Abstract: The aim of the invention is to build central receiver solar power plants in which the heliostat fields can be used more efficiently. To achieve said aim, a heliostat field consisting of a near field having a uniform reflector surface density ? of more than 60% is preferably combined with a far field whose reflector surface density ? decreases as the distance from the receiver increases. The invention also comprises central receiver solar power plants which consist exclusively of a near field having a uniform reflector surface density ? of more than 60%. The high reflector surface density ? in the near field and in areas of the far field is achieved by the use of heliostats having rectangular reflectors and a rigid horizontal axle suspension (FHA) or, alternatively, by heliostats having rectangular reflectors and a rigid quasipolar axle suspension (FQA).

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A system for controlling the rotational position of a solar collector trough includes a hydraulic cylinder having an output end and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes at least one linkage member and a pair of pivot arms attached to the at least one linkage member. The pair of pivot arms is defined by a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each arm being pivotally attached to the at least one linkage member and the trough. The first and second pivot arms form respective parallel horizontal first and second pivot axes enabling the trough to be entirely movable over an angular range of motion extending over 180 degrees based totally on the linear movement of the output end of the hydraulic cylinder and in which an actuator control circuit controls the relative displacement of the cylinder output end.

Abstract: A solar energy plant/system includes different combinations of solar energy receivers and arrangements of the receivers that make it possible to optimize solar energy collection and conversion into other forms of energy to maximise value.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.

Abstract: A tubular heat-absorbing element partly enclosed in an insulating layer or jacket, has absorbing surface that is accessible to solar radiation. The thermal insulation is designed to provide entry to solar radiation by way of a cavity. The absorbing surface can be substantially planar.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained, solar power system comprised of a plurality of individual solar power arrays, each array being contained within a transportable frame. Each array is folded into a frame during transportation. Upon reaching a desired location, the frame is positioned at a desired location. The frame then acts as a base while its solar power array is activated and deployed. The array has the capability of tracking the position of the sun during deployment. Each frame has a global positioning system (GPS) and a controller containing a chart of sun locations for a given location. The controller positions a frame's solar array to maximize the array's exposure to the sun. Each frame has a battery system, enabling a frame's solar array to self-start after a period of darkness.

Abstract: A solar trough includes a light receiver for transporting a fluid to be heated by the solar trough, at least one rail partially or fully disposed in a trench, a parabolic light collector slidably mounted on the at least one rail, and a drive unit for rotating the parabolic light collector within the trench. Further, a solar trough system made up of a plurality of the solar troughs.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system may include a receiver with a first heat transfer fluid channel having at least two opposite sides. Each side may present an external surface facing in a direction opposite to that of the external surface of the other opposite side. Each side may be configured to contact a heat transfer fluid carried in the first heat transfer fluid channel. A heliostat field may be configured to direct solar energy to each of the at least two opposite sides during the course of a day such that a thermal stress tending to bend the channel remains below a specified level.

Abstract: A solar energy alignment and collection system includes at least two solar energy receivers having a central focal point, with each of the at least two solar energy receivers generating an energy output. An actuation system is operatively coupled to the at least two solar energy receivers and is configured and disposed to shift the solar energy receivers along at least one axis. A control system, operatively linked to the solar receivers and the actuation system, senses the energy output of each solar energy receiver and shifts the actuation system along the at least one axis causing solar energy to be directed at the central focal point. When solar energy is directed at the central focal point, the energy output of each solar energy receiver is substantially identical.

Abstract: A solar collection device includes a solar energy collector assembly being received and supported by a base. The solar energy collector assembly includes: a plurality of lenses secured within an elongated holder. Positioned concentric to the axis of the holder is a cylindrical glass shroud through which a tube passes. A first end of the tube, which is preferably formed of a high thermally transmissive metal, receives a supply of water, which is heated within the evacuated glass shroud by sunlight passing through the lenses and being focused onto the tube. The solar collector assembly is rotatably mounted to the base and may be caused to rotate at a slow speed by a drive means, or may be rocked at a slow speed. The elongated holder may be cylindrical, or may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, with lenses staggered along each side of the holder to increase collection capability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zero-emission renewable heating system utilizing a thermal energy capacitor system using solar power as its source of heat, and more particularly, to a solar thermal capacitor system using an solar concentrators and a molten salt cell with thermal storage capability.

