Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly (102) comprises a concave mirror (108) for collecting radiation that is collimated and has uniform distribution from a source and a convex mirror (110). The concave mirror (108) is configured to reflect the radiation to the convex mirror (110) and the convex mirror (110) is configured to reflect the radiation as a concentrated collimated beam in an emission direction that is angularly offset from the source. The concave mirror (108) and convex mirror (110) each have a focal length that varies along one axis such that the radiation collected by the concave mirror (108) is transmitted from the convex mirror (110) with uniform distribution.

Abstract: A system, a thermoelectric generator, and a method for generating electricity are provided. The system includes a thermoelectric generator, a cooling system, and a heating system. The cooling system includes a cold side module configured to hold a predetermined volume of air, a subterranean heat exchanger including an underground conduit, the underground conduit having a first end configured to receive ambient air and a second end coupled to the inlet of the cold side module, and an air exhaust coupled to the outlet of the cold side module and having one or more valves configured to control an airflow from the subterranean heat exchanger towards the air exhaust. The heating system includes a first solar concentrator to collect light rays, a hot side module, and a fiber optic cable to transport the collected light rays to the hot side module.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a stabilization assembly may comprise a shaft, a foot, a snap plate and a nut. The foot may be operatively coupled to the shaft. The snap plate may be configured to surround and retain the shaft. The nut may be installable on the shaft and engagable to raise and lower a foot. The stabilization assembly may be installed in a solar panel coupling. The foot may be driven to engagement with a roof surface in response to the coupling being installed on the roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar conversion system, comprising solar focusing means for focusing solar energy incident thereon into a solar beam, said solar beam at its smallest cross section having a cross section less than about ten percent of the cross section of the solar focusing means, container means to retain a fluid to be heated by solar energy, said container means having an opening approximately the size of the smallest cross section of the solar beam, positioning means operable for positioning said focusing means so that the smallest cross section of said solar beam is located at the opening so that substantially all of the solar beam enters into said container, dispersing means positioned in said container in the path of said solar beam operable to disperse the solar beam in said container, thereby reducing the amount of reflected solar beam exiting the opening.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and an apparatus for solar power generation through gas volumetric heat absorption based on characteristic absorption spectrum. A radiation energy conversion device absorbs concentrated solar radiation and converts radiation energy into thermal energy; the thermal energy is transferred to the other side of the radiation energy conversion device and then is converted into radiation energy; and the energy is transferred in a receiver cavity. The working gas from the outlet of a recuperator flows into the receiver cavity and absorbs the radiation energy. The heated working gas with high temperature flows into a turbine, doing shaft work through expansion. The expanded working gas flows through the recuperator to exchange heat. The working gas flows into a cooler, a compressor and the recuperator in sequence, and then flows into a receiver cavity to be heated volumetrically, completing a thermal power cycle.

Abstract: A light guide apparatus that can redirect light impinging on the apparatus over a wide range of incident angles and can concentrate light without using a tracking system and methods for fabrication.

Abstract: An optical element of an embodiment includes an optical element made of a material transparent to light, the optical element including: a back surface facing the front surface; and a connection surface. The front surface includes a recessed surface in a region facing the connection surface. The recessed surface has a point closest to the connection surface as a closest point, and has a first singular point other than the closest point.

Abstract: A light guide apparatus that can redirect light impinging on the apparatus over a wide range of incident angles and can concentrate light without using a tracking system and methods for fabrication. This apparatus uses conditions of total internal reflection and refraction near the critical angle for total internal reflection (near TIR) in order to trap light within the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention includes a parabolic solar concentrator typified by a highly integrated structure whereby, mirror, aerodynamic elements, a shell structure, cooling elements and other elements have been integrated to form a unibody structure, which is both stiffer and lighter than traditional trough structures. The invention includes; aerodynamic features that greatly limit lift forces induced by high speed winds, a receiver with liquid cooling for better control of PV cell temperatures and which allows for the collection of the heat for beneficial use, accommodations for a solar tracker, and improvements in the focusing and distribution of light using secondary mirrors. The receiver incorporates specific details to improve heat transfer and reduce parasitic pumping loads and incorporates secondary mirrors to increase light acceptance angles. Automated mirror washing is addressed.

