Abstract: A solar collector device for mounting on the outside of a support structure and including a fluid circuit for receiving a fluid for heating by solar radiation, the device further comprising a length of connection piping connected to the fluid circuit and moveable relative to the fluid circuit while thus connected thereto from a protected position to an installation position where the distal end thereof extends to the inside of said support structure.

Abstract: There is provided an evacuated tubular solar collector with an eccentric type manifold flange capable of changing flow of a heating medium and improving the electric heat performance of a manifold by employing an eccentric end cap with a fluid path and a baffle in the manifold and improving the structure of the manifold. The evacuated tubular solar collector may comprise an evacuated tubular solar collector; a manifold being installed at an upper position of the evacuated tubular solar collector and including a number of heat dissipation holes; eccentric end caps attached to both sides of the manifold, the eccentric end cap including a fluid path; and a baffle attached to an exit of the fluid path through which a fluid flows into. The fluid path and the baffle may be positioned tilted, thereby to improve uniform transfer of heat in the evacuated tubular solar collector.

Abstract: A high-efficiency, small-scale, combined heat and power, concentrating solar energy system (200), designed specifically for residential and other relatively low-power applications, rendering it cost-effective and economically viable. Two-axis tracking of a dish-like reflector (10) of between 1 and 2 meters in aperture ensures very high concentrating ratios of between 200 and 8-suns or even higher. In consequence very high coolant outlet temperatures, of 120-180° C. may be reached at the outlet of the collector coolant, which may be oil, gas, or pressurized water. The high coolant temperatures are advantageous because they may be used for air-conditioning. The high concentration is advantageous because the efficiency of the photo_voltaic cells is improved with higher concentration. The overall efficiency is greater than 60%.

Abstract: A solar energy system includes a reflecting unit, a heat absorber and a first solar panel. The reflecting unit having a photovoltaic cell with a first energy band gap and a reflecting surface reflects or focuses sunlight. The reflecting unit converts the sunlight with a wavelength shorter than or equal to x nm into electric energy according to the first energy band gap, and reflects or focuses the sunlight with a wavelength longer than x nm onto the heat absorber and the first solar panel. The heat absorber converts the sunlight that has a wavelength longer than or equal to y nm and is reflected by the reflecting unit into thermal energy. The first solar panel having a photovoltaic cell with a second energy band gap converts the sunlight penetrating the heat absorber and having a wavelength shorter than or equal to z nm into electric energy.

Abstract: A solar panel includes an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold spaced apart from the inlet manifold, and a plurality of pipes having a first end in open fluid communication with the inlet manifold and a second end in open fluid communication with the outlet manifold. A box-shaped cover formed of a polycarbonate material is disposed in ensleeving relation to the plurality of pipes. The box-shaped cover has a length at least slightly less than the distance between the inlet and outlet manifolds so that opposite ends of pipes in the plurality of pipes are exposed to ambient. The cover substantially prevents ventilation of the plurality of pipes and thus allows water temperatures in the panel to rise higher than possible in the absence of such cover. The exposure of the opposite ends of the pipes to ambient prevents water temperatures in the panel from exceeding a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A free-standing solar tracker comprises a base, a support frame, a panel assembly comprising one or more solar panels, and an actuator to rotate the panel assembly to track the movement of the sun. The solar tracker is designed to be free-standing and requires no foundation. When the solar tracker is deployed, the base forms a pan to contain a ballast material for holding the base in place. The base of the solar tracker is designed to serve as a “suitcase” to contain most of the components of the solar tracker, making it easier to transport the solar tracker 10 to a location where the solar tracker is installed.

Abstract: A supporting plate for mounting a rectangular flat solar module on a flat substrate includes a front edge, a rear edge and a first and a second side edge. At least three parallel trapezoidal profiles are evenly spaced on the supporting plate with respect to each other. The trapezoidal profiles extend continuously from the front edge to the rear edge with a first and a second of the trapezoidal profiles extending respectively along the side edges and a third of the trapezoidal profiles extending centrally on the supporting plate such that the front edge, the rear edge and the side edges enclose a rectangular area that corresponds to a rectangular area of the flat solar module. Each of the trapezoidal profiles include an upper side and continuously increase in height from the front edge to the rear edge so as to form, by the upper sides, an inclined direct bearing surface for the flat solar module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a “harness” assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc.

