Abstract: Process for manufacturing a support structure and a solar receiver includes the following steps: a) providing a sheet of rigid material having a rectangular shape with a first median axis and a second median axis; b) performing two grooves running from one sheet side to the opposite side, defining two parabolic curves, the parabolic curves having the same axes of symmetry, parallel to the second median axis, the grooves dividing the sheet in a central surface, a first and a second lateral surfaces; c) bending the first lateral surface out of plane with respect to the central surface through an angle ?1 along the first groove; bending the second lateral surface out of plane with respect to the central surface through an angle ?2 along the second groove; the central surface, first and second lateral surfaces being curved and the central surface having a profile defining a third parabolic curve.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a support structure and a solar receiver includes the following steps: a) providing a sheet of rigid material having a rectangular shape with a first median axis and a second median axis; b) performing two grooves running from one sheet side to the opposite side, defining two parabolic curves, the parabolic curves having the same axes of symmetry, parallel to the second median axis, the grooves dividing the sheet in a central surface, a first and a second lateral surfaces; c) bending the first lateral surface out of plane with respect to the central surface through an angle ?1 along the first groove; bending the second lateral surface out of plane with respect to the central surface through an angle ?2 along the second groove; the central surface, first and second lateral surfaces being curved and the central surface having a profile defining a third parabolic curve.

Abstract: A man-made island [10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island [10] uses a platform [12] that includes a large outer ring [14] that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover [16] attached to the ring [14] to define an airtight volume [30] below the cover [16]. A plurality of rows [19] of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover [16], and carry steam generating heat pipes [21]. The rows [19] of modules are supported above the cover [16] by an upper support structure, either a space frame [27], a plurality of cables [46] or a honeycomb [75]. A compressor [32] creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume [30] to assist in supporting the cover [16] and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: A man-made island [10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island [10] uses a platform [12] that includes a large outer ring [14] that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover [16] attached to the ring [14] to define an airtight volume [30] below the cover [16]. A plurality of rows [19] of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover [16], and carry steam generating heat pipes [21]. The rows [19] of modules are supported above the cover [16] by an upper support structure, either a space frame [27], a plurality of cables [46] or a honeycomb [75]. A compressor [32] creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume [30] to assist in supporting the cover [16] and the other components mounted thereabove.