural loads exerted on it in a wall.

[0045] Referring to FIG. IB, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, heat absorbing pipe 122 may further be coaxially disposed within a transparent pipe shield 128. In an exemplary embodiment, central apertures 126a and 126b of pipe holding members 124a and 124b may be sized and shaped such that both heat absorbing pipe 122 and transparent pipe shield 128 may pass therethrough. Transparent pipe shield 128 may keep heated air around heat absorbing pipe 122 and increase efficiency of heating heat absorbing pipe 122 by solar energy received from front panel 114.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1C, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, solar building block 100 may further include a concave reflective surface 130 that may be disposed within core 104 adjacent rear interior surface 116 such that heat absorbing pipe 122 may be placed between removable front panel 114 and concave reflective surface 130 within a focal length of the concave reflective surface 130. In an exemplary embodiment, such a configuration allows for concentrating solar radiation received through front panel 114 on heat absorbing pipe 122 and increase heat transfer efficiency. In one or more exemplary embodiments, heat absorbing pipe 122 may be placed in front of concave reflective surface 130 with or without transparent pipe shield 128. [0047] Referring to FIG. 1C, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, front panel 114 may be slidably mounted between upper end wall 108 and lower end wall 110 within upper groove 132 on upper end wall 108 and lower groove 134 on lower end wall 110. In an exemplary embodiment, front panel 114 may be mounted between upper end wall 108 and lower end wall 110 covering core 104 in a sealed relationship with the core 104. In an exemplary embodiment, such a configuration allows for keeping the heat received from solar radiation within core 104 and heated air within core 104 may only exit core 104 via lateral openings 121a, 121b of core 104 into adjacent solar blocks.

[0048] FIG. ID illustrates a side-view of solar building block 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. ID, in an exemplary embodiment, front panel 114 may include a convex lens 136. Heat absorbing pipe 122 may be disposed within focal length of convex lens 136 and convex lens 136 may concentrate the incoming solar rays onto heat absorbing pipe 122. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, heat absorbing pipe 122 may or may not be disposed within transparent pipe shield 128. Referring to FIG. ID, in an exemplary embodiment, solar building block 100 may further include concave reflective surface 130, and heat absorbing pipe 122 may be disposed within core 104 between concave reflective surface 130 and convex lens 136. In an exemplary embodiment, such a configuration allows for concentrating most of the incoming solar radiations onto entire outer surface of heat absorbing pipe 122. In an exemplary embodiment, convex lens 136 may be filled with a transparent fluid, such as water. By manipulating the amount and type of the transparent fluid within convex lens 136, refraction and focal length of convex lens 136 may be controlled and adjusted.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a solar collector system 200, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Solar collector system 200 may include a number of interconnected solar building blocks 100, where cores 104a-c of adjacent solar building blocks 100 may be in communication with one another defining a continuous passage within solar building blocks 100. In an exemplary embodiment, heat absorbing pipe 122 may pass through the continuous passage defined by at least one row of interconnected solar building blocks 100. In one or more exemplary embodiment, heat absorbing pipe 122 may or may not be disposed within transparent pipe shield 128.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, heat absorbing pipe 122 may be a part of a heating cycle 202 in fluid communication with a heat transfer liquid circulation system 204. In an exemplary embodiment, such a configuration allows for heating the heat transfer liquid in solar collector system 200 and utilizing the transferred solar energy in the form of thermal energy to meet the energy needs of the building.

[0051] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block 300, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block 300, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments, multipurpose building block 300 may include a hollow building block 302 that may be defined by an inner face 304, an upper face 306, a lower face 308, and an outer face 310 with multiple cores 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, and 324 therein. In an exemplary embodiment, hollow building block 302 may include three sets of cores, namely, outer set of cores 326 including cores 320, 322, and 324, middle set of cores 328 including core 318, and inner set of cores 330 including cores 312, 314, and 316. Inner set of cores 330 may be defined by dividing an interior cavity of hollow building block 302 by webs 332, 334, and 336. Middle set of cores 328 may be defined by dividing an interior cavity of hollow building block 302 by webs 336 and 338. Outer set of cores 326 may be defined by dividing an interior cavity of hollow building block 302 by webs 338, 340, and 342.

[0053] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, in an exemplary embodiment, outer set of cores 326 may be separated from outside environment by outer wall 310. A portion of outer wall 310 may be removed to expose at least one core of outer set of cores 326, for example core 322 to outside environment. In an exemplary embodiment, core 322 may be covered by a front panel 344 that may be transparent to solar radiation. In an exemplary embodiment, front panel 344 may be a flat transparent surface slidably mounted between webs 340 and 342 within an upper groove 346 of web 340 and a lower groove 348 of web 342 in a sealed relationship with an interior of core 322. In an exemplary embodiment, web 340 may include multiple grooves 346, 350, and 352 allowing to change a mounting angle of front panel 344. For example, front panel 344 may be installed with an inward slope if an upper edge 354 of front panel 344 is positioned within any of grooves 350 or 352 instead of groove 346.