Abstract: Solar panels and assembled arrays thereof include a collection of relatively compact, high-capacity power units. Optical components of each power unit include a front window or surface glazing, a primary mirror, secondary mirror and receiver assembly. Primary and secondary mirrors are defined by respective perimeters, at least a portion of which may be substantially coplanar and in contact with the front window. Some primary mirrors are configured with a perimeter of alternating full and truncated sections, and are curved to a base portion forming a pilot hole therein. Receiver assembly mechanical components include an alignment tube for mating with the primary mirror's pilot hole and for housing a photovoltaic solar cell. A base plate provided adjacent to the alignment tube serves to radiate heat emitted by the solar cell, and in some embodiments an additional heat sink provides further passive cooling.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a solar thermal energy system including a solar thermal loop and a heat consumption loop thermally coupled by a heat exchanger, the solar thermal loop including a solar collector device fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and a primary heat transfer fluid disposed in the solar thermal loop and flowing through the solar collector device and the heat exchanger, the heat consumption loop including a heat consuming apparatus fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and a secondary heat transfer fluid disposed in the heat consumption loop and flowing through the heat consuming apparatus and the heat exchanger, includes: detecting an inlet temperature of the secondary heat transfer fluid upstream of the heat consuming apparatus or the heat exchanger, and generating corresponding inlet temperature data; detecting an outlet temperature of the secondary heat transfer fluid downstream of the heat consuming apparatus or the heat exchanger, and generating corresponding outlet temperature data;

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an earth-penetrating apparatus. The apparatus includes a pole with a hollow portion therein and a bottom end which is configured to be driven into ground. Anchoring parts are configured to be radially extendable from the pole. In addition, an expansion mechanism is configured to apply a force to the anchoring parts so as to radially extend the anchoring parts from the pole after the pole has been driven into the ground. Another embodiment relates to a solar collector arrangement that includes a plurality of earth-penetrating anchors. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a trough solar collector that uses inexpensive aluminized plastic films as the reflecting surface. The films are held in proper shape by stretching them between rigid ribs that are spaced apart along the length of the collector. The structure of the trough is held rigid by a unique sun-tracking system that not only guides a whole of array of troughs on a field to point them toward the sun, but also maintains the whole length of each trough in rigid configuration. It is not necessary to extend rigid metal beams along the trough to maintain the rigidity of the trough. Small-diameter cables are wrapped around rotatable pipes that extend along the east and west sides of the field. The cables extend over the field of the troughs and are attached to connecting points above the troughs in such a way that when the rotatable pipes rotate, the cables move, the troughs move with them, and the cables provide the rigidity of the troughs.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a solar energy receiving device and at least one component in thermal communication with the solar energy receiving device, the at least one component formed from a composite material, the composite material may comprise a matrix of carbon-based fibers, the carbon-based fibers comprising one or more of: mesophase carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene and pan carbon. According to a further optional aspect, there is provided a solar energy receiving device comprising a first surface for receiving solar energy incident thereon, and a second opposing surface, the second surface being electrically conductive; at least one heat transport device in direct contact with at least a portion of the second surface, the at least one heat transport device may comprise at least one internal passage and at least one duct; and a heat transport media flowing within the at least one internal passage and at least one duct. Related methods and additional arrangements are also described.

Abstract: A solar heater comprises one or more portable panels for collecting heat from the sun and providing it to a space to be heated. The panels include collector plates within a double glazed frame. The collector plate is formed of black corrugated steel, and heats up quickly in the sun. A blower blows air into an input manifold and across the collector plate, perpendicular to the corrugations, and the heated air exits via an output manifold. A sensor controls when the blower operates.

