Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible substrate and a flexible display screen. The flexible substrate includes a first bending zone and a non-bending zone. An elastic modulus of the flexible substrate in the first bending zone is smaller than the elastic modulus in the non-bending zone. When the flexible display screen is bent in the first bending zone, since the elastic modulus of the flexible substrate in the first bending zone is smaller than the elastic modulus in the non-bending zone, such that the neutral layer of the first bending zone moves toward a side away from the flexible substrate, thereby reducing the strain on the display unit located on the side of the first bending area, avoiding the breakage of the metal trace and improving the probability of correct operation of the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic (PV) module or array of PV modules which are pivotally mounted from an upper edge and thus designed to hang under the force of gravity and to swing about the upper edge responsive to wind. The invention further includes various motion damping systems calibrated to limit or slow said swinging motion. The invention further includes a preferred mounting means comprising at least one ring or cylinder or sleeve or hinge attached to the upper edge of PV modules with a spring calibrated to limit or dampen the swinging motion.

Abstract: The power plant system includes a molten salt reactor assembly, a thermocline unit, phase change heat exchangers, and process heat systems. The thermocline unit includes an insulated tank, an initial inlet, a plurality of zone outlets, and a plurality of gradient zones corresponding to each zone outlet and being stacked in the tank. Each gradient zone has a molten salt portion at a portion temperature corresponding to the molten salt supply from the molten salt reactor being stored in the tank and stratified. The molten salt portions at higher portion temperatures generate thermal energy for process heat systems that require higher temperatures, and molten salt portions at lower portion temperatures generate thermal energy for process heat systems that require lower temperatures. The system continuously pumps the molten salt supply in controlled rates to deliver the heat exchange fluid supply to perform work in the corresponding particular process heat system.

Abstract: An eco-smart panel is described comprising a a solar thermal panel, a phase change material, a metal foil layer, and a structural frame constructed of materials including wood studs, gypsum, or fiberglass-reinforced concrete. The materials may be variously configured to create modular systems for fabricating buildings or structures. Eco-smart panels may be utilized to create buildings or structure with enhanced energy efficiency, increased fire resistance, increased flood resistance, and decreased construction cost and time.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and method for avoiding frost and ice buildup in and on vent pipes that transport a stream of gas from the inside to the outside of a building. The apparatus and method comprise a heat-conducting path that extracts heat energy from the stream of gas exiting the vent pipe, and transfers this energy to the frost and ice condensing surfaces at or near the terminus of the vent pipe. The heat-conducting path comprises a heat pipe. In one embodiment the heat-conducting path further comprises a heat exchanger. The passive transfer of heat energy via the heat-conducting path, from the stream of gas to the condensing surfaces of the vent pipe, avoids frost and ice buildup in or around the terminus of the vent pipe.

Abstract: A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting (racking) solar (e.g., photovoltaic) panels. At least one concrete track can be formed, first, second, and third racking structures can be assembled, each including two legs, landings at tops the legs, and feet that respectively can be secured to the at least one concrete track. A first solar panel can be placed on the landings of the first and second racking structures. A first edge of the first solar panel can be secured to each the landings of the first racking structure. A second solar panel can be placed on the landings of the second racking structure and on the landings of the third racking structure. A second edge of the first solar panel and a first edge of the second solar panel can be secured to each the landings of the second racking structure.

Abstract: Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described. Low pressure solar receivers are provided that function to convert solar radiation energy to thermal energy of a working fluid, e.g., a working fluid of a power generation or thermal storage system. In some embodiments, low pressure solar receivers are provided herein that are useful in conjunction with gas turbine based power generation systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rock anchor foundation structure suitable for a mountain photovoltaic module and a construction method of the rock anchor foundation structure. A technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the rock anchor foundation structure comprises a drill hole drilled in a rock slope, an anchor rod module arranged in the drill hole and a photovoltaic power station module. The photovoltaic power station module is connected with the anchor rod module through a hollow connecting steel pipe; the photovoltaic power station module comprises a bracket welded on the top of the hollow connecting steel pipe, a beam mutually hinged with the top of the bracket and a photovoltaic cell panel arranged at the upper part of the beam. The rock anchor foundation structure of the present invention is suitable for the technical fields of around treatment and foundation engineering design.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning surfaces is disclosed. The system includes an elongated blade configured to remove at least one of dirt, dust, debris and film from a smooth surface. A drive system is provided for causing the blade to contact the entire smooth surface, thereby removing at least a portion of at least one of dirt, dust, debris, and film. A cleaning device automatically cleans the blade before and after the blade is cleaning the smooth surface. In one example, system is part of a heliostat system for use in a solar collection field as part of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant.

