Abstract: Provided is a light-weight, easy to install, use and remove solar collector that may be manufactured inexpensively from readily available common materials, and which may be installed, removed, moved, and reinstalled almost anywhere by almost anyone without special tools or skills. In one embodiment, the solar collector comprises one or more collection tubes formed from attaching clear or substantially translucent material, such as clear vinyl, along the edges and over the top of dark colored or otherwise solar-energy-absorbant material, such as black polyethylene plastic, black vinyl-coated polyester, or any other suitable material, which may be insulated by an insulative layer. A dark-colored or otherwise solar-energy-absorbant air-permeable layer may also be located in the collection tube to increase heating of the air flowing through the collection tube. In addition to the solar collector is a fan, which may take the form of a forced-air window unit with thermostatic controls.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a method of producing energy from concentrated solar flux. The method includes dropping granular solid particles through a solar flux receiver configured to transfer energy from concentrated solar flux incident on the solar flux receiver to the granular solid particles as heat. The method also includes fluidizing the granular solid particles from the solar flux receiver to produce a gas-solid fluid. The gas-solid fluid is passed through a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the solid particles in the gas-solid fluid to a working fluid. The granular solid particles are extracted from the gas-solid fluid such that the granular solid particles can be dropped through the solar flux receiver again.

Abstract: In a “once-through” configuration, feedwater is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Active steam quality management, in a preheat mode, vents warm/hot water and low-quality steam to a return vessel where steam is recondensed via contact with water and fed back in as feedwater. In an operating mode, the venting is disabled, and high-quality steam is directed as an outlet stream. Inlet water flowrate and outlet valves are managed to reduce effects of variation in the solar energy. A steam generator continuous piping system uses a single continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun to reduce high-temperature fouling. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided.

Abstract: The basis for the function of a linearly concentrating solar collector lies, in simple terms, in the fact that reflectors reflect incident sunlight onto a receiver tube through which a heat-absorbing medium flows. Owing to the rotation of the Earth, the reflectors need to be adjusted regularly, however, in order to ensure that the sunlight hits the receiver tube. Known tracking methods use calculated positions of the sun for this purpose, which, in the case of structural deviations, for example as a result of expansion and material stress, results in inaccuracies and losses in efficiency. The invention is intended to improve the tracking of the reflectors in such a linearly concentrating solar collector.

Abstract: A device for storing and releasing heat energy for an electrical power production plant is described. The device has: at least one bed of fluidisable particles, arranged at least partly at receiving surfaces for such radiation; means for feeding a fluidisation gas for the fluidisation of said particles; and heat exchange elements flown through, in use, by an operating fluid and arranged at or in proximity of said bed of fluidisable particles.

Abstract: A solar energy system can be controlled and operated responsively to detected and/or predicted changes in insolation conditions. By placing an imaging aperture of an imaging device as part of an external surface of a solar receiver, an orientation of each heliostat in a heliostat field can be determined. The imaging device can be used to image at least a portion of the heliostat field based on light passing through the imaging aperture, which is proximate to, adjacent to, or at least partially within the capture area of the solar receiver so as to acquire at least one image indicating a change in a distribution of insolation levels falling on the portion of the field. Characteristics of heliostats within the portion of the field can be calculated based on the at least one image. Aiming directions of one or more can be changed based on the calculated characteristics.

Abstract: A method of tracking and collecting solar energy includes receiving solar energy on at least two solar energy receivers, measuring an energy output from each of the at least two solar energy receivers, comparing the energy output from one of the at least two solar energy receiver with the energy output from another of the at least two solar energy receivers, and shifting the at least two solar energy receivers until the energy output from the one of the at least two solar receivers is substantially equal to the another of the at least two solar receivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing superheated steam with solar energy is provided. The apparatus has a heat-transfer medium circuit with a heat transfer medium for absorbing the solar energy in the form of heat and a water/stream circuit with water and/or steam for forming the superheated steam. The water and/or the steam may flow in one direction in the water/steam circuit. For producing the superheated steam, the heat-transfer medium circuit and the water-steam circuit are thermally coupled to each other by a heat exchanger of a reheater. In the water/steam circuit, a water separator is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger in direction of flow for separating water and steam from each other, so that substantially only steam enters the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and the water separator are arranged in a common reheating pressure vessel.

