Abstract: A housing has a bottom, side panels, end panels, and a top, forming a chamber. The side and end panels have interior sections and slidable exterior sections. A solar energy collector, tubing or solar panels, is within the chamber. A cover plate is fabricated of a transparent material and is secured to the exterior section adjacent to the top. Lenses are coupled to the exterior section, and focus sunlight on the solar energy collector. Lift drivers vary the elevation of the lenses with respect to the solar energy collector. A gimbal assembly with a tilt driver operatively couples the housing to the roof to vary the angular tilt of the housing. A light sensor, a temperature sensor, and an associated controller adjust the elevation of the lenses and the tilt of the housing.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes at least two receiver panels having a common outer front surface for receiving incident solar radiation from a field of mirrors. The receiver panels include an array of side by side arranged heat exchange tubes which have a substantially straight main portion which extend in an upwards longitudinal direction and an inwards extending portion for a connection to an input or output header for respectively distributing or collecting fluid to or from the heat exchange tubes. The receiver panels are spaced apart in the upwards direction at a distance of Z cm. The header for the solar receiver is spaced behind the front surface at a distance of A cm, wherein the quotient of Z and A, Z/A, at the most equals the quotient of a vertical V and a horizontal H distance, V/H, from the header to a most far positioned mirror.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directly monitoring energy flux of a solar receiver in a solar energy-based power generation system include measuring infrared radiation emanating from the solar receiver. Such measurement can be achieved using one or more infrared thermography detectors, such as an IR camera. Resulting thermal data obtained by the imaging can be used to determine energy flux distribution on the receiver. A user or a system controller can use the determined flux distribution to adjust heliostat aiming to achieve a desired operation condition. For example, heliostats can be adjusted to achieve a uniform energy flux distribution across the external surface of the receiver and/or to maximize heat transfer to a fluid flowing through the receiver within system operating limits.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and method, as may be used to acquire different components of solar irradiance in a solar-based power generation system or as may be used in a sky imager, are provided. A filter matrix (12) may be arranged to receive incident solar irradiance. The filter matrix may include an array of pixels (20) controllable to selectively acquire different components of the solar irradiance. A module, such as a photosensor (22) or calculator module (29) may be configured to determine a spatial location of at least one of the irradiance components relative to the array of pixels of the filter matrix. A controller (26) may be electrically coupled to the module to supply a control signal to the filter matrix based on the determined location of the irradiance component to pass a selected one of the irradiance components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sun collector comprising a flat absorber body (1) on or in which one or more absorber channels (17) for the flow of a heat transfer medium are configured. In areas which are not occupied by the one or more absorber channels (17), the absorber body (1) of the present sun collector has penetrable openings (4, 10, 13) for sunlight to pass through. The sun collector therefore provides the double function of a sun collector with a partially transparent sun protection device.

Abstract: Passive solar wire screens mount vertically on an edifice. The screens have rods vertically arranged parallel to one another and have wires horizontally arranged parallel to one another. The wires attach to the rods and have first surfaces facing away from the edifice in an upward direction from vertical. The wires also have second surfaces facing toward the edifice in a downward direction from vertical. When the sun has a summer elevation on the horizon, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto away from the wire screens. When the sun has a winter elevation on the horizon, however, the first surfaces passively reflect solar energy incident thereto toward the second surfaces, which in turn passively reflect the solar energy toward the edifice. A concave surface on the wires can also reflect thermal energy back to the edifice.

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 receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element The reflector element 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 solar energy collector and thermal storage device for placement in a building's exterior architectural opening is provided, having an insulating cavity including a first lite on the device exterior side and a second lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the insulating cavity, and being substantially filled with an insulating gas. A provided thermal storage cavity includes the second lite and a third lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the thermal storage cavity which is at least the same size as the insulating cavity depth, and is substantially filled with a thermal storage medium, which is a hydrogel adhering to the second lite and the third lite and having cohesion characteristics such that it is self supporting and maintains its shape within the thermal storage cavity. A low-emissivity coating disposed on the insulating cavity side of the second lite inhibits exterior thermal radiation transfer.

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.

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: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines and/or piezoelectric generators. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. Advantageously, this enables more efficient use of the collected solar energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning a space under an array of solar collectors has a conditioner for conditioning the space under the array, a condensation surface for condensing water vapor in the space, a drip surface for collecting the condensed water vapor, a radiant barrier for insulating the space under the array from a heat radiating from above the radiant barrier, a wall member for enclosing the space under the array, and a cover member for covering a gap between adjacent solar collectors of the array. The apparatus can be adapted for use with a single solar collector or an array of solar collectors.

