Abstract: Compact solar collector arrays with multiple axis adjustability for use with mobile structures, such as trailers, RVs, etc., and temporary support structures and associated methods of use are disclosed that provide significant power generation capacity per roof area, easy deployment, optimum orientation regardless of underlying vehicle or structure orientation, and protection for solar collector arrays during transport. Some embodiments include a plurality of solar collector mounts coupled to a support surface, the plurality of solar collector mounts being capable of changing relative spatial arrangement of each solar collector with respect to at least a neighboring solar collector.

Abstract: A solar collector has operably connected reflective panels that can be positioned to substantially form a parabolic trough that concentrates solar radiation onto a tube running along the focal line of the trough. A folding mechanism can be manually or automatically operated to selectively fold and unfold the panels into open and closed positions and into any number of intermediate positions, including the position characterized by formation of a parabolic trough. A rotating mechanism can be manually or automatically operated to selectively rotate the solar collector about an axis parallel to the focus line of the parabolic trough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-supporting reflector for a parabolic trough, the parabolic trough itself, a process for preparing the reflector, a process for preparing the parabolic trough, and the use of the reflector.

Abstract: A ventilation system includes a turbine positioned on a building structure, wherein the turbine is configured to create a low pressure area in the building structure. A first air flow path is positioned between the turbine and an interior of the building structure, and a second air flow path is positioned between the turbine and a thermal source. The ventilation system further includes a means for independently controlling a rate of air flow within the first and second air flow paths.

Abstract: A solar collector system includes sheets that are disposed to cover portions of channels within a terrain to thereby form air flow passageways bounded by at least the sheet and the sides and bottom of the respective channels. The sheet enables transmission of solar radiation into the channels to heat portions of the sides and bottoms of the channels so that air in the passageways can be heated by absorbing heat from the heated portions of the sides and bottoms of the channels. A heat accumulation system is coupled to the passageways for accumulating heat from the heated air. A stream of heated air is drawn from the solar collector and/or the heat accumulation system by an upwardly sloping tunnel through a turbine of an electrical energy producing system. The air stream rotates the turbine to cause electrical energy to be generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating service water and providing heat for the heating of buildings, if required, including a first heat source, a storage tank, and a service water heat exchanger for heating service water, where a simple, robust and efficient system is attained by connecting the first channel of the service water heat exchanger in parallel with the storage tank and by providing a control device, which controls the first circulator pump and the second circulator pump in such a way that in a first operational state the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first heat source is greater than the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first channel of the service water heat exchanger, and that in a second operational state the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first heat source is smaller than the mass flow of the heat transport medium through the first channel of the service water heat exchanger

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 concentrator comprises an upper transparent surface and a lower transparent surface. A reflective layer is on the lower transparent surface. The lower transparent surface is shaped such that the reflective layer reflects and concentrates incident light.

Abstract: Improved solar collectors (40) comprising glass tubing (42) attached to bellows (44) by airtight seals (56) enclose solar absorber tubes (50) inside an annular evacuated space (54. The exterior surfaces of the solar absorber tubes (50) are coated with improved solar selective coatings (48) which provide higher absorbance, lower emittance and resistance to atmospheric oxidation at elevated temperatures. The coatings are multilayered structures comprising solar absorbent layers (26) applied to the meta surface of the absorber tubes (50), typically stainless steel, topped with antireflective Savers (28) comprising at least two layers 30, 32) of refractory metal or metalloid oxides (such as titania and silica) with substantially differing indices of refraction in adjacent layers. Optionally, at least one layer of a noble metal such as platinum can be included between some of the layers.

Abstract: An energy recovery system (10) including a structure (12) including at least a boundary (14) area made of a material which is substantially transparent to solar radiation, thus to capture solar energy in the internal environment of the structure, a heat pump (19) including a closed fluid circuit (16) which includes a first heat exchanger (18) in which heat from the internal environment of the structure (12) is transferred to the fluid, a second heat exchanger (20) in which heat from the fluid is transferred to a heat energy store (24), and an impeller (22) for moving the fluid from the first heat exchanger (18) where the fluid is at a generally lower pressure to the second heat exchanger (20) where the fluid is at a generally higher pressure, power to drive the impeller (22) being derived solely from the energy stored.

