Abstract: A heating medium supply system is provided which, even when a temperature fluctuation of a heating medium occurs continuously, is capable of relieving a bad thermal influence upon a heat exchanging device due to the temperature fluctuation. The heating medium supply system includes: a heating system configured to heat a liquid heating medium by sunlight; a heat exchanging device configured to heat feedwater; heating medium supply piping for circulating the heating medium; a heating medium temperature detecting device, a heating medium flow rate detecting device and a first heating medium flow control valve; and a control device capable of calculating a value of supply thermal energy from results of detections by the heating medium temperature detecting device and the heating medium flow rate detecting device and controlling an operation of the heating medium flow control valve based on the value of supply thermal energy thus calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates electrical power generation using renewable sun energy in a Microturbine Sun Tracker (MST), a system for useful electrical output power that combines a Concentrated Solar Energy (CSE) with a closed cycle Microturbine powerplant. The solar light ray energy of the CSE is directed into a solar receiver with an integrated closed cycle microturbine powerplant, heating the working fluid of the microturbine to cause the turbine rotor/power spool rotation and subsequent output electricity. Also the (MST) system combines the dish form (CSE) and the closed cycle microturbine powerplant to a common frame that incorporates a single axis 360° rotation capability and secondary declination tilting capability.

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 hybrid concentrated solar combined cycle (CSCC) power plant based on solar reforming technology, method of generating electricity using the system and a solar reformer for use in the system are provided. The system enables integration of a concentrated solar power plant (CSP) and a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant, resulting in a hybrid system that corrects known issues related to large-scale concentrated solar power generation. The solar reformer provides for the storage of solar energy in a reformate fuel during the reforming reaction and subsequent release through a gas turbine combustion reaction. Fuels directed into the gas turbine power plant can be alternated between hydrocarbon fluid and the reformate fuel dependent upon available solar thermal energy.

Abstract: A dual axis motorized solar tracking device that can be rotated over 360° and wherein the solar array panel thereof can be tilted from 90° to 10° and wherein the motorized portions of said device is controlled by an internally contained computerized controlling system that is programmed to follow the path of the sun at the installed location thereof and also to adjust the system to allow for any problems in weather. The internally contained computerized controlling device is electrically actuated from a plethora of sources including a separate panel on the solar array dedicated to recharging an energy storage cell system that will power up the internally contained and computerized controlling system. Alternatively, other power sources external to the device may also be employed giving this system a unique ability to keep on running while charging the energy storage cell system under any circumstances. A lithium-ion battery can be used as the rechargeable battery system.

Abstract: A method of generating steam for use in an industrial process is disclosed. The industrial process may for example be power generation or desalination. The method comprises: (a) pressurising a working fluid liquid comprising water to a first pressure; (b) heating the working fluid liquid to a temperature substantially equal to the saturation temperature of the working fluid liquid at the first pressure; and (c) flash evaporating the working fluid liquid to generate steam. The pressurised working fluid liquid is heated in step (b) by direct heating in a solar radiation absorption device. Also disclosed is an apparatus for generating steam for use in an industrial process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transforming solar energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy by using an ORC fluid in an ORC cycle configuration. The ORC cycle configuration includes a heat source that vaporizes the ORC fluid and an expander that expands the vaporized ORC fluid to produce the energy.

Abstract: A thermal storage system 1 includes: heat transfer medium that absorbs the solar thermal energy; phase-change material 10a6 that is heat exchanged with the heat transfer medium; and first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) in which the phase-change material 10a6 is supported and through which the heat transfer medium flows, wherein a plurality of the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are present, and the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are connected in parallel for the heat transfer medium flowing through, when storing the solar thermal energy, while the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are connected in series for the heat transfer medium flowing through, when exploiting the stored solar thermal energy. The thermal storage system is capable of exploiting the solar thermal energy more efficiently than conventional ones, while considering a variation in the amount of solar thermal energy.

Abstract: A combined cycle power system is provided including at least one solar power plant including a concentrating dish configured to concentrate solar radiation; a solar receiver disposed and configured to utilize concentrated solar radiation for heating a first working fluid, and a first turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated first working fluid, and at least one recovery power plant including a heat recovery unit configured for utilizing exhaust heat of the first turbine to heat a second working fluid, and a second turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated second working fluid.

Abstract: A solar powered generator assembly is provided for driving a turbine using steam produced by solar power. The assembly includes a fluid tank and a fluid line having a first end and a second end each in fluid communication with the fluid tank. A fluid is positioned in the fluid tank and the fluid line. A lens focuses solar rays into a heat collector coupled to the lens. The heat collector has a reflective curved interior surface configured for reflecting solar rays to facilitate heating the heat collector. A medial portion of the fluid line is wrapped around and heated by the heat collector converting the fluid into a gaseous state. A turbine is operationally coupled to the fluid line driving the turbine to produce electrical current.

