Abstract: A solar energy powerplant comprises at least one vertical tower with an open top mounted on a base structure. Each tower (10) has a height of at least 100 metres with a plurality of outwardly projecting heating chambers (12) mounted externally around the lower end of the vertical tower. Each heating chamber is a generally hollow chamber with walls formed of thin metal sheeting for absorbing solar energy, a closeable opening in a lower region of the chamber for introducing ambient air into the chamber and a closeable opening in an upper region of the chamber for releasing heated air accumulated in the chamber into the tower. A constricted zone, e.g. Venturi chamber, within the tower above the heated air inlet openings is adapted to increase the velocity of the heated air moving up the tower, and a wind powered turbine (14) is mounted within the constricted zone and adapted to drive an electrical generating unit.

Abstract: A solar energy powerplant is described which involves a system of mobile reflector walls.

Abstract: A solar energy powerplant is described comprising a group of seven or more vertical towers open at both ends, these towers being mounted on a base structure in an equally spaced configuration with a single central tower surrounded by at least six towers. A plurality of vertically spaced, radially projecting heating chambers are mounted externally on each tower, each chamber projecting from the tower a distance at least equal to the radius of the adjacent tower. The chamber at each level is divided into a series of segment-shaped compartments separated by radial divider walls, each segment-shaped compartment having an inlet for ambient air and an outlet into the tower for heated air.

Abstract: A fire-resistant construction system is described comprising lightweight rigid panels forming structural walls, ceilings or partitions and connector members for joining the rigid panels to form a structure. Each rigid panel has substantial length and width relative to thickness and is formed of small ceramic or glass hollow microspheres having particle sizes of less than about 2 mm and a density of less than about 0.75 g/cc. These small microspheres are bonded together to form a rigid panel by means of a settleable binder material, and each panel also has a plurality of equally spaces holes formed therein and extending the full length of the panel. Each connector member comprises an L-shaped member with each arm of the L-shaped member having tubular sleeves extending perpendicularly therefrom and being adapted to fit snugly within the holes of the rigid panels.

Abstract: A solar energy powerplant has a group of tall, vertical towers open at both ends and containing a plurality of wind-powered impellers mounted in vertically spaced locations within each tower, such that thermal updrafts in the tower drives the impellers. Vertically spaced, radially projecting heating chambers are mounted externally on each tower and each chamber has an air inlet to admit ambient air and an air outlet into the tower for heated air. The heated air entering the tower for the solar heating chambers forms an updraft for powering the impellers. The heating chambers also contain heat exchange tubes which connect with an insulated water reservoir in the base for the towers.