Abstract: At least some of the heliostats can be arranged and operated in such a manner that the maintenance vehicle can pass through the solar field along conditional pathways. The arrangement and control of the heliostats to allow access to heliostats by a maintenance vehicle can enable different heliostat patterns as compared with conventional arrangements. In particular, heliostats in one section of the solar field, which may be less geometrically efficient, can be arranged at a higher density as compared to heliostat in another section of the solar field. In addition, the locations of heliostats in various sections of the field can be optimized based on ground coverage as viewed from a vantage point in the solar tower and/or revenue generation without constraining the locations to particular line or arc patterns.

Abstract: A film mirror for reflecting sunlight includes a polymer film substrate, a reflective layer including silver coating, and a protective coating layer in sequence from the incident side of sunlight. The reflective layer is formed by coating and calcining (firing) a coating liquid containing a silver complex compound.

Abstract: An optical concentrator having a concentrating element for collecting input light, a redirecting element for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so the optics can provide illumination.

Abstract: A linear trough concentrates sunlight through a long target window in a greenhouse's roof or north wall. Heat is stored in a geothermal heat bank below the greenhouse's center, where a thermal skirt around the greenhouse reduces heat loss.

Abstract: An energy collecting module for assembling, together with a plurality of similar energy collecting module, a modular energy collecting system. The energy collecting module comprises a fluid channel having a lumen for conducting fluid from a first connectable opening to a second connectable opening and an energy collecting element mounted in front of the fluid channel for concentrating radiation along the fluid channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar energy system including a tower having a solar radiation receiver, the solar radiation receiver including a plurality of tubes carrying a heat-transfer medium and a drum, the drum in thermal communication with the tubes, and one or more mirrors configured to reflect solar radiation onto the receiver, wherein the receiver receives the reflected solar radiation from the mirrors, thereby heating the heat transfer medium and vaporizing the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A solar tower system including an array of individually controlled carousel-type heliostats, where each heliostat includes a rotatable D-shaped carousel, a mirror array including horizontal, elongated flat mirrors supported in a tiltable (e.g., louvered) arrangement on the carousel, and a mirror positioning system that is disposed next to the carousel and controls the tilt position of each mirror and a rotational position of the carousel to reflect light onto a solar receiver. The heliostats are arranged in a closely-spaced (e.g., square or hexagonal) pattern that both maximizes the effective ground coverage ratio of solar power harvesting system and facilitates the formation of service pathways that allow access to any of the heliostats in the array (e.g., by aligning the straight peripheral wall portions of adjacent carousels in parallel with each other).

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 system architecture for large concentrated solar power applications that increases heliostat utilization efficiency and land utilization efficiency is described. Embodiments of the invention include a large heliostat field in which are distributed a number of receiving locations, and wherein there is the assignment of heliostats to receiving locations is dynamic. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically targeting heliostats to receiving locations wherein the target determination process is performed frequently during operation and wherein such dynamic targeting can be utilized to various ends. Embodiments of the invention include configurations wherein cosine losses associated with heliostat pointing are significantly reduced, wherein heliostats may be closely packed without incurring substantial shadowing and blocking losses thereby significantly increasing land utilization, and wherein other benefits are realized.

Abstract: A solar absorber module is described. The module has a housing with a longitudinal axis with a first tapered housing section with a first, free end, and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end, and with a second housing section adjoining the second end of the first housing section with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. The module also has a ceramic solar absorber element accommodated in the first end of the first housing section with a first surface that can be oriented toward the solar radiation with an axis of symmetry, and a second surface lying across from the first surface, wherein the solar absorber element has a large number of substantially straight channels connecting the first surface to the second surface. The solar absorber module is accommodated in the first end of the first housing section such that the axis of symmetry of the first surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: The aim is to add a device to vacuum-tube solar collectors so as to prevent overheating thereof. FIG. 1 shows an illustration summarizing the invention applied, in this case, to a vacuum-tube collector of the type consisting of a single glass tube (1) with heat pipe (2) centred inside the glass tube (1) and making contact with heat-absorbing fins (6).

Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.

Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator including a light-guiding slab containing a luminescent material that generates light emissions in response to received sunlight, spaced-apart outcoupling structures that provide a distributed outcoupling of the light emissions through predetermined locations on one of the “broadside” (e.g., upper or lower) surfaces of the light-guiding slab, and optical elements positioned to redirect the outcoupled light emissions such that the light emissions are concentrated onto a predetermined target (e.g., a PV cell). Each optical element includes a collimating surface portion and optional returner surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar collection apparatus and a steam generator including the same. The solar collection apparatus includes a housing having an open upper surface; a dual glass plate coupled with the upper surface of the housing and formed therein with a storage space for receiving and storing water, in which solar light is transmitted through the dual glass plate; a first mirror fixed to a lower surface of the housing to collect and reflect the solar light transmitted through the dual glass plate; a second mirror fixed in the housing to reflect the solar light reflected from the first mirror; and an optical fiber having a first end located in the housing to receive the solar light reflected from the second mirror and a second end connected to a place of use to transmit the solar light to the place of use.

Abstract: A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which to reciprocally rotate the platform; b) a first container located on the platform on one side and a second container located on the other side of the platform; c) a solar reflector located adjacent each container; d) a connecting tube connecting the first and second containers; e) an evaporative fluid contained within at least one of the containers; f) a roof above the platform with a window located above each of the containers; g) shutter devices at each of the windows; and b) shutter device controls to activate the shutter devices to present alternating exposure of sunlight and shading at each of the containers to effect reciprocal movement.

Abstract: A system for heating liquid using solar radiation, includes a plurality of solar panels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), at least one reservoir for heated liquid and pipes for circulating liquid between the respective solar panel and the at least one liquid reservoir, the liquid circulating by gravity circulation. The present system is characterized in that a non-return valve (17) for controlling the flow of heated liquid from the respective solar panel is placed in a portion of the circulation pipe between the upper end of the solar panel and the at least one liquid reservoir, the non-return valve (17) being adapted to open and close at a predetermined pressure in the liquid flow from the solar panel.

Abstract: A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tracking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.

Abstract: A parabolic trough solar collector system has a parabolic reflector used with an independently supported collector tube. The parabolic reflector has a reflective surface formed on a reflective surface support structure, supported by a circular support beam. This assembly rests on a plurality of support and drive rollers supported by a roller support arm, supported by a roller support column. The parabolic reflector assembly rotates against the rollers along a single axis to maintain a focus line of the parabolic reflector surface at the same location as the center of the circle described by the outer edge of the circular support beam. Located at this same focus line is the independently supported collector tube not attached to the parabolic trough reflector. The collector tube is supported on pipe roller hangers, which in turn are supported by a wire catenary system connected to support towers which straddle the parabolic reflector.

Abstract: The invention involves a time dependent method for reducing cosine loss from heliostat fields in receiver system solar power plants with not one but multiple towers and multiple receivers. In this method heliostats change which tower mounted receiver they aim reflected Sun rays through day times to reduce cosine loss. In preferred embodiments a field of heliostats of several tens of acres has many towers and receivers. These systems are called dynamic distributed tower receiver systems (DDTRS).

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: A solar canopy system includes support towers and an upper canopy suspended therefrom, the upper canopy forming a catenary shape. A method of generating electricity includes deploying mirrors upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, to focus sunlight on a Dewar tube containing a heat transfer fluid, utilizing heat from the sunlight collected within the heat transfer fluid to generate steam, and generating the electricity with a turbine powered by the steam. A method of generating electricity includes deploying first and second photovoltaic cell grids upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, the second grid being movable relative to the first grid. The method also includes positioning the second grid with respect to the first grid so as to maximize light collection and electricity generation during daylight hours, and repositioning the grids so as to maximize transparency of the canopy during nighttime hours.