Abstract: The structure of a concentrator mirror includes a prefabricated body of reinforced concrete, which includes a panel member having a front surface with a reflective laminar layer, and a back surface, between which a hinge axis for the rotation of the panel is defined. A pair of coaxial hollow seats are formed in the body at respective longitudinally spaced positions, to define the hinge axis together with respective spherical joints. The body includes a rib shaped counterweight appendage extending parallel to the hinge axis from the back surface of the panel member, on the side opposite the front surface, so as to bring the hinge axis in a barycentric position of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting unit for solar panels that simplifies the complexity of storage, transit and in-field installation of solar electric generation systems. According to one embodiment, the mounting unit comprises a top panel, a bottom panel and a pair of panel guides, each formed integral with and adjacent to an opposing side of the top panel. Each panel guide includes a horizontal portion for supporting a solar panel and a vertical portion for providing an air channel between a bottom surface of the solar panel and an upper surface of the top panel. The air channel enables natural convection to cool the solar panel and optionally a power conversion device used within the system, thereby improving the solar conversion efficiency of the system. An improved method for installing a solar electric generation system is also provided herein.

Abstract: A heliostat contained within a mechanical enclosure is described that optimizes the heliostat for domestic applications by emphasizing features of durability, protection from outside weather, low cost of manufacture, self-powering, light-weight, and aesthetics.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a photovoltaic (PV) apparatus. The PV apparatus includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules arranged in an array and attached to a support structure which is attached to a roof. Each of the photovoltaic modules comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells. A first array-roof integration member is attached to a first side of the array. The array-roof integration member covers a gap between the first side of the array and the roof. Another embodiment relates to a method of installing a photovoltaic apparatus upon a sloped roof. Another embodiment relates to a kit for mounting a photovoltaic apparatus on a roof. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vacuum-tight envelope for a vacuum solar thermal panel includes: joining edge to edge a first metal strip to a second metal strip in order to form a bi-metal strip, and then joining together the opposite ends of said bi-metal strip in order to form a closed loop; after said joining step, forming said first metal strip into a peripheral frame and said second metal strip into a peripheral belt; after said joining and forming steps, sealing the free edge of the peripheral belt to a glass front plate; after said joining and forming steps, joining a metal bottom plate to the peripheral frame.

Abstract: A hybrid receiver-combustor (100) for capturing heat energy from a solar source and a fuel source. The hybrid receiver-combustor (100) includes a vessel (110) for acting both as a combustion furnace and as a solar receiver, and a plurality of burners (180) for combusting an oxidant stream, such as an air stream, and a fuel stream. The vessel (110) includes a casing (120) defining a cavity (125) having an aperture (130) for receiving the concentrated solar radiation from the solar source. The cavity (125) provides a chamber defining a zone (126) which can function as a combustion zone for production of heat energy through a combustion process using the fuel and into which concentrated solar radiation can be received from the solar source through the aperture (130). A heat energy absorber (190) configured as a heat exchanger is provided to receive heat energy from concentrated solar radiation entering the cavity (125) through the aperture (130) and from combustion within the cavity.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic power generation panel mount has a solar photovoltaic power generation panel attached to a mount frame having a plurality of vertical and horizontal bars connected in a grid-like manner. Concrete foundations project upwardly from a mount installation surface at predetermined intervals in a right-left direction under front and rear sides of the mount frame, and the mount frame is supported by the concrete foundations so as to be positionally adjustable in the up-down and right-left directions by mounting brackets fastened to a top of each of the concrete foundations.

Abstract: A reflector support system is provided that includes a backing structure having a plurality of struts. The backing structure may have a plurality of hubs, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to two or more of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to another one of the plurality of hubs using one of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of struts is configured to couple to at least two of the plurality of hubs. The backing structure may have a plurality of feet, each of the plurality of feet configured to couple to a corresponding one of the plurality of hubs, the plurality of feet are configured to couple to a reflector. In addition, a synthesis for mechanical adjustment of the reflector support system is provided.

Abstract: In a panel support array constituted by lower support joists and upper panel rails in a two-tier, two-dimensional arrangement, the array is aligned through the use of V-shaped locking rails extending through apertures in adjacent upper panel rails. The V-shaped locking rails are configured so as to lock at each of the upper panel rails through which the V-rail passes. As a result, the overall support array remains aligned in the proper position despite environmental variations.

