Abstract: A solar concentrator comprising at least one rigid parabolic self-supporting solar collector comprising at least one parabolic reflector and at least one heat collector rigidly supported above a reflective surface of the parabolic reflector; and a positioning unit configured for positioning the solar collector into an operation position for reception of solar beams by the parabolic reflector, and into a rest position in which the reflective surface of said parabolic reflector and the heat collector are at least partly under cover of a back surface of the parabolic reflector.

Abstract: A tracker drive system is provided for rotatably driving one or more objects, for example solar panels or other equipment. The system comprises a torque element mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, wherein the torque element can support one or more objects for rotation therewith about the generally horizontal axis; a lever arm connected with the torque element, the lever arm being movable to rotate the torque element; a movable drive member that is drivable by a drive mechanism; and a dynamic coupler coupling the drive member with the lever arm such that the lever arm is drivable by the drive member to rotate the torque element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy convertor/concentrator system (4) for directly converting solar energy into electric and/or thermal energy, containing at least one energy convertor. The aim of the invention is to provide at least one concentrating optic (5) for concentrating incident solar light (8) onto an absorber module (7).

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for collecting electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. One embodiment of a solar concentration system comprises at least one collector panel, the panel comprising a frame and a plurality of moveable reflector elements mounted therewithin, the plurality of movable reflector elements configured to rotate in unison about a set of parallel first axes and in unison about a second axis relative to an electromagnetic radiation source. The system further comprises at least one receiver comprising a support member and a plurality of energy conversion cells positioned along the support member, each energy conversion cell having an electromagnetic radiation concentrator protruding therefrom, the concentrator comprising an optical element and an entry aperture at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.

Abstract: A solar-thermal concentrator for a expeditionary power generator system including a portable power plant that utilizes a hybridized solar/fuel Stirling engine to supply electric power in an expeditionary setting. The concentrator includes a collapsible dish assembly that is pivotably and tiltably mounted on a portable base assembly, where the dish assembly includes a lightweight frame including a central mounting structure and multiple truss-like radial arms that are rigidly connected to and extend radially from the central mounting structure, and a reflector panel assembly including multiple flat, fan-shaped reflector panels that are secured to the frame and disposed in a semi-circular pattern. Each reflector panel includes multiple reflectors that collectively form a substantially flat Fresnelized reflective surface that redirects incident sunlight into a focal region. The power plant is maintained in the focal region by a support structure that extends perpendicular to the flat reflective surface.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar tracker with parabolic concentrator, comprising a parabolic concentrator (1) formed by a composition of mirrors (4) focused towards a Stirling engine (3), the mirrors (4) being located on a bearing structure (5), with securing by means of anchors (6) which allow a regulation in a vertical direction, in a lateral direction and in a depth direction, whereas the Stirling engine (3) is secured on the same bearing structure (5) by means of ties (10) which are attached to said Stirling engine (3) by means of two securing elements which can be adjusted in length, the bearing structure (5) being formed by parallel vertical lattices (14) comprising in their formation sheet metal boxes attached to one another by means of other intermediate sheet metal boxes.

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly for mounting one or more solar tracking units, which can be adapted for use with various solar energy modules such as photovoltaic modules and heliostat mirrors, is provided. Each assembly comprises a frame of four sides connected at leg assemblies, each leg assembly being adapted for mounting a solar tracking unit. The frame may be configured as an oblique-angled, rhombus or diamond frame with a cross member extending between the closer-spaced leg assemblies. A set of frames may be arranged in the field with adjacent sides of adjacent frames being parallel, with spacing arms of predefined lengths interconnecting adjacent pairs of frames, to provide a desired hexagonal grid spacing.

