Abstract: A solar tracker including at least one pair of piers configured to be secured in the ground and defining a span between the pair, a bearing supported on the pier, and a torque tube supported in the bearing such that the bearing enables rotation of the torque tube, the torque tube including a double wall thickness area, wherein the double wall thickness area limits deflection of the torque tube along the span.

Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly includes a first torque tube and a mounting rail including a cutout portion that attaches to the first torque tube. The mounting rail including an upper portion configured for mounting multiple solar panels. The mounting rail establishes and maintains an electrical ground path from the solar panel assembly to the first torque tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising an inflatable concentrator cushion, which comprises a cover film element comprising a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus, by means of which the concentrator cushion can be pivoted, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising a retaining apparatus mounted to the pivoting apparatus, for retaining the concentrator cushion, which retaining apparatus comprises an upper longitudinal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion, for suspending the absorber, wherein the upper longitudinal member is arranged on a substantially air-tight closed upper passage opening of the concentrator cushion.

Abstract: In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

Abstract: Accelerated outdoor exposure test equipment is disclosed. In the accelerated outdoor exposure test equipment, a specimen is moved for an accelerated outdoor test or an artificial radiation source to irradiate artificial light is moved at sunrise or sunset. Accordingly, the specimen is exposed to natural light such as sunlight during daytime and exposed to artificial light during nighttime.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and controlling solar panel arrays are provided. The solar panel array may include one or more articulating joints that may provide variability in the arrangement of solar panels, which may allow the solar panel array to be distributed over varying types of underlying surfaces. The articulating joints may allow orientations of solar panels to be different relative to one another. The articulating joints may convey rotational force across the joints, so that a rotational force used to drive a first solar panel may also be conveyed across the joint and used to drive a second solar panel. The controls system may include row-specific semi-autonomous, or autonomous, controllers as well as controllers to interface with multiple rows. The controllers may include sensors to measure system power generation and basic operations aspects of the solar field to directly measure, or infer, module shading within the solar field.

Abstract: The modular interface system comprises an interface part intended to be mechanically connected to a mechanical element forming part of a platform of a space craft, a multi-pronged structure provided, at a first end, with at least three feet and configured to form a mechanical link between, on the one hand, the interface part arranged at a second end opposite the first end and, on the other hand, respectively, a plurality of junction elements, each junction element being connected to one of the feet of the multi-pronged structure with which it is associated, and the junction elements being intended to be mechanically connected to a rear face of the antenna reflector.

Abstract: A method for checking an alignment of a 2D or 3D camera, wherein a reference image is detected and stored in a first preferred alignment of the camera, wherein a current image is detected to check the alignment of the camera, wherein the reference image is provided monochrome with a first color and the current image is provided monochrome with a second color that differs from the first color, and wherein the current image and the reference image are displayed as an image mixing.

Abstract: A system and method for array level terrain based backtracking includes a tracker configured to collect solar irradiance and attached to a rotational mechanism for changing a plane of the tracker and a controller in communication with a rotational mechanism. The controller is programmed to determine a position of the sun at a first specific point in time, retrieve height information, execute a shadow model based on the retrieved height information and the position of the sun, determine a first angle for the tracker; collect an angle for each tracker in a plurality of trackers in an array; adjust the first angle based on executing the shadow model with the first angle and the plurality of angles associated with the plurality of trackers; transmit instructions to the rotational mechanism to change the plane of the tracker to the adjusted first angle.

Abstract: An end seal arrangement for a Parabolic Trough solar Collector, PTC, comprises an elongated parabolic reflector trough and a receiver pipe arranged at a focus-line of the reflector trough. The end seal arrangement comprises a housing configured to be fixated to one short-end of the reflector trough, and an inlay configured to be inserted in the housing to slidably abut a circumference of the receiver pipe, such that the reflector trough is sealed to the receiver pipe by the inlay when the housing is fixated to the short-end of the reflector trough and the reflector trough pivots about its focus-line. The end seal arrangement further comprises a fixation means configured to fixate the housing to the reflector trough. By reducing heat leakage and prevent ice, snow, sand, etc. from deteriorating the reflector, improved operational performance will be achieved.