Abstract: The present invention provide a sunlight collection device, it comprises a concentrator array composed by a plurality of concentrators and a light sensor electrically connected to the controller, the concentrator comprises a collecting cup and a collecting lens fixed to the collecting cup, a optical fiber runs through and is fixed at the bottom of the collecting cup, a plurality of light detection units which are electrically connected to the controller are provided around the optical fiber at the bottom of the collecting cup.

Abstract: A solar apparatus includes a solar cell, a frame including a main body and a hollow rib, a pair of first support racks, and a pair of second support racks. The main body surrounds the edge of the solar cell. The hollow rib protrudes over the circumference of the main body. The first support racks are located on a first side of the frame, and each of the first support racks includes a first engaging clamp for coupling to the hollow rib of the frame. The second support racks are located on a second side of the frame facing away from the first side, and each of the second support racks includes a second engaging clamp for coupling to the hollow rib of the frame.

Abstract: A housing for a solar panel is provided that includes a glazed element and a tray, the tray including a plate, side walls a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a top surface and a lip, the lip configured to seat the glazed element, wherein the tray is formed of a single material, wherein the plate, the side walls, the top and the bottom end cap are collectively configured to form a cavity, and wherein the top end cap includes a top header, the top end cap positioned between the top header and the cavity and including at least one pipe extending outwardly from the top header at both side ends and extending a length and throughout an interior space of the to header, and at least one void extending a length and throughout the interior space of the to header, the void positioned proximate the pipe.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with the stowing, deploying, and deployment of a solar cell array. With reference to some exemplary embodiments this disclosure teaches apparatuses, systems, and methods directed to a solar cell array system that is a relatively lightweight, compact, and self-contained structure that securely stores, protects, and deploys the solar array. With reference to some exemplary embodiments this disclosure teaches apparatuses, systems, and methods for deploying a solar cell array that is held in the deployed configuration by self-contained compressive force and tensile force members such that no loads are carried through the solar cell panels.

Abstract: A solar receiver assembly includes a tube adapted to carry a heat transfer medium and a glass envelope surrounding the tube and having opposed ends. An interface is disposed between each end and the tube so as to seal and support the tube from the envelope. And the receiver includes a prism disposed over the interface to divert incident radiation away from the interface and toward the tube and/or the glass envelope. The prisms may be provided with reflective and/or anti-reflective coatings to further optimize diversion of radiation from the interface.

Abstract: A solar water heating and cooling system including a solar energy collection assembly having a heat absorbing element, a heat exchanger and a shield. The system also includes a cooling assembly, the cooling assembly is integral with the shield. The system has a check valve in fluid communication with the solar collection assembly and the cooling assembly, and a fluid pump in fluid communication with the solar energy collection assembly. A working fluid is disposed within the solar energy collection assembly, the cooling assembly, the check valve and the fluid pump. A cooling loop is defined by the solar energy collection assembly, the cooling assembly and the check valve. When the fluid pump is off, the working fluid circulates through the cooling loop, but when the fluid pump is on, the working fluid circulates through a heating loop that is defined by the solar energy collection assembly and the fluid pump.

Abstract: A method for operating a thermal solar system, e.g., solar system, photovoltaic system, thermal system, includes providing a thermal array including a plenum. The thermal array may be subjected to a freezing condition, which can include, for example, one or more ice particles and/or crystals, e.g., ice crystal, frost, snow, sleet. The method includes operating a fan device coupled to a drive device in a first direction to cause fluid flow from a second region to a first region that includes at least the plenum for the thermal array. The fan is coupled to the drive device disposed in a fluid flow region between the first region and second regions. The method also includes transferring thermal energy to the thermal array using at least the flow of fluid from the second region to the first region to cause the one or more ice particles and/or crystals to thaw for removal of the one or more ice particles and/or crystals.

Abstract: A solar water-heating apparatus comprises an outer container sized and configured to receive a smaller inner container. The inner container includes an opening formed in an upright wall and an opening formed in a floor. A gap is located between the two containers. Once the device has been filled with a liquid, the liquid present within the gap may be heated by solar energy. The device may include a valve to prevent unintended flow of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar tracking skylight system for illumination, primarily including a light guide, a solar tracking controller, a two-axis tracking mechanism, an energy converter and energy storage system, and a weather protective cover. The system uses the solar tracking controller to detect the direction of the light, thereby enabling the two-axis tracking mechanism to move toward the light to facilitate the light guide in collecting light and diffusing it indoors for illumination use. The protective cover provides waterproofing, and the energy converter and energy storage system is used to store electrical energy generated by the solar energy panel for system use. External power is not needed for the system to operate and provide indoor lighting, thereby achieving the objective of saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Abstract: A solar receiver system includes a panel mounted to a multiple of standoffs such that the panel is spaced away from the support structure to provide convective cooling.

