Abstract: The invention relates to a solar tracker with parabolic concentrator, comprising a parabolic concentrator (1) formed by a composition of mirrors (4) focused towards a Stirling engine (3), the mirrors (4) being located on a bearing structure (5), with securing by means of anchors (6) which allow a regulation in a vertical direction, in a lateral direction and in a depth direction, whereas the Stirling engine (3) is secured on the same bearing structure (5) by means of ties (10) which are attached to said Stirling engine (3) by means of two securing elements which can be adjusted in length, the bearing structure (5) being formed by parallel vertical lattices (14) comprising in their formation sheet metal boxes attached to one another by means of other intermediate sheet metal boxes.

Abstract: A high-efficiency residential solar thermal power plant for economically generating power from solar-thermal energy, using a parabolic trough mirror having a longitudinal focal axis, for concentrating sunlight, a timer rotator for rotating the mirror about the focal and longitudinal rotation axis to follow the sun, and a heat collector surrounding a flow channel that preferably has an oblong cross-sectional shape with a major axis aligned with a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the parabolic trough mirror. The heat collector is coaxially positioned along the focal axis of said mirror to receive concentrated sunlight so that a working fluid is heated and provided for use through an outlet end of the heat collector.

Abstract: A radiant energy concentrating or collimating system comprising an enclosure that shields its contents from environmental effects while allowing radiant energy to transmit through its top window; a plurality of energy concentrating or collimating assemblies, each on its own pivot mechanism and each comprising a plurality of optics, a support structure and an energy conversion device that is mounted on a heat dissipating structure; a drive mechanism controlled by a microprocessor to rotate the said energy concentrating or collimating assemblies on two orthogonal axes in unison so the assemblies are oriented towards desired direction at any given time.

Abstract: A system [500] for producing solar energy at a desired temperature and pressure range includes a primary energy source [501] that is used in a Clausius Rankine cycle, with the primary energy source connected to and proximate to a plurality of solar collectors [520]. More particularly, at least one steam storage tank [501] feeds the expansion step of the Clausius Rankine cycle. This enables the system [500] to reliably supply energy during times when the solar collectors receive little or no radiation. According to one aspect of the invention, the solar collectors [520] reside on an artificial island [510a, 510b, 510c], preferably sea-based, or offshore, so that the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c] can be located well below sea level. This enables the use of compressive forces from the sea water to counteract the outwardly directed pressure caused by the steam contained in the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c].

Abstract: A solar-powered system and method for producing a utility, such as electricity, hot water, and/or potable water is disclosed. The system may be configured to produce the utilities alone or in combination. The system may comprise a fluid medium, a converter, one or more solar concentrators, a storage tank, a collection tank, a dehydration tank, and one or more safety features. The system may be closed-loop or open-loop.

Abstract: A sun tracking system includes a first, and a second photo sensors, separately mounted on a solar panel on two positions apart from one another and symmetrical with respect to a center of the panel. A first sleeve surrounds the first photosensor; a second sleeve surrounds the second photosensor. Each of the sleeves has an inclined opening with reference to the surface of the panel.

Abstract: A tracker drive system is provided for rotatably driving one or more objects, for example solar panels or other equipment. The system comprises a torque element mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, wherein the torque element can support one or more objects for rotation therewith about the generally horizontal axis; a lever arm connected with the torque element, the lever arm being movable to rotate the torque element; a movable drive member that is drivable by a drive mechanism; and a dynamic coupler coupling the drive member with the lever arm such that the lever arm is drivable by the drive member to rotate the torque element.

Abstract: A novel concentrator system is described, which increases the efficiency of collecting sunlight energy and concentrates it on a target. This method uses an array of small movable reflective or refractive concentrator components that can move via a feedback mechanism which tracks the sun and concentrates the suns energy on to a second array of energy converting elements. In order to improve the effective collected energy, the array of concentrator elements is placed on a moving or tiltable flat slab (or dish, substrate, plane, plate, holder, tablet, or similar flat or non-flat surface) that tracks the sun. An alternative method uses an array of target elements or linear elements and a second array of concentrator elements in harmony such that and suns energy is efficiently redistributed by the reflective/reactive array on to the energy converting array as the sun's position in the sky (elevation and azimuth) changes.

