Abstract: A system architecture for large concentrated solar power applications that increases heliostat utilization efficiency and land utilization efficiency is described. Embodiments of the invention include a large heliostat field in which are distributed a number of receiving locations, and wherein there is the assignment of heliostats to receiving locations is dynamic. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically targeting heliostats to receiving locations wherein the target determination process is performed frequently during operation and wherein such dynamic targeting can be utilized to various ends. Embodiments of the invention include configurations wherein cosine losses associated with heliostat pointing are significantly reduced, wherein heliostats may be closely packed without incurring substantial shadowing and blocking losses thereby significantly increasing land utilization, and wherein other benefits are realized.

Abstract: Heliostat operation under significantly reduced infrastructure requirements is disclosed. As part of a larger solar power generation system, a heliostat may function autonomously to track the sun and maintain constant reflection of solar radiation to a collection device for conversion to electrical power. The heliostat employs a local independent solar power supply to provide power to the positioning mechanism and controller for the heliostat. The controller receives sun position information from a sensor and/or a predetermined schedule. In addition, the controller for the heliostat may incorporate a wireless communications device for remote monitoring and directing operations of the heliostat.

Abstract: A system architecture for large concentrated solar power applications that increases heliostat utilization efficiency and land utilization efficiency is described. Embodiments of the invention include a large heliostat field in which are distributed a number of receiving locations, and wherein there is the assignment of heliostats to receiving locations is dynamic. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically targeting heliostats to receiving locations wherein the target determination process is performed frequently during operation and wherein such dynamic targeting can be utilized to various ends. Embodiments of the invention include configurations wherein cosine losses associated with heliostat pointing are significantly reduced, wherein heliostats may be closely packed without incurring substantial shadowing and blocking losses thereby significantly increasing land utilization, and wherein other benefits are realized.

Abstract: The present invention allows a payload to be launched from the exterior of a conventional launch vehicle with little integration expense. In one example, the invention includes an aerodynamic fairing having an internal cavity to contain a payload, a mounting adapter to attach the fairing to an exterior surface of a launch vehicle, and a release mechanism to separate the payload from the launch vehicle out of the fairing cavity during the launch vehicle's flight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, for use with a computer, for converting an uncompressed one-dimensional array of binary bits into a compressed binary bit string and/or for processing a Boolean operation on a first and a second compressed bit string. The first and second bit strings each contain one or more impulses. An impulse contains a run, which is a string of one or more bits of the same binary value, and an ending bit having a polarity opposite the polarity of the run. The impulses are encoded in one or more compressed impulse formats. Each compressed impulse format contains at least a first and a second indicator. The first indicator is for indicating the binary value of one or more same polarity bits of the run and the second indicator is for indicating the length of bits of the impulse. The length of bits is a quantity of the same polarity bits of the run and/or the ending bit having a polarity opposite the run.