Abstract: A solar thermal installation and method for operating a solar thermal installation includes a solar collector arrangement which defines a solar collector fluid passage so that a first heat quantity can be supplied to a fluid, and which has a first fluid infeed connection and a first fluid output connection. A heat exchanger fluid passage permits a second heat quantity to be supplied to a fluid. A heating fluid receiving device is fluidically connected with a first fluid output connection and fluidically connects a second fluid output connection to the first fluid output connection by bypassing the solar collector fluid passage. A consumer device is connected to the heating fluid receiving device. At least a portion of the first heat quantity and second heat quantity can be supplied to the consumer device. A control device controls an operation of the gas turbine depending on the first heat quantity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a closed loop circuit that has a concentrated solar receiver and a particulate thermal transfer media moveable through the closed loop circuit. The particulate thermal transfer media has a melting temperature of greater than 600° C./1112° F. A heat exchanger is in communication with the particulate thermal transfer media.

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

Abstract: A solar thermal receiver with concentric tube modules is disclosed. The outer two tubes (101, 102) of each module form an annular gap (104) for the inlet flow (109) of a heat transfer fluid (HTF). A third inner tube (103) allows for the outlet flow (108) of the HTF. Each of the concentric tube modules is bottom-supported so as to allow for thermal expansion. Embodiments may include a structural element (750) to mitigate oscillation of the concentric tube modules and/or a top-mounted bell-shaped cap (534).

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: 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: A solar energy plant/system includes different combinations of solar energy receivers and arrangements of the receivers that make it possible to optimize solar energy collection and conversion into other forms of energy to maximise value.

Abstract: Molten salt solar receiver and procedure to reduce the temperature gradient in said receiver. The receiver consists of at least one panel of semi cylindrical geometry, formed by a combination of vertical pipes. The receiver (10) is supplied with a heat transfer fluid made up of molten salts which originate from a recirculation system which is composed of a mixture deposit (6), a hot salt storage tank (9) and a cold salt storage tank (8); the mixture tank (6) which is supplied by a part of the hot heat transfer fluid (4) which exits the receiver (10) and the cold heat transfer fluid (5) which exits the cold salt storage tank (8); the hot salt storage tank is connected to the exit of the receiver (10) so that a part of the heat transfer fluid which does not recirculate is stored (3).

Abstract: A solar energy system can be controlled during periods of reduced insolation. For example, one or more environmental condition sensors can detect environmental properties indicating current or expected insolation levels and can generate at least one signal indicating a current or impending transient reduced-insolation event. The at least one signal can be received (for example, by a controller) from the sensors that indicates changes in insolation. Responsively to the at least one signal, characteristics of a current reduced insolation event or of an impending transient reduced-insolation event can be calculated. In response to the calculated characteristics, a quantity of available insolation can be calculated. An attemperation flow rate in the solar steam system can be controlled responsively to the calculated quantity of available insolation such that the temperature of steam entering the steam turbines is maintained within a predefined range.

Abstract: A method of converting a liquid into a vapor includes directing liquid into one or more solar collectors through a manifold that supports the one or more solar collectors. Each of the one or more solar collectors includes a transparent outer cylinder having a closed end and an open end, an inner cylinder having a closed end and an open end, the inner cylinder being concentric with and disposed within the transparent outer cylinder so that the closed end of the inner cylinder is located proximate to the closed end of the transparent outer cylinder, an outer surface of the inner cylinder being made of a material that absorbs solar radiation to generate heat, the longitudinal axes of the transparent outer cylinder and the inner cylinder being substantially horizontal, and an enclosed and evacuated space formed between the transparent outer cylinder and the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A heat transfer medium is used in solar thermal power plants. The heat transfer medium can reversibly absorb and release water. The heat transfer medium releases water during heating and releases heat during re-absorption of the water.