[0054] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, in an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 300 may further include pipe holders 356 disposed at either lateral openings of core 322. Pipe holders 356 may be flat panels with apertures thereon allowing a number of heat absorbing pipes 358 to pass through the apertures. In an exemplary embodiment, heat absorbing pipes 358 may be coaxially disposed within transparent pipe shields 360.

[0055] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block 400, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block 400, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments, multipurpose building block 400 may include hollow building block 302 that was described in detail in connection with FIGs. 3A and 3B. Referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, in an exemplary embodiment, front panel 344 may include a convex lens 402. Heat absorbing pipes 358 may be disposed within focal length of convex lens 402 and convex lens 402 may concentrate the incoming solar rays onto heat absorbing pipes 358. In an exemplary embodiment, convex lens 402 may be filled with a transparent fluid, such as water. By manipulating the amount and type of the transparent fluid within convex lens 402, refraction and focal length of convex lens 402 may be controlled and adjusted.

[0057] FIG. 5A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a multipurpose building block 500, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block 500, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIGs. 5A and 5B, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments, multipurpose building block 500 may include hollow building block 302 that was described in detail in connection with FIGs. 3A and 3B. Referring to FIGs. 5A and 5B, in an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 500 may further include a concave reflective surface 502 disposed within core 322 such that a heat absorbing pipe 504 may pass through core 322 within focal length of concave reflective surface 502. Concave reflective surface 502 may concentrate the incoming solar rays onto heat absorbing pipe 504. In an exemplary embodiment, heat absorbing pipe 504 may be coaxially disposed with a transparent pipe shield 506

[0059] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block 600, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block 600, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIGs. 6A and 6B, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments, multipurpose building block 600 may include hollow building block 302 that was described in detail in connection with FIGs. 3A and 3B. In an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 600 may include convex lens 402 covering core 322 and configured to concentrate incoming solar rays onto a heat absorbing pipe 602 passing through core 322. Multipurpose building block 600 may further include concave reflective surface 502 disposed within core 322 such that heat absorbing pipe 602 may pass through core 322 within focal length of concave reflective surface 502. Concave reflective surface 502 may concentrate the incoming solar rays onto heat absorbing pipe 602. In an exemplary embodiment, heat absorbing pipe 602 may be coaxially disposed with a transparent pipe shield 604.

[0061] FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block 600, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Multipurpose building block 600 may include hollow building block 302 that was described in detail in connection with FIGs. 3A and 3B. In an exemplary embodiment, front panel 344 may include a convex lens 606 attached between two flat panels 608a, 608b. In an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 600 may further include a concave reflective surface 610, where heat absorbing pipe 602 may pass within both focal lengths of convex lens 606 and concave reflective surface 610 such that both convex lens 606 and concave reflective surface 610 may concentrate the incoming solar radiations onto the outer surface of heat absorbing pipe 602. In an exemplary embodiment, two additional heat absorbing pipes 602a and 602b may pass through multipurpose building block 600 from above and below concave reflective surface 610, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, flat panels 608a, 608b may allow solar radiations to pass therethrough and shine on heat absorbing pipes 602a and 602b.

[0062] FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block 600, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Multipurpose building block 600 may include hollow building block 302 that was described in detail in connection with FIGs. 3A and 3B. In an exemplary embodiment, front panel 344 may include convex lens 606 attached between two flat panels 608a, 608b. In an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 600 may further include concave reflective surface 610, where heat absorbing pipe 602 may pass within both focal lengths of convex lens 606 and concave reflective surface 610 such that both convex lens 606 and concave reflective surface 610 may concentrate the incoming solar radiations onto the outer surface of heat absorbing pipe 602. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one solar cell, for example two solar cells 612a and 612b may be disposed within multipurpose building block 600 above and below concave reflective surface 610, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, flat panels 608a, 608b may allow solar radiations to pass therethrough and shine on solar cells 612a and 612b.

[0063] With reference to FIGs. 3A-B, 4A-B, 5A-B, and 6A-D, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments, more than one core of outer set of cores 326 of hollow building block 302 may be exposed to outside environment via transparent front panels. It should be understood that different combinations of front panels, concave reflective surfaces, convex lenses, solar cells, and different number of heat absorbing pipes either disposed within transparent pipe shields or not, may be disposed within outer set of cores 326 of hollow building block 302 as was described in connection with FIGs. 3A-B, 4A-B, 5A-B, and 6A-D.

