Abstract: A portable solar concentrator includes a stand, a plurality of inner panels supported by the stand, and a plurality of outer panels attached to the inner panels. The inner panels have a reflective surface, and are configured to direct solar energy at a target. The outer panels have a reflective surface and can be configured in an active position to direct solar energy at the target, and can be configured in an inactive position to direct solar energy away from the target.

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

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprises is provided. The solar concentrator includes at least one row of reflectors comprising mirrors. The row extends along a longitudinal direction and the reflector of the row is pivotally supported with respect to the ground about a pivot axis. The row includes at least a first reflector and a second reflector and a connecting arrangement which connects adjacent longitudinal ends of the first and second reflectors. The connecting arrangement allows a relative movement between the first and second reflectors.

Abstract: Optical axis vectors indicating a direction of an optical axis of a mirror structure that directs the light from the sun at a plurality of times on a predetermined day to a condensed position are obtained for each of the plurality of times. Next, a cone having generatrices along which direction segments of the optical axis vectors for each of the plurality of times extend is determined, and a cone central axis vector indicating a direction of a central axis of the cone is obtained. A first rotational axis of an optical condenser is set to be parallel to the cone central axis vector.

Abstract: With the new development of clean energy technology, there are more and more demand for concentrated solar energy to provide lightweight, cost-effective power and thermal generation. There's also a (separated) requirement to transmit power/energy effectively. The current invention including using a unique inflatable structure to concentrate solar energy, and made possible to create a balloon type solar power station to capture solar power above the ground. It also provides a self supporting cable solution for power transmission that overcomes the obstacles of supporting the weight of the cable and also be able to overcoming/reduce the wind drag related load to the cable.

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 include (i) a mirror assembly, which can include at least one mirror, at least one support arm and a pair of diagonals attached to each end of the support arm, the support arm attached to the backside of the mirror along its entire length, (ii) an elongated central support element, (iii) at least one connecting element configured to attach the mirror assembly to the elongated central support element. The location of attachment points on the at least one connecting element can define the curvature of the mirror in at least one dimension.

Abstract: A mirror (31) that reflects solar light, a rear plate (35) that supports a rear surface of the mirror (31), and a support frame (36) that is disposed on a rear surface of the rear plate (35) are prepared. Next, the rear plate (35) and the support frame (36) are joined to each other. Moreover, an adhesive agent is disposed between the mirror (31) and the rear plate (35), the mirror (31), the rear plate (35), and the support frame (36) are elastically deformed so that a reflecting surface of the mirror (31) forms a target three-dimensional curved surface, using a lower mold (51) and an upper mold (52), and the elastically deformed state is maintained until the adhesive agent is cured.

Abstract: An adjustable transmissive insulative array of vanes comprising a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending and transversely spaced vanes, each vane rotatable about its longitudinal axis between an insulative state and a transmissive state, each vane comprising an insulative body and a reflective layer on the outer surface of the body, the insulative body of each vane shaped such that in the insulative state the vane is operable to engage with adjacent vanes to form a substantially continuous insulating boundary, the insulative body of each vane further shaped such that in the transmissive state the vane cooperates with an adjacent vane to form an optical concentrator therebetween comprising a portion of the reflective layer of the vane and an portion of the reflective layer of the adjacent vane, each optical concentrator operable to transmit received light through the array of vanes.

Abstract: Inflatable, flexible, collapsible, linear solar concentrator and heliostat designs, made primarily of flexible and elastic sheets enclosing and separating air-tight chambers which are elongated along and parallel to a main axis, with the chambers pressurized to different pressures form a structure and control the focus and rotation of a mirror.

Abstract: A solar collector utilizes an inflated tubular film which concentrates sunlight onto a solar receiver. The film incorporates refractive elements in a pattern which focuses light in one or two dimensions to create foci in the form of lines, spots, or other shapes. The film may be replaceable. The film may include layers of material to optimize optical, structural, thermal, and durability characteristics.