Abstract: Several systems of thermally stable inorganic salts with low melting points are disclosed. These compositions include earth-abundant salt materials and can have thermal stability limits greater than 700° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for identifying PV system and solar irradiance sensor orientation and tilt based on energy production, energy received, simulated energy production, estimated energy received, production skew, and energy received skew. The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting orientation and tilt of a PV system based on energy production and simulated energy production; for detecting the orientation and tilt of a solar irradiance sensor based on solar irradiance observation and simulated solar irradiance observation; for detecting orientation of a PV system based on energy production and energy production skew; and for detecting orientation of a solar irradiance sensor based on solar irradiance observation and solar irradiance observation skew.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar tracker having oleo-hydraulic cylinders that increase the rigidity of the system by keeping the two chambers of each cylinder pressurized, even while on stand-by. This makes the system more accurate, avoiding undesirable cylinder movement caused by oil compression. The system includes a circuit having at least one cylinder assembly (8,9), an oleo-hydraulic plant and a control system (5), wherein the oleo-hydraulic plant supplies the oil to the cylinders controlling the speed of movement of these latter, and the control system (5) supervises and controls the correct operation of the entire system and protects said system against possible accidents.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include a plurality of heliostats configured to reflect sunlight to a target mounted on a tower. Each of the heliostats can have a heliostat controller configured to control a respective heliostat so that the sunlight reflected therefrom is directed to at least one of a plurality of cameras. The cameras can be oriented to image the heliostat. A second controller can be configured to compute geometry data that defines a geometry of the surface of the heliostat from captured images thereof. The geometry data can designate a plurality of subsections of the surface. The computing by the second controller can include storing data indicating sections of the captured images corresponding to the plurality of subsections of the heliostat. The second controller can also calculate data indicating respective surface normals of each of said subsections of each of said heliostat.

Abstract: A thermal energy generation system having a working fluid and a system fluid, including an energy system for heating the working fluid by applying heat thereto, a main heat exchanger assembly for transferring heat from the working fluid to the system fluid, a thermal energy consumption system for receiving the heated system fluid from the main heat exchanger assembly when the temperature of the system fluid is at or above a predetermined temperature, and a thermal energy conservation assembly for receiving the heated system fluid from the main heat exchanger assembly and for reintroducing the system fluid thereto when the temperature of the system fluid is less than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to operating sun-tracking assemblies in response to one or more wind parameters or conditions. By judiciously reorienting one or more sun-tracking assemblies in response to detected or predicted wind conditions, the potential for wind- damage may be reduced. Some of the sun-tracking assemblies may act as a wind buffer for more fragile or sensitive components, thereby protecting them from damage. Such wind- sensitive components may be other sun-tracking assemblies arranged downwind from the reoriented assemblies. The downwind sun-tracking assemblies may continue to operate normally or substantially normally (i.e., to track the sun) despite the presence of the wind. During times of reduced or no wind, the sun-tracking assemblies may continue to track the sun until wind conditions require reorientation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solar steam generation are described. The systems and methods include moving at least one frame mounted optical focusing lens to track the sun in two axes and disposing a water boiler at a focus of each optical focusing lens. Raw water is pumped through an inlet at a bottom of each boiler and solar energy is concentrated, using each optical focusing lens, on each boiler, heating the raw water in each boiler and evaporating steam from the raw water. The steam exits each boiler, via a steam outlet pipe. Remaining salts and solids in each boiler are ground by rotation of salt grinding-cleaning gears. These ground salts and solids are drained and/or pumped out of each boiler from an exit in the bottom of each boiler.

Abstract: Embodiments of a solar reflector assembly and methods of controlling a solar reflector assembly are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A substrate comprises a coating for converting radiation energy into heat, the coating comprising a one-dimensional composite structure. The coatings can be used in particular as absorbers, for example for solar collectors.

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: A method for the production of an absorber plate for solar collectors from a strip of metal, in particular of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, includes coating the strip using a coil coating process with a highly selective coating, which has very good absorptive properties for sunlight and ensures very little heat emission.

