Abstract: An auto-tracking sun solar energy power generator. The power generator includes an eight-diagram-shaped photovoltaic power generator of 8.8 multiples, an eight-diagram-shaped thermal energy generator of 30-50 multiples, a Striling external-combustion photothermal power generator of an eight-diagram-shaped thermal energy generator and a wind-light mutual complementing power generator with the power more than 20 kW. The first three devices are eight-diagram-shaped and of multiple sun structure. The fourth device is a wind-light mutual complementing planar silicon batteries power generator. The first three devices comprise a named multiple suns machine and a named tracking sun machine. The multiple suns machine comprises a metal bracket and planar glass. The tracking sun machine comprises a mechanical drive assembly for tracking sun and a counter-weight.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting system includes a collecting mirror, a receiver, an electrical control unit for controlling the collecting mirror to track the sun, a projection mirror disposed coaxially and integrally with the collecting mirror and the focus of which is coincident with that of the collecting mirror, a through hole disposed at the collecting mirror and the size of which is larger than that of the light spot of the projection mirror and far smaller than the through hole of the collecting mirror, and a reflecting mirror disposed at the side of the collecting mirror opposite to the projection mirror. The receiver is fixedly disposed at the extending direction of the primary optical axis line of the reflecting mirror. A first motor, disposed at the primary optical axis line for driving the whole mirror assembly, is connected to the electrical control unit and runs under control thereof.

Abstract: A solar concentration plant which uses water/steam as a fluid, in any thermodynamic cycle for the exploitation of process heat, comprising an evaporation subsystem, where saturated steam is produced, a superheater subsystem through which the steam reaches the required conditions of pressure and temperature at the turbine inlet, and an attemperation system interconnected by a drum. A field of heliostats is pointed towards either of the subsystems (evaporator or superheater), in such a way to control both the pressure within the drum and the outlet temperature of the superheated steam.

Abstract: A system architecture for large concentrated solar power applications that increases heliostat utilization efficiency and land utilization efficiency is described. Embodiments of the invention include a large heliostat field in which are distributed a number of receiving locations, and wherein there is the assignment of heliostats to receiving locations is dynamic. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically targeting heliostats to receiving locations wherein the target determination process is performed frequently during operation and wherein such dynamic targeting can be utilized to various ends. Embodiments of the invention include configurations wherein cosine losses associated with heliostat pointing are significantly reduced, wherein heliostats may be closely packed without incurring substantial shadowing and blocking losses thereby significantly increasing land utilization, and wherein other benefits are realized.

