Abstract: A method for producing power from geothermal fluid includes: separating the geothermal fluid in a flash tank into geothermal vapor comprising steam and non-condensable gases, and geothermal brine; supplying the geothermal vapor to a vaporizer; vaporizing a preheated motive fluid in the vaporizer using heat from the geothermal vapor to produce heat-depleted geothermal vapor and vaporized motive fluid, wherein the heat content in the geothermal vapor exiting the flash tank is only enough to vaporize the preheated motive fluid in the vaporizer; expanding the vaporized motive fluid in a vapor turbine producing power and expanded vaporized motive fluid; condensing the expanded vaporized motive fluid in a condenser to produce condensed motive fluid; and preheating the condensed motive fluid in a preheater using heat from the heat-depleted geothermal vapor and the geothermal brine, thereby producing the preheated motive fluid, make-up water and heat-depleted geothermal brine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of. serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel.

Abstract: A fast heat transfer device is provided. The device dissipates heat and generates power at the same time. A liquid flow is used to absorb heat for forming a vapor gas flow; then, the gas flow drives a blade turbine and a power generator; and, finally, the gas flow is cooled down to become the original liquid flow for recycling. Thus, the present invention dissipates heat and generates power simultaneously with a minimized size and a reduced cost together with energy conservation.

Abstract: Method for dimensioning a solar generation system and the solar generation system obtained, including a solar radiation heat absorber for a Stirling engine. The Stirling engine includes a head and a heat exchanger surrounding the head of the engine, the absorber having a cavity shaped so as to be joined onto the head of the engine and to transfer heat to the heat exchanger. The method includes the step of giving the absorber such a mass as to guarantee stable operation of the Stirling engine during temporary periods of predefined duration wherein the solar radiation is insufficient to guarantee operation of the engine (Pric<Pabs+Ploss).

Abstract: A closed-loop, solid-state system generates electricity from geothermal heat from a well by flow of heat, without needing large quantities of water to conduct heat from the ground. The present invention contemplates uses for depleted oil or gas wells and newly drilled wells to generate electricity in an environmentally-friendly method. Geothermal heat is conducted from the Earth to a heat exchanging element to heat the contents of pipes. The pipes are insulated between the bottom of the well and the surface to minimize heat dissipation as the heated contents of the pipes travel to the surface.

Abstract: A power-generating tower comprises: at least one of the lower heat-exchange assemblies, at least one of the upper heat-exchange assemblies, a tower structure arranged to support each upper heat-exchange assembly, at least one ascending circulating-fluid column within the tower structure, at least one descending circulating-fluid column within the tower structure, and at least one turbine. Each ascending column is arranged and connected to receive the circulating fluid from at least one of the lower heat-exchange assemblies and to convey the circulating fluid thus received upward and into at least one of the upper heat-exchange assemblies. Each descending column is arranged and connected to receive the circulating fluid from at least one of the upper heat-exchange assemblies and to convey the circulating fluid thus received downward and into at least one of the lower heat-exchange assemblies. The turbine is arranged to be driven by flow of circulating fluid.

Abstract: A system or methodology for converting thermal energy obtained from solar thermal, photovoltaic, geothermal or industrial waste heat into electrical power is disclosed. The energy efficient way of transferring two steams of liquid solutions containing different concentrations of ionic species is disclosed. The combination of thermal gradient in addition to concentration gradient to improve efficiency, reduce or avoid fouling is disclosed. This invention describes a method of efficient ion migration from concentrated stream to dilute stream thereby improving DC power generation process. The utilization of solar thermal energy from solar collector or concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) generator system or solar thermal power generation (CSP) system provides the additional driving force for ions transport from concentrated stream to dilute stream, apart from the concentration grading to generating power.