Abstract: A system [500] for producing solar energy at a desired temperature and pressure range includes a primary energy source [501] that is used in a Clausius Rankine cycle, with the primary energy source connected to and proximate to a plurality of solar collectors [520]. More particularly, at least one steam storage tank [501] feeds the expansion step of the Clausius Rankine cycle. This enables the system [500] to reliably supply energy during times when the solar collectors receive little or no radiation. According to one aspect of the invention, the solar collectors [520] reside on an artificial island [510a, 510b, 510c], preferably sea-based, or offshore, so that the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c] can be located well below sea level. This enables the use of compressive forces from the sea water to counteract the outwardly directed pressure caused by the steam contained in the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c].

Abstract: A method for tracking solar panels includes the steps (a) beginning a tracking cycle substantially at sunrise with adjacent tilting panels all horizontal, (b) tilting the adjacent panels in unison in a first angular direction toward the rising sun at a tilt rate that just avoids shading of adjacent panels, (c) reversing direction of panel tilt at a point that the panels reach either a maximum tilt limited by mechanical design, or the panel surfaces are orthogonal to the rising sun, (d) tilting the adjacent panels in a second angular direction, following movement of the sun and keeping the surface of the panels at right angles to the sun's position, until a point is reached that shadowing is imminent from the angle of the setting sun, and (e) reversing direction of panel tilt again to the first angular direction, adjusting tilt as the sun sets to avoid shading until the panels are again horizontal.

Abstract: An active thermoregulation system without motivity and the method thereof are provided. The system includes a gas source, a regular closed space (1A), and an exhaust device without motivity (1B), a first connecting device (1G) and a second connecting device (1F). In the process of use, the regular closed space (1A) is separated from the external environment. The exhaust device without motivity (1B) includes a blade and a corresponding suction opening, which makes the exhaust device without motivity (1B) connect with the regular closed space (1A). During working process, by utilizing the temperature difference between the natural wind of the external environment and the regular closed space (1A), the blades of the exhaust device without motivity (1B) is driven to rotate. A low pressure is formed at the suction opening, and thus the air of the suction opening is extracted.

Abstract: The radiation-selective absorber coating, in particular for an absorber tube of a parabolic trough collector, includes a reflective layer which is reflective in the infrared range, at least one barrier layer arranged below the reflective layer, at least one absorption layer arranged above the reflective layer, an antireflection layer arranged above the absorption layer and at least one adhesion-enhancing layer arranged between the barrier layer and the reflective layer. The adhesion-enhancing layer preferably is a molybdenum layer, but can also be provided by a copper, titanium, titanium oxide, or silicon layer. The adhesion-enhancing layer preferably has a thickness of 5 to 50 nm.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system and structure which provides dual axis tracking while only requiring a force to be applied about a single axis. The system can provide desirable results with both actively-powered and passively-powered drive mechanisms. Also provided is a solar panel mounting frame which permits a solar panel to be mounted without requiring additional frame components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pool heater that includes a buoyant member configured to float on water; a tubing array positioned on the buoyant member and having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a photovoltaic cell positioned on the buoyant member; a pump having an inlet, an outlet, and positioned on the buoyant member to receive power from the photovoltaic cell and circulate water through the tubing array to be heated in the tubing array.

Abstract: A combined diurnal tracking, concentrator, photovoltaic plus domestic hot water solar thermal system is mountable on flat roof industrial buildings or multi-unit apartment buildings for diurnal tracking, and on pitched roofs of single family residences. The systems are configured to reduce the number of solar cells required for given power output, and increased generated heat by a concentration of the sun's insolation on the solar cells. The increased heat is drawn off by anti-freeze fluid circulated in an aluminum extrusion attached to the solar cells and concentrator reflectors for the dual purpose of providing domestic hot water or space heating and maintaining the solar cells cool to enhance their efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a solar collector having intergral control of the maximum temperature that it can reach, thereby avoiding excessive stagnation temperatures in the collector.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system includes a base, and a parabolic trough collector carried by the base for reflecting sunlight to a longitudinal focal line. The parabolic trough collector includes a center section horizontally positioned with respect to ground, and opposing end sections adjacent the center section. Each end section is angled towards the ground. A conduit is positioned along the longitudinal focal line to receive the reflected sunlight. The conduit circulates a heat transfer liquid therethrough to be heated by the reflected sunlight.