Abstract: The system and method for automatic positioning of a solar array utilizes modular neural processors pre-trained from existing solar data to estimate the direction of the sun at any location and at any time, irrespective of the orientation or movement of the base unit, and to determine solar panel servo tracking system steering commands for optimal orientation of the solar panel surfaces towards the sun. The automatic positioning system may be used in power generation or water desalination facilities. The device integrates a GPS system, an electronic compass, and an inclination sensor for determination of the orientation of the base unit. Periodic control commands are issued to conventional servo systems for automatic steering of a solar array for maximum solar power acquisition to optimize energy gain versus energy consumption in steering.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a primary solar receiver and a secondary solar receiver. The secondary solar receiver generates steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. The primary solar receiver receives the generated steam from the secondary solar receiver and superheats the steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. A plurality of heliostat-mounted mirrors reflects incident solar radiation onto one of the primary and secondary solar receivers. A controller aims a portion of the heliostat-mounted mirrors at the primary solar receiver such that a predetermined thermal profile is provided on a surface of the primary solar receiver.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cooking apparatus, comprising: a first solar reflector; a second solar reflector; a solar collection element; and a solar collection element holder, wherein the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector are concave, and opposably arranged and aligned with a solar collection element axis, each reflector having a range of motion on a plane perpendicular to the solar collection element axis, and focusing, radiation at the solar collection element, which rapidly heats when the first and/or second solar reflectors are in an opened position, the first and second solar reflectors protectably encase the solar collector when in a closed position. The solar cooking apparatus is adjustable and, in some embodiments, portable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aiming heliostats toward a receiver. One of the methods includes directing a first subset of a set of heliostats to reflect solar rays toward a first location within an aperture of a receiver and directing a second subset of the set of heliostats to reflect solar rays toward one or more second locations within the aperture of the receiver. The solar rays reflected toward the first location provide solar heat to at least a first flow path of a working fluid in an engine assembly coupled to the receiver. The solar rays reflected toward the one or more second locations provide solar heat to a second flow path of the working fluid. The first and second flow paths correspond to heating at first and second stages respectively within the engine assembly, which is configured to generate power from the solar rays reflected to the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting solar energy are provided. The apparatus is a trough-type solar collector having one or more mirrors and lenses for directing solar radiation toward a receiver configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein. The amount of solar radiation directed toward the receiver can be controlled by adjusting one or more of the mirrors and/or lenses or by adjusting a shade. Thus, the collector can direct different amounts or solar radiation toward the receiver, thereby selectively heating the receiver at different rates, e.g., to preheat the receiver, to heat fluid in the receiver for power generation, or to thaw solidified fluid in the receiver. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used to generate steam and/or electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to solar energy are provided. A system includes a solar array supported to be angularly repositionable. A shuttle and linkage arrangement is coupled to the solar array. Thermally activated actuators sequentially control the linear translation of the shuttle such that the solar array is incrementally angularly repositioned over the course of a daylight period. Concentrated solar energy is used to heat the actuators in their sequential order. Systems for generating electrical and/or thermal energy, embodied as panels or other form-factors, are contemplated.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar collection apparatus and a steam generator including the same. The solar collection apparatus includes a housing having an open upper surface; a dual glass plate coupled with the upper surface of the housing and formed therein with a storage space for receiving and storing water, in which solar light is transmitted through the dual glass plate; a first mirror fixed to a lower surface of the housing to collect and reflect the solar light transmitted through the dual glass plate; a second mirror fixed in the housing to reflect the solar light reflected from the first mirror; and an optical fiber having a first end located in the housing to receive the solar light reflected from the second mirror and a second end connected to a place of use to transmit the solar light to the place of use.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system and method suitable for hot water generation using solar energy. The system includes multiport tubes between inlet and outlet manifolds. The tubes are formed of a metallic material, each tube has oppositely-disposed first and second flat surfaces between lateral edges thereof, longitudinally-opposed first and second ends, and multiple fluid channels between the first and second ends that are in fluidic parallel to each other. The inlet and outlet manifolds are coupled to the first and second ends of the tubes so that chambers within the inlet and outlet manifolds are fluidically connected to the fluid channels of the multiport tubes. During operation of the system, a fluid flowing through the fluid channels of the tubes is heated by direct solar radiation impinging the first flat surfaces of the tubes and optionally by reflected solar radiation impinging the second flat surfaces of the tubes.

Abstract: A solar-tower system includes a raised solar receiver disposed on a tower and a mirror array including multiple flat mirrors for reflecting sunlight onto the raised receiver. The mirror array is disposed on a carousel-type platform that is rotatable around a vertical axis, and the raised receiver is maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the mirror array for all rotational positions of the platform. A solar azimuth tracking controller controls the platform's rotational position to track the sun's azimuth angle such that sunlight shines on the mirror array from a fixed apparent azimuth angle at all times during daylight hours. Each flat mirror pivots around a corresponding unique axis, and a solar elevation tracking controller individually controls each mirror's pivot position to track the sun's elevation angle such that sunlight is accurately reflected onto the raised solar receiver at all times during daylight hours.