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: 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 solar energy collector system includes a base, and a parabolic trough collector carried by the base for reflecting sunlight to a longitudinal focal line. The parabolic trough collector includes a center section horizontally positioned with respect to ground, and opposing end sections adjacent the center section. Each end section is angled towards the ground. A conduit is positioned along the longitudinal focal line to receive the reflected sunlight. The conduit circulates a heat transfer liquid therethrough to be heated by the reflected sunlight.

Abstract: The solar array is attached to a support structure which permits it to pivot about two non-parallel and non-intersecting axes. The array may then be easily moved to track the sun, maintaining the production of electricity. The structure may be adapted for attachment to a surface such as the ground.

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: The direction of a solar light tracking sensor is set easily with high accuracy. A solar light tracking guide (35) is installed on the optical axis (11) of the reflected light collected by a heliostat (2). An optical telescope (47) is so attached to the rear end part of the guide (35) as to be aligned with the guide axis (C) of the guide (35). The posture of the solar light tracking guide (35) is so adjusted that a cross provided in the field of view of the telescope (47) agrees with the center (10a) of the light collection target position and fixed to the base (38). Then, a solar light tracking sensor (12) is fastened to the rear end part of the guide (35) in place of the optical telescope (47).

Abstract: A sunlight collecting heat receiver includes: a heat-exchange heat receiving tube which receives sunlight collected by heliostats and transfers the sunlight to a heat carrier, wherein the heat-exchange heat receiving tube includes an outward-flow heat receiving tube which is disposed on the upstream in a sunlight incident direction and an inward-flow heat receiving tube which is connected to the outward-flow heat receiving tube through a U tube and is disposed on the downstream in the sunlight incident direction, and wherein the outward-flow heat receiving tube and the inward-flow heat receiving tube are arranged so as to be deviated from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the height direction when seen in the sunlight incident direction.

Abstract: An energy signal processing system (10) includes a first shaft assembly (14) rotatable about an azimuth axis (16), and a second shaft assembly (18) coaxially mounted for rotation about the azimuth axis (16). The first shaft assembly (14) defines a zenith plane (20) inclined with respect to the azimuth axis (16). The system (10) includes an energy signal processing element (22) rotatable about a processing element axis (24) that intersects and is generally perpendicular to the azimuth axis (16), as well as a means for rotating the element (22) about the element axis (24) such that: energy signals travelling substantially along a preselected path axis (12) and impinging the energy signal processing element (22) are processed or deflected substantially along the azimuth axis (16); or vice versa; or energy signals generated by the energy signal processing element (22) are directed substantially along the preselected path axis (12).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a concentrator, particularly a terrestrial solar concentrator to harness the sun's energy, and a tracking system. The concentrator includes a parabolic or other curved reflective surface and an absorber positioned at the focus of the curved reflective surface. Parabolic ribs give shape to the reflective surface. The tracking system includes a rotating, swiveling, or pivoting joint. One or more cables attach to the tracking system. Selectively applying tension to the cables causes the tracking system to rotate, swivel, or pivot at the joint to track an object.

Abstract: A device for collecting solar radiation without guiding the orientation thereof relative to the sun position is disclosed. The device includes at least one photovoltaic solar collector having a face sensitive to the solar radiation, at least one reflecting surface for reflecting the solar radiation towards the sensitive face of the collector, and an orientation apparatus for supporting the solar collector. The orientation apparatus providing an orientation and an inclination to the sensitive face of the collector in relation to the reflecting surface. The reflecting surface is conformed so that, at least during predetermined periods of a day and at least during predetermined days of a year, solar radiation reflected by the reflecting surface reaches the sensitive face of the solar collector with a minimized angle of incidence when the device is arranged in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A solar tracker has a mounting surface to which a solar device is mounted and means for causing the mounting surface to change its orientation so as to be substantially perpendicular to the sun's rays as the sun travels through a useful arc relative to the solar tracker wherein change of orientation of the mounting surface is caused by bending of the solar tracker attributable. The bending can be caused by mechanical contraction or due to shrinkage caused by loss of water in which case capillary action causes the outer surface material to be saturated and grow when it is not exposed to sunlight. The bendable mounting surface support is an elongated tube held in a nominally vertical position in the absence of sunlight by a vertical support which can be a coiled compression spring, an extruded tube of closed-end structural foam, a vertical floating pole or an air-inflated tube.

