Abstract: Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a solar panel attached to the torque tube, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a housing defining first and second chambers, a first fluid passageway extending between the first and second chambers, and a second fluid passageway extending from the second chamber. A piston is moveable relative to the housing and a valve is positioned within the first chamber and moveable to passively control fluid flow. An active lock includes a shaft extending into the second chamber with a seal attached to the shaft. The shaft is selectively moveable between an unsealed position in which the seal is spaced from a chamber wall and a flow path is defined between the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway, and a sealed position in which the seal contacts and seals against the chamber wall to obstruct the flow path.

Abstract: Solar chimney and method for generating power by the solar chimney are provided. The solar chimney includes a chimney; a heat absorbing surface; a transparent cover located above the surface and forming an air pathway with the surface to the entrance to the chimney; one or more integrated turbine-generators at or before the entrance to the chimney for producing electrical power; and a focusing lens focusing solar radiation on a heat exchanging element to heat air at or just before the entrance to the chimney as it flows to the one or more turbines.

Abstract: A heliostat includes a heliostat frame and a plurality of reflective surfaces, each reflective surface is movably mounted within the heliostat frame. The heliostat also includes a plurality of actuators, wherein each individual actuator of the plurality of actuators is associated with a single reflective surface of the plurality reflective surfaces and capable of moving the single reflective surface.

Abstract: A solar power plant for generating steam is comprised of a spherical shell, the interior of which is sealed from the outside atmosphere and which is mounted adjacent the top of a vertical tower. A plurality of heliostats surrounds the tower and the direct sunrays onto the sphere for heating the same sphere. A spray nozzle within the sphere directs water supplied to it from an external source onto the interior surface of the sphere to create steam. The steam is withdrawn and directed to a turbine or the like for generating electricity. A motor rotates the sphere about its vertical axis thereby regularly exposing a different portion of the sphere to the heliostats to prevent the sphere from melting.

Abstract: A support structure (10) for carrying a plurality of heliostats (12) is provided. The support structure (10) includes a frame (20) formed from a number of girders (22). The frame has a triangular outer perimeter and a plurality of mountings (26) for carrying the heliostats (12) are provided along the perimeter. At least one mounting (26) is provided at or near each vertex (16) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20), and at least one additional mounting (26) is provided part-way along each side (17) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a potential surface for installation of solar panels are provided. The method includes extracting, from a database of overhead images, at least one overhead image respective of a location; identifying a surface outline of at least one surface within the at least one overhead image; determining a pattern associated with the surface outline, the pattern comprising at least a facet; determining a potential installation area for solar panels based on the at least facet; and, displaying the potential installation area overlaid on the overhead image.

Abstract: Element, panel and direct solar radiation collecting and concentrating system by means of panels with collecting and concentrating elements which are allowed freedom of movement during diurnal and seasonal sun tracking. The elements in question incorporate a primary lens concentrating direct radiation. The element includes hollow compartments which contain a given fluid at a given pressure. The lower section includes a secondary lens and/or internally reflexive conical element allowing the introduction of radiation, in parallel, into tubes or optical fiber, or irradiation onto radiation converting systems. The movement of the device is produced by fluid heating and pressure in the side compartments. This pressure is communicated to the axes via pistons which cause the device to rotate in search of the optimal position with a view to optimizing its focus on the secondary lens.

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation, having a concentrator means (2) suitable for concentrating solar radiation onto a concentration zone, and a receiver (3) for receiving solar radiation. The receiver (3) is connected to at least one element (4) suitable for deforming under the action of temperature, and referred to as a “thermo-deformable element”, each thermo-deformable element (4), when the radiation coming from the concentrator means (2) is concentrated onto a concentration zone situated on said thermo-deformable element (4), being suitable for changing shape in such manner as to cause the concentration zone to move towards the receiver (3) or as to cause the receiver (3) to move towards the concentration zone, so that the device (1) makes it possible, for a given position of the sun, and under the action of the solar radiation, to move the concentration zone from an initial position situated on a thermo-deformable element (4) to a final equilibrium position situated on the receiver (3).

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning solar energy collection devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated unit combines the necessity of solar panel repositioning with water filtration. While also providing clean water for the end user, the integrated unit uses controlled weight displacement to rotate a solar panel to follow the sun from east to west—a process also known as horizontal (azimuth) solar tracking.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems relating to the use and design of specially shaped, rotating reflective louvers to provide cost effectively harvesting of electricity, heat, and/or lighting are described. In an embodiment, the reflected and concentrated direct light is focused on the neighboring louver photovoltaic cells to generate electricity and an integral cooling channel allows heat collection. A skylight embodiment permits the indirect light to pass between the louvers and through a transparent backing providing high quality natural light inside while allowing artificial lights to be dimmed or turned off saving energy. In some embodiments, control systems (that may be computer controlled) can modulate the louver position to improve the light transmitted into the building when appropriate to maximize the net energy saved or generated depending on the situation. Moreover, the devices can be retrofitted into existing buildings or integrated into new building construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.

Abstract: A solar energy collector (14) which comprises a heat absorbing structure (16) which takes in radiant energy and transfers the radiant energy to water carried therein. A main body (18) encompasses the heat absorbing structure (16). The radiant energy will enter a transparent top portion (19) of the main body (18) to reach the heat absorbing structure (16). Elements (20) are for carrying the water into and out of the heat absorbing structure (16). Components (22) are for supporting opposite ends of the heat absorbing structure (16) within the main body (18) on a roof (24) of a building 26). A facility (28) is for covering the transparent top portion (19) of the main body (18).