Abstract: A method for harvesting solar power by concentrating sunlight onto a raised solar receiver disposed on a tower. The method involves rotating a mirror array made up of multiple flat mirrors as a unit around a vertical axis such that sunlight shines on the mirror array from a fixed apparent azimuth angle at all times during daylight hours, and controlling each mirror's pivot position to track the sun's elevation angle such that sunlight is accurately reflected onto the raised solar receiver at all times during daylight hours. In one embodiment the mirror array is disposed on a roundabout-type platform whose rotational position is controlled to track the sun's azimuth angle and the raised receiver is maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the mirror array for all rotational positions of the platform.

Abstract: An offshore vessel embodies a mobile buoyant energy recovery system enabled to extract energy from solar power. An exemplary energy recovery system comprises concentrating solar thermal power systems (CSP) or concentrating photovoltaic power (CPV) systems on the deck of the vessel. Within the vessel hull, ballast water serves multiple purposes. The ballast not only stabilizes the vessel, but also provides reactant for hydrogen electrolysis or ammonia synthesis, or steam for a turbine. For CPV systems the ballast conducts heat as a coolant improving the efficiency and durability of photovoltaic cells. For CSP systems the ballast water becomes superheated steam through a primary heat exchanger in the concentrator. In some embodiments, some steam from the CSP primary heat exchanger or from the CPV coolant system undergoes high-pressure electrolysis of enhanced efficiency due to its high temperature.

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: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: The alignment of a parabolic trough reflector and its receiver pipe in a solar thermal field for collecting sunlight energy can be verified by acquiring an aerial image of the parabolic trough reflector from above the thermal field while passing through the sun-receiver-vertices plane of the parabolic trough reflector. By analyzing the aerial image to determine whether any reflection of the sun is visible in the parabolic trough reflector in the aerial image, one can determine whether the parabolic trough reflector and its receiver pipe is properly aligned. If a reflection of the sun is visible in the parabolic trough reflector in the aerial image, the parabolic trough reflector and its receiver pipe are out of alignment and require an adjustment.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a primary solar receiver and a secondary solar receiver. The secondary solar receiver generates steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. The primary solar receiver receives the generated steam from the secondary solar receiver and superheats the steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. A plurality of heliostat-mounted mirrors reflects incident solar radiation onto one of the primary and secondary solar receivers. A controller aims a portion of the heliostat-mounted mirrors at the primary solar receiver such that a predetermined thermal profile is provided on a surface of the primary solar receiver.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system may includes a gimbal with a rim that supports a solar radiation concentrator or collector assembly passing through the plane of the rim, and foundation structures that support and anchor the gimbal, allowing it to both rotate and be raised or lowered. One flexible structural member may support the gimbal rim and a second flexible structural device both anchors the rim and enables the gimbal-collector assembly to rotate around an axis parallel to the earth's polar axis providing the desired primary tracking motion following the daily apparent motion of the sun. Motion between the gimbal and the solar radiation collector assembly allows the assembly to follow the apparent seasonal motion of the sun, among other tasks.

Abstract: A solar canopy system includes support towers and an upper canopy suspended therefrom, the upper canopy forming a catenary shape. A method of generating electricity includes deploying mirrors upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, to focus sunlight on a Dewar tube containing a heat transfer fluid, utilizing heat from the sunlight collected within the heat transfer fluid to generate steam, and generating the electricity with a turbine powered by the steam. A method of generating electricity includes deploying first and second photovoltaic cell grids upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, the second grid being movable relative to the first grid. The method also includes positioning the second grid with respect to the first grid so as to maximize light collection and electricity generation during daylight hours, and repositioning the grids so as to maximize transparency of the canopy during nighttime hours.

Abstract: Solar energy concentrating apparatus having an array of lenses to receive and concentrate the solar radiation towards a plurality of stationary targets. The lenses are supported on a moveable structure to enable the lenses to move laterally in the east-west and north-south directions. Each lens of the array is also configured to rotate about an axis extending in the north-south direction. Drive means is coupled to a plurality of lateral and rotational movements mechanisms to orientate the lenses towards the target as the sun moves throughout the day and year.