Abstract: A concentrating solar energy device for use in buildings is configured to share structural elements with a building for cost savings. The device incorporates a shallow cylindrical trough mirror comprising mirrored sheets that are conformed to curved rafters, a receiver that is moveable within the cumulative area of focus of the cylindrical trough mirror, a secondary mirror integrated with the receiver that augments solar energy collection, and parallel linear tracking assemblies that move the receiver and that mount to a building's side walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a solar panel adjustment device, including a solar panel having a first end and a second end for receiving sunlight, a first pivot frame engaged to the first end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, a second pivot frame engaged to the second end of the solar panel for adjusting the solar panel, and at least one drive means for adjusting the first pivot frame and the second pivot frame independently of one another.

Abstract: An improved solar concentrating system (100) uses a two-stage arrangement of mirrors wherein the rays of the sun are reflected and concentrated to a point focus. The solar concentrator (100) may be used to increase the temperature of a substance such as metal, for use in a variety of applications including the melting of metals in a foundry furnace. The solar concentrating system (100) comprises at least two single-curved parabolic mirrors (10, 20) connected in an operable arrangement. The rays of the sun are reflected from a first single-curved parabolic mirror (10) to a second single-curved parabolic mirror (20). The plane of symmetry of the second single-curved parabolic mirror is arranged substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry of the first single-curved parabolic mirror thereby concentrating the rays of the sun to a point focus.

Abstract: A solar collector system is provided including a bearing assembly comprising a plurality of wheels or rollers for rollingly engaging a large-diameter support element. Rotation of the large-diameter support element supports tracking of the position of the sun relative to the solar collector system. The bearing assembly may be pre-assembled to the large-diameter support element before the solar collector system leaves the factory, thereby facilitating assembly of the solar collector system in the field, even under adverse conditions.

Abstract: It is to heighten the heat collecting efficiency of a linear type solar heat collecting apparatus. A plurality of reflection lines and one reception line are included. The reflection lines are arranged in parallel substantially in the south-north direction on earth. Each reflection line L1, L2, . . . has a heliostat 1. The heliostat 1 is composed of a plurality of mirror segments disposed in series on each reflection line L1, L2, . . . . The reception line C extends in the east-west direction perpendicular to the reflection lines L1, L2, . . . , and is disposed at a predetermined position above the reflection lines L1, L2, . . . The reception line C has a single receiver. The mirror segments disposed on each reflection line L1, L2, . . . radiate reflected light of sunlight that has impinged on the mirror surface toward the reception line C. The receiver 2 disposed on the reception line C collects the heat of the reflected light of sunlight radiated from the mirror segments disposed on each reflection line.

Abstract: A receiver for a solar power plant with mirrors (7) and horizontal longitudinal receivers (1) includes a rotating shaft and axis of symmetry which (14) are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the radiation receiver. The receiver is formed by a balanced expansion and pressure collector, the tubes (19) of which are grouped in a separate central bundle (20) and adjacent bundles (21 and 22), thermally insulated from one another longitudinally. Heat transfer fluid circulates first through both adjacent bundles in parallel, to then be injected into the central bundle, where the radiation intensity received is greater because of receiving the radiation from the array of mirrors focused on the midline of the active face (2) of the receiver, each bundle of tubes being able to be covered by a separate (60, 61, 62) transparent window (28).

Abstract: A solar tracking system with a torque tube supporting solar panels. Columns support the system and have bearings for rotation of the torque tube. A drive is coupled to the torque tube and is driven by a gearbox, such as a worm gear assembly, for rotating the array of solar panels to follow the sun's diurnal motion. The array can rotate in an opposite direction, or backtrack, to prevent shadowing from one module row to another. Multiple gearboxes can be mechanically linked by drive shafts and driven by a single motor. The drive shafts may incorporate universal joints for uneven terrain or staggered configurations. Harmonic dampers can be affixed to the solar panels to decouple wind forces which allows the use of larger solar panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar concentrator with a supporting and solar tracking system, which proposes a solar concentrator comprising one or several lenses and one or several collectors and at least two attachment structures (2) for attaching the collector solar and the lens and at least two fastening structures (1) which allow a rotation according to a longitudinal axis. The attachment structure can be rotated or displaced, allowing the displacement of the lens (3) and the collector (4) in opposite directions and the variation of their relative distance, which solves the problem of the variation of the focal distance for each individual angle of incidence of the radiation.