Abstract: A concentrated photovoltaic panel comprises at least one rigid sheet, one or more first optical elements disposed adjacent a first side of the at least one rigid sheet, one or more second optical elements disposed adjacent a second side of the at least one rigid sheet, and one or more photovoltaic elements. Each photovoltaic element is disposed between a respective first optical element and a respective second optical element. Each first optical element comprises at least one lens configured to focus light impinging thereon onto a corresponding reflecting surface of the respective second optical element. Each second optical element is configured to reflect light focused by the first optical element to the photovoltaic element disposed therebetween.

Abstract: In a solar heat collector, a bottom plate and a side plate of a case which is opened in an upper surface are formed of a vacuum thermal insulation material in which a core material is enveloped by a skin and a vacuum is created in an interior of the skin, the skin is formed by welding together circumferential edges of two metal panels which are disposed to face each other with the core material sandwiched therebetween, a plurality of line grooves are formed in the metal panels, and the two metal panels are disposed so that sides thereof from which bottoms of the line grooves protrude are oriented inwards with the core material sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A tubular heat-absorbing element partly enclosed in an insulating layer or jacket, has absorbing surface that is accessible to solar radiation. The thermal insulation is designed to provide entry to solar radiation by way of a cavity. The absorbing surface can be substantially planar.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Drives and drive systems are described herein that may provide improved rotational positioning, movement, and/or rotational positional sensing. For example, drives and drive systems are provided which allow operation through a variable frequency drive. The components and methods described herein may be used together in any combination in a solar collector system, or they may be used separately in different solar collector systems.

Abstract: A light collector includes a light guide having a refractive index larger than a refractive index of air and a reflecting surface configured to reflect light output from a conic surface of the light guide back to the light guide. The light guide is made of transparent material through which light passes. The light guide has an entering portion from which light enters and an exiting portion from which the light exits. The light guide has a circular cone shape and has a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction from the entering portion to the exiting portion.

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: A device for concentrating solar radiation (4) with longitudinal mirrors (7) and a longitudinal receiver (1), has mirrors with a circular cross-section with a radius of curvature that is twice the transverse distance from the center (35) of each mirror to the central point (3) of the receiver. The width of the receiver is 1% of the transverse distance from the central point to the center (89) of the furthest mirror (32). The width of each mirror is determined according to the drift of the rays reflected when the mirror focuses the sun, prescribing an equal width for all mirrors, which is: equal to the width of the active face (2) of the receiver when mounted according to the meridian; and triple the width of the active face (2) of the receiver when mounted according to the parallel of latitude. The mirrors are installed in a contiguous manner and the receiver is installed at a height on columns (8).

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: The present invention relates to solar-energy engineering and can find application in solar power plants of the kind of “tracking saucer”, “pan” and “solar tower” and in other similar systems. The technical result obtained by the application of the present invention consists to improve the accessibility of the technology, to simplify the adjustment and to avoid existing strict limitations as to the size of the mirror system. Said technical result is achieved thanks to the fact that a device for concentrating energy comprising a main concentrator and an energy converter comprises an additional concentrator mounted in the focal zone of the main concentrator, the energy converter being mounted in the focal zone of the additional concentrator, whereas the additional concentrator is designed as a segment of a concave cylindrical or spherical surface.

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 collector system (12) is disclosed that comprises a row of linearly conjoined collector structures (13). The collector system is arranged to be located at a level above a field of reflectors (10) and to receive solar radiation reflected from the reflectors within the field. The collector structure (13) comprises an inverted trough (16) and, located within the trough, a plurality of longitudinally extending absorber tubes (30) that, in use, are arranged to carry a heat exchange fluid. The absorber tubes (30) are supported side-by-side within the trough and each absorber tube has a diameter that is small relative to the aperture of the trough. The ratio of the diameter of each absorber tube to the trough aperture dimension is of the order of 0.01:1.00 to 0.10:1:00 and, thus, a plurality of absorber tube functions, in the limit, effectively to simulate a flat plate absorber.