Abstract: A solar light collecting device includes: a rectangular-shaped frame-like body 22 supported by a strut body 21 so as to be tiltable in a vertical plane; a flexible reflecting mirror 24 having two side edges 22a held by the frame-like body 22 and a quasi-parabolic cross section along the short sides thereof to reflect solar light; and a tilting cylinder device 25 which tilts the frame-like body 22 according to the altitude of the sun and guides the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 24 to a heat collecting device disposed at the focal point of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror. A curve adjusting device 27 contacts the rear surface of the reflecting mirror 24 according to the tilting position of the reflecting mirror 24 to change the degree of curve of the reflecting surface.

Abstract: A heliostat includes a heliostat frame and a plurality of reflective surfaces, each reflective surface is movably mounted within the heliostat frame. The heliostat also includes a plurality of actuators, wherein each individual actuator of the plurality of actuators is associated with a single reflective surface of the plurality reflective surfaces and capable of moving the single reflective surface.

Abstract: A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.

Abstract: The solar concentrator includes a base with a support frame that is rotatably connected thereto. A torsion box is tiltably mounted to the support frame to provide a wide range of movement of the torsion box and the finish surface thereon, which is preferably of a single plane parabolic shape that carries linear mirror strips. A receiver is mounted above the surface of the mirror strips at the focus of the parabola by a bracket to optimize reflection of radiation thereto. Plumbing transports liquid, such as water, through the receiver for heating thereof for various purposes, such as water desalinization. Thus, the solar concentrator is an optimized low cost and easy to manufacture solar concentrator.

Abstract: A hybrid solar system and method of manufacturing same are described. A solar energy apparatus comprises at least one enveloping tube, at least one heat pipe, at least one reflector device, at least one reflective filter, and at least one photovoltaic device. The enveloping tube has an outer surface made of transmissive material and an evacuated internal atmosphere. The heat pipe runs longitudinally within the at least one collector tube. The reflector device is fixedly attached to an inner surface of the enveloping tube, and the reflective filter is located such that light reflecting off the reflector device is directed to the reflective filter. The photovoltaic device is located such that at least a first portion of the light filtered by the reflective filter may be directed to the photovoltaic device and the portion incompatible with the photovoltaic device may be captured within the at least one heat pipe.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a heliostat which is capable of collecting light with high efficiency and whose manufacturing cost and installation cost are reduced and also to provide a method of controlling the heliostat.

Abstract: A solar collecting system is incorporated into a natural rock mass having an upright face with a substantially direct exposure to the sun, for example a south facing granite cliff. A solar passage is formed in the rock mass to extend between an opening in the upright face of the rock mass and an internal collection area within the rock mass. One or more converging elements, for example solar converging lenses, are aligned with the solar passage and arranged to focus solar rays from the sun onto a target within the collection area. The target is in communication with a surrounding portion of the rock mass so as to be arranged to transfer heat from the target to the surrounding portion of the rock mass. A heat transfer fluid conduit may further be arranged to communicate a heat transfer fluid between the rock mass and an auxiliary device.

Abstract: An enhanced solar heating device comprising multiple arrays of lenses enclosed in a housing configured to receive solar rays and concentrate the rays into multiple hot spots located on the outer surface of a water conduit is disclosed. The solar ray collection system is supplemented by a reflector attachment used to increase the solar light fed into the device. The water conduit is configured with multiple sections to increase exposure to solar light and increased surface area for formation of hot focal points.

Abstract: A sun tracking solar concentrator includes a one or two-sided linear Fresnel lens imprinted on a rollable sheet that is curved to form as a cylindrical arc surface. A one sided lens has a first zero line or a center point that transmits sunlight through without any refraction. A two sided lens also has a second zero line that is perpendicular to the first zero line. The Fresnel lens may be spooled onto rollers at its two straight ends. The first zero line or the center point may be positioned along the cylindrical arc by rotating one or both of the rollers. This mechanism aimed at providing horizontal tracking of the sun as it moves from East to West. Vertical tracking is accomplished by a tiltable mount coupled to the two rollers.