Abstract: Method of maintaining or widening the long-term operating temperature range of a heat transfer medium and/or heat storage medium comprising a nitrite salt composition comprising, as significant constituents, an alkali metal nitrate or an alkaline earth metal nitrate or a mixture of alkali metal nitrate and alkaline earth metal nitrate and in each case an alkali metal nitrite and/or alkaline earth metal nitrite, wherein all or part of the nitrite salt composition is brought into contact with an additive composed of nitrogen and/or noble gases, in each case with elemental oxygen, the latter in an amount in the range from 0 to 20% by volume based on the total amount of the additive in combination with nitrogen oxides and/or compounds which generate nitrogen oxide.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar panel that generates electricity and extracts heat. A set of such panels may be assembled into a blind. The blind may have a frame that can be retrofit on an existing window. Fluid in the panel is heated by incoming solar radiation, causing it to move, constrained by a one-way valve, in one direction. A Tesla Valve may be used as the one-way valve. The moving fluid may pass through a generator, generating electricity. Heat may be extracted from the fluid by a heat exchanger. The heat may be used to heat a building.

Abstract: A method of integrating a supplemental steam source into a combined cycle plant comprising a gas turbine engine, generator and heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) by providing a solar steam generation subsystem that captures and transfers heat using solar radiation to produce supplemental superheated steam; providing a steam turbine operatively connected to the gas turbine; and injecting a portion of the steam formed by solar radiation into one or more intermediate stages of the high pressure section of the steam turbine. The exemplary method uses steam produced by the HRSG (having one, two or three pressure levels and with or without reheat), as well as steam produced by a solar steam generation subsystem when the plant is operating at full capacity. Significantly, the throttle pressure of the high pressure steam turbine remains substantially the same when the solar steam generation is either active or inactive.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power plant includes a solar heat collector which collects solar heat and then supplies the solar heat to a heat medium. The power plant includes a heat exchanger which changes a secondary medium into steam by heat exchange with the heat medium. The power plant includes a turbine. The power plant includes a temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the heat medium. The power plant includes and a controller which supplies the heat medium with heat obtained by the conversion of an output variation component having a period shorter than a predetermined value in electricity generated by a wind power generator when the temperature does not satisfy a predetermined condition associated with the driving of the turbine.

Abstract: To operate solar thermal technology economically, a cheap heat transfer fluid is used. To either completely spare or significantly reduce the energy-intensive auxiliary heating at night, a water tank is simply installed in the plant without a threat to the environment. With the water tank, the salt HTF is thinned by adding water when the solar heating is not in operation.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes a cavity that is operable to receive concentrated solar energy and a heat exchanger in thermal-receiving communication with the cavity. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of thermal capacitors. Each of the plurality of thermal capacitors has a regular geometry. The plurality of thermal capacitors defines open flow passages there between and at least two of the plurality of thermal capacitors have a different size. The plurality of thermal capacitors has a packing factor of greater than 74% with regard to the volume of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hermitically sealed solar water heater system and operation method for generation of electricity from thermal power plant. Water storage tank (1) is hermitically sealed by diaphragm (13) to prevent feed water contamination. Solar energy based water heater (2) preheats feed water and raises water temperature close to the boiling point. The feed water heater by trapping the waste heat from the exhaust gases further heats the feed water and is pumped to the boiler and where it is converted to steam. The steam impinging on the turbine blades drives it and generates power from the generator. The steam condenses in the condenser and the water coming out of condenser is pumped to the overhead water tank and the process of power generation is continues uninterruptedly.

Abstract: A solar thermodynamic machine power generation method can use the radiant energy of the solar concentrator, and directly convert the internal energy of the working medium molecule with cyclic phase transformation at low boiling point into electric energy for achieving the fuel-free large-scale electric power production. It has the characteristics of long-term continuous operation, green environmental protection, safety and reliability and low cost, and has a great application and social economic value. It makes use of the internal energy exchanging of the working medium molecule. It working process is thermal cycling balance. The present invention can be long-term continuously operated without the external power and does not consume any fuel and water. It is especially suitably applied to the solar tower-type and other light-gathering and thermal storage power generation systems.