Abstract: A method includes collecting site specific data, collecting field data at a site of an array of photovoltaic members, determining a current tracked irradiance of the array of photovoltaic members, calculating predicted irradiance for multiple orientations based on the site specific data and the sensed field data, or sensing an actual irradiance for multiple orientations. The method further includes determining a maximum predicted irradiance from the calculated predicted irradiance or a maximum actual irradiance from the sensed irradiance. The method further includes comparing the maximum predicted irradiance or the maximum sensed irradiance with the current tracked irradiance, and re-orienting the array of photovoltaic members to an orientation having the maximum predicted or actual irradiance if the maximum predicted or actual irradiance is greater than the current tracked irradiance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solar steam generation are described. The systems and methods include moving at least one frame mounted optical focusing lens to track the sun in two axes and disposing a water boiler at a focus of each optical focusing lens. Raw water is pumped through an inlet at a bottom of each boiler and solar energy is concentrated, using each optical focusing lens, on each boiler, heating the raw water in each boiler and evaporating steam from the raw water. The steam exits each boiler, via a steam outlet pipe. Remaining salts and solids in each boiler are ground by rotation of salt grinding-cleaning gears. These ground salts and solids are drained and/or pumped out of each boiler from an exit in the bottom of each boiler.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity, heat, or a combination of electricity and heat are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the collection and conversion of light energy. The apparatus includes, a sandwich core structure, a collector element and a concentrator including one or more reflector elements and positioned at an exterior surface of the sandwich core structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method including targets for heliostat health monitoring. A controller in communication with a target and the heliostat may be operable to determine heliostat health. The disclosed system and method may be used to automatically focus individual heliostats, as needed, and to generally increase the overall health of a heliostat field.

Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker apparatus is disclosed having multiple dish-shaped monolithic reflectors for concentrating sunlight. The dish-shaped monolithic reflectors are co-axially aligned in an array supported by a moveable frame. The moveable frame forms the elevation structure of a two-axis tracker that has control means for following the movement of the sun across the sky. Each dish-shaped monolithic reflector produces a region of concentrated sunlight suitable for generation of solar energy. A generator is positioned at the focus of each reflector. A preferred generator uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity at a high output power due to the high solar power input that is directed to the generator by the dish-shaped monolithic reflector.

Abstract: A parabolic trough solar collector system has a parabolic reflector used with an independently supported collector tube. The parabolic reflector has a reflective surface formed on a reflective surface support structure, supported by a circular support beam. This assembly rests on a plurality of support and drive rollers supported by a roller support arm, supported by a roller support column. The parabolic reflector assembly rotates against the rollers along a single axis to maintain a focus line of the parabolic reflector surface at the same location as the center of the circle described by the outer edge of the circular support beam. Located at this same focus line is the independently supported collector tube not attached to the parabolic trough reflector. The collector tube is supported on pipe roller hangers, which in turn are supported by a wire catenary system connected to support towers which straddle the parabolic reflector.

Abstract: An array of solar collectors includes dual axis reflectors for directing solar radiation to receivers at focal points of the reflectors. Solar radiation is used to heat a thermal energy storage material, which may be used to generate steam for use in power generation with the aid of a turbine. The dual axis reflectors may pivot about independent axes of rotation, thereby enabling use of the reflectors throughout the year.

Abstract: A photovoltaic receiver comprising an elongated structure bearing a plurality of photovoltaic cells. Said structure carries a plurality of finned dissipators, mounted on which are said photovoltaic cells, and ventilating means, designed to convey a flow of cooling air towards said dissipators.

Abstract: A solar collector system is provided that comprises an absorber tube, a primary reflector, and a secondary reflector. In certain embodiments, the primary and secondary reflectors are positioned on opposing sides of the absorber tube, such that their respective focal points converge upon a longitudinal axis of the absorber tube. The secondary reflector may be configured with a substantially transparent surface facing away from the absorber tube, so as to permit passage of light beams there-through. Opposing surfaces of the secondary and primary reflectors, namely those facing substantially toward the absorber tube contain a reflective coating thereon to facilitate redirection of light beams toward the absorber tube. The solar collector system includes in certain embodiments a frame assembly, whereby the primary reflector, the secondary reflector, and the absorber tube are all configured to unitarily rotate about a common pivot axis defined by at least a portion of the frame assembly.