Abstract: A hybrid solar heat collector within a translucent dome structure includes a tubular frame, forming a first fluid path, and a transverse hose winding in a spiral inside and outside alternating legs of the frame to form a second fluid path. The first fluid path is connected to a reservoir in which a heater that is turned on to heat a fluid in the first fluid path when its temperature falls below a threshold. The reservoir is located within the dome structure and is configured to readily heat the space within the dome structure, so that the freezing of fluids within the heat collector is prevented. The translucent dome structure is provided with a layer having an opacity that is increased in response to an increase in temperature above a different threshold level, so that the boiling of fluids within the heat collector is prevented.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant associated with a solar thermal electric generation system has a heat receiver which receives heat from the sun, a gas turbine having a compressor and a turbine which operates with an operating fluid compressed by the compressor and heated by the heat receiver, a temperature sensor which detects heat from the sun, an auxiliary driving device which is driven based on the temperature of the heat detected by the temperature sensor, and which starts the gas turbine, and a generator which converts kinetic energy generated as a result of the rotation of the turbine into electric energy.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of sources, including at least one of an on-demand source, a semi-on-demand source, and an intermittent source that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits.

Abstract: Accordingly, this invention provides a method for constructing a building, the method comprising: (i) providing a supporting framework; (ii)providing at least one power generation member (10), the power generation member (10) comprising, in a discrete unit, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises support material (30, 32, 34) and the second layer comprises at least one energy converter for converting solar energy into heat and/or electricity (12, 14); and (iii) attaching the power generation member (10) to the framework such that the power generation member (10) is substantially self supporting and provides an outer surface of the building.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus (100, 200) for and a method of using solar energy. To provide an alternative apparatus (100, 200) and an alternative method of using solar energy which structurally requires less complication and expenditure and which is favorable in provision and operation, in accordance with the invention there is proposed an apparatus (100, 200) comprising a target (50) and reflectors (10, 12, 210) for deflecting solar rays on to the target (50) and a corresponding method, wherein the reflectors (10, 12, 210) are respectively pivotable about an axis (20, 220) for tracking in accordance with the azimuth of the sun (30) in the course of a day, wherein the axis (20, 220) is a component part of an axis arrangement (70, 270) which is inclinable for tracking in accordance with the midday height of the sun (30) in the course of a year. If necessary it is possible to achieve continuous focusing of the system by simple mechanical compensating mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grid-connected power plant, having the following systems which are adjusted in their capacitance to each other: a) a wind power plant, water power plant, solar-thermal system and/or photovoltaic system for the production of electrical energy for operating the systems b) through f); b) a CO2 absorption system for the absorption of atmospheric CO2; c) a CO2 desorption system for the desorption of the CO2 gained in b); d) an electrochemical or solar-thermal H2 synthesis system for the operating system e); e) a synthesis system selected from the group catalytic methanol synthesis, catalytic DME synthesis, catalytic methane synthesis; f) a storage system selected from the group methanol storage system, DME storage system, methane storage system. The invention also relates to the use of such a power plant and methods for the operation of such a power plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for generating and superheating steam.

Abstract: The invention is a thermal recycling system for converting lower quality thermal sources into higher quality thermal sources. In one embodiment, at least one photonic crystal radiator is combined with at least one substantially different radiator within a low loss thermal recycling cavity. Thermal recycling is based on the use of spectrum, polarization and temporal restrictions. These systems can be used in cooling, heating, and energy production.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a building comprises a thermal collection system, a plurality of underground heat sinks, and a heat exchanger. The thermal collection system includes at least one fluid channel. The thermal collection system is configured to heat or cool fluid within the at least one fluid channel. A first and a second underground heat sink are configured to receive the fluid from the thermal collection system. The first underground heat sink absorbs heat from the fluid in order to heat the first underground heat sink. The second underground heat sink transfers heat to the fluid in order to cool the second underground heat sink. The heat exchanger is configured to receive fluid from the first or second underground heat sink in order to heat or cool the building.

Abstract: A collector system (12) is disclosed that comprises a row of linearly conjoined collector structures (13). The collector system is arranged to be located at a level above a field of reflectors (10) and to receive solar radiation reflected from the reflectors within the field. The collector structure (13) comprises an inverted trough (16) and, located within the trough, a plurality of longitudinally extending absorber tubes (30) that, in use, are arranged to carry a heat exchange fluid. The absorber tubes (30) are supported side-by-side within the trough and each absorber tube has a diameter that is small relative to the aperture of the trough. The ratio of the diameter of each absorber tube to the trough aperture dimension is of the order of 0.01:1.00 to 0.10:1.00 and, thus, the plurality of absorber tubes functions, in the limit, effectively to simulate a flat plate absorber.