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly for mounting one or more solar tracking units, which can be adapted for use with various solar energy modules such as photovoltaic modules and heliostat mirrors, is provided. Each assembly comprises a frame of four sides connected at leg assemblies, each leg assembly being adapted for mounting a solar tracking unit. The frame may be configured as an oblique-angled, rhombus or diamond frame with a cross member extending between the closer-spaced leg assemblies. A set of frames may be arranged in the field with adjacent sides of adjacent frames being parallel, with spacing arms of predefined lengths interconnecting adjacent pairs of frames, to provide a desired staggered spacing.

Abstract: Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated soar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.

Abstract: The solar-based power generator is a system for producing usable electricity from water, which is heated through concentration of ambient, environmental light. The generator includes a reservoir having an open upper end. The reservoir receives a volume of water therein. A convex lens is mounted on an upper edge of the reservoir. The convex lens covers the open upper end. A steam output port is in fluid communication with a steam-based electrical generator. The convex lens concentrates ambient light on the water stored within the reservoir, thus heating the water and to converting the liquid water to steam. Additionally, a methane-burning electrical generator is in communication with the reservoir. Pollutants in the water produce methane during heating and decomposition, which is burned by the methane-burning electrical generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar panel device that comprises a fixed anchoring holder (10), which includes at least one mobile panel holder (20) bearing at least one solar panel (30, 31), at least three jacks (40, 41, 42) with a jack body connected to the anchoring holder and a mobile rod capable of translation in said body, and at least three ball and socket joints (50, 51, 52). Each ball and socket joint is connected (i) to the mobile panel holder and (ii to the rod of the jacks, and the mobile panel holder (i) is capable of translation and (ii) can be oriented according to the respective position of the rods of the at least three jacks. The invention can particularly be used for producing electricity in residential housings.

Abstract: A sun-chasing device is provided, including a base, a first transmitter disposed on the base, a second transmitter, a support, a carrier pivotally connected to the support for carrying a solar module, a first supporting component pivotally connected to the first transmitter and the carrier, and a second supporting component pivotally connected to the second transmitter and the carrier. The sun-chasing device has great rigidity and carrying ability against strong wind, and has great precision and rotation angle, such that a solar plate can precisely aim at sun for long time and thus the efficiency of a solar module is significantly increased.

Abstract: A concentrator having a reflective surface (1) and a pair of flexible members (2) supporting the deformable reflective surface so as to define its shape. A mechanism (3) is movably mounted to a vertical support and has one end of each of the flexible members (2) attached thereto. A controller drives rotation-changing linkage and tension-varying linkage so as to move the mechanism (3) to impart a toric shaped curvature on the reflective surface (1). This toric shaped curvature minimizes astigmatic aberration due to obliquely incident radiation and changes as the solar point moves throughout the day.

Abstract: A solar panel mount that tilts the panel about one or more axes toward the direction facing the sun when it is shining, through the action of one or more mechanical means, each effecting tilt about at least one of the axes, and each responding to a particular direction of sunlight with respect to the base or panel, through directionally-sensitive solar radiation absorbing means. In one set of preferred embodiments the mechanical means are length-changing actuators in which a temperature-responsive working fluid drives levers to lift a side of the panel. In a second set of embodiments, the mechanical means are tension-changing actuators in which temperature-responsive folded springs retract to pull the panel to a side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: A sun tracking solar energy collection system can include torque tubes formed with a plurality of rotatable shafts connected to each other in an end to end fashion. The ends of the shafts can be connected with coupling devices in the form of an integrated coupling flange and mounting devices. The coupling flange can include a mounting surface that extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. Additionally, the coupling flange can include a coupling face that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so as to provide a mating face for an adjacent coupling flange to transmit torque from one shaft to another. The mounting flanges can be used to support devices such as solar energy collection devices including photovoltaic modules or other devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present racking system uses space frame technology to minimize materials while maximizing strength. The rack has multi-position racking capability, using a simple swing arm and pin system to move the solar array into an optimum position for the appropriate time of the year.