Abstract: A selective/reflective solar screen, shade and panel system includes a woven material that creates a plenum between itself and a building envelope. The woven material may selectively admit solar energy into the plenum during the winter months and block the solar energy from it during the summer months. The system captures the solar insolation between the woven material and the building envelope so that it can be used as a source of renewable energy for heating the building. This air can be vented to the exterior so that the building envelope is shaded from the summer sun, which offers a substantial reduction in air conditioning costs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a building energy system comprising a building enclosure having an interior and exterior. The building enclosure comprises an insulated building envelope that incorporates perimeter windows with a centre-of-glass R-value of R-4 or higher, at least one upper exhaust outlet and at least one lower supply intake that connect to the exterior of the building enclosure, and at least one central space that is connected to the lower supply intake and one or more perimeter rooms located adjacent to the central space. Each perimeter room comprises one or more lower wall vents that connect to the central space, and one or more upper vents connected to the upper exhaust outlet. The upper exhaust outlet incorporates a regulator to minimize ventilation air heat loss while maintaining indoor air quality. The regulator may comprise an automated damper and a motorized fan selectively operated based at least in part on measurements of air pollution contaminants.

Abstract: A solar panel and a solar fence incorporating the solar fence. The solar panel has a fluid heating component adapted to absorb solar energy and mounted to a frame assembly. The solar panel may include an auxiliary line to facilitate alternative system configurations and convenient connection of inlet and outlet lines. The solar panel may also include a cover to selectively control the rate at which the fluid is heated. The solar panel may also include panels to provide privacy when the solar panel is incorporated into a solar fence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar co-generation/tri-generation system having a thermal insulating coating structure (1) comprising a plurality of support beams (3), parallel each other, that can be fixed to a support structure; a support layer (5) provided on said support beams (3); a plurality of solar concentration linear means (2), provided on said support layer (5) in correspondence of said plurality of support beams (3) and that can be connected with a power generation system; and an insulating layer (7) coupled with said support layer (5).

Abstract: The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating or cooling to an existing system in a dwelling and thereby reduce energy consumption and costs.

Abstract: A solar receiver is disclosed and includes a housing having a front, radiation-facing, end and a rear end, the front end being formed with a cavity therein. A window is mounted at the front end of the housing and projects inside the cavity. A receiver chamber is defined within the cavity between the housing and the window. The receiver chamber has a working fluid inlet for ingress of working fluid to be heated therewithin, and a working fluid outlet for egress therethrough of the heated fluid. A solar absorber is within the receiver chamber for absorbing the solar radiation and heating the working fluid. The solar absorber includes at least one tubular member configured for maintaining fluid isolation between contents thereof and contents of the receiver chamber. The solar absorber is configured for heating working fluid within the receiver chamber exterior to the tubular member, and working fluid within the tubular member.

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: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a highly radiant heat absorbing material placed closely spaced from and generally parallel to an inside surface of a glass panel disposed in a wall or a door so as to form therebetween a plenum, the highly radiant heat absorbing material being at least partially visually clear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat pump system (10) comprising a heat pump (5) so arranged as to permit the taking up of thermal energy from outdoor air and the giving off of thermal energy to another medium (20), and an external space (2) adapted to permit heating of the outdoor air by the use of solar radiation (12), the system (10) being so arranged as to conduct the outdoor air to the heat pump (5) via the external space (2). The invention is characterized in that the heat pump system (10) comprises means (3, 6, 7, 7a, 7b, 9) for regulating the flow of the outdoor air to the external space (2).

Abstract: A solar radiator comprising at least one panel (2) composed of a device which in turn is composed of one (30) or two heat-conducting laminas (31, 32), the solar radiator being adapted to produce a protective shade and being adapted to receive, transmit and dissipate passively, without causing pollution or using other power, at least part of the energy of the solar radiation that strikes it. The solar radiator is designed to protect the soil, crops and plants against excessive solar radiation.