Abstract: A shield for shielding structures, vehicles and personnel from a projectile and/or an explosive blast generally includes a substantially planar shield plate adapted for attachment to a structure to provide protection to the structure. The shield plate includes a chassis having an interior surface facing the structure and an opposite outer surface, and a ballistic liner disposed on the outer surface of the chassis such that the chassis is more proximal the structure than the ballistic liner. The ballistic liner has an exterior surface facing the exterior environment.

Abstract: Deployable wings supporting solar collector arrays for mobile structures and associated methods of use are disclosed that provide significant power generation capacity, easy deployment, shaded work areas, and protection for solar collector arrays during transport. Some embodiments include a support surface configured to be hingedly coupled to a vehicle, a plurality of support rails extending away from the support surface to form at least one cavity, a solar collector array coupled to the support surface and within the at least one cavity, and at least one retractable cover configured to selectively cover the at least one cavity.

Abstract: Compact solar collector arrays with multiple axis adjustability for use with mobile structures, such as trailers, RVs, etc., and temporary support structures and associated methods of use are disclosed that provide significant power generation capacity per roof area, easy deployment, optimum orientation regardless of underlying vehicle or structure orientation, and protection for solar collector arrays during transport. Some embodiments include a plurality of solar collector mounts coupled to a support surface, the plurality of solar collector mounts being capable of changing relative spatial arrangement of each solar collector with respect to at least a neighboring solar collector.

Abstract: A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.

Abstract: Lower heat-collection efficiency and a much smaller amount of solar heat may result from the providing of only a single receiver on a supporting post to collect lights coming from both heliostats located at nearby positions and heliostats located at faraway positions. A solar heat power generation device to be provided by the invention can avoid such problems. The solar heat power generation device has the following characteristic features. The solar heat power generation device comprises: a supporting post 4 including a receiver 1 that receives sunlight; and a plurality of heliostats 6 which are provided concentrically around the supporting post 4 and which reflect the sunlight towards the receiver 1. The supporting post 4 includes at least two receivers 1a and 1b that are arranged in the up-and-down direction.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) includes a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. Each of the heat-absorbing units includes two adjacent supporting members (33) and a heat-absorbing plate (35) sandwiched between and buckled with the two supporting members. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel (314) with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel (315) below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: A floating solar chimney includes several parts, e.g., the Main Chimney, the Heavy Base, and the Folding Lower Part. The main chimney includes cylindrical balloon rings full of non flammable light gas. The cylindrical balloon rings are tied with the help of supporting rings so that together they form one or more compact units of the main chimney. The compact parts of the main chimney are fastened on the heavy base. The successive compact parts are separated by separating rings filled with environmental air that can go in and out of the separating rings, so that the dynamic independence of the successive compact parts is ensured. The main chimney, which can float, is configured to sit on a chimney seat, and is connected to the heavy base. The lower part of the heavy base is fastened to the folding lower part. The air can enter and come out freely from the rings of folding lower part in order to enable the floating solar chimney to achieve any suitable decline as dictated by the exterior winds.

Abstract: A solar panel supporting system includes a main frame, a solar panel, and a spring mechanism. The main frame has two opposite lateral sides. The solar panel is pivotally mounted on the main frame along a first pivot axis defined by a first rod extending between the opposite lateral sides of the main frame. The spring mechanism is operatively coupled to the solar panel for resiliently holding the solar panel at a predetermined position. The solar panel is adapted to pivot in response to wind strong enough to stretch or compress the spring mechanism.

Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.

Abstract: An upright-plate type sunlight generator comprises up-right-plate type photovoltaic generating tubes capable of automatically cleaning dust, collecting mirrors with the automatic storm-sheltering mechanisms and a collecting carrier, a cooling and radiating system, and an automatic sun-tracking machine and its object carrier. The collecting mirrors are the folding mirrors made up of plane mirrors, and are connected to the photovoltaic generating tubes provided in the focal strip of the group of collecting mirrors during the operation on the support of the collecting carrier. The collecting carrier is immovably connected to the object carrier of the automatic sun-tracking machine, and the object carrier is connected to the automatic sun-tracking machine. The cooling and radiating system includes a liquid-cooling cavity that is the internal cavity of the photovoltaic generating tube, flexible connecting pipes and a liquid storing and cooling member.

