Abstract: A system or method for thermal storage includes a recess or containment unit having a first storage layer and a second storage layer comprising a permeable filler material. An intermediate layer is disposed between the storage layers. A primary well traverses the layer in the recess. The primary well is in thermal communication with the first permeable filler material and the second permeable filler material. A heat source is provided for heating an inlet fluid. An input pump is in fluid communication with the primary well and the heat source. The primary well receives heated inlet fluid from the inlet pump and injects the fluid into the second layers. The heated inlet fluid transfers heat to the respective permeable filler material radially from the primary well toward an outer periphery of the thermocline recess.

Abstract: An air receiver for use in a solar power plant receives sunlight from a plurality of heliostats focused on the air receiver via an aperture of the receiver to heat air in the cavity of the receiver. The heated air is directed out of the receiver via one or more output ports in fluid communication with the cavity. A solar power tower can include one or more receivers (e.g., oriented in different directions) and have outflow conduit(s) in fluid communication with the output ports. The outflow conduit(s) receive heated air from the one or more receivers and direct it toward one or both of a hot thermal storage tank and a heat utilization module (e.g., for use in generating electricity or facilitating an industrial process, such as a chemical reaction).

Abstract: A supporting frame includes a truss composed of an upper straight frame member and a parallel lower straight frame member supported at their ends in spaced relationship relative to each other. At least two spans of divergent inclined brace member extend between them with the ends of the brace member spans each being securable to the upper or lower straight frame member by means of a fastener. Limited relative longitudinal movement of the upper and lower straight frame members is permitted before a fastener is secured to fix the positions at which the ends of the brace member spans are attached to the upper and lower straight frame members. In one application two trusses meet at a corner with a pylon being urged in the plane of the supporting frame into a corner between two frame members of each pair of trusses to extend at right angles to the frame.

Abstract: A central receiver for a solar power facility is provided comprising an arrangement of heat absorber tubes located in a chamber having a window that, in use, is to receive solar radiation reflected by a heliostat field. The heat absorber tubes extend transversely relative to the window and are connected into a working fluid circuit. The window forms an atmospheric air inlet and the chamber has an outlet in a region opposite the window. An air flow promoting fan induces a flow of atmospheric air inwards through the window, past the absorber tubes; and through the outlet. The receiver preferably includes multiple rows of unpressurized louvers or panes having oblique frontal surfaces such that reflected rays travel into the chamber and provide a leading row in which the temperature of the louvers is, under operating conditions, maintained at a level low enough to reduce thermal reflection and radiation losses.

Abstract: A support structure (10) for carrying a plurality of heliostats (12) is provided. The support structure (10) includes a frame (20) formed from a number of girders (22). The frame has a triangular outer perimeter and a plurality of mountings (26) for carrying the heliostats (12) are provided along the perimeter. At least one mounting (26) is provided at or near each vertex (16) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20), and at least one additional mounting (26) is provided part-way along each side (17) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20).

Abstract: A thermal energy storage facility is provided that consists of a packed bed with an essentially unconstrained outer region and a duct having a heat exchange end region located within a central lower region of the packed bed and a fluid supply end opposite the heat exchange end region. The heat exchange end region of the duct permits heat transfer fluid at an elevated temperature to pass from the duct to the packed bed during a charge cycle to heat the packed bed from an inner region outwards. The heat transfer fluid is drawn from the packed bed into the duct during a discharge cycle.

Abstract: A supporting frame includes a truss composed of an upper straight frame member and a parallel lower straight frame member supported at their ends in spaced relationship relative to each other. At least two spans of divergent inclined brace member extend between them with the ends of the brace member spans each being securable to the upper or lower straight frame member by means of a fastener. Limited relative longitudinal movement of the upper and lower straight frame members is permitted before a fastener is secured to fix the positions at which the ends of the brace member spans are attached to the upper and lower straight frame members. In one application two trusses meet at a corner with a pylon being urged in the plane of the supporting frame into a corner between two frame members of each pair of trusses to extend at right angles to the frame.

Abstract: A support structure (10) for carrying a plurality of heliostats (12) is provided. The support structure (10) includes a frame (20) formed from a number of girders (22). The frame has a triangular outer perimeter and a plurality of mountings (26) for carrying the heliostats (12) are provided along the perimeter. At least one mounting (26) is provided at or near each vertex (16) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20), and at least one additional mounting (26) is provided part-way along each side (17) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20).

Abstract: A central receiver for a solar power facility is provided comprising an arrangement of heat absorber tubes located in a chamber having a window that, in use, is to receive solar radiation reflected by a heliostat field. The heat absorber tubes extend transversely relative to the window and are connected into a working fluid circuit. The window forms an atmospheric air inlet and the chamber has an outlet in a region opposite the window. An air flow promoting fan induces a flow of atmospheric air inwards through the window, past the absorber tubes; and through the outlet. The receiver preferably includes multiple rows of unpressurized louvers or panes having oblique frontal surfaces such that reflected rays travel into the chamber and provide a leading row in which the temperature of the louvers is, under operating conditions, maintained at a level low enough to reduce thermal reflection and radiation losses.

Abstract: A package includes a thermal solution to thermal couple to a semiconductor device to remove heat generated by the semiconductor device, and a device to electrically isolate at least a portion of the thermal solution from the semiconductor device. The package also includes a biasing device to apply a voltage to a body of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an arrangement is provided for cooling a heat-generating device, including a memory module (e.g., a small outline dual inline memory module), in a system such as a laptop computer. The arrangement includes a heat spreader having a first section including at least one thermally conductive coupling member to thermally engage surfaces of electronic components on the heat-generating device and a second section including at least one spring member to cause pressurized engagement between the first section and the surfaces of the electronic components. The heat spreader may further be thermally coupled to a heat exchanger or a keyboard from which the heat is dissipated. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A package includes a thermal solution to thermal couple to a semiconductor device to remove heat generated by the semiconductor device, and a device to electrically isolate at least a portion of the thermal solution from the semiconductor device. The package also includes a biasing device to apply a voltage to a body of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a heat spreader configured to wrap around a memory module inserted into a memory connector. The heat spreader is coupled to a heat exchanger and a fan.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an arrangement is provided for cooling a heat-generating device, including a memory module (e.g., a small outline dual inline memory module), in a system such as a laptop computer. The arrangement includes a heat spreader having a first section including at least one thermally conductive coupling member to thermally engage surfaces of electronic components on the heat-generating device and a second section including at least one spring member to cause pressurized engagement between the first section and the surfaces of the electronic components. The heat spreader may further be thermally coupled to a heat exchanger or a keyboard from which the heat is dissipated. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.