Abstract: Solar energy is focused by a paraboloidally curved, specularly reflective foil inside the wing of an aircraft having a transparent upper surface in whose rudder structure is disposed the radiation receiver. This particular reflector offers very low resistance to ambient wind forces.

Abstract: Solar energy (called energy to the extent it is thermodynamically useful) is focussed by an inflated, buoyant reflector for heating lithium circulating through an MHD conversion system. Hydrogen and nitrogen are added to the heated lithium, finely divided iron serving as catalyst to obtain lithium amid. The hydrogen has been produced by electrolysis of water. The lithium-lithium amid mixture (liquid) is mixed with pressurized nitrogen to obtain a two phase flow in which the liquid is accelerated; focussed into a jet passing through the MHD converter to obtain hydrazine and additional electrical energy e.g. for the hydrogen electrolysis; and returned to the solar heater. The gas (N.sub.2) is separated; subjected to recuperative heat exchange with itself; and low temperature isothermic compression under direct contact with a liquid which in turn is, ultimately, air cooled. The entire assembly is of elongated construction wherein the main active elements are arranged along a center axis e.g.

Abstract: A flexible concave reflector having a solar energy absorbing means at the focus is maintained in its concave shape by an inflatable cushion on the convex surface and by a donut shaped chamber about the periphery of the reflector. The donut shaped chamber is maintained at high pressure and makes the entire structure lighter-than-air so that it may float above ground. The cushion is maintained at a low pressure and may be formed of a plurality of chambers. Additional support structure can be provided as disclosed.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide employing water, hydrogen, and nitrogen as reactants.

Abstract: Solar energy (called exergy to the extent it is thermodynamically useful) is focussed by an inflated, buyont reflector for heating lithium circulating through an MHD conversion system. Hydrogen and nitrogen are added to the heated lithium, finely divided iron serving as catalyst to obtain lithium amid. The hydrogen has been produced by electrolysis of water. The lithium-lithium amid mixture (liquid) is mixed with pressurized nitrogen to obtain a two phase flow in which the liquid is accelerated; focussed into a jet passing through the MHD converter to obtain hydrazine and additional electrical energy e.g. for the hydrogen electrolysis; and returned to the solar heater. The gas (N.sub.2) is separated; subjected to recuperative heat exchange with itself; and low temperature isothermic compression under direct contact with a liquid which in turn is, ultimately, air cooled. The entire assembly is of elongated construction wherein the main active elements are arranged along a center axis e.g.

Abstract: A plurality of solar energy conversion units, each with a reflecting mirror, are disposed on top of a stem or reed-like tower composed of a bundle of major supply tubes each terminating in a conversion unit plus mirror combination with additional tubes provided in the stem for up and down transport of gases and liquids. Particularly buoyant mirror constructions and anchoring facilities for the bundle are described.

Abstract: Power plant with a plurality of similarly constructed, elongated units, each unit including a closed working fluid loop for MHD-conversion. The electrical outputs are connected in parallel on a common bus. Prime heater is a nuclear reactor distributed among the units, and separately controlled for each of them by a computer, to operate a unit in the cooling mode or in the power mode, depending upon overall power demand. Each unit includes a compressor-turbine aggregate for circulating air for heat exchange with the working fluid.