Abstract: A concentrating solar power device may include a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a thermal storage device. The primary mirror may reflect solar rays from the sun towards the secondary mirror. The secondary mirror may reflect the solar rays reflected from the primary mirror towards the thermal storage device. The thermal storage device, which may comprise a thermal medium such as salt, may collect/absorb energy from the solar rays which may be used to run multiple Stirling engines, and/or an energy storing or energy expending device.

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: A hybrid solar/non-solar thermal generation system includes a solar concentrator and collector, and fiber optic cables that transfer collected solar radiation to a solar to thermal converter. The solar to thermal converter converts the solar radiation to heat that is used to augment the heating of a working fluid in a boiler. The system has particular application for use in Rankine cycle power generation plants that employ non-solar sources to heat the working fluid.

Abstract: One optical system comprises a first optical surface, a faceted second optical surface, and a faceted third optical surface. The optical system is operative to convert a first bundle of rays that is continuous in phase space outside the first optical surface into a second bundle of rays that is continuous in phase space outside the third optical surface. Between the second and third optical surfaces the rays making up the first and second bundles form discrete sub-bundles each passing from a facet of the second optical surface to a facet of the third optical surface. The sub-bundles do not form a continuous bundle in a phase space that has dimensions representing the position and angle at which rays cross a surface transverse to the bundle of rays.

Abstract: A light energy conversion (LEC) system includes a fluid circuit having a working fluid flowing therethrough and a plurality of light concentrating (LC) modules for converting light energy into electrical energy and for transforming the light energy into thermal energy. The LC modules including a first LC module coupled in series with a second LC module along the fluid circuit. The working fluid absorbs thermal energy while flowing through the first and second LC modules. At least the first LC module includes a light concentrating optical element that is configured to direct light energy toward a focal region and a receiver held at the focal region. The receiver includes a housing having a chamber that holds an energy conversion member. The energy conversion member transforms light energy received from the optical element into electrical and thermal energy.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and systems to homogenize illumination on a target.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a segmented photovoltaic (PV) module which is manufactured from laminate segments. The segmented PV module includes rectangular-shaped laminate segments formed from rectangular-shaped PV laminates and further includes non-rectangular-shaped laminate segments formed from rectangular-shaped and approximately-triangular-shaped PV laminates. The laminate segments are mechanically joined and electrically interconnected to form the segmented module. Another embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a large-area segmented photovoltaic module from laminate segments of various shapes. Other embodiments relate to processes for providing a photovoltaic array for installation at a site. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a reflector configured to reflect and focus a majority of solar energy from visible light and infrared spectra. The solar energy collection system also includes a light trap configured to receive concentrated solar energy from the reflector. The light trap includes a black body that is configured to absorb a majority of the concentrated visible light and infrared energy and convert the absorbed energy into thermal energy.

Abstract: The present application provides a primary reflector in a solar collection system. The primary reflector includes a first reflective section that can reflect solar rays onto a first focal line, a second reflective section on the left side of the first reflective section, and a third reflective section on the right side of the first reflective section. The second reflective section can reflect solar rays to the right side of the first focal line. The third reflective section can reflect solar rays to the left side of the first focal line.

Abstract: A concentrating solar energy device for use in buildings is configured to share structural elements with a building for cost savings. The device incorporates a shallow cylindrical trough mirror comprising mirrored sheets that are conformed to curved rafters, a receiver that is moveable within the cumulative area of focus of the cylindrical trough mirror, a secondary mirror integrated with the receiver that augments solar energy collection, and parallel linear tracking assemblies that move the receiver and that mount to a building's side walls.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a collecting mirror defining a radiation-transparent window. A collimating mirror re-reflects the collected radiation through the window to a black-body absorber located behind the collecting mirror. A working fluid flows through the black-body absorber to absorb the resulting power and to transfer the power to a utilization apparatus. The collecting and collimating mirrors may be elongated (cylindrical), or they may be axially symmetric. The working fluid may flow through a separate tube, or simply be contained by an aperture in a block of insulation.

Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker apparatus is disclosed having multiple dish-shaped monolithic reflectors for concentrating sunlight. The dish-shaped monolithic reflectors are co-axially aligned in an array supported by a moveable frame. The moveable frame forms the elevation structure of a two-axis tracker that has control means for following the movement of the sun across the sky. Each dish-shaped monolithic reflector produces a region of concentrated sunlight suitable for generation of solar energy. A generator is positioned at the focus of each reflector. A preferred generator uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity at a high output power due to the high solar power input that is directed to the generator by the dish-shaped monolithic reflector.

Abstract: A solar collector system is provided that comprises an absorber tube, a primary reflector, and a secondary reflector. In certain embodiments, the primary and secondary reflectors are positioned on opposing sides of the absorber tube, such that their respective focal points converge upon a longitudinal axis of the absorber tube. The secondary reflector may be configured with a substantially transparent surface facing away from the absorber tube, so as to permit passage of light beams there-through. Opposing surfaces of the secondary and primary reflectors, namely those facing substantially toward the absorber tube contain a reflective coating thereon to facilitate redirection of light beams toward the absorber tube. The solar collector system includes in certain embodiments a frame assembly, whereby the primary reflector, the secondary reflector, and the absorber tube are all configured to unitarily rotate about a common pivot axis defined by at least a portion of the frame assembly.

Abstract: An eco-friendly linear solar heat generating system may employ a linear engine with a simple structure using solar heat is employed in place of a conventional Stirling engine with a complicated structure. Magnets and a coil are arranged in a piston and a cylinder, respectively, to thereby generate power in a highly efficient matter, improve installation stability, and enable easy maintenance and repair.

Abstract: The inventive solar trough field system (A) comprises multiple parabolic reflectors (1), support circles (3) of which the center coincides with the focus of the parabolic reflector (1 ) and which are used in order to support the reflector (1), core mechanisms (2) which are located on the center of the circles (3), guy wires (4) which connect the circle (3) and the core mechanism (2) to each other, side support units (5,5J) which bear the support circles (3) from their outer surfaces, lightweight filling materials (6) which support the reflectors (1) from their lower parts, thermal receiver tubes (11) which pass through the center axis of the circles (3). The parabolic reflectors (1) are rotated around the center axis of the circles (3), which is the focus thereof, and directed towards the sun. Thus, the parallel beams coming from the sun are concentrated in the thermal receiver tubes (11) which are located in the focus of the reflectors (1).

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: A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.

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 concentrating solar energy device for use in buildings is configured to share structural elements with a building for cost savings. The device incorporates a shallow cylindrical trough mirror comprising mirrored sheets that are conformed to curved rafters, a receiver that is moveable within the cumulative area of focus of the cylindrical trough mirror, a secondary mirror integrated with the receiver that augments solar energy collection, and parallel linear tracking assemblies that move the receiver and that mount to a building's side walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collector (1) having Fresnel mirrors comprising a mounting for a set of mirrors made up of strips of mirrors (2) referred to as primary mirrors (2), each pivoting about a respective axis of rotation (5) referred to as the large axis (5) relative to the mounting, and intended for collecting solar radiation and for concentrating said radiation toward one or more concentrating elements (100) which can he mutually similar or different, carrying a heat-transfer fluid, characterised in that the invention comprises a means (10, 20, 30) for moving one or more concentrating elements (100) such as to make the collector mobile relative to the mounting of the set of primary mirrors (2).