Abstract: An insulation system for use in a greenhouse, comprising at least one insulation panel adapted to be mounted in the ceiling of a greenhouse, and means to move the at least one panel from a closed position to an open position, whereby when the panel or panels are closed, air below the panels remains in the area of the greenhouse below the panels, and when the panel or panels are open, air below the panels can move to a space in the greenhouse above the panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insolation shield (3) which is arranged to be placed in connection with a building (1) to suppress solar radiation incident on the building. The insolation shield (3) comprises at least one shield element (8). At least one shield element (8) of the insolation shield (3) comprises at least one solar energy converter (4) to conduct incident solar energy to a target of consumption and/or storage. The insolation shield also comprises at least one control means (10) which is arranged to control the position of said at least one shield element (8) on the basis of the direction of incident beams on the control element (10).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for modulating the temperature of an enclosure includes a thermal storage means on a roof portion, and panels positioned above the thermal storage means. One panel is fixed in position, either over the thermal storage means or adjacent thereto. A pair of movable panels are arranged at different levels from the fixed panel and are adapted to move with respect to sides of the fixed panel to cover or expose the thermal storage means for solar heating during the day or cooling at night.

Abstract: A thermal panel (10) for passive temperature control includes a cell (28) having a transparent side (14) and a base side (24). The cell (28) has a heatable plate (12) contained therein. The heatable plate (12) is passively disposable between a warming position and a cooling position. The heatable plate (12) is heated by a plurality of light waves (34) when the plate (12) is passively disposed in the warming position. Further, the cell also has an insulating medium (30) contained therein. The insulating medium (30) shields the heatable plate (12) from the light waves (34) when the heatable plate (12) is in the cooling position.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel unit of controllable radiation transmissivity, including a housing constituted by a front, radiation-receiving panel and a rear panel, the panels being spaced apart and connected to one another by connecting means; a plurality of rotatable radiation-blocking members disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the members being rotatable from one angular position in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to substantially block the passage of light through the panel unit, to a selectable plurality of other angular positions in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to provide a plurality of differing radiation transmissivities; characterized in that first guiding surfaces for the rotatable radiation-blocking members are disposed inside of, and extend across, the housing.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting apparatus for heating a working fluid using the plurality of substantially identical reflective elements arranged in rows is provided. Each reflective element comprises a substantially rectangular element having opposing side walls and opposing end walls which together form a bottom edge for supporting the reflective element on a flat support such as a sheet metal or molded base. Each reflective element further includes a top wall connected with and supported by the side walls and the end walls. The top wall is formed to provide a reflective surface facing away from the bottom edge and is formed in a shape for reflecting solar radiation falling thereon, from a range of incident angles, to a focal axis. The focal axis of each reflective element is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the reflective element and when the reflective elements are arranged in parallel rows, each row includes a focal axis along its longitudinal length.

Abstract: The device is meant to move the solar protection means from a first position, among at least two predetermined positions, toward a second position to adapt to a variation in sunshine. It comprises a logic (6) which breaks down movement from the first to the second position into a minimum of two steps separated by a time interval (T1). A command (STOP) activated by a user during said interval (T1) activates the following step and reduces the interval by a fraction. The activation of an order after the interval (T1) and during the operation of the following step increases the interval (T1) by a fraction. The control device is in this way capable of adapting to the behavior of the user.

Abstract: A solar absorber-reflector is provided for solar heat transmission into a heat absorbing chamber and/or repelling back of solar heat resulting from incident solar radiation. The solar absorber-reflector is also suitable as a passive thermal control material for space applications, and consists of several layers. The minimal configuration includes three basic layers: a layer with a selective solar radiation absorbing surface, having high absorptance of solar radiation and low thermal emittance; a layer with a light-reflecting surface facing a direction opposite to the selective solar radiation absorbing surface; and a polymer film being transparent to visible light and possessing high thermal emittance, with a heat-emitting surface facing the same direction as the light-reflecting surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power source includes a shadowing timer comprising at least one shadowing member (i.e. vane element) secured proximal to an array of photovoltaic solar cells electrically connected in series. The shadowing members are arranged such that they shadow individual solar cells or rows of cells as the sun moves through diurnal and annual cycles. The shadows cast by two or more vanes can modulate the array output power on two independent time scales: time of day and time of year. Because the individual solar cells are connected in series, a small shadow significantly reduces the array output power, thus enabling fine-scale temporal control.