Abstract: A system for collecting solar energy to be stored and distributed in a multi-unit building to be used for heat and electricity, comprising one or more solar energy collectors, one or more sunlight concentrating mirrors, photovoltaic panels, a heat mass storage area, and thermos siphoning to distribute heat energy throughout the building in conjunction with radiant heating technology.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a photovoltaic module, the photovoltaic module including: a plurality of power generating elements; and a housing having a metal bottom plate on which the plurality of power generating elements are arrayed, and a resin side wall frame standing along an outer edge of the bottom plate, the mounting structure including: a support plate having a support face configured to be in contact with an outer face of the bottom plate to support the photovoltaic module; a washer to be disposed on one face which is an inner face of the bottom plate or a face, of the support plate, at a side opposite to the support face; and a rivet having a shank portion and a head, the shank portion being configured to be passed through the support plate and the bottom plate to be inserted into the washer, the head formed at one end portion of the shank portion, the rivet being configured to sandwich and fasten the support plate and the bottom plate between the washer and the head by an other end portion of the shan

Abstract: A system is disclosed which provides the ability to install a cross arm on a power pole utilizing an electrically isolated bucket which is free of all hydraulic components used by an operator in the bucket to manipulate the bucket. The system also utilizes an in-the-bucket rechargeable battery powered electric tool such as a saw, drill etc. without a need for a hydraulic electric generator in the bucket. The system includes the ability to provide communication to and from and to supply electrical power to remote portions of an electrically isolated boom, by transmitting optical power and control signals through an electrically non-conductive optical fiber.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling the operation of a cooking appliance, such as an oven range. The cooking appliance includes a door with multiple spaced apart glass panels. The method uses an interlocking mechanism that interferes with the installation of at least one of the plurality of glass panels in the door if at least one of the glass panels is not installed properly. The method further uses a switch with a plunger can be installed in the door, which allows the appliance to operate only when a failsafe electrical circuit is closed corresponding to a selected position of the plunger when the door is closed. The plunger is prevented from retaining that selected position if at least one of the glass panels is improperly installed or if a top cap is not properly seated or installed above the glass panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining energy from a polychromatic energy source that emits radiation in a first and a second wavelength band comprises a reflector or an energy receiver having an aperture therein; and a holographic lens that diffracts and focuses the radiation within the first wavelength band from the energy source through said aperture towards a first energy receiver, and transmits the radiation within the second wavelength band from the energy source to the reflector or energy receiver. If a reflector is used, the reflector reflects the radiation transmitted by the holographic lens towards a second energy receiver.

Abstract: An ultra-high charge density electret is disclosed. The ultra-high charge density electret includes a three-dimensional structure having a plurality of sidewalls. A porous silicon dioxide film is formed on the plurality of sidewalls, and the porous silicon dioxide film is charged with a plurality of positive or negative ions.

Abstract: A lens includes an optically transparent substrate having a first lens surface and a second lens surface opposite to the first lens surface. The first lens surface includes a plurality of Fresnel structures. A respective Fresnel structure of the plurality of Fresnel structures includes a slope facet and a draft facet. The respective Fresnel structure of the plurality of Fresnel structures is characterized by a representative pitch. The representative pitch of the respective Fresnel structure is based on a distance of the respective Fresnel structure from a reference axis of the lens. A display device that includes the lens and an electronic display coupled with the lens for outputting light through the lens and a method for transmitting light from an electronic display toward the lens are also described.

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: The solar heating apparatus has a base box and a main axle mounted on the base box. At least one mirror support arm is mounted orthogonal to the main axle and supports a plurality of mirrors. In a first embodiment, a circular plate on the side of the base box rotates the main axle to bank the mirrors to track azimuth and a belt or chain drive rotates the mirror support arms to track elevation. In a second embodiment, the main axle is a beam mounted on a rotating circular plate on top of the base box to track azimuth and bevel gears drive a belt or chain drive that rotates the mirror support arms to track elevation. In a third embodiment, the mirror support arms are driven to rotate by bevel gears and the main axle through belt or chain drives.

