Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A novel thermal storage device is made up of a plurality of thermal storage canisters. The canisters are in thermal contact with one another so as to form a single thermal storage body. Because the thermal storage device can be broken down into a plurality of discrete thermal storage canisters, it is portable and has a high thermal storage capacity. In a particular embodiment, each canister contains a metal phase change material. In a more particular embodiment, the canisters each have a concave region such that when the canisters are assembled the concave regions, together, define a solar receiver.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A novel thermal storage device includes a container of metallic phase change material (MPCM). The MPCM has a high latent heat of fusion and a high thermal conductivity in its solid state. A thermal energy receiver is adapted to receive thermal energy from a thermal energy source and transfer the thermal energy directly to the MPCM, without the need for an intermediate thermal transfer fluid. A thermal energy discharge mechanism transfers thermal energy directly from the MPCM to a device that uses the thermal energy. In a solar energy embodiment, the thermal energy receiver is formed from a material (e.g., polished copper) that has a relatively low absorptivity value and a relatively low emissivity coefficient, which unexpectedly results in the attainment of a highly efficient solar receiver.

Abstract: A novel thermal storage device includes a container of metallic phase change material (MPCM). The MPCM has a high latent heat of fusion and a high thermal conductivity in its solid state. A thermal energy receiver is adapted to receive thermal energy from a thermal energy source and transfer the thermal energy directly to the MPCM, without the need for an intermediate thermal transfer fluid. A thermal energy discharge mechanism transfers thermal energy directly from the MPCM to a device that uses the thermal energy. In a solar energy embodiment, the thermal energy receiver is formed from a material (e.g., polished copper) that has a relatively low absorptivity value and a relatively low emissivity coefficient, which unexpectedly results in the attainment of a highly efficient solar receiver.