Abstract: The disclosure describes trench-confirmable geothermal reservoirs that can snugly abut trench walls (that may be of virgin, compacted earth) for facilitating heat exchange and flow liquid from one lower end to an opposing top end, and vice versa, depending on desired heat exchange. The direction can be reversed for summer and winter heat/cooling configurations. A series of the reservoirs may be used for appropriate heat transfer. The water volume of the reservoirs is relatively large and slow moving for good earth heat conduction.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for operating a solar steam system in response to a detected or predicted reduced or impending reduced insolation event are disclosed herein. Examples of transient reduced insolation events include but are not limited to cloud-induced reduction in insolation, dust-induced reduction in insolation, and insolation events caused by solar eclipses. In some embodiments, in response to the detecting or predicting, steam flow is regulated within the solar steam system to reduce a flow rate into a steam turbine. Alternatively or additionally, one or more heliostats may be responsively redirected onto a steam superheater or steam re-heater.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for generating downhole electricity from wells or similar apertures that penetrate sufficiently deep into the subsurface to allow liquid water to be converted to steam. In the preferred embodiment, a well that reaches to a point in the subsurface where the ambient temperature at depth is significantly above the boiling point of water (i.e., greater than 212° F.) will be used, said steam providing the force necessary to turn the blades of a turbine which, in turn, provides rotational force a downhole generator, thereby resulting in the generation of electricity.

Abstract: A system and method for generating, transmitting and receiving power includes providing a source of non-optical power, such as thermal energy, which is converted into electricity. The non-optical power is converted into an optical power beam which is directed into a hollow pipe and transmitted along a length thereof. The hollow pipe may have an inner reflective surface, or lenses or collimators to direct the light therethrough. Upon exiting the hollow pipe, the optical power beam is converted into electricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam Rankine cycle solar plant and a method of operating thereof. The plant comprises a high-pressure steam turbine with an inlet, an intermediate stage that is downstream of a first stage, and an outlet. A lower-pressure steam turbine with an inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet of the high-pressure steam turbine. The plant further comprises a focal point solar concentrator that is configured and located to superheat steam, by either direct or indirect means, as it is fed to the high-pressure steam turbine, and a first linear solar concentrator that is configured and located to reheat steam from the high-pressure steam turbine as it is fed to the lower-pressure steam turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Steam Rankine cycle solar plant and a method of operating thereof. The plant comprises a steam generator for generating steam from solar thermal energy, a feed line connected to the steam generator and a multi-stage turbine, with a first stage and an intermediate stage downstream of the first stage, connected to the steam generator by the feed line. The plant further includes an overload valve located in the feed line. This overload valve is configure and arranged to limit the steam pressure of the first stage by directing at least a portion of the steam into the intermediate stage above a predetermined steam turbine inlet pressure.

Abstract: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems and methods utilizing the systems are disclosed for producing a useable form of energy utilizing warm surface seawater and cold seawater from depths up to 2 miles below the surface and utilizing a multi-component working fluid. The systems and methods are designed to maximize energy conversion per unit of cold seawater, the limited resource, achieving relative net outputs compared to a Rankine cycle using a single component fluid by at least 20% and even as high as about 55%.

Abstract: Manageable hybrid plant using photovoltaic and solar thermal technology and associated operating method, wherein said hybrid plant comprises three levels of generation: Level 1 (1) of photovoltaic generation (42) covering the self consumption of the plant; Level 2 (2) of generation of the solar thermal plant (44) and another part of photovoltaic generation (45) that covers the consumption of the auxiliary services of the solar thermal plant (43); Level 3 (3) of generation of another area of photovoltaic production (46) that improves the total production curve, the total power generated by the hybrid plant and discharged into the network (47), being the result of the sum of generation of the three levels. The photovoltaic modules of the invention are located in: in the north or south side of the tower not occupied by the cavity; the area surrounding the solar receivers of the tower; on covers or roofs of the plant at the rear of the heliostats; on land annexed to the tower plant.

Abstract: A hydroelectric and geothermal system includes a fluid communication channel that includes a first portion that extends from the earth's surface toward a subterranean hot area, a second portion connected to the first portion and in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area, and a third portion connected to the second portion and that extends to the earth's surface. A first turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a fluid flowing substantially under the influence of gravity in the first portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. A second turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a vapor flowing within or out from the third portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. The system also includes a valve arrangement configured for manipulation to hold the fluid in the second portion of the fluid communication channel in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area to produce the vapor.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for tropical and sub-tropical island sea coast environments having access to deep ocean sea water. Sea water from depths of at least about 1200 feet, at a temperature of 47° F. or lower, is utilized as a source for circulating chilled water loops providing district wide air conditioning, in some instances with assistance from electrically driven chillers. The sea water is then further used to condense working fluid in a low temperature Organic Rankine Cycle or Kalina Cycle turbine generator, the heat source for which is the cooling jacket of a diesel engine generator, and also to condense working fluid in a steam driven Rankine Cycle turbine generator, the heat source for which is exhaust heat from the diesel engine. Alternate heat sources, if available, can be utilized. Additional electrical generation from these sources far exceeds the costs of pumping the sea water.