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

Abstract: A method for erecting a solar field includes inserting piles into the ground in a predefined pattern covering an area of the solar field, and deploying rails between the piles. Elements of an array of solar collectors are transported along the rails to respective deployment locations in the solar field. The solar collectors are erected on the piles using the elements at the respective deployment locations.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A solar collector array is disclosed. The array has a plurality of thin walled dishes interconnected by unitary webbing. The dishes and the webbing are formed from a single metallic sheet. Each dish is pressed into a symmetric parabolic surface that concentrates incident light to a position in front of the dish.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and associated methods for the direction of light, e.g. sunlight. The devices may comprise various stacked optical elements, including wedge prisms and angled-facet minors, such as Fresnel prisms and mirrors. These may be rotated to effect various angles of light redirection. In one embodiment, the invention comprises directional reflectors which enable incident light to be reflected to a target of fixed location. In one embodiment, the target of the directional reflector is a solar energy target such as a thermal solar receiver or photovoltaic element. In another embodiment, the invention comprises directional beam guides which can redirect incident light arriving at a range of angles to a target. In one embodiment the target of the directional beam guide is the interior of a building, wherein directional beam guides are mounted in or on a window to effect light transmission to the target within the building.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trough collector comprising a number of secondary concentrators, by which the solar radiation concentrated by the concentrator of the trough collector in a first direction transverse to the length thereof is concentrated in a second direction running along the trough collector, wherein the secondary concentrators each have a first, front reflecting wall and a second, rear reflecting wall which concentrate the radiation in the second direction, and wherein the secondary concentrators are arranged such as to be synchronously pivotable with one another, preferably about a respective pivot axis fixed with respect to the primary concentrator, such that as the position of the sun changes, the secondary concentrators can always be oriented in accordance with the incident radiation.

Abstract: An heliostat includes a plane mirror and a first axis of rotation which is positioned parallel to the axis of rotation of the Earth. The solar radiation reflected by the mirror is permanently oriented toward a stationary Fresnel lens which is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and which concentrates the solar radiation toward a stationary target. A solar field is composed of a plurality of heliostats according to such characteristics and all the first axes of rotation of which are rotated by a mechanical linkage coupled to a rod which is moved by a single motor. This arrangement reduces the total cost of the installation.

Abstract: A collector system for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation includes a collector mirror and a radiation-collection enhancement device (RCED) arranged adjacent an aperture member of an illuminator. The collector mirror directs EUV radiation from an EUV radiation source towards the aperture member. The RCED redirects a portion of the EUV radiation that would not otherwise pass through the aperture of the aperture member or that would not have an optimum angular distribution, to pass through the aperture and to have an improved angular distribution better suited to input specifications of an illuminator. This provides the illuminator with greater amount of useable EUV radiation than would otherwise be available from the collector mirror alone, thereby enhancing the performing of an EUV lithography system that uses such a collector system with a RCED.

Abstract: A new and useful optical element for an optical imaging system is provided, characterized in that the optical element comprises a reflecting surface that is rotationally symmetric and oriented at a grazing angle to a relatively small slit that is illuminated over a relatively large range of angles, such that the optical element collects radiation from the relatively small slit that is illuminated over a large range of angles, and the reflecting surface reflects the collected radiation. The optical element is configured to convert a large range of angles leaving a very small slit, to a much smaller range of angles over a larger area.

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

Abstract: A collector mirror exchanging apparatus capable of safely and easily exchanging a collector mirror for collecting extreme ultra violet light emitted from plasma generated within a chamber of an extreme ultra violet light source apparatus. The collector mirror exchanging apparatus includes: a supporting base for supporting a collector mirror or a collector mirror structure; and a guiding rail disposed on the supporting base and regulating a moving direction of the collector mirror or the collector mirror structure; wherein at least the collector mirror is taken out of the chamber by moving the collector mirror or the collector mirror structure along the guiding rail on the supporting base.