Abstract: A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.

Abstract: The solar array is attached to a support structure which permits it to pivot about two non-parallel and non-intersecting axes. The array may then be easily moved to track the sun, maintaining the production of electricity. The structure may be adapted for attachment to a surface such as the ground.

Abstract: Solar heating systems are provided which utilize an integrated fixture for transferring heat from a solar collector to a lower-temperature loop, e.g. a domestic hot water system or radiant heating system. The fixture provides a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the solar collector to the lower temperature loop. The fixture may also include a casting, in which are formed solar collector supply and return ports, lower temperature supply and return ports, a solar collector pump volute, and a lower temperature pump volute. The systems also include two pumps, and a temperature optimization control that varies the speed of at least one of the pumps depending on the temperature of the liquid in the solar collector.

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

Abstract: 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: A solar hot water system is provided, comprising an ambient temperature sensor, a controller, a valve, a water storage tank, having an inlet and an outlet, and at least a first solar panel, having an inlet in fluid communication with the water storage tank outlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the water storage tank inlet. When the temperature sensor indicates to the controller that the ambient temperature is above a predetermined level, the controller controls the valve to direct flow from the water storage tank outlet to the solar panel inlet and from the solar panel outlet to the water storage tank inlet. When the temperature sensor indicates to the controller that the ambient temperature is below a predetermined level, the controller controls the valve to direct flow from the solar panel inlet to the valve and so to atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for providing heated domestic water. The system comprises a heating structure such as a solar collector and a tank connected by an upstream fluid path and a downstream fluid path. A control system is adapted to interrupt supply of water from a source to the system when the domestic water is delivered to a recipient. The invention further provides a heating system with a tank which is filled to a certain limit leaving a certain amount of free space, e.g. to adjust absorption of energy to a supplied amount of energy or for reserving space for drainage of the solar collector. The invention further relates to a solar collector which is protected against excessive temperatures. Furthermore, the intention provides a method for providing heated domestic water.

Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a plurality of solar reflectors; a plurality of support rods each coupled to one of the plurality of solar reflectors; a plurality of control plates including a plurality of first openings; a tension plate providing a force to position the plurality of support rods in each of the plurality of first openings; and a driver to move at least one of the plurality of control plates, the movement of the at least one of the plurality of control plates further moving the tension plate, the plurality of support rods, and the plurality of solar reflectors. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed including innovations related to aspects of solar concentration and/or the collection, transfer, or utilization of thermal energy. In some exemplary implementations, systems and methods of generating thermal energy using a plurality of solar modules are set forth, with each solar module includes a collector and a receiver.

Abstract: A system for heating a liquid, such as water, the system including a collector and a storage tank, wherein the collector and the storage tank are fluidly coupled together via a manifold. The collector includes a plurality of heat pipes which extend into the manifold. Solar energy is absorbed by the heat pipes and passed to liquid in the manifold, which in turn, is passed to the storage tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar air heater comprising—at least one transparent or translucent front panel comprising at least one first flow passage, said first flow passage substantially elongated and extending along the surface of the front panel,—a back panel preferably substantially parallel with the front panel,—at least one heat absorbing element, preferably located between the front panel and the back panel,—at least one air inlet,—at least one air outlet,—at least a second flow passage between the front panel and the heat absorption element, and—at least a third flow passage between the heat absorption element and the back panel, whereby air flowing through the solar air heater from an air inlet to an air outlet will pass at least a first, a second and a third flow passage.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a fluid pipe in an industrial process system includes at least one gas tank fluidically connected to a first catalyst via a gas supply pipe. A first pipe heating zone is fluidically connected to the first catalyst via a first hot gas pipe. The first pipe heating zone has at least one passage extending along a first portion of the fluid pipe, in thermal contact with the fluid pipe.

Abstract: Solar concentrators are arranged in an array to define an input aperture such that the solar collector is positionable to face the input aperture of the concentrators skyward. An input axis of rotation extends through the aperture in the skyward direction, and a focus region is smaller than the aperture. Each concentrator includes at least one optical arrangement that is supported for rotation about the input axis for tracking the sun within a predetermined range of positions of the sun using no more than the rotation of the optical arrangement around the input axis. An optical concentrator is described in which a receiving direction extends at an acute angle from an optical axis and in one azimuthal direction outward from the optical axis such that a component of the concentrator is rotatable about the optical axis for alignment to receive input light. A previously unknown inverted off-axis lens is described.