Abstract: A torque tube coupler that rigidly connects reflectors and provides for substantially 360° rotational freedom for the reflectors as well as the ability to transmit rotation from one reflector to another so that the reflectors may essentially be placed at the same angle. The torque coupler includes first and second torque tube coupler assemblies each configured to be connected to a reflector in a solar energy collection system. The torque coupler also includes a support point that supports said first torque coupler assembly and said second torque tube coupler assembly. This support point includes a shaft that facilitates the rigid connection of the first torque tube coupler assembly to the second torque tube coupler assembly and a bearing that facilitates 360° rotation of the first reflector and the second reflector.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.

Abstract: A cable drive system for solar tracking for solar array systems. The cable drive system employs one or more cables wound around a drive pulley of a drive device and one or more driven pulleys of respective rotatable solar assemblies of the solar array system. The system may use a tension device such as a spring or weight that returns the solar array system to an initial position at the end of the day. The drive device may be an active or passive solar tracker. The disclosed techniques of rotating solar panels are flexible, inexpensive, and reliable. The techniques can apply to any solar technology that benefit from following the sun.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising an inflatable concentrator cushion, which comprises a cover film element comprising a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus, by means of which the concentrator cushion can be pivoted, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising a retaining apparatus secured (mounted) to the pivoting apparatus for retaining the concentrator cushion, which retaining apparatus comprising an upper longitudinal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion, suspending the absorber, wherein the upper longitudinal member is arranged on a substantially air-tight closed upper passage opening of the concentrator cushion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracking-type photovoltaic generator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tracking-type photovoltaic generator in which multiple solar modules are aligned into one or more rows so as to form a group, and the solar modules of the group aligned in the same row may rotate according to the location of the sun by means of the operation of a linear actuator.

Abstract: A hybrid optical device for compressing light, including a first part which receives incident light shining on the device, wherein the first part is formed into sections along at least one direction thereof, wherein the sections receive respective portions of the light received by the first part, and individually compress and redirect the received portions of light, a second part which includes plural reflective surfaces which receive the compressed light from the sections of the first portion and further compress and redirect the portions of light, and a third part which receives the further compressed portions of light from the sections of the second part, and redirects same such that the light is output from the device.

Abstract: A solar tracker apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube.

Abstract: A solar module configured in a frame assembly with multi-configuration attachment member(s), which has locking and unlocking characteristics.

Abstract: The inventive solar heat collection system reduces the risk of damage to heat transfer pipes of a high-temperature heat collection device. The low-temperature heat collection device (1) heats water by sunlight heat to generate steam. The steam-water separation device (4) separates a water-steam two-phase fluid generated in the low-temperature heat collection device into water and steam. The high-temperature heat collection device (5) heats the steam separated by the steam-water separation device by use of heat of sunlight reflected by a plurality of heliostats (8), thereby generating superheated steam. The heliostat control device (13) controls angles of the plurality of heliostats so that metal temperature of the high-temperature heat collection device is maintained not to be higher than a threshold temperature set to prevent overshoot of steam temperature at an outlet of the high-temperature heat collection device.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflector facing in a first direction, a second reflector facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction, and a rotational member having a long axis transverse to the first and second directions, the rotational member disposed between and coupled to each of the first and second reflectors.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure, such as a greenhouse, encloses a concentrated solar power system having line-focus solar energy concentrators. The line-focus solar energy concentrators have a reflective front layer, a core layer, and a rear layer. The core and the rear layers, when bonded with the reflective front layer, enable the line-focus solar energy concentrator, in some embodiments, to retain a particular form without additional strengthening elements. In some embodiments, the core layer and/or the rear layer are formed by removing material from a single piece of material.

Abstract: A stationary radiation focusing device focuses incident radiation onto a movable radiation receiving element. The radiation focusing device is a curved mirror optimally configured to concentrate the reflected solar energy in a circle of focus aligned with the central axis of the mirror. The radiation receiving element constrained to follow a circle of focus associated with a given point(s) on the mirror's surface. A mirror support structure holds fixed the surface of the mirror in a region about the given point(s), and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the mirror at locations removed from the given point(s) flexes the other regions of the mirror in a manner to compensate for focusing error so that solar radiation incident on such other regions is more nearly focused on the radiation receiving element.