Abstract: An active tracking solar assembly includes a main actuator cable and a secondary cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the main actuator cable and the second end is connected to a roof weight. An actuator bar has a counter weight attached to a first end and a first pulley attached to a second end, and the secondary cable engages the first pulley.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected as heat are disclosed. Some systems include an elevated solar receiver comprising multiple tubes arranged lengthwise in the receiver in a side-by-side parallel configuration across a transverse dimension of the receiver. The receiver comprises an inlet section configured to receive a heat transfer fluid into the tubing arrangement and an outlet section configured to output heated heat transfer fluid from the tubing arrangement. The multiple tubes of the tubing arrangement define together a flowing circuit between the inlet section and the outlet section from the outer tube or tubes to the inner tube or tubes. The solar energy collector system further includes an instrumentation and control system for controlling the orientation of at least one orientable reflector to provide in operation a concentrated illuminated area comprising a peaked profile across the transverse dimension of the receiver.

Abstract: An adjustable tilt solar panel support system including a support post, a pivot bracket attached to the support post in a generally upright orientation and having a pivot pin hole for accommodating a pivot pin, and further having at least one adjustment opening; a rotational support cradle having a pivot pin hole in alignment with the pivot pin hole of the pivot bracket, such that the support cradle is pivotally attached to the pivot bracket, the support cradle further including at least one adjustment opening which aligns with the adjustment opening of the pivot bracket. An adjustment pin is selectively inserted into and through the adjustment openings of the support cradle and pivot bracket to secure the support cradle at a selected angle, and wherein the removal of the adjustment pin permits the rotational support cradle to pivot on the pivot bracket about the pivot pin. Beam holders for securing support beams are disposed atop the rotational support cradle.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for operating a solar steam system in response to a detected or predicted reduced insolation condition (for example, sunset or a cloud condition). In some embodiments, for a period of time, enthalpy stored within a solid material of a conduit via which steam travels en route to a steam turbine is used to heat the steam to drive the turbine. In some embodiments, a net migration of heliostats away from the steam superheater is carried out in response to the detected or predicted reduced insolation condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concentrating solar-power systems and, more particularly, beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems. A solar thermal array power system is provided, including a plurality of solar concentrators arranged in pods. Each solar concentrator includes a solar collector, one or more beam-forming elements, and one or more beam-steering elements. The solar collector is dimensioned to collect and divert incoming rays of sunlight. The beam-forming elements intercept the diverted rays of sunlight, and are shaped to concentrate the rays of sunlight into a beam. The steering elements are shaped, dimensioned, positioned, and/or oriented to deflect the beam toward a beam output path. The beams from the concentrators are converted to heat at a receiver, and the heat may be temporarily stored or directly used to generate electricity.

Abstract: A parabolic trough collector includes a parabolic mirror support structure with a parabolic mirror surface applied thereto, and an absorber support structure supporting an absorber tube. The parabolic mirror support structure and the absorber support structure are mechanically fastened in a fixed position relative to one another on a torsion tube that is arranged below the parabolic mirror surface, and mounted together with the parabolic mirror surface in a fashion capable of rotation about a parabolic trough collector longitudinal rotation axis. The torsion tube is arranged such that the parabolic trough collector longitudinal rotation axis coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the torsion tube.

Abstract: A machine for tracking the sun's movement and concentrating sunlight consists of a main frame which pivots in the north and south direction on a base having conduit for a heat medium (a liquid usually of the Glycol family the main frame supports the mirror frame that pivots 360 degrees East to West allowing the mirror to focus the sunlight onto the conduit heating the liquid medium producing a very high and concentrated amount of heat during the entire daylight period and can be used for a small business or residential heating. An optional prism can be attached to the mirror frame to focus sun rays onto the conduit for added heat.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support member having a proximal end securable to a substantially fixed surface and a distal end opposite the proximal end; a solar energy member mounted to the support member at a location between the proximal and distal ends of the support member, where the solar energy member includes a first portion and a second portion arranged such that the support member extends substantially vertically between the two portions and the two portions are rotatable about a first axis to adjust azimuth of the solar energy member and about a second axis to adjust elevation of the solar energy member; and a plurality of cables, where each cable includes a first end secured to the distal end of the support member and a second end secured to a substantially fixed position, where the cables are configured to resist a wind load acting on the apparatus.