Abstract: A solar collector device is provided. The solar collector device includes an evacuated tube and a mini-channel tube mounted within the evacuated tube, the mini-channel tube comprising a first plurality of ports for inflow of a heat-transfer fluid and a second plurality of ports for outflow of the heat-transfer fluid to a heat exchange system. The mini-channel tube may have a hydraulic diameter in a range of approximately 3 millimeters to approximately 200 micrometers. The mini-channel tube may have a hydraulic diameter in a range of approximately 200 micrometers to approximately 10 micrometers.

Abstract: A structure and method of solar energy collection use a building roof acting as a heat collector, conductor, and convector passing thermal energy to air in a volume below. The air may stratify according to temperature, with flow controls maximizing temperatures by operating dampers, valves, or both in the air and a liquid working fluid, respectively. A finned heat exchanger may be a hydronic baseboard-type heating unit operating to transfer heat in the opposite direction, into water inside the central pipe. A thermo-mechanical actuator, such as a wax motor may provide passive control, and heat may be collected in an open circuit of culinary water, a closed loop, or a double loop system. Ducting aids stratification, temperature maximization, and heat exchange to enforce pre-selected temperatures in the air and water working fluids.

Abstract: This invention is a trough solar collector that uses the principles of high leverage in order to produce a lightweight, inexpensive thermal solar collector. The parabolic reflectors are held in proper shape by rigid ribs that are spaced apart along the length of the collector. The structure of the trough is held rigid by a unique sun-tracking system that not only guides a long trough row to point it toward the sun, but also maintains the whole length of the row in rigid configuration. Small-diameter cables are wrapped around a rotatable pipe that extends along the row. The cables extend around circular arches attached to the parabolic ribs that provide high leverage for rotating the troughs. Since the arches rotate in unison, the long trough row is maintained in rotational rigidity. Rather than having heavy concrete foundations and heavy structures to support the troughs, lightweight support posts are placed into the ground, and guy wires maintain the position of the posts.

Abstract: A solar module arrangement for, in particular, solar-thermal and/or photovoltaic energy production, comprising at least three solar module elements (2) which are arranged in a substantially horizontal, flat composite and are each inclined relative to one another with respect to the horizontal plane (H) in such a way that side edges (4) which frame the solar module arrangement (1) are lower or higher than a substantially middle central region (6) relative to the horizontal plane (H). Furthermore, a roof arrangement with a plurality of solar module arrangements of the above-mentioned type, wherein the solar module arrangements (1) are arranged on subsections (22), which run substantially parallel to one another, of the side borders (4) of adjacent solar module arrangements (1) to form an, in particular, diamond-shaped, roof arrangement (30).

Abstract: A system for controlling a solar field can include a field control server that communicate with a plurality of solar collector controllers installed in a solar field. The field control server can include one or more processors that can implement a user interface module that can provide a solar field user interface having a plurality of user interface controls. Each of the user interface controls can represent one or more solar collector assemblies. User selection of one of the user interface controls can cause the field control server to send a command to one or more collector controllers associated with the selected one or more solar collector assemblies. Further, the system can include a customization module that can provide functionality for a user to customize the solar field user interface to accommodate changes in a number of the solar collector controllers installed in the solar field.

Abstract: A solar cell cleaning device of an energy storage system, and a method of cleaning solar cells. Solar cells are positioned outside of a protective case only when sunlight is present. The surface of the solar cells is automatically cleaned when the solar cells are positioned outside of a protective case, or when the solar cells are stored in the protective case. The solar cell cleaning device includes a protective case, a rotatable drum coupled to the protective case, and a brush installed on the protective case and closely contacting the drum. A plurality of solar cells are installed on a surface of the drum, and are cleaned by the brush when the drum is rotated.