Abstract: A water vapor collector assembly, which consists of an optional capillary net, a dome, a water conveying channel, an optional capillary mat, a floatation base, and a water tube anchor, which many of it can be looped together by ropes and tubes and can float on sea surface to take sun rays to generate freshwater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gas compression and expansion that simultaneously serves as storage tank for the compressed gas, and heat exchanger for heat transfer to the environment to maintain near-isothermal conditions.

Abstract: In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus configured with an off-set drive assembly. In an example, the apparatus has an inner race structure, which has a cylindrical region coupled to a main body region, the main body comprising an off-set open region. The cylindrical region is an annular sleeve structure coupled to the main body region, which occupies the spatial region within the cylindrical region. In an example, the apparatus has an outer race structure coupled to enclose the inner race structure, configured to couple the inner race structure to allow the inner race structure to move in a rotational manner about a spatial arc region; and configured to allow the inner race structure to pivot about a region normal to a direction of the spatial arc region. In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly that is configured to pivot a torque tube.

Abstract: A method and a system for positioning an apparatus for monitoring a parameter of one or more parabolic reflectors of a solar thermal field, wherein the method comprises positioning the apparatus at a first field location responsive to the position of the respective parabolic reflector, acquiring information of an absorber tube of the respective parabolic reflector, and positioning the apparatus at the second field location responsive to the information of the absorber tube, the second field location being beyond the focus of the respective parabolic reflector is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a triangular heliostat structure comprising a heliostat drive mounted on a post at each corner of the structure. Embodiments include determining an installation position of a heliostat structure based on the position of an adjacent heliostat structure when a pivotable spacing bar is detachably attached to at least two posts of the heliostat structures and may be based on the heliostat structures comprising three posts in a triangular configuration.

Abstract: A glazing for daylighting and seasonal thermal control, the glazing including a pane defined between an outside-oriented interface and an inside-oriented interface, the pane comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component has a parabolic reflective surface with a focus point located on the second component.

Abstract: An energy capturing device is positionable above a roof of a building, structure, or object. Each of a plurality of lifting components has a short leg with an inner end coupled to the building, structure, or object and has a long leg with an upper end positionable above the building, structure or object. An upper pivot member couples the upper ends of the long legs to the energy capturing device. A lower pivot member pivots the energy capturing device between a raised operative orientation above the building, structure, or object and a lowered inoperative orientation beneath the building, structure, or object. A control system allows positioning the energy capturing device with respect to the building, structure, or object.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for determining an unsafe region and a safe target in a central receiver solar power plant by projecting the geometry of the central receiver onto a plane image using a perspective transform as seen from the perspective of a heliostat, dilating the geometry of the central receiver in the plane image by a safety margin, and selecting a set of safe target points for the heliostat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the mounting and single-axis solar position tracking of a plurality of tracking units arranged successively in the north-south direction for solar panels having multiple drive units for this solar position tracking, wherein each tracking unit consists of a supporting framework for two adjacent solar panel assemblies each having multiple solar panels, which are installed on panel carriers, each have an associated main support shaft and a drive unit, wherein each main support shaft is connected at the ends to a main support receptacle in each case, the imaginary longitudinal axis through all main support receptacles forms the overall axis of rotation of the device, wherein the overall axis of rotation can have a bend, the drive unit is connected to two directly adjacent main support receptacles, so that a drive unit communicates in each case with two main support shafts, and causes the tracking of both solar panel assemblies from east to west and back by extending o

Abstract: A solar propelled aircraft which has a wing having solar cell modules mounted therein includes: first solar cell modules which are positioned in a wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and receive solar energy directly from the sun; second solar cell modules which are positioned in a main wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and supplied with directed energy from the earth; and rotating shafts which rotate the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules so that the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules correspond to each other in both directions. The first solar cell module at the upper surface obtains solar energy from the sun, and the second solar cell module at the lower surface obtains directed energy transferred from the earth.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a solar fluid preheating system having a storage heater tank configured to store fluid which is in the process of being heated. The storage heater tank is encased by a cover, thereby creating an aperture extending therebetween. In another aspect, the solar fluid preheating system includes a nanoimprint lithographic layer having a plurality of nanolenses configured to concentrate and accelerate solar radiation rays. In a further aspect, the solar fluid preheating system includes a fluid vacuum system in fluidic commutation with the storage heater tank.

