Abstract: Drive mechanisms for solar concentrators, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative solar energy collection system includes an at least partially transparent enclosure, a receiver positioned in the enclosure to receive solar radiation passing into the enclosure, a concentrator positioned within the enclosure to focus incoming solar radiation on the receiver, and a drive system operatively coupled to the concentrator to rotate the concentrator relative to the receiver. The drive system can include a drive chain operatively coupled to the concentrator, a drive gear engaged with the drive chain, and a drive motor coupled to the drive gear to rotate the drive gear and rotate the concentrator relative to the receiver.

Abstract: Shipping systems and methods associated with solar concentrator receivers are disclosed herein. Representative securement devices extend into the interior of a receiver segment at both ends of the receiver segment. A first retention element and a second retention element, each having a first portion and a second portion configured to stack on top of each other, are configured to receive a corresponding securement device in notches manufactured into the first and the second retention elements. The first and the second retention elements can be configured to receive a vertical stability element to clamp the first portions to corresponding second portions, thereby retaining the securement devices. In these and other embodiments, a third retention element can be stacked on top of the first retention element and a fourth retention element can be positioned vertically adjacent to the first retention element.

Abstract: Separable bearings for suspended solar enhanced oil recovery concentrators and receivers, and associated systems and methods. A representative bearing includes a receiver attachment member having a first bushing portion and a second bushing portion removably coupled to the first bushing portion, the first bushing portion having an outwardly-facing bearing surface, the receiver attachment member further including a plurality of engagement surfaces positioned to contact an outer surface of a receiver conduit. The bearing can further include a concentrator attachment member having a first element and a second element removably coupled to the first element, the first and second elements each having an inwardly-facing bearing surface positioned to rotatably engage with the outwardly-facing bearing surface of the first bushing portion, the concentrator attachment member further having first and second attachment elements positioned to couple to a solar concentrator.

Abstract: Heat storage devices for solar steam generation, including recirculation and desalination, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method includes directing a high temperature working fluid (a) from a thermal storage device to a solar field to heat the high temperature working fluid, and (b) back to the thermal storage device. The method can further include directing a first portion of the high temperature working fluid from the thermal storage device through a first branch of a high temperature working fluid loop to transfer heat to a process fluid at a first temperature. A second portion of the high temperature working fluid is directed from the thermal storage device through a second branch of the high temperature working fluid loop, in parallel with the first branch, to transfer heat to the process fluid at a second temperature less than the first temperature.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods. In particular embodiments, a system directs warm air through an airflow path in thermal communication with a phase change material to liquefy the phase change material and cool the air. The system also directs the cool air into thermal communication with electronic components to cool the electronic components via conduction and/or convection.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods. In particular embodiments, a system directs warm air through an airflow path in thermal communication with a phase change material to liquefy the phase change material and cool the air. The system also directs the cool air into thermal communication with electronic components to cool the electronic components via conduction and/or convection.

Abstract: Thin film housing structures for collecting solar energy, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes an enclosure having an interior region, the enclosure further having a support structure that includes a plurality of curved portions. The system further includes a flexible, thin film carried by, and fixed relative to, the curved portions, the thin film being positioned to transmit solar radiation into the interior region. A receiver is positioned in the interior region, the receiver carrying a working fluid. A solar concentrator is positioned in the interior region to direct the solar radiation to the receiver to heat the working fluid. A controller is operatively coupled to the solar concentrator and is configured to adjust a position of the solar concentrator based at least in part on a position of the sun.

Abstract: Supports for suspended solar enhanced oil recovery concentrators and receivers, and associated systems and methods. A representative solar concentrator system includes a curved reflective element oriented concave relative to a focal line, a curved first rib member carrying the reflective element and oriented concave relative to the focal line, a curved second rib member oriented convex relative to the focal line, and a plurality of cross members coupled between the first rib member and the second rib member. In further embodiments, the system includes a bearing having an inner bearing element in rotational contact with a concentrator attachment member, which supports a solar concentrator. A receiver interface member is fixedly engaged with the inner bearing element, and a receiver attachment member is pivotably connected to the receiver interface member. A biasing element biases the inner bearing element against the receiver.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods. In particular embodiments, a system directs warm air through an airflow path in thermal communication with a phase change material to liquefy the phase change material and cool the air. The system also directs the cool air into thermal communication with electronic components to cool the electronic components via conduction and/or convection.