Abstract: A solar light reflecting plate used for a light condensing and heat collecting device which includes a solar light reflecting plate that reflects and condenses solar light and a heat collecting tube that receives the solar light condensed by the solar light reflecting plate and is heated by the condensed solar light, wherein the solar light reflecting plate includes at least a rolled substrate, a surface roughness of a solar light reflecting surface that is an outermost surface and that reflects solar light is 0.02 ?m to 1.0 ?m in terms of arithmetic mean roughness Ra, and the solar light reflecting plate is disposed so that an angle between a rolling direction of the substrate and a longitudinal direction of the heat collecting tube is 80° to 100°.

Abstract: A light collector of a light concentration module includes a first surface, a second surface and at least one light emitting surface. The first surface has multiple microstructures. The microstructures are used for receiving a ray. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The at least one light emitting surface is adjacent to the first surface and the second surface. The at least one light emitting surface forms a first angle ? with the first surface or the second surface, so as to output the rays received by the microstructures. The light collector satisfies 10°???35° or 85°??<90°.

Abstract: A collector for a projection exposure apparatus for microlithography comprises a plurality of reflective sections which are embodied and arranged in such a way that they can be impinged upon during the focusing of radiation from a first focus into a second focus with angles of impingement in a predefined angular spectrum.

Abstract: The sliding mirror system permits a 360° view of an object or subject to be viewed. The system includes a plurality of panels, at least one panel being movable relative to the other panels. The movable panel(s) is mounted on rails or the like for sliding movement. Each panel is configured as a portion of an arc. Multiple mirrors are mounted on the face of each panel. Each mirror may also assume an arc-shaped configuration.

Abstract: Spherical mechanical linkages may include a yoke defining a first axis and a second axis, a crank rotatably coupled to the yoke about the first axis; a deflecting member that defines a plane and that is coupled to the crank along a third axis, and a rocking frame slideably coupled to the yoke in the plane defined by the deflecting member and rotatably coupled to the yoke about the second axis. Such spherical mechanical linkages may further include a stub shaft coupled to the deflecting member and rotatably coupled to the crank along a fourth axis. One or more components of the spherical mechanical linkage may be symmetric about an axis. A payload, such as a mirror or a camera, can be mounted on the linkage as part of a multi-axis tracker.

Abstract: A light concentrator of an embodiment includes: a first high refractive index layer, a first low refractive index layer, and a second high refractive index layer stacked in sequence, wherein a surface on the first low refractive index layer side of the first high refractive index layer has a periodic concavoconvex region.

Abstract: A light concentrating apparatus is presented. Disclosed apparatuses include a collection of shaped reflectors capable of redirecting incident light, sunlight for example. The reflectors are configured to modify the spatial distribution of the redirected light in a manner where the distribution of light associated with a first dimension is modified differently than the distribution of light associated with a second, different dimension, via a relay of reflections. Contemplated apparatuses generate a substantially collimated output beam subsequent to the relay of reflections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflective element for solar fields, having a sandwich-type structure, comprising a reflective sheet (1), a reinforcement sheet (2) and a layer of foam (3) arranged between the reflective sheet (1) and the reinforcement sheet (2).

Abstract: An anti-soiling coating is provided in a solar collector apparatus. In certain example embodiments, an anti-soiling coating and a mirror coating are provided on opposite sides of a glass substrate of a mirror structure. In certain example embodiments, the anti-soiling coating may be provided on the first/front surface of a solar panel or solar mirror used in a solar collector field. For example, the anti-soiling coating may be provided on the front/first surface of a parabolic trough or dish reflector/mirror for use in a concentrating solar power apparatus. The provision of the anti-soiling coating can protect the maximum output power of the solar collector from dust and/or environmental pollution such as dirt.

