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 solar thermal panel is disclosed. An example evacuated flat solar thermal panel includes a first evacuated cavity enclosed between first and second layers of material. A second evacuated cavity is enclosed between third and fourth layers of material. A high temperature working fluid cavity is enclosed between the second and third layers of material. A plurality of pillars are disposed between the first and second layers of material, and disposed between the third and fourth layers of material.