[0064] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block 700, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B illustrates a sectional perspective view of a multipurpose building block 700, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7C a side view of multipurpose building block 700, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to FIGs. 7A-7C, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, multipurpose building block 700 may include hollow building block 302 that was described in detail in connection with FIGs. 3A and 3B. In an exemplary implementation, middle set of cores 328 that may be defined by dividing an interior cavity of hollow building block 302 by webs 336 and 338 may include core 318. All interior surfaces of core 318 may be covered by a water-proof layer 702. In an exemplary embodiment, core 318 may further include a top connection port 704 and at least a lateral connection ports 706. Core 318 may be configured as a water reservoir core in which water may be stored. Consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments several multipurpose building blocks similar to multipurpose building block 700 may be connected to one another to form a large water reservoir. Reservoir core of each multipurpose building block may be in fluid communication with reservoir cores of adjacent multipurpose building blocks. Multipurpose building blocks may be arranged in different rows and columns. Reservoir cores of each block may be in fluid communication with adjacent blocks via at least one lateral connection port 706 and with upper or lower blocks via top connection port 704.

[0066] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a multipurpose building block 800, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of multipurpose building block 800, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to FIGs. 8A and 8B, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments, multipurpose building block 800 may include hollow building block 302 that was described in detail in connection with FIGs. 3A and 3B. In an exemplary implementation, inner set of cores 330 that may include cores 312, 314, and 316 may further include a plurality of apertures 802 made on inner face 304 of hollow building block 302. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of apertures 802 are configured to provide a fluid communication between cores 312, 314, and 316 and interior of a building. Cores 312, 314, and 316 may be connected to an air conditioning mechanism from their lateral openings and air may be circulated within multipurpose building block 800. A number of multipurpose building blocks similar to multipurpose building block 800 may be connected to one another where inner set of cores of each multipurpose building block is in communication with inner sets of cores of adjacent multipurpose building blocks defining a continuous air duct in fluid communication with an interior of a building providing an air conditioning pathway.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation of a multipurpose building block 900, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, multipurpose building block 900 may be installed in an exterior wall 902 of a building. In an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 900 may include an exterior layer 904 that may be configured to convert solar energy into thermal energy to meet the energy needs of the building, as was described in connection with FIGs. 3A-6B. In an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 900 may further include a middle layer 906 configured as a water reservoir as was described in more detail in connection with FIGs. 7A- 7C. In an exemplary embodiment, multipurpose building block 900 may further include an inner layer 908 that may be configured for circulating air inside the building as was described in more detail in connection with FIGs. 8A-8B. Consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments, such configurations allow for utilizing building blocks as solar collectors, water reservoir, and air conditioning ducts. [0069] FIG. 10A illustrates an implementation of a multipurpose roof block 1000, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10A, multipurpose roof block 1000 may be similar to multipurpose building block 900 but rotated upwardly in order to be capable f being installed in a roof 1002 of a building. It should be understood that all embodiments described in connection with FIGs. 3A-B, 4A-B, 5A-B, and 6A-D may also be rotated upwardly in order to be used as a roof block.

[0070] FIG. 10B illustrates a side-view of an implementation of multipurpose roof block 1000, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10B, in an exemplary embodiment, outer set of cores 326 of hollow building block 302 may include core 1004 that may be covered from a top side thereof by an inclined front panel 1006. In an exemplary embodiment, inclined front panel 1006 may be transparent to solar radiations and it may be disposed between two lateral grooves 1008a and 1008b. In an exemplary embodiment, a distilled water conduit 1010 may be separated from core 1004 by a middle web 1012. In an exemplary embodiment, there may be a clearance 1013 between a top surface of web 1012 and inclined front panel 1006. Water may flow through core 1004 and be heated by solar radiation received through inclined front panel 1006. Solar energy may evaporate the water in core 1004 and water vapor may move towards a lower surface 1014 of inclined front panel 1006. Once the water vapor contacts lower surface 1014 it may condense a droplets may form on lower surface 1014. Since lower surface 1014 slopes downwardly toward distilled water conduit 1010, water droplets may slide on lower surface 1014 downwardly toward distilled water conduit 1010 and they may fall down and be accumulated inside distilled water conduit 1010. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of multipurpose roof blocks similar to multipurpose roof block 1000 may be connected to one another, such that core and distilled water conduit of each multipurpose roof block may be in fluid communication with cores and distilled water conduits of adjacent multipurpose roof blocks defining a continuous core wherein water is evaporated by solar energy and a continuous distilled water conduit that may be configured to gather the distilled water and guide it out of the multipurpose building blocks to be used elsewhere.

[0071] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0072] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0073] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0074] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0075] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as "first" and "second" and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms“comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, as used herein and in the appended claims are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, encompassing a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements that does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“a” or“an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. [0076] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various implementations. Such grouping is for purposes of streamlining this disclosure, and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0077] While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.