Abstract: An octahedral space frame includes a first plurality of double octahedral structures disposed in a first row in a longitudinal direction, adjacent ones of the first plurality of double octahedral structures sharing two common members. Each of the first plurality of double octahedral structures includes respective first and second single octahedron structures joined in a transverse direction and sharing three common members, the transverse direction being orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A self-draining solar collector system includes one or more solar collector assemblies, a manifold connecting assembly, and a crossover connecting assembly. Each solar collector assembly includes a collector support subsystem, one or more heating pipes, and one or more parabolic reflectors. The manifold connecting assembly connects the heating pipes of each solar collector assembly to a manifold disposed at a lower elevation than the heating pipes of the solar collector assemblies when the solar collector assemblies are oriented in respective draining positions. The crossover connecting assembly connects the heating pipes of each solar collector assembly to a crossover pipe disposed at a higher elevation than the heating pipes of the solar collector assemblies when the solar collector assemblies are oriented in their respective draining positions.