Abstract: A center of gravity Q1 of a mirror structure 31, which has a plurality of mirrors 32, is located between the plurality of mirrors 32. A driving mechanism 40 that rotates the mirror structure 31 includes a first rotational shaft 52 that has a first rotational axis A1 as a central axis and is supported by a supporting base 80 to be rotatable, a first drive device 60 that rotates the first rotational shaft 52, a second rotational shaft 42 that has the mirror structure 31 fixed thereto, has a second rotational axis A2 which is orthogonal to the first rotational axis A1 as a central axis, and is mounted on the first rotational shaft 52 to be rotatable, and a second drive device 45 that rotates the second rotational shaft 42. The center of gravity Q1 of the mirror structure 31 is located in the first rotational shaft 52 and in the second rotational shaft 42.

Abstract: A solar receiver with a longitudinal axis, including an absorber, a beam extending over an entire length of the solar receiver and configured to suspend the receiver in the power plant, a protective envelope mounted around the beam and including a thermal insulator surrounding the beam, the protective envelope configured to protect the beam from heating due to solar flux, the beam and the protective envelope configured to slide one with respect to the other along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained, solar power system comprised of a plurality of individual solar power arrays, each array being contained within a transportable frame. Each array is folded into a frame during transportation. Upon reaching a desired location, the frame is positioned at a desired location. The frame then acts as a base while its solar power array is activated and deployed. The array has the capability of tracking the position of the sun during deployment. Each frame has a global positioning system (GPS) and a controller containing a chart of sun locations for a given location. The controller positions a frame's solar array to maximize the array's exposure to the sun. Each frame has a battery system, enabling a frame's solar array to self-start after a period of darkness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar furnace. In particular, this invention relates to a solar furnace which is capable of raising the temperature of transfer medium. In use, the heated transfer medium can be used to generate electricity or put to other work, such as, for example, air conditioning, pasteurisation or desalination. In fact, for any situation that requires a source to generate work or power. The present invention describes a solar furnace for raising the temperature of a heat transfer medium, comprising a lens array for admitting incident thermal and solar energy onto a reflector portion and a pressure vessel. The reflector portion being generally shaped so as to concentrate said solar energy onto said pressure vessel. The pressure vessel having an inlet through which said heat transfer medium is injected and a central core which defines a continuous heat transfer path for said heat transfer medium to contact the surface of said pressure vessel and exit said pressure vessel at an outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar assisted combined cycle power plant having a compressor that pressurizes combustion air, a combustor that mixes and burns the combustion air and gas turbine fuel to generate a high-temperature combustion gas, a gas turbine that drives the compressor by using the combustion gas, an exhaust heat recovery steam generator that obtains steam from thermal energy of a gas exhausted from the gas turbine, and a steam turbine that is driven by using the steam obtained by the exhaust heat recovery steam generator. The solar assisted combined cycle power plant includes a solar collector to turn supplied water to warm water; a heat accumulator that stores pressurized hot water from the solar collector and the exhaust heat recovery steam generator; and a spray device that handles the pressurized hot water as spray water and sprays the spray water onto the air to be taken into the compressor.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system comprises a frame for mounting the system on a suitable substrate and a plurality of solar panels disposed adjacent to one another on the frame. A first set of the solar panels are movable relative to a second set of the solar panels, for tracking movement of the sun during the day. Solar panels of the first set are arranged in alternating fashion with solar panels of the second set. In some embodiments of the invention, the panels in the second set of solar panels are stationary. The second set of solar panels, in some embodiments, are disposed substantially flat, relative to the frame and the substrate on which the frame is mounted. In some embodiments, differing from those in which the second set of solar panels are stationary, the second set of solar panels may be arranged to be movable relative to the first set of solar panels.