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprises a pair of concentric reflectors having a spindle toroid geometry for focusing the collected solar radiation into a ring-shaped focal area, as opposed to the “point” or “line” focus of prior art configurations. In a preferred embodiment, each reflector is formed of a plurality of curved petals that are disposed in a contiguous, keystone arrangement that requires no additional fixturing to hold the petals in place. Such an arrangement reduces the weight, complexity and cost of the final solar concentrator structure.

Abstract: Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes a reactor having a reaction zone, a reactant source coupled in fluid in communication with the reactant zone, and a solar concentrator having at least one concentrator surface positionable to direct solar energy to a focal area. The system can further include an actuator coupled to the solar concentrator to move the solar concentrator relative to the sun, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator. The controller can be programmed with instructions that direct the actuator to position the solar concentrator to focus the solar energy on the reaction zone when the solar energy is above a threshold level, and point to a location in the sky having relatively little radiant energy to cool an object when the solar energy is below the threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a one-axis solar tracker system and apparatus which is simple to install, lower cost and with the provision of an electric-magnetic locking device to resist from medium to strongest wind condition like hurricane or typhoon. Solar farms is more and more popular to use one-axis tracker due to lower cost, higher wind resistance and easier for large scale solar farm installation, especially at lower latitude tropic zones. This disclosure proposes a one-axis tracker with multiple posts support using a single or dual linear actuators driving mechanism for rotation. It is also equipped with a wind lock device to lock the solar tracker in horizontal neutral position during strong wind condition such as hurricane or typhoon. The stepwise wind lock device can further be applied to locking the solar tracker following each step of linear actuator activation enabling the disclosed solar tracker to operate in windy conditions.

Abstract: A solar power plant includes central receiver modules arranged in a regular pattern. Each central receiver module includes a tower, a central receiver mounted on the tower, and a heliostat array bounded by a polygon. The heliostat array includes heliostats with mirrors for reflecting sunlight to the central receiver. The heliostats are grouped in linear rows and each of the rows is parallel to another row. The locations of the heliostats are staggered between adjacent rows. The power plant also includes a power block for aggregating power from the central receivers and power conduits for transferring power from the central receivers to the power block.

Abstract: A solar system for collecting solar energy, adapted to be rapidly assembled on site. The modular solar system includes a solar energy collector-assembly, having two wings of collectors, arranged in at least one row. The modular solar system further includes an energy-receiving-module, having a receiver unit, adapted to absorb the solar energy, a shaft, a support structure, a stand, disposed on rigid surface, a control-subsystem, a motor and a sun-following mechanism coupled to operate with the control-subsystem. The receiver unit has a diameter dr, wherein collected energy directed at the external surface of the receiver unit forms a pair of solar energy strips, each strip having a width de, such that de<dr. The solar system may be shipped by land vehicles inside one standard container, wherein each major component is light weight, and can be lifted by two workers.

Abstract: A solar generator unit for converting sunlight, having a mirror array, a light converter, support designed to hold the mirror array, and a tracking unit for causing the mirror array to track the sun position. The light converter is arranged above the mirror array and the concentrated light strikes a receiver surface of the light converter. The support has an essentially horizontal first shaft with a first radial bearing point and a second radial bearing point arranged on mutually opposite sides of the mirror array. A third radial bearing point accommodates a second shaft that is essentially perpendicular to the first shaft is flange-mounted between the first bearing point and the second bearing point so that the axis of rotation of the second shaft is pivoted along with a rotation of the first shaft, and the mirror array is connected in a non-positive way to the second shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a number of platforms and a number of beams. The number of platforms has a first side and a second side. Each platform in the number of platforms is comprised of a number of devices. The number of beams is connected to the second side of the number of platforms at a plurality of connection points. The plurality of connection points is configured such that an orientation of the number of platforms remains substantially unchanged in response to a load on the number of platforms.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the alignment of a heliostat with respect to a receiver, wherein an image sensor device is arranged on a mirror device of the heliostat, wherein the heliostat is aligned by the image sensor device using image recognition in such a way that a first angle of a first vector pointing towards the sun, relative to a prescribed vector of the mirror device, and a second angle of a second vector pointing towards a prescribed target area of the receiver, relative to the prescribed vector, are in a relationship to each other which is dependent upon the prescribed vector of the mirror device, and wherein images of the sun and the prescribed target area and their position relative to the prescribed vector are determined.