Abstract: A method for producing hot water and a device especially for carrying out the method are provided. The method utilizes combined heat resources of solar energy and heat pump in the manner of heating water at multiple stages and accumulating energy. The device comprises solar energy collector, heat pump, electrical heater, water tank, and control unit. The device also includes water-heating tanks with multiple stages. A heating means with multiple stages at different temperatures is formed either by the solar energy collector or by the collector and the heat pump. The outputting end of the two or more heating stages constituted by the solar energy collector or by the collector and the heat pump is connected through ducts to the corresponding water-heating tanks. A predetermined amount of produced water heated at multiple stages is respectively stored in the water-heating tanks.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may take the form of a system and method that may use at least one solar heating system to heat the fuel consumed by a turbomachine. An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate concentrated solar power (CSP). Generally, CSP systems incorporate a plurality of lenses, mirrors, or combinations thereof and a tracking system to focus a large area of sunlight forming a small concentrated beam of light. The concentrated light may then be used as a heat source. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat source may be used to partially or completely heat the fuel consumed by a turbomachine. CSP systems may take the form of a solar trough system, a parabolic dish system, a solar power tower system, or the like.

Abstract: The solar array is attached to a support structure which permits it to pivot about two non-parallel and non-intersecting axes. The array may then be easily moved to track the sun, maintaining the production of electricity. The structure may be adapted for attachment to a surface such as the ground.

Abstract: An optically efficient and thermally stable solar heating apparatus and method provide efficient heating by using a solar collector having a transparent tube containing a porous absorbent material or structure that permits liquid or aerosol to percolate through the transparent tube. Thermal protection against overheating is provided when the system is drained by a transparent top with a bottom surface that, when in contact with another liquid medium filling the collector, permits incident light to enter and be collected, but when the liquid medium that normally contacts the bottom surface of the top is absent when the system is drained, incident light is reflected. The collector, top and transparent tubes may be extruded and made from the same recyclable plastic material, making the assembly lightweight for installation and ease of structural integration, while facilitating recyclability of the entire collector.

Abstract: Direct solar thermal steam generator with an ultra-compact linear Fresnel reflector field that has “travel and turn” capability by means of independent linear and rotational motion of reflectors. Method of positioning and orienting the reflectors of the traveling field such that the reflected energy of the field is maximized at all times Crescent like rotational support rail of the reflector with its gravitational center in the center of the crescent. The curvature of the reflector is customized for each row of the field Ultra-light, collector-absorber structure, with cable suspended arch-like tubular absorber, wide aperture, and secondary reflector with optimized light entrapment Flow distribution and control method of the large horizontal solar thermal steam generation field.

Abstract: An integrated energy system for a home or other building utilizes a heated reservoir for energy storage. The reservoir is mainly heated by one or more solar collectors. The system also includes an environment-coupled piping loop through which a cooling fluid is circulated such that heat is exhausted from the cooling fluid to the environment. The thermal energy from the reservoir and the cooling fluid are then used in an integrated set of systems that provide space heating, space cooling, and electrical generation. Electricity is generated by a thermoelectric generator that exploits the temperature differential between the reservoir and the cooling fluid. The system may include heating and storage for domestic hot water, and may use excess power for hydrogen production. Backup heating and electrical systems may be provided for.

Abstract: A photovoltaic/thermal solar panel is presented which contains no glazing above the photovoltaic array. The absence of glazing allows the photovoltaic cells to operate at a lower temperature and therefore at a higher efficiency. In addition, the absence of glazing allows the present invention PV/T panel to be used to provide nighttime cooling for a building. The panel is constructed by adhering an aluminum heat transfer plate to the rear of the PV array in the panel using a silicone adhesive. PEX tubing is inserted into channels integrally formed into the back of the heat transfer plate again using silicone or other heat-conductive compound.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for integrating central receiver solar power systems with existing infrastructure to form multi-purpose structures. The invention also provides arranging heliostats to accommodate shadowing effects. Additionally, improved systems and methods for solar tracking are provided. Such improved solar tracking may enable the heliostats to more accurately reflect sunlight to a central receiver.