Abstract: A solar receiver assembly includes a tube adapted to carry a heat transfer medium and a glass envelope surrounding the tube and having opposed ends. An interface is disposed between each end and the tube so as to seal and support the tube from the envelope. And the receiver includes a prism disposed over the interface to divert incident radiation away from the interface and toward the tube and/or the glass envelope. The prisms may be provided with reflective and/or anti-reflective coatings to further optimize diversion of radiation from the interface.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a low-cost and easy-to-operate solution for adjusting the curvature and the focal length of an adjustable reflector, which may include a curved plate, a rotation member, and a contour adjustor. The curved plate may have a curvature. The rotation member may engage the curved plate and rotate the curved plate about an axis and to an angular position. The contour adjustor may have an adjustment surface contacting the curved plate, such that it may cooperate with the rotation member to adjust the curvature of the curved plate according to the angular position of the curved plate. Advantageously, the contour adjustor may have a low manufacturing cost and a low installation cost. The contour adjustor may operate without relying on additional control circuitry because it may perform its intended function while the curved plate is being rotated.

Abstract: A solar light collecting device includes: a rectangular-shaped frame-like body 22 supported by a strut body 21 so as to be tiltable in a vertical plane; a flexible reflecting mirror 24 having two side edges 22a held by the frame-like body 22 and a quasi-parabolic cross section along the short sides thereof to reflect solar light; and a tilting cylinder device 25 which tilts the frame-like body 22 according to the altitude of the sun and guides the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 24 to a heat collecting device disposed at the focal point of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror. A curve adjusting device 27 contacts the rear surface of the reflecting mirror 24 according to the tilting position of the reflecting mirror 24 to change the degree of curve of the reflecting surface.

Abstract: A solar energy device includes a first prism with a dichroic surface and a reflective surface opposite the dichroic surface. A first solar cell is positioned to receive light rays passing through the dichroic surface. A second solar cell positioned to receive light rays from the reflective surface.

Abstract: A solar concentration system and a solar collection and concentration system both comprising a wave generator immersed in a fluid and processes for collecting and/or concentrating solar energy are disclosed. The solar collection and concentration system comprises a vibrating ring or ring assembly (1001), a pole or column (1009), a liquid medium used as a reflective surface, a vibration or actuation element (1001, 1003) and an energy absorption, transfer, or converting element (1019, 1020).

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic assembly which is removably and replaceably mounted on the reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic receptor to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.

Abstract: A parabolic collector for the concentration of solar radiation has a reflective surface which is approximated to an ideal paraboloid and has a number of individual collectors. According to the invention, individual collectors are provided with a pressure cell with a concentrator formed from a flexible film, whereby, under operating pressure conditions, the concentrator is curved differently in a predetermined manner in a first and in a second direction for approximating the ideal paraboloid, such that the radius of curvature in the first direction is greater than that in the second direction. The production method for such a concentrator consists in the fact that the outline of the individual collectors is designed in the outline of the parabolic collector, the true dimensions of the individual collectors being determined from the intersection of cylinders positioned on the outline with the paraboloid of the parabolic collector.

Abstract: A cable ganged heliostat used to focus radiation from a moving source onto a receiver is disclosed. The primary application of such an invention relates to reflecting the radiation from the sun onto a stationary target. The device orients a reflective surface to a position necessary for imaging using a mirror adjustment means. The device may be used singly or in a ganged array. The mirror and mirror adjustment means of the device may be supported by cables.