Abstract: The present invention is an engine, which includes a positive displacement compression process, a variably fueled, continuous combustor and/or heat exchanger, and a positive displacement, work-producing expander. This arrangement avoids the traditional stochiometric mixture requirements utilized in spark-ignition based engines and the emission problems associated with diesel engines.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a solar heat steam cycle system capable of operating efficiently and stably in keeping with the status of collected or stored heat, and a control method for use with the system. The system includes a heat collector (1) which collects solar thermal energy, a thermal storage device (2) which stores the solar thermal energy collected by the heat collector, a feed water heater (3) which heats feed water, an evaporator (4) which evaporates the feed water supplied from the feed water heater, and a steam turbine (6) driven by steam generated by the evaporator. The system includes a control valve (31) which controls allocations of heating medium supplied from the thermal storage device to the evaporator and the feed water heater.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a solar thermal gas turbine system enhanced in resistance to effects of disturbances including weather conditions in a gas turbine which sprays water into intake air of a compressor.

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: A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology 14, robotic vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade 11 follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector 10, a vertical reciprocating ram set 30, 32 and 33 that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation, reaction system and containment canopy system 22, 24, 26 & 29.

Abstract: Provided is a rotating energy conversion device that includes a heat absorber having a working fluid therein, a power converter in fluid communication with the heat absorber, and a heat rejecter in fluid communication with each one of the heat absorber and the power converter. The device may utilize an energy source that provides radiant energy to the heat absorber. The device may utilize a segmented energy source that may have a plurality of segments, wherein each segment may be either activated or deactivated to deliver the radiant energy to the heat absorber. The device may utilize waste heat produced by the device to create additional work. Furthermore, the device may utilize multiple thermodynamic cycles.

Abstract: An energy conversion system includes a heat to power conversion unit to convert thermal energy of a high temperature fluid into electricity. A space heating element is connected to a heated fluid storage unit to provide heating. A heat driven cooling element is connected to the heated fluid storage unit to provide refrigerated fluid to provide cooling. An array of sensors is distributed to measure system parameters and collect data. A central processing unit is coupled to the array of sensors to process data from the array of sensors, electrical grid data from a utilities operator and data history on water, heat, and power used to calculate operation parameters for components of the energy conversion system. A memory unit coupled to the central processing unit to store processing instructions to be executed by the central processing unit and to store the data history on water, heat, and power used.

Abstract: A tri-energy power generating device uses the light energy, the thermal energy and wind energy from the nature and transfers these energies into electric power so as to obtain environmentally friendly power. The tri-energy power generating device includes a thermal energy transfer unit, a light-thermo energy collecting unit disposed above the thermal energy transfer unit and a wind turbine unit. When the wind is sufficient, the cold air enters the thermal energy transfer unit from a lower end thereof to drive the wind turbine unit. When there is sufficient sunshine, the light-thermo energy collecting unit transfers the light into electric power to initiate the wind turbine unit and transfer the light into the thermal energy. The thermal energy is conducted to the thermal energy transfer unit and the air is heated to drive the wind turbine unit to generate electric power.

Abstract: A solar energy connection device is provided, including a C-shaped reflecting plate, a heat pipe and a wing-shaped structure. The C-shaped reflecting plate includes a parabolic surface defining a symmetrical axis and a focusing axis. The heat pipe is disposed on the focusing axis of the parabolic surface with a working fluid flowing therein. The wing-shaped structure connects to the heat pipe and extends outwardly from the heat pipe, wherein the extension direction of the wing-shaped structure is parallel to the symmetrical axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is 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. Heat from the heat source loop is introduced into the heat reclaiming loop or heat engine loop. The power generation system further includes a heat reclaiming loop having a fluid that extracts heat from the heat engine 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 heat engine loop. The power generating system is capable of using low temperature waste heat that is approximately 150 degrees F. or less.

Abstract: A power plant (1) that includes at least one of a gas turbine (GT), a steam turbine (ST) with a water-steam cycle, and a heat recovery steam generator (B) operatively connected to a heat generating member such as solar energy system (Ssolar) by means of a primary circuit (10a, 10b, 10c) and a secondary circuit system (20a). The primary heat transfer circuit (10a, 10b) includes solar heating system (Ssolar) configured to heat a primary fluid (10), and the secondary circuit (20a) comprises a flow line (20A) for a secondary flow (20) and a main heat exchanger (23) to exchange heat between the secondary water flow and a gas turbine inlet air flow (2). A first line (10B) in the primary circuit (10b) leads to a first heat exchanger (12) to heat the water flow in the secondary circuit (20a).