Abstract: A collector for propagating incident radiation is disclosed. The collector may comprise a light directing component coupled to a buffer component, a first propagation component coupled to the buffer component and configured to transmit the incident radiation into a collector region through one of a plurality of windows, and an optical transport assembly coupled to an end of the collector region and having a second propagation component. Each light directing component may be configured to redirect the incident radiation from a first direction to a second direction, and the collector region may include a plurality of regions exhibiting a refractive index value that gradually transitions from about 1.5 to about 2.0. The second propagation component may be further configured to retain the incident radiation.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting system includes a collecting mirror, a receiver, an electrical control unit for controlling the collecting mirror to track the sun, a projection mirror disposed coaxially and integrally with the collecting mirror and the focus of which is coincident with that of the collecting mirror, a through hole disposed at the collecting mirror and the size of which is larger than that of the light spot of the projection mirror and far smaller than the through hole of the collecting mirror, and a reflecting mirror disposed at the side of the collecting mirror opposite to the projection mirror. The receiver is fixedly disposed at the extending direction of the primary optical axis line of the reflecting mirror. A first motor, disposed at the primary optical axis line for driving the whole mirror assembly, is connected to the electrical control unit and runs under control thereof.

Abstract: Melting metals using the sun's energy is not new, but is new is making the technology ergonomic, and easy to use. Invented is a half-circular-planar-reflector with a cut-a-way-triangle, hinged and attached a half-shell-parabolic-reflector. When the sun is overhead, the sun's energy reflects off the flat half-circular-planar-reflector to a half-shell-parabolic-dish-reflector, which redirects the sun's energy to a crucible for smelting metals, which is also the focus of the sun's energy. The entire assembly rotates on top of a turntable, which can be steel wheel, floating on compressed air, bicycle wheels, or other suitable methods. The entire assembly rotates about a crucible located at the focal of the sun's energy. A smaller version of the smelter can be used for solar cooking.

Abstract: A sunlight collecting system and a solar energy utilization system which collects sunlight with the sunlight collecting system are provided, a sunlight collecting system including a solar heat collector which includes a heat collecting element which is formed by a helically wound heat exchange medium circulation pipe inside which the heat exchange medium flows, in such a way to have an incurved light receiving surface which narrows and converges towards the sunlight inlet and a sunlight collecting reflector which includes a reflector group which includes a plurality of reflector segments each of which includes a reflecting surface which makes sunlight converge on a heat collector, a sunlight collecting system in which a plurality of heliostats Bm are arranged in places which are irradiated by the sunlight between a plurality of heliostats An, in which each of the heliostats An and the heliostats Bm reflect light in a direction to a light collecting point of a heliostat group in which the heliostat is included

Abstract: A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.

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 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 provides a novel solar steam generator comprising solar steam boiler compartment carrying water surrounding an internal superheater compartment. The boiler compartment is exposed to a first concentrated solar radiation. The boiler compartment is configured and operable to heat water to saturated temperatures and generate saturated steam. The boiler compartment operates as an integrated cavity enclosing the superheater compartment, reducing the thermal losses of the superheater compartment to the outside environment and absorbs most of the thermal losses of the superheater compartment. The internal superheater compartment is exposed to a second concentrated solar radiation and is configured and operable to superheat the saturated steam generated in the boiler compartment. The boiler compartment and the superheater compartment are thus arranged one with respect to the other such that the boiler compartment surrounds the internal superheater compartment.

Abstract: An object is to provide a solar ray lighting device which is capable of reducing the blocking and the shadowing of beams of light reflected by heliostats and which is capable of fixing firmly and stably a heavy and large-sized center reflector. In a beam-down type solar ray lighting device, at least three supporting blocks are assembled together to form a pyramidal shape. In addition, an outer circumferential edge of the center reflector is fixed to the supporting posts so that the outer circumferential edge of the center reflector can internally touch the supporting posts.

Abstract: A collector for propagating incident radiation is disclosed. The collector may comprise a light directing component coupled to a buffer component, a first propagation component coupled to the buffer component and configured to transmit the incident radiation into a collector region through one of a plurality of windows, and an optical transport assembly coupled to an end of the collector region and having a second propagation component. Each light directing component may be configured to redirect the incident radiation from a first direction to a second direction, and the collector region may include a plurality of regions exhibiting a refractive index value that gradually transitions from about 1.5 to about 2.0. The second propagation component may be further configured to retain the incident radiation.