Abstract: A modular solar concentrator having an aspherical primary reflector that is a segment of a paraboloid parent shape. The peripheral shape of the segment is selected to allow arrangement of an array of concentrators in a closely-fitting pattern. The peripheral shape may be rectilinear or trapezoidal. The primary reflector may be an off-axis segment having an optical axis at or near a peripheral edge. In one embodiment, the modular solar concentrator includes a primary mirror and a secondary minor. In an alternative embodiment, the modular solar concentrator is monolithic having internal surfaces that reflect light into the optical fiber. The monolithic concentrator may include a first internal surface that functions in a manner analogous to a primary mirror and a second internal surface that functions in a manner analogous to a secondary mirror. The optical fiber may be secured in the monolith by an index matching adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the diffraction pattern for light that is both diffracted and re-directed by a heliostat is a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the diffracted light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of diffracted light indicative of how the diffracted light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk. This, in turn, means that diffracted light characteristics can be detected at a safe location, and this information can then be used to help precisely aim the light redirecting element onto the desired target, such as a receiver in a CSP system.

Abstract: An optical system having an optical waveguide for collecting light, a receiver for receiving the light, and redirecting optics for transferring the light from the optical waveguide to the receiver. The optical system can be used for concentrating light such as in solar applications. The optical system can also be used for diffusing light in illumination applications by replacing the receiver with a light source such that the light flows in the reverse of the concentration system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-collecting heliostat using flat mirrors of enhanced light-collecting efficiency. The gradients of low-price flat mirrors are adjusted when reflecting sunlight by the heliostat equipped with the flat mirrors, thereby causing reflection focal areas having the same size as each of the mirrors to overlap, in the same number as the number of the reflective plates constituting the heliostat, on a heat collecting unit of collecting lights, so that a high temperature light-collecting focal area with a uniform temperature distribution is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar energy device that uses an improved light collector to collect sunlight. The improved light collector is a translucent, and preferably transparent, solid sphere. The light collector transmits sunlight that is incident thereon and emits the light to a focal point on the other side of the sphere. An energy-receiving medium is located at or near the focal point of the emitted light and absorbs energy from the emitted light. The energy-receiving medium uses the energy from the emitted light in accordance with the desired function of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel solar collecting assembly that in which more than one mirror and/or photovoltaic is linked mechanically so that many mirrors share a few actuators, rather than equipping each mirror with individual actuators. One example includes a set of structures, such as poles or pipes. Each of the support structures has a first end and a second end, and each of the support structures is associated with at least one solar collecting assembly. A first set of cables is arranged to move the solar collecting assemblies in a first direction, each of the first set of cables includes a set of first alignment fittings disposed thereon. The first end of each of the solar collecting assemblies is attached to one of the first alignment fittings in the first set of cables. A second set of cables arranged to move the solar collecting assemblies in a second direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy is efficiently collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity include a solar energy collector having a receiver, a first reflector and a second reflector arranged end-to-end such that an edge of the first reflector overlaps an edge of the second receiver; and a support structure that accommodates movement of the receiver, rotation of the reflectors, or rotation of the receiver and the reflectors about an axis parallel to a long axis of the receiver. The support structure has reflector supports oriented transverse to the rotation axis and reflectors are securable to the reflector support.

Abstract: An arrangement utilizes diffractive, reflective and/or refractive optical elements combined to intensify and homogenize electromagnetic energy, such as natural sunlight in the terrestrial environment, for purposes such as irradiating a target area with concentrated homogenized energy. A heat activated safety mechanism is also described.

Abstract: A meso-optic device (1) includes a substantially annular meso-optic body (100) including an axis of revolution (2), a divergent conic optical surface (112) substantially coaxial with the axis of revolution (2), with the divergent conic optical surface (112) configured to receive electromagnetic radiation propagating along an optical axis (3) from an impingent direction, wherein the optical axis (3) is coincident with or intersects the axis of revolution (2), and with the divergent conic optical surface (112) configured to divergently re-direct the electromagnetic radiation away from the axis of revolution (2), and a convergent conic optical surface (114) substantially coaxial with the axis of revolution (2), with the convergent conic optical surface (114) configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation divergently re-directed by the divergent conic optical surface (112) and with the convergent conic optical surface (114) configured to convergently re-direct the electromagnetic radiation toward the axis of