Abstract: To provide a tracking-type solar module capable of high-performance sunlight-tracking with a simple configuration while simultaneously performing highly effective cooling of a solar cell, a solar cell is movably installed within a transparent cooling tube and is connected to a motor with a crank. A position detecting sensor is also installed inside the transparent cooling tube. Sunlight is refracted by a cooling medium filled inside the transparent cooling tube and is converged on the inner surface of the transparent cooling tube. The position detecting sensor detects the position at which sunlight is converged and the sunlight is tracked by the motor moving the solar cell to that position. Simultaneously, the cooling medium inside the transparent cooling tube directly cools the solar cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photoelectric transfer device which comprises a photoelectric transfer element, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and an ultraviolet cut-off layer, said cholesteric liquid crystal layer being arranged between said photoelectric transfer element and said ultraviolet cut-off layer and said ultraviolet cut-off layer being arranged at the side for the incidence of light. According to this invention, there is provided a colorful photoelectric transfer device which is prepared at an inexpensive cost without a marked decrease in the generation efficiency of the photoelectric transfer element and is fit to be used over a prolonged period.

Abstract: A solar energy baking apparatus comprises one or more baking containers for receiving material to be baked or dried; reflectors with respect to the baking containers for reflecting solar energy and collecting and focusing the light on the baking containers; and a driving device for moving the reflectors to locate above or below the baking container. The present device may be used to set the baking temperature and the operating time. Through monitoring the controlling device, two driving devices are controlled respectively for operating the baking container, and for causing the reflectors to move to the lower portion of the baking container for reflecting and collecting solar energy, or rotate to the upper portion of the baking container so as to prevent the solar energy to radiate the baking containers. Thus the baking temperature and time are controlled and the process of baking by solar energy is improved.

Abstract: In order to provide a trough-shaped collector for radiation, in particular for solar radiation, comprising a trough-shaped mirror extending in longitudinal direction and reflecting the radiation into a focus region, and an absorber line extending in longitudinal direction through the focus region of the trough-shaped mirror and having a guide tube for the heat transport medium and an absorber pipe surrounding the guide tube such that an annular chamber is formed between guide tube and absorber line, with which the problems existing as a result of the uneven irradiation of the absorber line are also reduced or eliminated, it is suggested that an annular passage medium flow in the annular chamber and that the annular passage medium couple the guide tube thermally to the absorber pipe.

Abstract: A diffuser to be used with a solar energy concentrator and a solar energy receiver to more uniformly distribute solar energy to the receiver and to reduce the amount of energy lost due to circulation of air into and out of the receiver. A portion of the solar energy passing through the energy diffusing cavities within the diffuser is reflected by the cavity walls and reoriented and diffused before being emitted to the receiver. The geometry of the energy diffusing cavities and the reflective characteristics of the cavity walls can be engineered to provide the desired degree of diffusional effect. The diffuser reduces the likelihood of inadvertent hot spots being formed, which allows the designed maximum receiver energy flux to be closer to the receiver tube material limits and allows for smaller, more compact, more efficient receivers. The diffuser also limits the circulation of air in the vicinity of the receiver tubes, which reduces energy losses and increases the overall efficiency of the system.

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

Abstract: An article adapted for selectively utilizing solar radiation comprises an absorptive surface and a reflective surface, the absorptive surface and the reflective surface oriented to absorb solar radiation when the sun is in a relatively low position, and to reflect solar radiation when the sun is in a relatively high position.

Abstract: The device for collecting solar energy and transferring it to a reception body to be heated includes a plurality of parallel profiled elements and a closure mechanism. The profiled elements are spaced apart and superposed in order to form a curtain having an outer face suitable for being exposed to solar radiation and an inner face suitable for being located on the reception body side. The profiled elements have two reflecting faces and a shape such that when the inner face is vertical, the profiled elements slope downwardly from the inner face to the outer face. The profiled elements define a plurality of air channels directed upwards from the outer face to the inner face when the inner face is vertical. The profiled elements and the two reflecting faces thereof are formed of an insulating material so as not to conduct heat from the outer face to the inner face.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar heating system including solar collectors through which a heat transfer medium is circulated by a pump between the solar collectors and a reservoir. Temperature sensors monitor the temperature of the heat transfer medium and the temperature of the environment of the system. The electronic output signals from the sensors represent these temperatures, but these signals "drift." A sunlight sensor monitors the intensity of the sunlight and provides electronic output signals representing sunlight intensity. The signal from the sunlight sensor also "drifts." To compensate for signal drift an equilibrium curve for the collectors is employed. A controller for the system has a memory element in which is stored data representing the equilibrium curve for the collector means. This curve enables the controller based on the electronic output from the sensors to determine if the collectors can gain or lose heat.