Abstract: The system contains a plurality of elongated conduit. A height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit. A plurality of connecting elements is connected between the elongated conduits establishing a fluid path through the elongated conduit. A fluid is captured within the elongated conduit.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of operating a solar thermal power plant, in which a heat transfer medium is evaporated endothermally by solar radiation in an evaporator section, wherein the evaporator section comprises a plurality of evaporator branches, among which the heat transfer medium is distributed, in which method non-uniform radiation conditions of the evaporator section may be effectively taken into consideration, it is provided that the mass flow distribution at the evaporator section is controlled, wherein the mass flows are adjusted individually at all or a majority of the evaporator branches and a controlled variable is a variable characterizing a spatial energy rise in a respective evaporator branch in a region of the evaporator branch where the heat transfer medium has not yet evaporated.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting assembly useful for transferring solar heat to a heat utilizing system via heat transfer fluid flow, comprising anisotropic graphite sheets coupled to a pipe containing heat transfer fluid , and various configurations and embodiments. Methods useful for extracting collected solar heat and transferring said heat to a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A method to enhance oil shale, oil sand, asphaltic crude oil, or other high viscosity crude oil production by using a solar blackbody waveguide to heat these formations in situ. A parabolic mirror collects and directs the solar flux into a vertical shaft of a well drilled into the formation. This vertical shaft is lined with a reflective sleeve that reflects nearly all of the sunlight down into the well bore. The reflective sleeve ends at the top of the formation so that below this point, the solar flux is permitted to make successive reflections with the interior of the metal well casing or solar blackbody waveguide coil. The coil absorbs the solar flux, converting it to heat. Heat from the coil is transferred by conduction into the formation and allowing the formation to be produced by traditional methods.

Abstract: A dryer is constructed and arranged to dry vegetable product, such as coffee beans. The dryer includes a thermal collector that is constructed and arranged to convert solar energy to heat energy, a heat transfer system, and a housing that defines a drying chamber. The thermal collector is positioned toward a light source and is thermally connected to the heat transfer system. The heat transfer system is also in thermal communication with the drying chamber. Therefore heat is able to move from the thermal collector to the drying chamber. Convective forces, or flow, can be used to move air inside the drying chamber, but photovoltaic energy could also be used to enhance this effect.

Abstract: Heat insulations in houses having card-board lattice arranged behind a glass pane yield, in practice, a heat flow which is dependent on insolation. Said heat flow is lower at night and during weak insolation and begins to increase when the lattice is solar heated. The inventive solar cell (1) comprises a lattice (5) which is situated behind a rear-ventilated glass pane (2) and which exhibits durable storage properties. The solar cells characterize a solar energy yield (v′) by an arrangement which selects for an angle of incidence. Said solar energy yield does not lead to overheating in the room interior (R) also when the sun is at a high position. A thermal time constant is obtained by means of heat insulations (11, 12, 13) which are connected in succession. Said time constant guarantees comfortable temperatures in the interior (R) of the house also in the case of low supplementary heating.

Abstract: A solar powered air conditioning system includes an absorption machine coupled to three primary loops. A heat loop provides energy to the absorption machine. A cooling tower loop exhausts heat from the absorption machine. A chilled water loop is used to draw heat from a room or building. The heat loop provides energy from a boiler and/or from a number of solar collectors. In one mode of operation, the solar collectors circulate through a storage tank. The flow through the solar collectors is regulated to maximize energy collection.

Abstract: A solar-based power generating system including an electrical alternator or generator for generating electrical power in which the alternator or generator is driven by a refrigerant circulating through a closed-loop heat transfer system including an evaporator exposed to solar energy and a condenser disposed within a large heat sink such as a body of water.

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: The invention relates to a solar collector, comprising: a cover layer to be directed toward the incident solar radiation; a system of tubes which is thermally coupled to the cover layer and through which heat transfer medium, in particular liquid such as water, can flow between a feed connection and a discharge connection; a substantially form-stiff carrier layer supporting the tube system and the cover later. The solar collector according to the invention has the special feature that: the cover layer consists of a weather-resistant plastic roof-covering foil; the tubes consist at least partially of a plastic material welded fixedly to the cover layer; the carrier layer is provided with recesses in which the tube system is accommodated.