Abstract: A solar receiver device includes a metal conduit and a glass container disposed around the metal conduit such that there is a space between the glass container and the conduit. A coating is disposed on the metal conduit and has a composition that includes at least one element from silicon, titanium, aluminum, barium, and samarium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating steam using solar energy are provided here. The methods and systems can be used to generate steam of a desired quality, e.g. about 70%, or superheated steam. Some methods for producing steam of a desired quality comprise flowing water into an inlet of receiver in a linear Fresnel reflector system, wherein the receiver comprises multiple parallel tubes ti connected in parallel, and i=1,k, and irradiating each tube ti along its respective length Li with solar radiation so that solar radiation absorbed at each tube generates thermal input along its length and so that water begins to boil in at least one of the tubes at a point ?i along its length. The methods comprise using one or more temperatures Ti in an economizer region of a tube ti or one or more changes in length of the tubes as input to a controller that controls mass flow of water into each of the multiple tubes, thereby controlling quality of steam exiting the receiver.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: A self-powered pump for heated liquid is provided. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid. A heated liquid inlet pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container. A heated liquid outlet is lower than the end of the inlet pipe. A breathing pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container and is higher than both of the outlet and the end of the inlet pipe but lower than an interior side of the container top. An opposite end of the breathing pipe is outside the container, lower than the container base, and is received by an open container such that the opposite end can become submerged in heated liquid accumulated within the open container during pump operation. A fluid or liquid heating system incorporating the self-powered pump may operate without external power for the pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a solar array on the roof of a residence or the like which uses a pan in the installation of the solar modules that make up the array. The pan may also be used as part of the packaging of the solar modules. The pan is comprised of a length of material having a trough-like cross-section. For packaging, shipping inserts are fitted into the trough of each pan. Opposite edges of a solar module are fitted into respective slots in the inserts of two facing pans and a protector is fitted over each end thereof to form a package for shipping. Once on site, the packages are disassembled, the pans are mounted on the roof, and the modules are connected to the pans to form the array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile heat accumulator consisting of a textile carrier material to which a plurality of thin capillaries for water transportation are attached and which is coated with an elastomeric compound comprising finely divided phase change materials such as salt hydrates or crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons. The textile heat accumulator arranged in a roofing structure of a building facilitates the control of the heat flux into the building and the utilization of the latent heat stored within phase change material for hot water generation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid displacement system are disclosed. The system may include a reservoir containing a fluid in a liquid state and a first chamber hydraulically connected to the reservoir to receive the fluid from the reservoir. The first chamber may be configured to receive solar energy and configured to convert the received solar energy to vaporize the fluid. The system may also include a second chamber hydraulically connected to the first chamber to receive the vaporized fluid from the first chamber. The second chamber may be configured to condense the vaporized fluid, causing depressurization in the second chamber. The system may also include a hydraulic connection between the second chamber and a source of fluid to be displaced. The system may be configured such that the depressurization of the second chamber may cause fluid in the source of fluid to be displaced through the hydraulic connection.

Abstract: A system includes a turbine positioned above an opening on a building structure, wherein the turbine is configured to create a low pressure area in the building structure as a result of a rotation of the turbine. The system further comprises an electrical generator configured to convert wind power acting on the turbine into electricity. A battery may be configured to store the electricity, wherein the electric generator is further configured to drive the turbine to rotate.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes a solar collector which heats air in the chimney, producing updrafts which can be harnessed to perform useful work. The solar collector may be located inside or outside the chimney. The device may include a reservoir for storing a heat transfer fluid, thus enabling the device to be used during both day and night. The solar chimney may be equipped with both internal and external solar collectors, operating in parallel. The solar chimney may also be equipped with multiple external solar collectors, connected in parallel to a reservoir. The solar chimney of the invention provides a convenient and practical way to convert solar energy into electrical power.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of on-demand sources, semi-on-demand sources, and intermittent sources that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits.

Abstract: A solar collector having an absorbent surface that only reflects a small fraction of the sunlight and, owing to selective reflection properties, simulates a two-dimensional surface or a three-dimensional spatial shape or creates a visual impression conveying contents.