Abstract: Method for distributing heliostats in a tower solar plant surrounded by a field of heliostats which reflect solar radiation on said tower. The distribution method for said heliostats consists of imitating the systems that are found in nature to maximize the collection of light (plant seeds, leaves and petals) and which is mathematically described by Fermat spirals in a number belonging to the Fibonacci series, through the placement, in polar coordinates, of each heliostat according to a radius and an angle defined by r n = c n · n ; ? n = n · 2 · ? ? 2 ; being: rn distance from the tower (2) to the position of the heliostat n (3), ?n the angle formed by the radius rn with the radius rn-1, n number of the heliostat (3) we wish to place, cn parameter that corresponds to the compactness index of the heliostats (3) in the plant, ? the irrational limit of the golden section, i.e.

Abstract: A system for heating a pool of water is provided. An inlet is provided for liquid to be delivered to the pool of water. The system includes an attachment apparatus having a body defining a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening. A third opening is disposed between the first and second opening. The attachment connects to the inlet for receiving the liquid. An adjustable diverging mechanism is mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening. A tube having a flow channel and thermally conductive outer surface is coupled to the third opening and extends out of the pool to be exposed to environmental conditions and absorb thermal energy. The liquid passing through the flow channel of the tube returns to the pool of liquid and heated when passing through the tube prior to returning to the pool.

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: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and device for two-stage solar concentration and a spectrum splitting dish reflector based on dish concentration. A parabolic dish reflector is provided with a central light hole. A CPV panel and a solar-to-heat receiver are positioned at the two sides of the axial line of dish reflector, respectively, under the light hole. A splitting lens is placed at a certain distance from the apex of dish reflector over the light hole. The splitting film is applied to the curved surface of the lens near the parabolic dish, as a spectrum splitting surface. The curved surface of the lens far from the parabolic dish is covered by silver, as a reflecting surface. A supporting structure is provided between the dish reflector and the splitting lens. The whole system with a dual-axis tracking system is placed on the foundation of a support.

Abstract: There is disclosed a receiver panel. In an embodiment, the panel is configured to receive a curtain of particles in a solar central receiver system. A porous structure of the panel has a top end and a bottom end. The porous structure is disposed between the top end and the bottom end. The porous structure has a size to impede movement of the particles during downward travel from the top end to the bottom end. There is disclosed a solar central receiver system. In an embodiment, the receiver system includes a plurality of receiver panels, a tower supporting the plurality of receiver panels in a configuration to receive solar irradiation, and a hopper forming a slot configured to dispose the particles at a given location on to the porous structure. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A solar reflection apparatus (60) is disclosed comprising a rotatable reflection (assembly 20) and a drive mechanism (12) which is operable to drive rotation of the reflection assembly (20) at its axis of rotation. The reflection assembly (20) comprises a curved linear reflector (4) defining a focal axis F, a counter weight (17) operable to balance the self weight of the reflector (4), and a support structure (15) via which the reflector (4) and counter weight (17) are rotatably mounted at locations along the focal axis F of the reflector (4). A solar collection apparatus (2) is also disclosed comprising a solar reflection (apparatus 60) as disclosed above and a heat collecting element (6), fixedly mounted along the focal axis F of the reflector (4).

Abstract: A device for storage and conveyance of thermal energy for an energy production system apt to receive solar radiation and based on the use of a modular fluidizable granular bed and a heat exchanger associated thereto is described.

Abstract: A solar energy water heater system composed of a method of retrofitting an existing conventional gas or electric water heater. In particular, this invention relates to adding a solar energy water heater system comprised of: a solar collector, a solar thermal circulating loop, an over-heat protection loop, and a computer controller with temperature sensors. The solar thermal circulating loop and over-heat protection loop are installed on the existing water storage tank, and the method and system is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A solar concentration plant which uses water/steam as a fluid, in any thermodynamic cycle for the exploitation of process heat, comprising an evaporation subsystem, where saturated steam is produced, a superheater subsystem through which the steam reaches the required conditions of pressure and temperature at the turbine inlet, and an attemperation system interconnected by a drum. A field of heliostats is pointed towards either of the subsystems (evaporator or superheater), in such a way to control both the pressure within the drum and the outlet temperature of the superheated steam.