Abstract: A closed Rankine cycle power plant using an organic working fluid includes a solar trough collector for heating an organic working fluid, a flash vaporizer for vaporizing the heated organic working fluid, a turbine receiving and expanding the vaporized organic working fluid for producing power or electricity, a condenser for condensing the expanded organic working fluid and a pump for circulating the condensed organic working fluid to the solar trough collector. Heated organic working fluid in the flash vaporizer that is not vaporized is returned to the solar trough collector.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing mechanical energy. The system may include a solar collector configured to receive solar energy and an external heater configured to provide secondary thermal energy. Furthermore, the system may include an engine disposed in communication with the solar collector and the external heater. To this end, the engine may be operable to receive the solar energy from the solar collector, receive the secondary thermal energy from the external heater, and convert the solar energy and the secondary thermal energy to mechanical energy. Additionally, the system may include a controller in communication with the solar collector, the engine, and the external heater. The controller may be configured to control an amount of solar energy and an amount of secondary thermal energy received by the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating electrical power using a solar power system comprising pressurized pipes for transporting liquid water. The pressurized pipes flow through solar collectors which concentrate sunlight on the water flowing through the pipes. The pressurization in the pipes allows the water flowing through the pipes to absorb large quantities of energy. The pressurized and heated water is then pumped to a heat exchanger coil 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.

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: An apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a multi-heat source power plant includes a thermal collector having access to heat from a solar collector as a heat source for heating a fluid to a first temperature; a second heat source for heating the fluid; a heat exchanger that transfers heat to the fluid which is heated to said first temperature, to raise the temperature of the fluid to a higher temperature; and a power generation cycle using the fluid, heated to the first temperature, as a motive fluid.

Abstract: A solar-energy heat power-generating system and thermoelectric conversion device thereof, the thermoelectric conversion device comprising a power generator (5), an air compressor, a turbine and an intermediate body (12) fixedly connected between the air compressor and the turbine; the interior of the intermediate body (12) is rotatably connected to a transmission shaft (28); the transmission shaft (28) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the power generator (5); the air compressor impeller (7) of the air compressor and the turbine impeller (18) of the turbine are both installed on the transmission shaft (28); the power generator (5) is also connected to a conducting wire (3) for inputting current; the solar-energy heat power-generating system comprises a heat collector and the thermoelectric conversion device; the air compressor of the thermoelectric conversion device is located upstream of the heat collector, and the turbine is located downstream of the heat collector.

Abstract: A startup system for a solar boiler includes a main fluid circuit having a plurality of solar boiler panels for generating power from solar energy. An auxiliary fluid circuit is selectively connected in fluid communication with the main fluid circuit by a plurality of valves. An auxiliary boiler is operatively connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit. The valves connecting the auxiliary fluid circuit to the main fluid circuit are configured to be opened and closed to selectively place the auxiliary boiler in fluid communication with portions of the main fluid circuit to supply heat to the portions of the main fluid circuit in preparation to produce power from solar energy.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant is provided comprising a solar collection system and a steam-electric power plant. The solar collection system comprises one or more tube radiation absorbers containing a thermal fluid therewithin, the system being configured to heat the thermal fluid by passing the thermal fluid through the one or more tube radiation absorbers while the absorbers are irradiated with solar radiation. The steam-electric power plant comprises an intermediate-pressure steam turbine, a low-pressure steam turbine, at least one additional steam turbine having an inlet pressure higher than that of the intermediate-pressure steam turbine, and piping containing a working fluid. Each turbine is associated with a heat exchange system adapted to transfer heat from the thermal fluid to the working fluid.

Abstract: A thermal power station system has at least one heat engine connected to at least one work receiver. The heat engine is arranged to be able to utilize a working fluid alternating between liquid and gas phase. In the heat engine is arranged at least one heat exchanger in thermal contact with at least one expansion chamber. A method is for energy supply to a building or a vessel.

Abstract: Insolation can be used to heat a solar fluid for use in generating electricity. During periods of relatively higher insolation, excess enthalpy in a superheated solar fluid can be stored in a thermal storage system for subsequent use during periods of relatively lower insolation or at times when supplemental electricity generation is necessary. Enthalpy from superheated solar fluid can be transferred to the thermal storage system so as to heat a storage medium therein, but the enthalpy transfer can be limited such that the superheated solar fluid does not condense or only partially condenses. The remaining enthalpy in the de-superheated solar fluid can be used for other applications, such as, but not limited to, preheating the solar fluid for an evaporating solar receiver, supplementing the input to a superheating solar receiver, industrial applications, resource extraction, and/or fuel production.

Abstract: A steam turbine power plant 10 includes a steam turbine facility 20 in which power is generated by driving steam turbines with steam from a boiler 21 generating steam using combustion heat and steam from a heat collecting steam generator 31 generating steam using sunlight, and a carbon dioxide collecting facility 60 in which carbon dioxide contained in combustion gas from the boiler 21 and the like is collected. Further, steam from the heat collecting steam generator 31 is delivered to a solar heat steam turbine 32 and performs expansion work, and thereafter part of the steam is delivered to the carbon dioxide collecting facility 60 via a pipe 51 and heats the absorbing liquid 100 in the recovery tower 80.

