Abstract: A system for effecting cooling of a coolant fluid is provided, the system comprising: a solar energy collector system; and fluid channels for the coolant fluid that are at least partially above ground level and are at least partially shaded by the solar energy collector system. The system may comprise a system for cooling a condenser coolant fluid in a thermal power plant incorporating a solar energy collector system, the system comprising: one or more solar energy reflectors; and fluid channels for the coolant fluid that are at least partially above ground level and are at least partially shaded by one or more of the solar energy reflectors. Solar energy reflector carrier arrangements for use in said system, and methods and thermal power plants utilizing said system are further provided.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for use in thermal energy storage systems, including thermal energy storage mediums, fluid channeling devices and thermally conductive heat transfer elements, and methods for storing thermal energy. A thermal energy storage system is provided, comprising: (a) a granular thermal energy storage medium comprising at least a first size class and a second size class; wherein the individual granules of each size class deviate from the average granular size for that size class by no more than about ±50%; wherein first size class is the largest size class; wherein the ratio of the average size of the first size class to the average size of the second size class is at least about 2:1; and (b) one or more conduits disposed within the medium, and arranged to receive a source of thermal energy.