Abstract: A solar heating system for a hot water heater. The system has at least one solar heating unit that heats water contained therein and is fluidly connected to a water storage tank. The water storage tank is enclosed underneath the surface of the earth and is fluidly connected to the hot water heater in order to provide hot water to the hot water heater. An active over-heat protection system for the heating panels that tilts away from the sun when heating isn't needed. An active system that maintains proper water temperature in the storage tank during use of hot water and during reheating of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes a plurality of separate panels positioned between opposed support rods. Tension elements extend between the support rods and mount the plurality of panels.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a number of platforms and a number of beams. The number of platforms has a first side and a second side. Each platform in the number of platforms is comprised of a number of devices. The number of beams is connected to the second side of the number of platforms at a plurality of connection points. The plurality of connection points is configured such that an orientation of the number of platforms remains substantially unchanged in response to a load on the number of platforms.

Abstract: An inflatable solar energy collector. The device uses two elongated and pressure-stabilized air chambers with a trough-shaped reflecting surface in between. The curvature of the reflecting surface is adjusted by adjusting the differential pressure between the two air chambers. The device can be configured to provide a focal point outside the air chambers or inside the air chambers. For the version using the external focal point an external energy receiver is appropriately positioned. For the version using the internal focal point, the receiver is mounted inside one of the air chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-axle solar tracker, consisting of a moving supporting system for solar panels, which maximizes the energy production of said panels and which is formed by a vertical axle and a horizontal axle in relation to which the system rotates in order to track the sun's path. The aforementioned axles are components of a structure supported at the center and supported peripherally on wheels positioned on a running track or surface. The structure rotates about a fixed central point supporting the vertical axle of the tracker. At least one board is positioned on the horizontal axle of the structure in order to receive the solar modules or panels and said board(s) can rotate about the horizontal axle so that the solar panels are maintained perpendicular to the sun's rays.

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation, having a concentrator means (2) suitable for concentrating solar radiation onto a concentration zone, and a receiver (3) for receiving solar radiation. The receiver (3) is connected to at least one element (4) suitable for deforming under the action of temperature, and referred to as a “thermo-deformable element”, each thermo-deformable element (4), when the radiation coming from the concentrator means (2) is concentrated onto a concentration zone situated on said thermo-deformable element (4), being suitable for changing shape in such manner as to cause the concentration zone to move towards the receiver (3) or as to cause the receiver (3) to move towards the concentration zone, so that the device (1) makes it possible, for a given position of the sun, and under the action of the solar radiation, to move the concentration zone from an initial position situated on a thermo-deformable element (4) to a final equilibrium position situated on the receiver (3).

Abstract: A reflector to reflect solar radiation, the reflector having a concave reflector surface, wherein the surface curves about a first axis and a second axis, the second axis being in a plane generally normal to the first axis and curved about the first axis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for collection and utilization of solar energy including at least one of the reflectors, and at least one photovoltaic cell associated with each surface and positioned relative to the associated surface so as to be positioned to receive radiation reflected by the associated surface and to convert the radiation to electrical energy. The apparatus further includes heat a conversion mechanism for converting excess solar radiation energy incident thereon to heat energy.

Abstract: A solar tracker system includes a solar collector, a track, a movable assembly supporting the mirror, the movable assembly including track-traveling mechanism configured to move along the track when actuated by a first actuator to adjust an azimuth of the mirror, and a second actuator to adjust an elevation of the mirror.