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: 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: A parabolic trough solar collector include a parabolic trough reflector extending in a longitudinal direction; and a frame supporting the reflector, the frame comprising at least one truss extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the at least one truss comprising a plurality of wooden members connected at a plurality of joints, wherein: a first wooden member has a stiffness SWM1, a second wooden member has a stiffness SWM2, and a first joint that connects the first wooden member and the second wooden member together has a stiffness SJ1, and wherein: SWM1?2×SJ1, and SWM2?2×SJ1.

Abstract: Several systems of thermally stable inorganic salts with low melting points are disclosed. These compositions include sodium, potassium, zinc, chloride, and sulfate and can have thermal stability limits greater than 700° C.

Abstract: Several systems of low melting point mixtures of inorganic salts are disclosed. These compositions can have liquidus temperatures less than 80° C. and thermal stability limits greater than 500° C.

Abstract: Several systems of thermally stable inorganic salts with low melting points are disclosed. These compositions include earth-abundant salt materials and can have thermal stability limits greater than 700° C.

Abstract: Several systems of low melting point mixtures of inorganic salts are disclosed. These compositions can have liquidus temperatures less than 80° C. and thermal stability limits greater than 500° C.