Abstract: A system and method of arranging a solar cell and reflector to replace a typical solar cell oriented normal to the incoming sunlight inside a module (i.e. parallel to a module's transparent cover plate or opening). The present invention in a preferred embodiment uses a solar cell oriented at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight, and a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight. The solar cell and the mirror are the same length/size and form a V shape where the angle between the sloped sides is 90 degrees. Any light falling normally on the arrangement will hit the solar cell either directly or after reflection. In another embodiment, two adjacent reflectors can be used making angles of around 60 degrees and around 30 degrees with respect to the cover or opening. An alternate embodiment can include a second reflector added to the base of the cell and reflector pairings also at an approximate 45 degree angle with the cover or opening.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a coating composition for surface coating capable of forming a cured coating film layer that protects a reflective substrate of a solar heat-collecting reflective plate and that is excellent in the impact resistance and the weather resistance such as the heat resistance and the water resistance, as well as a solar heat-collecting reflective plate having such a cured coating film layer, and a process for its production. A coating composition for surface coating to be used for the production of a solar heat-collecting reflective plate having a reflective substrate made of metal, which comprises a fluoropolymer (A) having units (A1) derived from a fluoroolefin and units (A2) having a crosslinkable group. Further, a solar heat-collecting reflective plate having a cured coating film layer formed from the coating composition for surface coating, and a process for its production.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a concentrator, particularly a terrestrial solar concentrator to harness the sun's energy, and a tracking system. The concentrator includes a parabolic or other curved reflective surface and an absorber positioned at the focus of the curved reflective surface. Parabolic ribs give shape to the reflective surface. The tracking system includes a rotating, swiveling, or pivoting joint. One or more cables attach to the tracking system. Selectively applying tension to the cables causes the tracking system to rotate, swivel, or pivot at the joint to track an object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar light heat receiver having a heat receiving tube which allows a heat medium to flow through the inside thereof and which transmits the heat of irradiated solar light to the heat medium, the solar light heat receiver being provided with a partition member which divides the inside of the heat receiving tube into a first passage on the light receiving surface side to be irradiated with solar light, and a second passage on the non-light receiving surface side opposite to the first passage in the irradiation direction of solar light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concentrating solar-power systems and, more particularly, beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems. A solar thermal array power system is provided, including a plurality of solar concentrators arranged in pods. Each solar concentrator includes a solar collector, one or more beam-forming elements, and one or more beam-steering elements. The solar collector is dimensioned to collect and divert incoming rays of sunlight. The beam-forming elements intercept the diverted rays of sunlight, and are shaped to concentrate the rays of sunlight into a beam. The steering elements are shaped, dimensioned, positioned, and/or oriented to deflect the beam toward a beam output path. The beams from the concentrators are converted to heat at a receiver, and the heat may be temporarily stored or directly used to generate electricity.

Abstract: A parabolic trough collector includes a parabolic mirror support structure with a parabolic mirror surface applied thereto, and an absorber support structure supporting an absorber tube. The parabolic mirror support structure and the absorber support structure are mechanically fastened in a fixed position relative to one another on a torsion tube that is arranged below the parabolic mirror surface, and mounted together with the parabolic mirror surface in a fashion capable of rotation about a parabolic trough collector longitudinal rotation axis. The torsion tube is arranged such that the parabolic trough collector longitudinal rotation axis coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the torsion tube.

Abstract: This invention presents a trough-shaped solar collector. The solar collector includes a trough-shaped reflector for concentrating incoming solar rays upon a focal axis. The reflector includes a flexible reflective film having a concave reflective surface. The reflective film is braced by a bulkhead-and-rod frame that is disposed inside the concave space created by the reflective surface of the reflective film. The reflective film is placed in longitudinal tension using spring clamps, and is intermediately held against bulkhead members using straps. The solar collector has a variety of support rod patterns to maintain the integrity of the bulkhead-and-rod frame. The solar collector may be collapsed into a smaller space for shipping or storage.

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: Scalable arm assemblies for solar energy collector. In one instance, two end arms of two collectors are formed with identical hubs, end fittings, and bottom fitting but different connectors between hubs and fittings. Separate solar energy collector panels or wings may be interconnected with e.g. an interconnect that is asymmetric in one direction but symmetric in a second direction in cross-section. A solar energy collector may also have a unique sprocket drive system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concentrator for concentrating solar radiation and to the production thereof from polymeric materials. The concentrator according to the invention can be used in photovoltaically or in particular in solar thermally usable systems. The concentrator according to the invention allows for the efficient concentration of solar radiation onto objects such as solar cells, independent of the geometry thereof. This relates, for example, to the surface of a solar cell as it is used in concentrating photovoltaics, and also an absorber tube as it is used in concentrating solar heating, for example in the scope of the parabolic trough technology.

