Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a first steam engine, an intermediate storage, and a second steam engine. The first steam engine may include a first inlet and a first exhaust, wherein the first inlet receives steam from a source of thermal energy. The intermediate storage may be coupled to the first exhaust, wherein the intermediate storage stores thermal energy provided by steam from the first exhaust. The second steam engine may include a second inlet coupled to the intermediate storage. Moreover, at least one of the first steam engine and the second steam engine may produce work. Furthermore, the first steam engine may be driven by the steam received from the source of thermal energy, and the second steam engine may be driven by steam from at least one of the intermediate storage and the first exhaust. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a first steam engine, an intermediate storage, and a second steam engine. The first steam engine may include a first inlet and a first exhaust, wherein the first inlet receives steam from a source of thermal energy. The intermediate storage may be coupled to the first exhaust, wherein the intermediate storage stores thermal energy provided by steam from the first exhaust. The second steam engine may include a second inlet coupled to the intermediate storage. Moreover, at least one of the first steam engine and the second steam engine may produce work. Furthermore, the first steam engine may be driven by the steam received from the source of thermal energy, and the second steam engine may be driven by steam from at least one of the intermediate storage and the first exhaust. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a plurality of solar reflectors; a plurality of support rods each coupled to one of the plurality of solar reflectors; a plurality of control plates including a plurality of first openings; a tension plate providing a force to position the plurality of support rods in each of the plurality of first openings; and a driver to move at least one of the plurality of control plates, the movement of the at least one of the plurality of control plates further moving the tension plate, the plurality of support rods, and the plurality of solar reflectors. Related apparatus and methods are also described.