Abstract: A concentrated solar energy collection system includes an array of heliostats and a solar receiver that further includes a plurality of tubes having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for carrying a heat transfer fluid (HTF). A flow control arrangement is provided for controlling the flow of HTF through the tubes. This includes at least one radiation sensor such as a pyranometer for sensing values representative of the aggregate solar radiation falling on the solar receiver via the heliostats. At least one temperature sensor measures input temperature of the HTF at or near the inlet. A controller coupled to the radiation and temperature sensors regulates the outlet temperature of the HTF by controlling the flow of HTF through the tubes via the flow control arrangement. A pressure differential sensor arrangement measures pressure differential across the flow control arrangement, providing an input to the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heliostat sub-assembly and to a method of forming such a sub-assembly. The method of mounting a concave mirror to a supporting structure of a heliostat includes the steps of bonding a plurality of risers at predetermined spaced intervals to a rear face of the mirror, each riser having a bonding pad and a stem extending from the bonding pad, and applying a predetermined concave curvature to the mirror by conforming the front face of the mirror with a convex forming jig or die. The supporting structure and curved mirror are then aligned, and the supporting structure is clinched to the stems of the risers when the curved mirror is conformed with the forming die.

Abstract: A concentrated solar thermal receiver is mounted on a tower to receive concentrated solar thermal energy from a concentrating array of solar reflectors. The receiver comprises a single layered array of tubes configured to carry a heat transfer fluid such as sodium and defining in combination an exposed concentrated solar thermal energy receiving surface. The array of tubes have a lower fluid inlet header communicating with an inlet conduit, and an upper fluid outlet communicating with an outlet conduit. The tubes are arranged in a serpentine configuration and define a fluid flow path which is predominantly transverse and upward. The receiver includes a thermally insulating cover movable between an open position and a closed position in which the solar thermal energy receiving surface is covered to block or reduce the incidence of solar flux on the tubes or to reduce heat loss from the array of tubes when they are not operational.