Abstract: A solar air conditioner includes an inlet assembly (20), an outlet assembly (30), a solar collector assembly (10), and a plurality of connecting assemblies (14) connecting the solar collectors, and the inlet and the outlet assemblies together. The solar collector assembly includes a plurality of solar collectors (12). Each of the solar collectors has a bottom plate (124), a heat-absorbing unit (123) mounted on the bottom plate, and a transparent panel (121) positioned on the heat-absorbing unit. The heat-absorbing unit divides an inner space of the solar collector into an upper heat-storage cavity (125) and a lower heat-absorbing cavity (125). The inlet and outlet assemblies seal two ends of the upper heat-storage cavity and communicate with two ends of the lower heat-absorbing cavity.

Abstract: A concentrating solar receiver that maximizes the amount of solar energy available for conversion to electricity that utilizes a primary reflector, a secondary reflector and a fresnel lens to both reflect and refract solar rays to a thermal cycle engine receiver which converts solar energy to mechanical energy which is in turn converted into electrical energy using an electric generator. The configuration creates focal points that protect the thermal cycle engine receiver from high temperatures and provides uniform density of solar energy within the thermal cycle engine receiver. The solar receiver is moved in response to a sun tracking sensor using a vertical and a horizontal drive motor. The thermal cycle engine and the electric generator, representing the majority of mass, are centered on the vertical support and are low to the ground.

Abstract: 1-100 nm metal ferrite spinel coatings are provided on substrates, preferably by using an atomic layer deposition process. The coatings are able to store energy such as solar energy, and to release that stored energy, via a redox reaction. The coating is first thermally or chemically reduced. The reduced coating is then oxidized in a second step to release energy and/or hydrogen, carbon monoxide or other reduced species.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector heat collecting element insulating shield has an elongated hemi-cylindrical body having an internal diameter approximately equivalent to (able to physically engage to) the outer diameter of the concentrating solar power (CSP) heat collecting element, either the evacuated outer tube, the fluid-carrying inner tube, or both. The device may have multiple layers of insulating/reflecting material, sheet metal, polymer, composite, may have flanges, fingers or other attachments to the CSP heat collecting element tube, or may be slightly greater than 180 degrees in arc so as to grip the CSP heat collecting element.

Abstract: A solar collecting apparatus for collecting solar energy in a heat transfer fluid includes an upper header member, a lower header member, and a plurality of collector tubes, each collector tube connected at an upper end thereof to the upper header member and connected at a lower end thereof to the lower header member. The collector tubes are arranged such that axes of the collector tubes form an array wherein no three adjacent axes are on the same plane, typically in a cylindrical or like array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure containing components for collecting, transferring and storing heat energy originating from solar energy, wherein said components are pre-coupled and mounted in the factory so as to form a compact machine that is ready to be installed and connected directly to the power grid at the installation location. The aforementioned components include solar collectors which transform solar energy into heated water and accumulators which form water containers for storing the energy collected by the solar panels and transmitting same to the next accumulator through a series of successive fluid circulation circuits which are actuated by respective electric pumps and provided with expansion reservoirs and vessels and valves for the operation thereof, which is controlled by a central solar heat source control system which is connected to a number of the above-mentioned electric pumps and to a solar sensor.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) comprises a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: Excitation of a triad artificial photosynthetic reaction center consisting of a porphyrin (P) convalently linked to a fullerene electron acceptor (C60) and a carotenoid secondary donor (C) leads to the formation of a long-lived C+-P-C60? charge-separated state via photoinduced electron transfer. This reaction occurs in a frozen organic glass down to at least 8 K. At 77 K, charge recombination of C*+-P-C60? occurs on the ?s time scale, and yields solely the carotenoid triplet state. In the presence of a small (20 mT) static magnetic field, the lifetime of the charge-separated state is increased by 50%. This is ascribed to the effect of the magnetic field on interconversion of the singlet and triplet biradicals. At zero field, the initially formed singlet biradical state is in equilibrium with the three triplet biradical sublevels, and all four states have comparable populations. Decay to the carotenoid triplet only occurs from the three triplet sublevels.