Abstract: A system includes a heat exchanger that includes a relatively hotter process gas inlet and an exit port, a moisture removing filter coupled to the exit port, the moisture removing filter including a relatively colder gas exit, and a drain valve coupled to the moisture removing filter. The heat exchanger, the moisture removing filter, and the drain valve are all located in a thermally-insulated enclosure. A fan is placed outside the thermally-insulated enclosure and forces ambient air over the heat exchanger. The ambient air is sufficient to maintain a temperature above a water freezing temperature in the thermally-insulated enclosure even if the ambient air is below the water freezing temperature.

Abstract: A method for operation of a closed-cycle power conversion device includes receiving measured thermal information from one or more sensors that sense thermal characteristics of a hot portion of an absorber heat exchanger of a closed-cycle power conversion device which uses a working medium in its operation. The closed-cycle power conversion device is in thermal connection with a heat source, and absorption of heat from the heat source is proportional to a mass or mass flow rate of the working medium. If the measured thermal information is not in a defined normal range, a message is provided of an abnormality in operation of the closed-cycle power conversion device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.