Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an adjustment assembly for changing width of a vehicle including at least one pair of wheels, where the adjustment assembly is embedded in the vehicle and is connectable to a pair of front, middle or rear wheels thereof. The adjustment assembly includes, inter alia: a foldable unit connectable to the pair of wheels of the vehicle, configured for changing its overall length over a predefined axis “Y” connecting the centers of the pair of wheels, for adjusting a distance between the pair of wheels it connects to; and a tilting unit operatively associated with the pair of wheels of the vehicle to which the foldable unit connects. The tilting unit is configured for changing angular positioning of the pair of wheels in respect to the “Y” axis, during driving of the vehicle when folded or unfolded.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an adjustment assembly for changing width of a vehicle including at least one pair of wheels, where the adjustment assembly is embedded in the vehicle and is connectable to a pair of front, middle or rear wheels thereof. The adjustment assembly includes, inter alia: a foldable unit connectable to the pair of wheels of the vehicle, configured for changing its overall length over a predefined axis “Y” connecting the centers of the pair of wheels, for adjusting a distance between the pair of wheels it connects to; and a tilting unit operatively associated with the pair of wheels of the vehicle to which the foldable unit connects. The tilting unit is configured for changing angular positioning of the pair of wheels in respect to the “Y” axis, during driving of the vehicle when folded or unfolded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directly monitoring energy flux of a solar receiver in a solar energy-based power generation system include measuring infrared radiation emanating from the solar receiver. Such measurement can be achieved using one or more infrared thermography detectors, such as an IR camera. Resulting thermal data obtained by the imaging can be used to determine energy flux distribution on the receiver. A user or a system controller can use the determined flux distribution to adjust heliostat aiming to achieve a desired operation condition. For example, heliostats can be adjusted to achieve a uniform energy flux distribution across the external surface of the receiver and/or to maximize heat transfer to a fluid flowing through the receiver within system operating limits.

Abstract: A first period may be characterized by relatively high insolation, while a second period may be characterized by relatively low insolation. At the first period, steam is generated using insolation. A portion of the steam produces electricity, while a second portion of the steam is directed to a heat exchanger in thermal communication with thermal reservoirs. A storage fluid is flowed through the heat exchanger from a first reservoir to a second reservoir and/or from the second reservoir to a third reservoir such that enthalpy in the steam second portion is transferred to the storage fluid. At a second period, the storage fluid is reverse-flowed through the heat exchanger from the third to the second reservoir and/or from the second to the first reservoir such that enthalpy in the storage fluid generates steam to produce electricity. Enthalpy during high insolation periods can thus be stored for use during low insolation periods.

Abstract: A multi-mode solar power generation system can include a first energy conversion system that generates electricity from a working fluid heated by a portion of solar radiation focused by a plurality of heliostats. The multi-mode solar power generation system can also include a second energy conversion system that generates electricity from an unused portion of the focused solar radiation using a different energy conversion mode than that of the first energy conversion system. The second energy conversion system can include one or more photovoltaic converters, which directly convert solar radiation to electricity. The unused radiation from the first energy conversion system can include radiation spillage or dumped radiation from a thermal receiver of the first energy conversion system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directly monitoring energy flux of a solar receiver in a solar energy-based power generation system include measuring infrared radiation emanating from the solar receiver. Such measurement can be achieved using one or more infrared thermography detectors, such as an IR camera. Resulting thermal data obtained by the imaging can be used to determine energy flux distribution on the receiver. A user or a system controller can use the determined flux distribution to adjust heliostat aiming to achieve a desired operation condition. For example, heliostats can be adjusted to achieve a uniform energy flux distribution across the external surface of the receiver and/or to maximize heat transfer to a fluid flowing through the receiver within system operating limits.

Abstract: A multi-mode solar power generation system can include a first energy conversion system that generates electricity from a working fluid heated by a portion of solar radiation focused by a plurality of heliostats. The multi-mode solar power generation system can also include a second energy conversion system that generates electricity from an unused portion of the focused solar radiation using a different energy conversion mode than that of the first energy conversion system. The second energy conversion system can include one or more photovoltaic converters, which directly convert solar radiation to electricity. The unused radiation from the first energy conversion system can include radiation spillage or dumped radiation from a thermal receiver of the first energy conversion system.