Abstract: A hybrid solar collector and geothermal system collects low grade heat energy derived from the sun. A simple heat engine converts this energy into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy using an air-motor-generator setup, by exploiting the difference in temperature between the solar collector and the geothermal heat sinks. Waste heat trapped in an attic is directed to the solar collector to supplement the collection of low grade heat energy. In addition, cryogenic liquid is used to create the temperature difference in the geothermal heat sink when low grade heat energy is unavailable. This system does not produce any CO2 because it does not use combustion to produce electricity.

Abstract: Nitrate salt composition comprising as significant constituents A) an alkali metal nitrate and optionally an alkali metal nitrite in a total amount in the range from 90 to 99.84% by weight and B) an alkali metal compound selected from the group B1) alkali metal oxide, B2) alkali metal carbonate, B3) alkali metal compound which decomposes into alkali metal oxide or alkali metal carbonate in the temperature range from 250° C. to 600° C., B4) alkali metal hydroxide MetOH, in which Met is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, B5) alkali metal peroxide Met2O2, in which Met is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and B6) alkali metal superoxide MetO2, in which Met is sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, in a total amount in the range from 0.16 to 10% by weight, in each case based on the nitrate salt composition.

Abstract: A floating type solar energy collection/power device includes a base having a compartment receiving a working fluid. A heat collecting assembly is mounted to an opening of the compartment to seal the compartment. A heat conducting assembly is mounted in the compartment and includes a heat conducting tube and a pump. The heat conducting tube includes a first end in communication with the compartment and a second end connected to the pump. The pump draws the first working fluid into the second end of the heat conducting tube via an inlet of the pump. A heat machine includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a turbine. The compressor, the heat exchanger, and the turbine are connected to each other by a plurality of pipes. The turbine is connected to a generator. The heat exchanger and the working fluid undergo heat exchange.

Abstract: A method and system for managing heat energy in a fluid purification system is provided. Initially, air is compressed using one or more compressors to obtain a compressed hot air. Then one or more fluids are purified using the heat energy associated with the compressed hot air in one or more fluid purification units thereby releasing a compressed cooled air. One or more hot purified fluids are stored in one or more fluid storage tanks obtained in response to the purification of the one or more fluids. Thereafter, the compressed cooled air is heated using a heat energy associated with the one or more hot purified fluids to obtain a heated compressed air. Subsequently, one or more turbines are operated using heat energy associated with the heated compressed air to obtain an expanded cooled air. The expanded cooled air is utilized for cooling.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems using magnetically assisted pressurization of a gas for the generation of useful power from heat transfer using heat sources at lower temperatures in a manner that does not require the emission of CO2.

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 solar thermal power plant is provided. The plant includes a steam-electric power plant associated with a steam generation system operationally connected thereto for providing heat to drive its operation, a solar collection system designed to heat thermal fluid and is in communication with the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto for driving its operation, and a non-solar power plant including a power generation unit and a waste heat recovery unit. The solar thermal power plant further includes a controller configured to selectively operationally connect the solar collection system and the waste heat recovery unit to the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. For example, a method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.

Abstract: A method for generating steam for a turbine electric power plant uses solar radiation. Solar radiation is directed onto a solar receiver. The solar receiver includes a first section, which receives feedwater input and is arranged to heat the feedwater input to generate steam using the directed solar radiation. Feedwater flows through a feedwater vessel to serve as feedwater input to an inlet of the first section of the receiver. Water is separated from the steam in steam separation vessel, which is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first section of the receiver. The feedwater input may be selectively preheated by a source of preheat other than solar energy in response to system operating conditions, predicted insolation schedule, or an electrical energy tariff schedule.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery operated solar pump kit is provided including a solar panel to provide solar power via an electrical terminal, an inline submersible pump and a control box containing a pipe fitting, a rechargeable battery, an electrical fitting and an on/off switch. The inline submersible pump passes through a rain barrel, having a hose to discharge rainwater from the rain barrel, and a power cord, which is coupled to the rechargeable battery. The pipe fitting couples to the hose to receive the pumped rainwater and to a garden hose to provide the pumped rainwater. The electrical fitting couples the rechargeable battery to the electrical terminal of the solar panel and receives solar power to recharge the rechargeable battery. The on/off switch couples the rechargeable battery and the power cord to turn the inline submersible pump on/off to pump the rainwater.