Abstract: A solar collection system is described that includes an elongate central truss angled upward from ground horizontal and mounted on a plurality of ground support legs, a collector subsystem mounted at one end of the central truss, a cross truss perpendicular to the central truss and mounted at an end of the central truss opposite the collector subsystem, and a reflector subsystem mounted on the cross truss. The collector subsystem includes a truncated trapezoid-shaped housing with a front side facing the reflector subsystem, the front side including a glassed-in opening fronting a V-shaped core heat mechanism enclosed within the housing interior that captures reflected photon energy from the reflector subsystem which heats a fluent medium within the V-shaped core heat mechanism for output to an external source for thermal power operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array. Embodiments of the invention include differing ways to support the solar panels by receivers of differing construction. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structure, such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts.

Abstract: The concentrating heat receiver (10) is provided with a casing (41) which has an opening portion (15) into which sunrays are made incident, a heat receiving portion (42) which is accommodated inside the casing (41) so that a working fluid flows therethrough and receive heat from sunrays made incident from the opening portion, thereby raising the temperature of the working fluid, and hanging members (61, 62) in which the upper end sides thereof are coupled to an upper angle (14) and the other end sides thereof are loosely inserted into through holes (44a, 44b) of the casing (41), thereby supporting in a hanging manner the heat receiving portion (42) inside the casing (41).

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.

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: A central distance measuring device, which can be directed at the heliostats, is used to determine the settings of the heliostats of a heliostat field. The distance measuring device measures the space between a plurality of measuring points from the measuring site and, based on this, determines the spatial alignment of the respective heliostat. A computer contains astronomical solar altitude software and controls an actuating device of the heliostat such that the heliostat assumes the alignment intended according to the solar altitude. With the invention, position sensors and/or angle sensors on the individual heliostats are avoided. All heliostats are aligned by a central computer.

Abstract: A solar collector is formed as a compound arrangement of a multiple number of tapered, pyramidal-type structures. This forms an N-stage solar collector, each stage providing a degree of concentration and thus forming an arrangement that is smaller than a single stage collector (while achieving the same amplification factor). The stages are arranged in tandem along a common optical axis, with the output of the first stage becoming the input for the second stage, and so on. It was found that a reduced number of reflections is required, reducing the loss of the overall system.

Abstract: Solar concentrator plant using natural-draught tower technology, in which the tower is, in turn, used as cooling system. The tower houses saturated or superheated steam receivers in cavities with different orientations, with adaptive dynamic control of the heliostat field in order to direct said receivers towards different focusing points, for the production of electricity, process heat or solar fuels or for use in thermochemical processes.

Abstract: A solar concentration plant which uses water/steam as a heat-carrying fluid, in any thermodynamic cycle or system for the exploitation of process heat, which is comprised of an evaporation subsystem, where saturated steam is produced under the conditions of pressure of the system, and a superheater subsystem through which the steam reaches the required conditions of pressure and temperature at the turbine inlet, and in which an attemperation system (10) may be incorporated, these being physically separated and interconnected by means of a drum (5) in which the separation of water and steam takes place, and in which a strategic control of the pointing of the field of heliostats (1) towards either of the subsystems (evaporator or superheater) may be carried out, with individual or group pointing of the heliostats, in such a way that they jointly control both the pressure within the drum (5) and the outlet temperature of the superheated steam (11).

Abstract: In a reflector dish, a small quantity of elongate mirror-surfaced reflector panels are structurally integrated with a support framework that is configured to enable convenient shipping and on-site assembly and erection of a reflector dish assembly with an effective reflecting surface that closely approximates a desired parabolic dish shape with short focal length, synthesized from combination of the reflector panels originally procured as flat rectangular sheet metal panels and formed to provide the desired dish curvature. The panels can be conveniently shipped to location along with a corresponding quantity of reinforced crescent-shaped support frames to which the panels are made to attach as structural elements, by novel attachment hardware, for erection at the operational site.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.