Abstract: Field devices for measuring a pressure or a fill level are connected with an external energy supply through a cable connector. An energy supply unit for a field device is provided, which has a housing and a solar module integrated therein. The housing is hereby used for receiving the measurement electronics of the field device and the solar module of the energy supply. An external energy supply is thus not necessary anymore. For energy buffering, furthermore, a respective energy storage may be provided.

Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.

Abstract: A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism (11, 11A) associated with a solar panel assembly (10, 10A) whereby effort required to tilt panel assemblies (12, 13, 14) comprising the solar panel assembly (10, 10A) is reduced or minimized by appropriate placement of first and second tilt axes (18, 18A) with respect to the centre of mass and/or centre of pressure of the panel assemblies (12, 13, 14) due to wind. These arrays are suitable for use on mobile or static installations. The tilt mechanism is suited for harnessing wind energy if the panels are suitably shaped.

Abstract: A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a solar collector is disclosed. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in a solar collector and determines the state of the solar collector from the inputs. Commands are also received from an external source for controlling operation of the solar collector. The microprocessor executes instructions to complete the command based on the state of the solar collector.

Abstract: A celestial tracking apparatus (20) has a support (26), a tracking assembly (28) coupled to the support (26) by an azimuth pivot (36), a collector assembly (30) coupled to the tracking assembly (28) by an elevation pivot (38), a wind-speed sensor (172), and a controller (150) coupled to the azimuth and elevation pivots (36,38) and configured to cause the collector assembly (30) to assume a wind-stow position (66) when the sensor (172) detects a wind having a speed greater than a predetermined speed, upon failure of a component of the apparatus (20), or upon receipt of a wind-stow command. The collector assembly (30) has a solar collector (22) with a substantially flat surface (24), a center of gravity (52), and a target axis (54) substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface (24) and passing through the center of gravity (52).

Abstract: A solar collector system is provided. The solar collector system comprises a frame member and a top plate supported by the frame member with the top plate being transparent to solar energy. A membrane is supported within the frame beneath the top plate and a solar absorber plate supported within the frame beneath the membrane. A collector or plurality of collectors removes heat from the solar absorber plate. The collectors have a fluid selectively flowable through the heat collectors wherein upon the membrane achieving a first predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially taut within the frame and spaced from the solar absorber plate and wherein upon the membrane achieving a second predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially flaccid and contacts the solar absorber plate thereby maintaining the solar absorber plate below the second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting apparatus for heating a working fluid using the plurality of substantially identical reflective elements arranged in rows is provided. Each reflective element comprises a substantially rectangular element having opposing side walls and opposing end walls which together form a bottom edge for supporting the reflective element on a flat support such as a sheet metal or molded base. Each reflective element further includes a top wall connected with and supported by the side walls and the end walls. The top wall is formed to provide a reflective surface facing away from the bottom edge and is formed in a shape for reflecting solar radiation falling thereon, from a range of incident angles, to a focal axis. The focal axis of each reflective element is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the reflective element and when the reflective elements are arranged in parallel rows, each row includes a focal axis along its longitudinal length.

Abstract: A passive solar collector has a reflector or a plurality of reflectors in a tube that is in a partial vacuum and is entirely or partly transparent. An absorber collects light reflected by the reflector or plurality of reflectors and delivers energy from the collected light to a central tube where it heats a substance such as water or other fluid. The absorber is disposed at an angle to the axis of the passive solar collector. The passive solar collector is protected against overheating by one or more devices such as a getter that releases a gas to reduce the vacuum or an opaque shield that is placed so as to cover the reflector in response to an indication of overheating. Reflecting surfaces of the solar collector may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and they may be smooth or they may have dents, protrusions, or both. The surfaces of the solar collector may be smooth, ridged with smooth curves, or ridged with sharp curves.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collecting and concentrating solar radiation for the generation of electrical power, the apparatus comprising a rotatable reflector dish which is pivoted to one side so as to be positioned between a vertical position or lowered to a horizontal position. When horizontal, the dish is protected by a surrounding weathershield for protection against high winds. The reflector dish is preferably parabolic and mounted so as to concentrate and reflect the solar radiation into a receiver.