Abstract: An optical device is disclosed including: a non-imaging secondary concentrator having an entry aperture and an exit aperture, and configured to receive light focused by a primary focusing element from a source onto the entry aperture. The non-imaging secondary concentrator includes: a first portion proximal the entry aperture which is rotationally symmetric about an optic axis; and a second portion proximal the exit aperture which is not rotationally symmetric about the optic axis.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation in an absorber (2), an anchoring frame (8) and an inflatable concentrator pad (3), which has a light-transmissive entry window (4) for coupling in the solar radiation and a reflector film (5) subdividing the concentrator pad (3) into at least two cavities (6, 7), wherein the reflector film (5) is designed to concentrate the solar radiation in the absorber (2) which is arranged in the cavity (6) of the concentrator pad (3), and with an anchoring frame (8), arranged outside of the concentrator pad (3), for anchoring the concentrator pad (3), wherein the absorber (2) is attached to the anchoring frame (8) by means of an absorber mount (15) and the concentrator pad (3) has at least one attachment opening (26) for the absorber mount (15) to pass through.

Abstract: Provided herein are solar collectors having reflective sheets which are slidably insertable and/or removable for quick installation, construction, removal, repair, and/or replacement. Also provided are solar collectors having reflective sheets under tension. Further provided are methods for constructing solar collectors. In another aspect, provided herein are guide rails for guiding and/or retaining slidably removable reflective sheets and holding the reflective sheets in a prescribed shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector. In the method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector, four corners are connected to a lower end of support lines coupled to be disposed vertically downward from a plurality of airships, and sunlight is reflected by a reflector unfolded into a tetragonal shape in the air, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflector plate is maintained at an angle to remain perpendicular to an incident angle of sunlight to shield the land surface from incident sunlight.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of power generation by collecting or reflecting light using a foldable surface for compact transport, comprising of a circular surface divided into sectors, which in a closed folded position each sector is drawn closed by elevating a radius on one side of the sector on a pivot along the radius, and which in an opened position is held rigid by both radial and circumferential support.

Abstract: A building integrated solar mirror for use in a concentrated solar power (CSP) and concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) apparatus comprising a casing filled with fiber reinforced concrete having a reflective film attached to the concave curvature of the said casing, a process for its manufacture and use. The solar mirror characterized in that it forms an integral part of a building and can serve as roof or wall of the building, thus reducing the overall cost of transportation and installation of the said solar mirrors in CSP and CPV systems and also saving the enormous land required for the installation of these systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a reflector (6) including a mirror (16) supported by a support structure (18), where the said method includes a step of positioning the mirror relative to the said support structure by moving a mould (30) supporting the mirror relative to the said structure, According to the invention, the method also includes a step of adjustment of multiple links (20) between the mirror and the structure, implemented during the step of positioning of the mirror, and/or after this step, and causing at least a proportion of the links to be moved relative to the structure (18).

Abstract: A solar concentrator is composed of the cascading of the first light guiding module and a second light guiding module. The solar light is collected and guided simultaneously toward the light propagation destination by the light guiding modules. By cascading the light guiding modules in the direction of guiding, the solar concentrator has thinner thickness than the traditional concentrator and has a zero back focal distance to reduce the assembly cost. The solar concentrator utilizes the optical design concept of coincident image points from both the relay and converging optics such that the optical flux is increased in the cascading light guiding modules while the light propagation direction within the concentrator is maintained.

Abstract: A solar condenser, comprising two or more parabolic mirrors; each parabolic mirror is provided with a different focal length and a common focusing plane; the parabolic mirrors consist of a plurality of staggeredly arranged mirror unit groups consisting of more than one reflecting units; the distance between every two parabolic mirrors with different focal lengths is the focal length difference thereof. Through the staggered installation of the reflecting units, the air flow between the mirrors is increased without increasing additional footprint or affecting the light-focusing effect, thus the impact of winds on the mirrors and structures is reduced; and ice, snow and dust do not easily accumulate on the mirrors, thus effectively improving the operational stability of the solar condenser.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.