Abstract: In one instance, a solar collector uses vacuum to maintain or help maintain its components in an assembled position and to insulate or help insulate a plurality of thermal conduits. Curved members, edge members, and end caps combine to form an interior space and to provide a system with substantially no bending forces. An absorption-and-tensioning member traverses the interior space and keeps the curved members from collapsing when placed under partial or complete vacuum and helps absorb thermal energy. The edge members have seats for receiving the curved members that help firmly press the curved members into the seats to form a desired seal. Other solar collector systems, features, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary vane engine includes a sealing area that prevents or reduces carry-back between portions of the rotary vane engine. The rotary vane engine includes a stator housing having a stator wall with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be formed with a curvature that substantially matches the curvature of a rotor and provides the sealing. The rotary vane engine may include a first insert member for allowing adjustment of a fluid manipulation ratio (compression or expansion).

Abstract: The method for operating a piston engine system that includes modifying valve timing such that the gas displaced from the piston chamber is at a pressure and temperature nearly equivalent to the temperature and pressure at the end of the combustion stroke rather than being throttled as is the case for traditionally valve timings. When the high temperature and pressure gas enters an exhaust channel, thermally isolating means may line the exhaust channel such that the high temperature of the exhaust gas is maintained. A heat exchanger and an expander may be placed along the exhaust channel such that the high temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas are captured for useful work.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing turbines, including a compressor turbine with a vaporizable liquid delivery device, are presented. A compressor turbine uses the evaporation of a vaporizable liquid at or near thermal equilibrium from the vaporizable liquid delivery device during the compression. The vapor created thereby typically carries the thermal energy discharged after the gas turbine cycle. The amount of liquid vaporized during compression, the length of time vaporization takes, the proximity to thermal equilibrium at which vaporization occurs, the amount of thermal energy recovered by recuperation, and the temperature at the inlet of the combustion chamber are generally interrelated parameters that can be controlled to increase efficiency.