Abstract: Thermochemical processing systems for the production of chemicals using solar (110) or other radiant energy as the heat source for chemical reactions and separations. Radiant energy receivers (310) operating in conjunction with concentrator systems (300), heat exchangers, chemical reactors and chemical separators. Systems and applications include the concentration of radiant energy in support of a moderate- and/or high-temperature, endothermic chemical reaction followed by downstream reactions and separations so that a chemical fuel is produced. Efforts are made to match concentrator types with need; for example, parabolic trough concentrators may be used to produce steam at low- to moderate-temperatures and parabolic dish concentrators may be used to drive moderate- to high-temperature chemical reactions such as methane reforming, and hybrid concentrators (400) may be used to concentrate radiant energy from multiple energy sources.

Abstract: Thermochemical processing systems for the production of electricity and chemicals using energy from an orbiting space solar power satellite (100). Methods of producing electricity and chemicals using the powerbeam (120). Systems and applications include the orbiting satellite, which intercepts solar energy (110) and directs a powerbeam to a lunar or planetary surface or a receiving system in space; rectennas (220) for the production of electricity; and concentrators (300), receivers (310) and thermochemical process systems for the production of fuels and other chemicals. Efforts are made to optimize the operation of the system through the utilization of solar energy, when available, plus the powerbeam from the satellite.

Abstract: Processes and methods of making fuels and other chemicals, in conjunction with electricity production, using energy from a powerbeam (120) from an orbiting satellite (100), radiant energy receivers (310) and thermochemical process systems. Includes methods of directing the powerbeam so that, when solar energy 110) is available to drive the concentrators (170), the powerbeam is chiefly focused on rectenna structures (220) for the production of electricity, and then is reconfigured so that it powers the concentrator structures when solar energy is not available.

Abstract: Processes and methods of producing fuels and other chemicals whereby a substantial portion of the chemical energy of the product is provided by solar energy (110) or a powerbeam (120) consisting of microwave, laser or other radiant energy, and performing thermochemical processes. Systems and applications include using radiant energy to drive moderate- to high-temperature endothermic reactions, followed by downstream chemical reactions and separations to create the desired chemical product.