Abstract: A solar collector, comprising: (a) a plurality of thermosiphon tubes in which water flows, each tube having a top opening and a bottom opening; (b) a top manifold having a water inlet and water outlet and disposed at the top opening of the tubes, providing both a water feed into at least one of the plurality of tubes and a water exit from the rest of the tubes; and (c) a bottom basin connecting the bottom openings of the tubes. In some embodiments the plurality of tubes are divided into at least one inlet tube and the rest as outlet tubes by a stopper disposed in the top manifold.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of operating a solar thermal power plant, in which a heat transfer medium is evaporated endothermally by solar radiation in an evaporator section, wherein the evaporator section comprises a plurality of evaporator branches, among which the heat transfer medium is distributed, in which method non-uniform radiation conditions of the evaporator section may be effectively taken into consideration, it is provided that the mass flow distribution at the evaporator section is controlled, wherein the mass flows are adjusted individually at all or a majority of the evaporator branches and a controlled variable is a variable characterizing a spatial energy rise in a respective evaporator branch in a region of the evaporator branch where the heat transfer medium has not yet evaporated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for absorbing solar energy and, simultaneously having a continuous control of the light admission making it possible to install the device in external openings of buildings and equipment, such as windows, shutters or skylights. The system comprises two frames which support plates of transparent material, between which it is possible to introduce a colourful solution coming from an external reservoir. Both frames are interconnected through a flexible membrane which allows the plates to be pushed against each other, making the window transparent, or pushed away interposing the colourful solution, which will make the window uniform and gradually translucent or opaque. The said liquid comes from a reservoir and the access to the gap between the plates through is obtained by means of a channel that separates the two frames, allowing the liquid to flow evenly into the whole surface, thus being a homogenous and adjustable darkening obtainable.

Abstract: Solar heating systems are provided which utilize an integrated fixture for transferring heat from a solar collector to a lower-temperature loop, e.g. a domestic hot water system or radiant heating system. The fixture provides a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the solar collector to the lower temperature loop. The fixture may also include a casting, in which are formed solar collector supply and return ports, lower temperature supply and return ports, a solar collector pump volute, and a lower temperature pump volute. The systems also include two pumps, and a temperature optimization control that varies the speed of at least one of the pumps depending on the temperature of the liquid in the solar collector.

Abstract: An air quality instrumentation system for a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a pipe, a window and a spectroscope. The pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and contains system air from within the concentrated solar power generation system. The window is positioned within the pipe to permit light to pass through the pipe and the system air. The spectroscope is positioned adjacent the window to assess concentration of a constituent within the system air, the concentration of the constituent providing an indication of an operating condition of the concentrated solar power generation system.

Abstract: A system including a solar heat collector and a heat receiving structure has a supply conduit extending through an airspace within the solar heat collector, to the heat receiving structure, and into the heat receiving structure. A temperature sensor within the airspace of the solar heat collector measures a temperature within the airspace of the solar heat collector and turns an air pump on to move air through the supply conduit it this temperature is too high. This air may be exhausted through a bypass valve instead of being pumped into the heat receiving structure. The heat receiving structure may include a pool with water heated by bubbles of hot air from the supply conduit.

Abstract: An air quality instrumentation system for a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a pipe, a window and a spectroscope. The pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and contains system air from within the concentrated solar power generation system. The window is positioned within the pipe to permit light to pass through the pipe and the system air. The spectroscope is positioned adjacent the window to assess concentration of a constituent within the system air, the concentration of the constituent providing an indication of an operating condition of the concentrated solar power generation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for absorbing solar energy and, simultaneously having a continuous control of the light admission making it possible to install the device in external openings of buildings and equipment, such as windows, shutters or skylights. The system comprises two frames which support plates of transparent material, between which it is possible to introduce a colourful solution coming from an external reservoir. Both frames are interconnected through a flexible membrane which allows the plates to be pushed against each other, making the window transparent, or pushed away interposing the colourful solution, which will make the window uniform and gradually translucent or opaque. The said liquid comes from a reservoir and the access to the gap between the plates through is obtained by means of a channel that separates the two frames, allowing the liquid to flow evenly into the whole surface, thus being a homogenous and adjustable darkening obtainable.

Abstract: A solar blackbody waveguide that captures and uses sunlight to heat a thermal heat transfer fluid. One or more systems of optical mirrors provided on each tower captures and concentrates the sunlight. Each system of optical mirrors is movably mounted on its tower to track the daily movement of the sun and to maintain the proper angle with the horizon throughout the year. Each system of optical mirrors directs the light into an associated short light pipe which delivers the light into a curved solar coil contained within an enclosure. Energy from the light rays is absorbed by the solar coil and transferred to thermal working fluid or heat transfer fluid flowing between the solar coil and the enclosure. The energy laden thermal heat transfer fluid is gathered from a plurality of towers for use with existing technologies, such as with a combined cycle gas turbine, boiler, or steam generator.

Abstract: A solar tracking apparatus which is movable from a morning position to an evening position, the apparatus comprising a support means to which a solar device can be supported, a cylinder, the cylinder including a ram which is extendable from and retractable into the cylinder, an expansion chamber which forms part of or which is in fluid connection with the cylinder, a liquid in the cylinder and the expansion chamber, the liquid having a boiling point which is greater than the maximum operating temperature of the cylinder and the expansion chamber, a return means to cause the apparatus to be returned to the morning position, and rotation means associated with the ram to rotate the apparatus from the morning position to the evening position upon extension of the ram.