Abstract: Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.

Abstract: A concentrator array is disclosed that includes a plurality of concentrators. Each concentrator has an inlet end to collect rays from a source and an output end to direct the rays at a target. A plurality of rotators are operatively associated with the plurality of concentrators to move the plurality of concentrators so that the rays are focused on the target.

Abstract: A focal display panel is situated in a parabolic solar energy collection array having reflective surfaces and a tube containing a working fluid to be heated. The panel comprises a target area to display patterns of light and shadow reflected from the array, and provides a visual means for determining the amount, if any, by which the focal point of the parabolic array misses the center of the tube containing the heated working fluid.

Abstract: An eco-friendly linear solar heat generating system may employ a linear engine with a simple structure using solar heat is employed in place of a conventional Stirling engine with a complicated structure. Magnets and a coil are arranged in a piston and a cylinder, respectively, to thereby generate power in a highly efficient matter, improve installation stability, and enable easy maintenance and repair.

Abstract: The inventive solar trough field system (A) comprises multiple parabolic reflectors (1), support circles (3) of which the center coincides with the focus of the parabolic reflector (1 ) and which are used in order to support the reflector (1), core mechanisms (2) which are located on the center of the circles (3), guy wires (4) which connect the circle (3) and the core mechanism (2) to each other, side support units (5,5J) which bear the support circles (3) from their outer surfaces, lightweight filling materials (6) which support the reflectors (1) from their lower parts, thermal receiver tubes (11) which pass through the center axis of the circles (3). The parabolic reflectors (1) are rotated around the center axis of the circles (3), which is the focus thereof, and directed towards the sun. Thus, the parallel beams coming from the sun are concentrated in the thermal receiver tubes (11) which are located in the focus of the reflectors (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to solar energy are provided. Light concentrators are mechanically coupled and arranged as respective groups within a system. Groups are disposed along upper and lower levels. Lower level groups are aligned with respective gaps defined between upper level groups. Angular positioning of the light concentrators tracks the motion of the sun, resulting in varying gap widths. Light concentrators on the lower level receive varying amounts of sunlight accordingly, yet contribute to the overall energy yield from the system.

Abstract: A mounting system for photovoltaic solar panels providing support for different sized panels, and/or panels having mounting holes located in different locations. A universal panel clamp includes at least one elongated hole or slot to attach to a mounting hole on a solar panel frame. A clamp is attached to an upper hole, and a second clamp is attached to a lower mounting hole. The upper clamps are attached to an upper lateral support member, and the lower clamps are attached to a lower lateral support member. This assembly may be supported by A-shaped support members having adjustable tilt arms, or posts with specially configured brackets.

Abstract: A linear trough concentrates sunlight through a long target window in a greenhouse's roof or north wall. Heat is stored in a geothermal heat bank below the greenhouse's center, where a thermal skirt around the greenhouse reduces heat loss.

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: A solar power system concurrently generates electricity and a heated transparent fluid while maintaining the solar cells at an optimum temperature and optimizing the heat transfer by matching the refractive index of the secondary sunlight concentrator to the transparent fluid. A solar tracker aligns a primary sunlight concentrator to collect sunlight and directs the sunlight and a system for transferring solar heat to a transparent fluid and into a solar power electrical generating system. The concentrated sunlight transfers solar heat to a transparent fluid via first pass through the transparent fluid. The concentrated sunlight is further concentrated to raise its temperature by passing the concentrated sunlight through a secondary sunlight concentrator, and then passed again through the transparent fluid to transfer heat. The solar energy diminished concentrated sunlight strikes a solar cell array to generate electricity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and device for two-stage solar concentration and a spectrum splitting dish reflector based on dish concentration. A parabolic dish reflector is provided with a central light hole. A CPV panel and a solar-to-heat receiver are positioned at the two sides of the axial line of dish reflector, respectively, under the light hole. A splitting lens is placed at a certain distance from the apex of dish reflector over the light hole. The splitting film is applied to the curved surface of the lens near the parabolic dish, as a spectrum splitting surface. The curved surface of the lens far from the parabolic dish is covered by silver, as a reflecting surface. A supporting structure is provided between the dish reflector and the splitting lens. The whole system with a dual-axis tracking system is placed on the foundation of a support.