Abstract: Provided is a solar collector assembly that can be manufactured, assembled, and maintained efficiently. A number of arrays that include one or more reflective material formed in a parabolic shape can be attached to a backbone. The backbone is attached to a polar support that is positioned at or near the center of gravity for the solar collector assembly. The polar support at or near the center of gravity allows the entire assembly to be tilted, rotated and/or lowered for various purposes (e.g., service, maintenance, safety). The solar collector assembly can be transported as modular units and/or in a partially assembled state.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.

Abstract: A solar heat storage and high temperature gas generating system comprises a sun-tracking light concentrating device (1), a heat storage tank (2) and a heat exchange device (3), with the working medium being flowing sand (5). The flowing sand (5) is heated by the sun-tracking light concentrating device (1), and is transported into the heat storage tank (2). The flowing sand (5) is exported from the heat storage tank (2) steadily, thereby transferring heat to the high pressure gas or liquid (6) which is to be heated in the heat exchange device (3) and generating high temperature and pressure gas. The system has the advantages of good heat storage effect, large heat storage volume, high heat exchange efficiency and low operation cost.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sample chamber constructed according to a design certified by the Department of Transportation for transporting fluids at a first pressure P1. A cylindrical sample compartment exists within the sample chamber. The sample compartment is designed to withstand the pressure P1. The cylindrical sample compartment has a cylindrical inner surface with a radius r and a height h. A hollow cylindrical sleeve is secured to the cylindrical inner surface of the sample compartment and has a wall of thickness t. The sample chamber is capable of transporting fluids at a second pressure P2. P2 is higher than P1.

Abstract: Solar tracker comprising a pedestal (1) upon which a structural support (10) is fixed for a reflective surface (15), which comprises: a fixed base (2) anchored to the floor, which comprises a flat upper surface (7) with an opening, a vertical axis mechanical rotation element (3) arranged in the opening of the flat surface (7) of the fixed base (2) and fixed to the pedestal (1) and an azimuthal rotation actuator cylinder (4) of the structural support (10), comprising a first end fixed to the floor by an anchoring means (16, 2) and a second end fixed to the mechanical rotation element (3) by fixation means, the mechanical rotation means being configured in such a way that when the actuator cylinder carries out its movement, the mechanical rotation element transmits the rotational movement of the second end of the actuator cylinder to the pedestal (1).

Abstract: There is disclosed a dual axis tracking system (200) comprising a support structure (300) for supporting at least one solar device (1); a movable carriage frame (353) pivotally coupled to the support structure (300); at least one carrier arm (351) pivotally coupled to the support structure (300) and to the movable carriage frame (353). Each carrier arm (351) is adapted to hold or support a plurality of carrier arms (351) and other solar devices such as reflecting means or the likes. A motion assembly (352) pivotally coupled to the carriage frame (353) for providing movements to the carriage frame (353) and the carrier arm (351); wherein the motion assembly (352) comprises at least one telescopic member (352a) and a track assembly (352b). The orientations or movements of the solar devices (1) are generally in response to the motions provided by the motion assembly (352) in cooperation with the carriage frame (353) and the carrier arm (351).

Abstract: The invention is a wind resistant celestial tracking apparatus that uses gravitational forces acting on the moving elements of the structure to provide overturning resistance. A molded self curing compound, such as reinforced concrete, is used as the structural material that provides the mass, and thus the gravitational overturning resistance that reduces or eliminates the need for a massive ballasted or dug-in foundation. The combination of these features potentially lowers cost significantly over that of tracking apparatuses found in prior art. The invention is appropriate for use in any celestial tracking application with any number of axes of motion, but is particularly useful in two axis solar energy collection systems.