Abstract: A solar tracking system comprising a solar panel, a support base, and a panel mounting section mounted to the support base for rotation about a generally vertical axis of rotation. The panel is mounted to the mounting section to be able to rotate about a generally horizontal secondary panel axis of rotation. There is a panel positioning section comprising a base positioning section and an intermediate positioning section having a rear connecting portion to contact the base connecting region and a forward connecting positioning location to connect to the panel at a forward panel connecting positioning location. The intermediate positioning section has a linking axis extending between the rear connecting positioning location and the panel connecting location. The panel is rotated about the main axis of rotation and the intermediate positioning section changes its angular position relative to the base positioning section to cause the tilt angle of the panel to change to track the sun.

Abstract: A free-floating, integrated, solar operated water heater appliance, for heating the body of water includes a flotation device for buoyantly supporting the appliance in the body of water. A water heater element, fueled by solar energy, heats water pumped through the heater element by an integral pump, driven by solar energy. A solar energy reflector/container supports the heater element and concentrates solar energy onto the outer surface of the heater element. A parabolic dish reflector concentrates solar energy onto the inner surface of the heater element. Water is circulated through the heater element and returned, in elevated temperature, to the body of water.

Abstract: Solar and electric energy dryers use the sun as a main energy-generating product, and electric power as an additional energy-generating product. Dryer has a single pipe system of fluidity of fluids regulated by a microprocessor /8/ and electromagnetic valves /30/. Pipes wind the inside of the dryer and gradually climb up to the top of the dryer, and then descend and fill in the horizontal space all up to the end of the dryer, at the same time these enable equal temperature balance along the cubic volume of the dryer. At the top of the dryer there is an outlet dome /34/ that accepts evaporations, directs it into an outlet pipe /7/, which is enclosed either by a cooling tank /23/ or a cooling spiral /18/ and extends it up to the condenser /49/. Ventilator /22/ pushes the air through the input pipe /13/ and back into the dryer. Solar panel /44/ is coupled to the dryer in an elastic coupling /17/ and makes a functional unity.

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: Systems and methods of heliostat reflector cleaning via a vehicle in a heliostat field.

Abstract: A solar powered aerial vehicle includes an elongated airframe incorporating lifting and control surfaces, a mechanism for propelling the airframe through the air such that lift developed by the lifting surface is equal to or greater than the weight of the aerial vehicle, a planar solar sail coupled to the airframe and having at least one surface adapted to collect solar energy during the day and to power the propelling mechanism with a first portion of the energy collected, and an apparatus such as a fuel cell/electrolyzer for storing a second portion of the solar energy collected by the solar sail during the day and for powering the propelling mechanism with the second portion of energy during the night. The vehicle is capable of continuous operation at northern latitudes and during the winter months for extended periods without landing or refueling.

Abstract: A solar canopy connector system for attaching a solar power array to a Zee channel, including: an anchor member for affixing to a top portion of a Zee channel and for resting against the bottom portion of two solar power arrays; a planar step section; a riser section; and an angled kick section for hooking an edge portion of a Zee channel.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens comprising a substantially polygonal focusing portion adapted to focus solar radiation to a area having the same geometry as the focusing portion of the lens. Also a solar module comprising the Fresnel collecting lens and a substantially polygonal photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell is mounted at distance from the Fresnel collecting lens so that the size of the area substantially matches the size of the photovoltaic cell. Also a solar panel having multiple modules within a glazed building envelope system. The solar panel also includes an actuating mechanism within the glazed window envelope system. The actuating mechanism is operatively connected to the plurality of solar modules and is adapted to move the solar modules to track the sun.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to solar modules and/or arrays of solar modules provided with synchronized movement. According to one exemplary implementation, an illustrative array may comprise a plurality of solar modules. Each solar module may rotate on an axis, and each axis may be in a parallel configuration relative to the other axes. A first rotation mechanism of a solar module may be configured for rotating/pivoting around a first axis/pivot, and be linked to a corresponding rotation mechanism of a adjacent or sequential solar module.