Abstract: A solar boiler includes a boiler support defining an axis along an inboard-outboard direction. A hanger rod is rotatably mounted to the boiler support. A bracket is rotatably mounted to the hanger rod, and a solar boiler panel is mounted to the bracket. The solar boiler panel defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular with the axis of the boiler support. The hanger rod connects between the boiler support and the bracket to support the weight of the solar boiler panel from the boiler support. The hanger rod and bracket are configured and adapted to maintain a substantially constant orientation of the bracket during inboard and outboard movement of the bracket relative to the boiler support.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing heliostat aiming toward a target are described. Solar rays incident on a reflective surface of a heliostat mirror are reflected toward the target. One or more optical signalers are arranged at positions about the target. An optical signal received from one of the one or more optical signalers is detected. An error in an orientation of the reflective surface is determined based on the optical signal.

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: Systems for producing vaporous working fluid are provided, including: a first fluid passage configured to convey a working fluid to a first solar heating system, wherein the first solar heating system heats the working fluid to produce a heated working fluid having a temperature t1 and a quality X1; a second fluid passage configured to convey a heat transfer fluid to a second solar heating system to produce a heated heat transfer fluid; and a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the heated heat transfer fluid to the heated working fluid. When X1<1, the heat transfer results in an increase in quality of the heated working fluid When X1=1, the heat transfer results in an increase in temperature of the heated working fluid. Methods of using the systems to produce vaporous working fluid are also provided.

Abstract: A solar water heating arrangement comprising a solar water heating element and a hot water storage vessel having a heat insulated internal volume for storage of hot water for use by a user and conduits linking them to form a fluid circulation loop is improved by providing a further, intermediate storage tank linked to the solar water heating arrangement to form another fluid circulation loop whereby the flow of fluid from the solar water heating element to the hot water storage vessel and the intermediate storage tank through the respective fluid circulation loops may be controlled for enhanced heat capture efficiency and heat storage management.

Abstract: Solar heating systems and methods are described. In one aspect, a system is described that includes multiple mirror row holders, with each row holder configured to hold a row of mirrors at angles to track sunrays and reflect the rays onto a focal point. Each row holder has a single pinion device of multiple pinion devices associated with the multiple row holders. The system also has a sun tracking latitudinal slider (STLS) rack configured to interface with each pinion device on a respective mirror row holder. This interface tilts the mirrors in each row holder an amount to adjust mirror angles to reflect latitudinal sun motion to concentrate rays of the sun onto the focal point. The system also includes an azimuth adjustment mechanism to control mirror angles with respect to the sun to reflect sun motion during daylight.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected as heat are disclosed. Some systems include an elevated solar receiver comprising multiple tubes arranged lengthwise in the receiver in a side-by-side parallel configuration across a transverse dimension of the receiver. The receiver comprises an inlet section configured to receive a heat transfer fluid into the tubing arrangement and an outlet section configured to output heated heat transfer fluid from the tubing arrangement. The multiple tubes of the tubing arrangement define together a flowing circuit between the inlet section and the outlet section from the outer tube or tubes to the inner tube or tubes. The solar energy collector system further includes an instrumentation and control system for controlling the orientation of at least one orientable reflector to provide in operation a concentrated illuminated area comprising a peaked profile across the transverse dimension of the receiver.

Abstract: An evacuated tube solar thermal collector uses a set of evacuated solar thermal collector tubes in heat exchanging contact with a fluid flowing through a header tube. Two heat pipes are provided in each evacuated thermal collector tube, and the condenser ends of the heat pipes are positioned in the header tube with a spacing that provides improved heat transfer from the heat pipes to the header tube. When 14 mm heat pipes contained in 58 mm collector tubes are used in a header tube having a capacity of about 0.5 gallons with a heat transfer liquid that is flowing at a rate of about 0.3 gpm, the spacing between heat pipes in each collector tube is about 24 mm, center to center, and the spacing between corresponding heat pipes of immediately-adjacent collector tubes is about 80 mm.

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