Abstract: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems and methods utilizing the systems are disclosed for producing a useable form of energy utilizing warm surface seawater and cold seawater from depths up to 2 miles below the surface and utilizing a multi-component working fluid. The systems and methods are designed to maximize energy conversion per unit of cold seawater, the limited resource, achieving relative net outputs compared to a Rankine cycle using a single component fluid by at least 20% and even as high as about 55%.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes at least two integrated rankine cycle systems coupled to at least two separate heat sources having different temperatures. The first rankine cycle system is coupled to a first heat source and configured to circulate a first working fluid. The second rankine cycle system is coupled to at least one second heat source and configured to circulate a second working fluid. The at least one second heat source includes a lower temperature heat source than the first heat source. The first and second working fluid are circulatable in heat exchange relationship through a cascading heat exchange unit for condensation of the first working fluid in the first rankine cycle system and evaporation of the second working fluid in the second rankine cycle system.

Abstract: A solar thermal power system can include a solar receiver steam generator, a thermal energy storage arrangement utilising a thermal energy storage fluid, and a multistage steam turbine for driving an electrical generator to produce electrical power. The solar thermal power system has a first operating mode in which steam is generated by the solar receiver steam generator and is supplied both to the thermal energy storage arrangement and to a high pressure turbine inlet of the multistage steam turbine. In a second operating mode, steam is generated by recovering stored thermal energy from the thermal energy storage fluid of the thermal energy storage arrangement for injection into the multistage steam turbine at a location or turbine stage downstream of the high pressure turbine inlet.

Abstract: A valve arrangement (16) for a geothermal steam turbine generator (10) comprises first and second steam control valves (18, 20) for regulating the supply of steam to the steam turbine generator (10). The first and second steam control valves are arranged in parallel in a steam supply line (24) and the first steam control valve (18) has a smaller fully-open diameter than the second steam control valve (20). The first steam control valve (18) is arranged to regulate the volume flow rate of steam supplied to the steam turbine generator (10) during a speed-control phase, until the steam turbine generator (10) attains a predetermined rotational speed at which it can be connected to an ac electrical system.

Abstract: A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

Abstract: A power generation system that includes a heat source loop, a heat engine loop, and a heat reclaiming loop. The heat can be waste heat from a steam turbine, industrial process or refrigeration or air-conditioning system, solar heat collectors or geothermal sources. The heat source loop may also include a heat storage medium to allow continuous operation even when the source of heat is intermittent. Heat from the heat source loop is introduced into the heat reclaiming loop or turbine loop. In the turbine loop a working fluid is boiled, injected into the turbine, recovered condensed and recycled. The power generation system further includes a heat reclaiming loop having a fluid that extracts heat from the turbine loop. The fluid of the heat reclaiming loop is then raised to a higher temperature and then placed in heat exchange relationship with the working fluid of the turbine loop. The power generating system is capable of using low temperature waste heat is approximately of 150 degrees F. or less.

Abstract: A method of power generation, including: igniting a biomass boiler; starting a solar concentrating collector; measuring water temperature t3 at water outlet main of the solar concentrating collector; opening a second control valve arranged between the water outlet main and the boiler drum when t3 is greater or equal to 95° C.; closing the second control valve and the third control valve to prevent water in the solar collector tube from running and to maintain the water in a heat preserving and inactive state if the water temperature t3 decreases and t3 is less than 95° C.; turning the turbonator unit into a thermal power generation mode; opening a first control valve arranged between the water outlet main and a water supply tank if the water temperature t3 continues decreasing and when t3 is between 5 and 9° C.; and turning the turbonator unit into a biomass boiler power generation mode.