Abstract: A solar tracking apparatus comprises an array frame assembly adapted to support at least one solar collecting product, rotation means to enable the array frame assembly to rotate to at least track the sun from east to west over a fixed primary axis of rotation, and adjustment means to enable the array frame assembly to be adjusted relative to the primary axis of rotation to allow for seasonal changes in the sun's elevation and changes in the sun's declination throughout each day.

Abstract: A solar trough system of the invention comprises at least one trough-shaped reflector surface (1) directing beams coming from the sun to the focal axis (F); at least one thermal receiver (2) disposed at the focal axis (F) and extending along the reflector (1). Furthermore, the system comprises at least one first arm (L1) and a second arm (L2), one end of each of which are connected to two fixed points (P1, P2) with swivel joint; at least one third arm (L3) which is connected to the other ends of these two arms (L, L2) from two points (P3, P4) with swivel joint wherein the thermal receiver (2) is connected with swivel joint to a linear movement point (E1) on the third arm (L3) which moves with rotation of the first and second arms (L1, L2).

Abstract: [Problem] To present a solar heat collecting pipe capable of enhancing the heat collecting efficiency by suppressing the dissipation of energy transmitted to the heat medium passing through the inside of an inner pipe. [Solving Means] In the solar heat collecting pipe 1 including the inner pipe 11 for receiving sunlight collected by the light collecting mechanism 2, and transmitting energy to the heat medium 14 passing through the inside, and the outer pipe 12 covering the outer circumference of the inner pipe 11, a solar heat absorbing film 11a is applied in a portion exposed to sunlight of the inner pipe 11 of the solar heat collecting pipe 1 (the portion exposed to the reflected light of the sunlight at least on the surface of the inner pipe 11, and a heat reflecting film 11b is applied in a portion not exposed to sunlight from the light collecting mechanism 2.

Abstract: A receiver for a solar power generation plant with a plurality of heliostats is provided. The solar receiver is mounted above the heliostats on a tower and faces downwardly towards the heliostats. The solar receiver includes a plurality of receiver modules mounted on a frame which allows individual columns of receiver modules to pivot inwardly and into the tower for service.

Abstract: [Problem] To present a solar heat collecting device capable of enhancing the heat collecting efficiency by effectively utilizing the sunlight entering an area near the end part of the reflector at the opposite side of the direction of location of the sun. [Solving Means] In the solar heat collecting device for collecting the reflected light of sunlight Sb1, Sb2 entering a trough type reflector 1 having a parabolic section to a heat collecting pipe 2 erected at a position of focus of the reflector 1, and transmitting energy to a heat medium passing inside of the heat collecting pipe 2, the solar heat collecting device is installed so that central axis L1 of the reflector 1 may be directed along the north-south axis, and a plane reflector 3 is disposed orthogonally to central axis L1, at the end part of the reflector 1 at the opposite side of the direction of location of the sun.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in orientable solar panel array systems of the type of solar panel arrays comprising a plurality of panels (1) for capturing solar radiation, arranged on a bearing structure pivotally assembled with respect to a horizontal tube (3), which in turn is rotatably assembled on the end of a support column (2), the structure bearing the panels (1) comprising two parallel trusses (4) on which trusses a series of longitudinal profiles with a C-shaped cross-section are transversely arranged, on which longitudinal profiles sliding profiles (6) with a square cross-section having an open groove in the upper part are perpendicularly arranged, on which sliding profiles the panels (1) are fastened.