Abstract: An autonomous passive solar tracker having a thermal actuator that is connected through a cable and pulley and drum to a spring. The drum and spring are mounted on a cross beam of the tracker frame. The cable is attached on one end to the actuator push rod. It then threads through the pulley and wraps around the drum. The spring biases the tracker to pivot towards one direction, and the actuator when heated and extended forces the tracker to pivot in the opposite direction. The tracker is oriented so that the spring has a bias to pivot the tracker to the east, and the outward force of the actuator rod against the cable causes the actuator to pivot to the west. One may take advantage of this tracking by attaching a solar collector to the frame of the tracker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is shaped so that it can be used alone to secure a solar panel (1) to a single beam (4) of a support structure and which comprises: an interface (2) including first securing means (3a-3d) for securing the solar panel (1) to the interface (2) and second securing means (6) for securing the interface (2) to the beam (4). The first securing means (3a-3d) are shaped to retain the solar panel (1) by affixing the passive face thereof to a surface of the interface (2) or using hooks (3a-3d) which cover part of the edge of an active face of the solar panel (1). The interface (2) includes an intermediate structure (7) which mechanically and solidly connects the first securing means (3a-3d) and the second securing means (6) and which insulates the panel (1) in relation to mechanical stresses from the beam (4).

Abstract: A concentrating solar energy device for use in buildings is configured to share structural elements with a building for cost savings. The device incorporates a shallow cylindrical trough mirror comprising mirrored sheets that are conformed to curved rafters, a receiver that is moveable within the cumulative area of focus of the cylindrical trough mirror, a secondary mirror integrated with the receiver that augments solar energy collection, and parallel linear tracking assemblies that move the receiver and that mount to a building's side walls.

Abstract: A method for automated startup and/or for automated operation of controllers of an electrical drive system with vibrational mechanics with the following steps: (a) determining a preliminary value of at least one parameter; (b) determining a model of the electrical drive system by determination of initially a non-parameterized model through the recording of frequency data during operation of the drive system subject to the utilization of the preliminary value of at least one parameter and the subsequent determination of parameters of the electrical drive system based on the frequency data and subject to optimization of at least one preliminary value of at least one parameter by a numerical optimization method on the basis of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm and (c) parameterizing at least one controller of the electrical drive system by at least one of the determined parameters.

Abstract: A low profile heliostat with elongated louvered mirror segments is provided. Its envelope of revolution has the shape of a flat disc to enable heliostat fields with very high ground coverage ratio. The heliostat's disc-shaped footprint rotates around a substantially vertical axis (akin to a carousel). The short dimension of the mirror segments is drastically shorter than the disc's diameter. Embodiments are described in which the motion relies on two concentric rings, which are individually rotated around a vertical axis. The lower ring acts as a platform providing mainly azimuth tracking, carrying the upper ring. The differential rotation between the upper ring and the lower ring is translated into a rotation of the mirror segments around a second, perpendicular, axis and used for elevation tracking. Disc-shaped heliostat with D-shaped cut-offs are described, to facilitate the required maintenance access even in highly dense heliostat fields.

Abstract: An energy collecting module for assembling, together with a plurality of similar energy collecting module, a modular energy collecting system. The energy collecting module comprises a fluid channel having a lumen for conducting fluid from a first connectable opening to a second connectable opening and an energy collecting element mounted in front of the fluid channel for concentrating radiation along the fluid channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collector (1) having Fresnel mirrors comprising a mounting for a set of mirrors made up of strips of mirrors (2) referred to as primary mirrors (2), each pivoting about a respective axis of rotation (5) referred to as the large axis (5) relative to the mounting, and intended for collecting solar radiation and for concentrating said radiation toward one or more concentrating elements (100) which can he mutually similar or different, carrying a heat-transfer fluid, characterised in that the invention comprises a means (10, 20, 30) for moving one or more concentrating elements (100) such as to make the collector mobile relative to the mounting of the set of primary mirrors (2).