Abstract: A solar collection system having a secondary reflector is provided. The secondary reflector may be located above a field of primary reflectors and below a solar receiver. The secondary reflector may form a portion of an ellipse or macrofocal ellipse and be operable to reflect at least a portion of the solar radiation reflected by the primary reflectors onto the solar receiver. The secondary reflector may be disposed away from the solar receiver and associated tertiary reflectors such that it does not intercept reflected solar radiation from the outer primary reflectors that would otherwise have struck the solar receiver and tertiary reflectors had the secondary reflector not been present.

Abstract: A mirror is shaped using a shaping apparatus including a crossbar and a horizontal array of members (wheels in some embodiments) attached to a bottom of the crossbar. The height of the array of members is adjusted to form a predetermined shape. The shaping apparatus is positioned over a mirror such that the members contact the mirror. The shaping apparatus is moved along a length of the mirror such that the members remain in contact with the mirror. A frame is attached to the mirror such that when the shaping apparatus is removed from the mirror, the mirror substantially retains the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A measuring device comprising a base, feet connected to the base, and an inclinometer mounted on the base is used to characterize a surface. The feet are placed in direct contact with the surface at a predetermined position. The inclinometer measures the angle of the surface relative to gravity at the predetermined position. In some embodiments, multiple measuring devices are connected to an arm, in order to measure different positions on the surface simultaneously. The arm may be moved by an actuator to the next predetermined position on the surface. In some embodiments, multiple measuring devices are connected to a frame that is substantially the same size as the surface to be characterized, such that the entire surface can be characterized without moving the frame.

Abstract: A table comprising a base and a plurality of support members supported by the base is used to shape a mirror. The height of the plurality of support members is adjusted to form a predetermined shape. A mirror is placed over the plurality of support members, such that the mirror assumes the predetermined shape. A frame is then attached to the mirror such that when the mirror and frame are lifted off the table, the mirror substantially retains the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A system for effecting cooling of a coolant fluid is provided, the system comprising: a solar energy collector system; and fluid channels for the coolant fluid that are at least partially above ground level and are at least partially shaded by the solar energy collector system. The system may comprise a system for cooling a condenser coolant fluid in a thermal power plant incorporating a solar energy collector system, the system comprising: one or more solar energy reflectors; and fluid channels for the coolant fluid that are at least partially above ground level and are at least partially shaded by one or more of the solar energy reflectors. Solar energy reflector carrier arrangements for use in said system, and methods and thermal power plants utilizing said system are further provided.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays.