Abstract: A system is described for use with a solar concentrator such as a parabolic dish type that concentrates solar radiation onto a small opening (18) of a receiver, for protecting the receiver in certain circumstances, including tracking failure wherein the concentrated solar radiation would fall on the face plate (26) surrounding the receiver opening and burn it, or in the event of lack of coolant circulation which could cause burning of the receiver cavity walls (22). The protective system includes a shutter mechanism (30) stored in an open configuration beside the receiver opening and operable in case of failure to close shutters (34) over the opening, while also moving the mechanism away from the opening and closer to the dish concentrator so that only less concentrated solar radiation must be blocked by the shutter mechanism.

Abstract: A solar energy receiver including a separable endless wall formed of a ceramic material having defined therein a cavity of a substantially cylindrical configuration for entrapping solar flux, and an acceptance aperture adapted to admit to the cavity a concentrated beam of solar energy, said wall being characterized by at least a pair of contiguously related segments separated by lines of cleavage intercepting said aperture, at least one of the segments being supported for pivotal displacement, and a thermal-responsive actuator adapted to respond to excessive temperatures within the cavity for initiating pivotal displacement of said one segment, whereby thermal flux is permitted to escape from the cavity.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system characterized by an improved concentrator for directing incident rays of solar energy on parallel strip-like segments of a flat-plate receiver and a plurality of individually mounted reflector modules of a common asymmetrical triangular cross-sectional configuration supported for independent reorientation and defining a plurality of asymmetric vee-trough concentrators for deflecting incident solar energy toward the receiver.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system characterized by an improved concentrator for directing incident rays of solar energy on parallel vacuum-jacketed receivers or absorbers including a plurality of individually mounted reflector modules of a common asymmetrical triangular cross-sectional configuration supported for independent reorientation and defining a plurality of asymmetric vee-trough concentrators.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system including a plurality of energy receivers supported in suspension by an array of radially extending booms above a field of heliostats which serves to reflect a plurality of beams of solar energy toward said receivers. Each of said receivers is characterized by a curved target surface substantially totally illuminated by the reflected beam. A network of interconnected conduits for conducting a working fluid along a tortuous path in juxtaposition with the target surface of each receiver, whereby the working fluid is heated for converting radiant energy to heat, and a network of conduits for collecting and conducting heated working fluid away from the receivers.