Abstract: A power transmission system manages a delivery of a power requirement from multiple renewable energy resource components to an intelligent power distribution network. The transmission system includes components capable of variably and independently generating power from the multiple renewable energy resource components to provide a dynamic demand response to a power requirement to one or more microgrids comprising the intelligent power distribution network so that the power requirement is entirely satisfied from multiple renewable energy resources from a common location. The transmission system enables distributed energy generation from the multiple renewable energy resources that is responsive to various types of grid demand situations, such as customer demand, direct current-specific demand, and security issues, and so that power production is substantially balanced with power consumption.

Abstract: Provided is a gas turbine system capable of dealing with a request for output increase even when high-pressure hot water generated using solar thermal energy cannot be used according to the operating state of the gas turbine system. A gas turbine system which sucks in intake air from an air intake duct by a compressor and drives a gas turbine by combustion gas obtained by burning air and fuel by a combustor, said gas turbine system being provided with pipes for generating high-pressure hot water by providing a solar collecting tube that utilizes solar heat and spraying the high-pressure hot water into the intake air sucked in by the compressor, and pipes for spraying normal temperature water into the intake air sucked in by the compressor.

Abstract: A solar thermal power generation apparatus including: a turbine rotatable around a vertical axis, a power generator driven by turbine; a funnel disposed along vertical axis so as to house turbine and having an intake port at the lower end of funnel; and a transparent box body disposed so as to surround a lower portion of the funnel and having the air intake port at a position being lower than the intake port and a heat collector disposed in a standing manner at a distance between the box body and the funnel. An upper end of the heat collector is at a position being higher than the intake port. By using an updraft occurred by heating air having flown from the air intake port into the inside of the box body by the heat collector, the turbine is rotated, which causes the power generator to generate power.

Abstract: A steam generation system comprises a main steam generator and a back-up steam generator (20) which are both in fluid communication with a super heater (3) for superheating the generated steam. The superheater comprises a main heat source (6) for heating up a flow of heating gas. A back-up evaporator (2) is provided as a back-up steam generator for evaporating supplied water into steam. The back-up evaporator is connected in parallel to the main steam generator. An auxiliary heat source is provided for heating up the back-up evaporator. By controlling the auxiliary heat source (9), it is possible to supply more or less heat energy to the back-up evaporator to compensate for fluctuations in steam production of the main steam generator. The back-up evaporator is positioned away from the flow of heating gasses departing from the main heat source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and conveying aqueous thermal energy are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a floating film retains solar energy in a volume of water located under the film. A series of curtains hanging from a bottom surface of the film define a passage between a periphery of the film and a center of the film to direct the heated water at the center of the film. The heated water is circulated to deliver the heat to a dissociation reactor and/or donor substance. The donor is conveyed to the reactor and dissociated.

Abstract: A system for generating electric and mechanical power utilizing a thermal gradient includes a thermal gradient producing device in communication with a turbine generator. The system being configured to absorb heat energy from an outside environment, circulate the same through a circulation chamber and convert the heat energy into one or both of a mechanical force and electricity which can be fed back to the system itself or utilized by other devices.

Abstract: An energy generator capable of transferring heat from a cold region to a hot region, which utilizes the adiabatic temperature difference called lapse rate generated in gas or gas-like particles when a force field or an energy potential gradient is applied to the particles. The temperature difference is increased by the thermal conductivity of the particles and lowered by the thermal conductivity of the substrate or container holding the particles and by parasitic thermal shorts caused by photons, phonons, or other particles not subjected or less affected by the force field. Implementations include semiconductors with a doping gradient or with an externally applied voltage; vapors in contact with their liquids; gases in contact with adsorbing surfaces; polar molecules with electrons in the conduction band. Multilayer devices are described. Applications include, for example, coolers, heaters, electrical generators and photon generators.

Abstract: The Air-Water Power Generation System utilizes the temperature differential between warm air and a surface cooled by water evaporation. To enhance the temperature differential, the air that evaporates the water is first cooled by releasing heat to boil the working fluid in a boiler and then is cooled further by a counter-flow heat exchanger before the air enters the condenser where a water film is evaporating. The air then becomes colder as the water evaporates in the condenser, and this provides the cooling to condense the working fluid. Finally, the cold air flows out of the condenser and flows back through the counter-flow heat exchanger to provide the cooling of the air flowing from the boiler.

Abstract: To convert energy, firstly a non-gaseous carrier medium is converted into a gaseous carrier medium by the introduction of thermal energy, so that the gaseous carrier medium rises and gains potential energy. Then the gaseous carrier medium is converted back at a specified height into a non-gaseous carrier medium. The potential energy of the recovered non-gaseous carrier medium can then be converted into another desired energy form.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electrical power for sub-sea applications includes assembling each of the main components (132, 138, 142, 146) of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system (100) inside a pressure vessel to form a series of vessels (104, 106, 108, 110) removably connected to one another and configured to be placed near, on or below a sea floor. The main components of the ORC system include an evaporator (132), a turbine (138), a condenser (142) and a pump (146). A working fluid (135) is circulated through the pressure vessels in order to generate mechanical shaft power that is converted to electrical power (P). In some embodiments, the ORC system includes at least one redundant component that corresponds to one of the main components. The working fluid may be circulated through at least one redundant ORC component such that the ORC system is able to continue operating when one of more of the main components is not operating properly.

Abstract: A modular heat exchanger that can be submerged to great depths and then easily recovered in order to reduce the costs and disadvantages of the prior art. Because the heat exchanger is submergible and recoverable, it can be more easily maintained. This ease of maintenance allows the heat exchangers to be deployed at greater depths. This, in turn, allows for greater differences in temperatures, greater efficiency for the heat engine, and a more effective ocean thermal energy conversion system.

Abstract: A self contained geothermal generator includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and an electric cable. The condenser includes a distributor chamber, a peripheral chamber and plurality of tubes disposed between the chambers. The peripheral chamber of the condenser surrounds and cools turbine, elective generator and selector of the condenser departments. The condenser cools and converts exhausted steam back in liquid state and returns it back into boiler for reheating. In a method of using the geothermal generator, water contained within the boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heat from hot rocks contained within a pre-drilled well below the Earth's surface. The steam is used to produce electric energy which is transported up to the ground surface by the electric cable. A plurality of geothermal generators may be used in a “binary” power plant through system of several heat exchangers.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.

Abstract: Geothermal brine always contains some carbon dioxide in solution. Separating steam from geothermal brine removes the carbon dioxide, sharply increasing the pH of the brine and causing precipitation of pH sensitive minerals, including calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate and other metal silicates, clays, and metal sulfides. The binary heat exchanger in a steam-binary hybrid geothermal power plant is especially sensitive to scale deposition from flashed geothermal brine, and application of expensive scale inhibitors is required. Deposition of scale in the binary heat exchanger can be controlled by separating a small amount of gas-rich vapor from the brine before the main stage of steam separation, and combining this gas rich vapor with the flashed brine before in enters the binary heat exchanger. The carbon dioxide thus added to the brine will decrease pH, decreasing or completely blocking precipitation and deposition of pH sensitive minerals as scale.

Abstract: According to present invention, a method is provided for operating a multi-heat source power plant using a low-medium temperature heat source fluid, wherein the multi-heat source power plant includes a turbine or expander run by an organic motive fluid, comprising preheating the organic motive fluid using the low-medium temperature heat source fluid and thereafter providing further heat from an additional heat source to vaporize the motive fluid which is supplied to the turbine or expander. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a heat exchanger suitable to pre-heat an organic motive fluid with a low-medium temperature geothermal fluid, and solar energy collecting means suitable to directly or indirectly provide heat to the pre-heated organic motive fluid for heating and vaporizing the motive fluid.

Abstract: An energy producing device is provided that includes a heat exchanger section to provide a heat exchange material, and a thermal riser to receive the heat exchange material from the heat exchange section and to heat the heat exchange material based on a down-hole resource. The thermal riser may include: an outer spiral pipe to circulate the heat exchange material in a downward manner, and an inner return pipe provided inside the outer spiral pipe to receive the heat exchange material from the outer pipe after passing through the spiral pipe.

Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of pollutants in a combustion flue gas having a first temperature is provided. The method includes the step of providing an organic Rankine cycle apparatus utilizing a working fluid and including at least one heat exchanger is arranged in thermal communication with the flue gas. The method further includes the step of reducing the temperature of the flue gas to a second temperature less than the first temperature by vaporizing the working fluid within the heat exchanger utilizing thermal energy derived from the flue gas. The method further includes the step of filtering the flue gas through at least one filter disposed downstream of the heat exchanger to remove pollutants from the flue gas. An associated system configured to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the combustion flue gas is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal source provides heat to a heat engine and or one or more thermal demands, including space and water heating and heat storage. Additionally the output of the heat engine may be used for local in situ electricity needs, or directed out over the grid. A system controller monitors conditions of the components of the system, and operates that system in modes that maximize a particular benefit, such as a total accrued desired benefit obtained such as reduced electricity cost, reduced fossil fuel use, maximized return on investment and other factors. The controller may use past history of use of the system to optimize the next mode of operation, or both past and future events such as predicted solar insolation.

Abstract: A renewable energy resource management system manages a delivery of a power requirement from a multi-resource offshore renewable energy installation to an intelligent power distribution network. The installation includes multiple renewable energy resource components and is capable of variably and independently generating power from each to microgrids comprising the intelligent power distribution network so that the entire power requirement is satisfied from renewable energy resources. An electricity grid infrastructure is also disclosed in which power production is balanced with power consumption so that power storage requirements are minimized.

Abstract: The system to generate power by freeze expansion pressure powered generator and method for tapping the energy of cold weather from the environment, comprising of flexible water chambers that enable motion for the rotor shaft, gears enabling transformation of linear motion to shaft rotation, and power generator coupling achieving the generation of electricity. The inner part of flexible water chamber is fitted with an immersed heating coil to de-freeze water, so that it can be subjected to freezing and exertion of pressure to rotate the shaft continuously. Freezing of water in flexible chamber is achieved by exposing portion of chamber to atmospheric cold. The turbine rotor speed, temperature, water chamber pressure, and atmospheric pressure are monitored by sensors to ensure overall system safety and performance.

Abstract: System and method for generating electrical power using a solar power system comprising pressurized pipes for transporting liquid water in conjunction with a geothermal power source. The pressurized pipes flow through solar collectors which concentrate light on the water flowing through the pipes. The pressurization in the pipes allows for the water to absorb large quantities of energy. The pressurized and heated water is then pumped to a heat exchanger where the thermal energy is released to produce steam for powering a steam turbine electrical generator. Thereafter, the water is returned to the solar collectors in a closed loop to repeat the process. In conjunction with the solar power system, heated water from the geothermal power source is directed through a second pipe that also traverses the heat exchanger to assist in the production of steam for powering the turbine electrical generator.

Abstract: A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

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 system and method for transmitting thermal energy. The system includes an intake for introducing air at a first temperature; an exhaust for exhausting the air, the exhaust being provided at a higher vertical elevation than intake; and a thermal energy source provided at second temperature higher than the first temperature, the waste thermal energy source being provided between the intake and the exhaust. The air introduced via the intake, passes the thermal energy source, and is exhausted via the exhaust due to a difference in elevation between the intake and the exhaust. The thermal energy source can be a waste thermal industrial energy source. The system can include a first ambient energy chamber configured to pass the air through the thermal energy source and an insulated, and a second ambient energy chamber provided between the ambient energy chamber and the exhaust, wherein the second ambient energy chamber is a made of a slow-loading thermal material.

Abstract: A solar light (heat) absorption material is provided which has an excellent solar light (heat) absorbing ability and a simple structure, and may be usable as a low-cost and high-performance heat absorption/accumulation material, the inventive material being usable also as a solar light (heat) absorption/control building component that allows easy change of its solar light (heat) absorption/control ability. The material comprises particles dispersed into a liquid medium having a specific heat ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 cal/g/° C. and a melting point of 5° C. or lower. The dispersed particles have L*value of 30 or less as determined by the CIE-Lab color system (light source D65).

Abstract: In various embodiments, gas is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy to or from high pressures, and the gas is exchanges heat with a heat-exchange fluid that is thermally conditioned at low pressures.