Abstract: An integrated alternative energy roofing panel incorporates an array of solar concentrator tubes interconnected with transparent web to form a joined plate supported in frame elements with an attached working fluid manifold. The working fluid in the manifold is operatively in contact with the solar concentrator tubes for transferring heat from the tubes. In one exemplary construction, each of the solar concentrator tubes terminates in a conducting metal sleeve which extends beyond the frame element into the manifold. A safety glass panel is attached to one frame element beneath the joined plate. The joined plate and safety glass panel may be sealed to the frame elements to form a chamber and the chamber may be evacuated. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in the web for supplemental lighting. An array of photovoltaic cells mounted to a top surface of the manifold and a battery are interconnected for powering the LEDs.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector that includes a target, a plurality of mirror assemblies, and a master tracking assembly that controls the mirror assemblies is disclosed. The mirror assemblies are fixed at a plurality of distinct locations with respect to the target, each mirror assembly includes a moveable mirror and a tracking assembly. Each tracking assembly includes a target member, a sun member, and a tracking actuator. The target member is fixed relative to the target such that the target member points at the target. The sun member is moveable relative to the target such that when the sun member points to the sun, light from the sun is reflected onto the target. The master tracking assembly moves each of the sun members such that the sun members simultaneously point at the sun. The tracking actuators are mechanical devices that are coupled to the master tracking assembly by a mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for heating a fluid has an extended solar reflector with a plurality of reflective concave steps, each step having an apex offset vertically and horizontally from a reflector apex of the reflector. A conduit through which the fluid flows is positioned along a common focal line of each step, preferably on an underside of the conduit. A framework is fixed with the reflector and conduit and is adapted for holding the reflector and conduit in a fixed mutual relationship. In use, with the reflector positioned towards the sun, rays from the sun reflect from each step to concentrate along the focal line on the conduit to heat the fluid.

Abstract: We present an improved system for solar energy collection and electricity generation, comprising a solar collector apparatus, said apparatus comprising an array of square Fresnel lenses arranged in rows with modular energy absorption devices located below, wherein the array is mounted on arms at a low height above ground, the rows of said array are rotatable horizontally about their lengthwise axis, and the array is mounted on a rotatable base The system further comprises transportable insulated storage tanks containing a storage medium, Stirling engines and generators. The solar collection apparatus heats the storage medium, the storage medium supplies the Stirling engines with heat, and each engine is coupled to a generator. In a preferred embodiment, the system additionally comprises embedded controllers using real-time algorithms providing smart on-the-fly management of the system.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a light concentrator apparatus including a reflector with an open substantially hemispherical reflecting surface characterized by a radius R, and an aperture for admitting light onto the hemispherical reflecting surface. The light concentrator apparatus further includes a movable elongated light collector having a first end located proximal to the reflecting surface; and extending along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially normal to the reflecting surface to a second end. The light concentrator further includes a tracker configured to move the first end of the collector to points proximal to the reflecting surface.

Abstract: A tracking system for a solar collector assembly array where the tracking system includes a coplanar circular rim structure including multiple circular rims, where each circular rim is fitted around a respective solar collector and where each solar collector has a general shape of a sealed and inflated cylindrical tube housing having a longitudinal center axis and where each solar collector is in a horizontal planar array with respect to each other. The tracking system further includes a first elongated frame structure for supporting the circular rim structure such that all of the circular rims are generally vertically coplanar with one another. The tracking system further includes a cable serially wrapped around each of the respective circular rims to form a closed cable loop where the wrapped cable forms a series of a generally vertical coplanar loops with each loop contacting around a respective rim structure such that at least one generally complete gripping loop is formed on each respective rim.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a solar tracker that is a simple 2 axis system that can be powered with integrated stepping motors and lead screw actuators that provides the necessary structural support and 2 degrees of freedom in the motion of the solar collector, to increase the electrical output of the system. Since the solution is designed for use with only one solar panel the mechanical forces such as wind load are much lower and easier to manage. The disclosed invention is also a solar tracker that is a single axis version where the base is fixed and the elevation is set at an average value for the location and pivoting mechanism operates the azimuth axis. Since the dominant energy improvement comes from tracking the azimuth, this would be a likely solution where a lower cost or less complex system is desired.