Abstract: A pressure-shaped reflector apparatus is provided for collecting and concentrating electromagnetic radiation waves and the like. The apparatus can be used, among other things, for concentrating solar radiation waves to provide an alternate source of energy. The apparatus includes an upper cylindrical hoop member, a lower cylindrical hoop member and a plurality of vertical strut members carried between the upper and lower hoop members spacing the hoop members apart. A resiliently deformable enclosure is carried between the upper and lower hoop members having an upper reflective surface co-extensive with the upper hoop member. As air is evacuated from the interior surface of the enclosure the upper reflective surface deforms inwardly providing a reflective surface of spherical curvature having high specular reflection properties.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system for converting a fluid such as water, into a superheated vapor for driving a turbine includes an energy storage device for storing thermal energy from the vapor to be utilized should the pressure of the vapor fall below a predetermined value. The energy storage device includes a storage tank having a plurality of stacked vertical compartments containing metallic spheres filled with metal alloy for storing the thermal energy therein and a fluid reservoir below the stacked compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for trapping solar energy emitted from the sun for heating a fluid that could be subsequently used in turbines and the like. The apparatus includes an elongated vertical light pipe having an open end through which the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation from the sun passes to strike a tubular absorber carried adjacent the other end thereof. The light pipe has a coated interior surface of a low absorptivity and a high reflectivity at the visible wave lengths and a high absorptivity/emissivity ratio at infrared wave lengths. The tubular absorber has a coating on the surface thereof for absorbing visible wave lengths so as to heat the fluid passing therethrough. Infrared wave lengths are radiated from the tubular absorber back into the light pipe for heating fluid passing through a tubular coil wound thereon.

Abstract: A solar energy absorber including a tubular absorber surface through which a fluid passes for transferring thermal energy from the absorber to other devices. Positioned above the tubular absorber surface are a plurality of spaced glass layers. Positioned between an upper layer and the next layer is vacuum or air for minimizing thermal energy losses through convection. A clear liquid passes between two intermediate layers of glass for transferring by means of conduction the thermal energy absorbed therein by either the initial passage of the visible spectrum of electromagnetic rays or by infrared radiation radiated from an absorber positioned therebelow.