Abstract: A highly polarizable high dielectric constant positioning and motion control of the elements (approximately planar mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass above the swivel point, below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. The force interaction is greatly enhanced by securing a high dielectric material adjacent to each mirror. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of motors. This allows maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Dynamic motion can be controlled over a wide range of dimensions from nanometers to decimeters.

Abstract: A torque arm assembly, used with a solar collector mounted to a drive shaft, comprises a torque arm with first and second ends and a torque arm coupling assembly including a drive shaft enclosure defining an open-ended channel sized to house the drive shaft. The channel has a circumferentially extending substantially continuous drive surface between the ends that lies adjacent to the drive shaft so the drive shaft and the drive shaft enclosure rotate together. In some examples contiguous abutment structure, such as weld lines, shims and/or adhesive, connects each side of the drive shaft to the drive shaft enclosure. The invention may also be carried out as a connection improvement method.

Abstract: The solar array is attached to a support structure which permits it to pivot about two non-parallel and non-intersecting axes. The array may then be easily moved to track the sun, maintaining the production of electricity. The structure may be adapted for attachment to a surface such as the ground.

Abstract: The invention includes a fixed platform bearing a circular rail, supporting rolling elements to which is attached a mobile frame with a sloping structure which holds a number of solar panels, grouped in rows, the panels of each row being connected to corresponding support shafts, supported on the sloping structure, and a device for moving the frame and shafts in accordance with a predetermined configuration. The frame includes a base with attached thereto the rolling elements and the sloping structure is raised above the base, at a distance from the fixed platform and formed by two supporting beams that delimit an oblique plane and are separated from each other by a distance greater than the diameter of the rail.

Abstract: Melting metals using solar energy is not new, but is new is making the technology ergonomic, and easy to use. Invented is a half-shell-parabolic-dish reflector, which has in front an adjustable flat planar reflector. When the sun is overhead, the sunlight reflects off the flat planar reflector to a half-shell-parabolic-dish, which redirects the light to a crucible for smelting metals, which is also the focus of the sunlight. The entire assembly rotates on top of a turntable, which can be steel wheel, floating on compressed air, bicycle wheels, or other suitable methods. The entire assembly rotates about a crucible located at the focal of the sun's rays. A smaller version of the smelter can be used for solar cooking.

Abstract: Direct solar thermal steam generator with an ultra-compact linear Fresnel reflector field that has “travel and turn” capability by means of independent linear and rotational motion of reflectors. Method of positioning and orienting the reflectors of the traveling field such that the reflected energy of the field is maximized at all times Crescent like rotational support rail of the reflector with its gravitational center in the center of the crescent. The curvature of the reflector is customized for each row of the field Ultra-light, collector-absorber structure, with cable suspended arch-like tubular absorber, wide aperture, and secondary reflector with optimized light entrapment Flow distribution and control method of the large horizontal solar thermal steam generation field.

Abstract: An accurate and cost effective heliostat array and method of use is disclosed. The heliostat array in the preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of mirrors arrayed in a common plane, a plurality of reflector positioning arms, and a rigid positioning plate. The positioning plate, which is coupled to each of the reflectors via a positioning arm, is adapted to simultaneously aim each reflector using as few as one or two actuators. When the positioning arms forms the base of an isosceles triangle with one leg aligned with a ray directed to the sun and the other equal length leg aligned with a ray directed to the receiver, the positioning plate has the shape of a Conchoid of Nicomedes surface of revolution, which enables the heliostat array to simultaneously orient all of the mirrors to precisely focus incident sunlight from anywhere in the celestial hemisphere onto a common focal point.

Abstract: A solar-panel unit is provided with: an attachment structure; at least one solar panel, which is delimited by an extensive plane surface of incidence of the solar radiation and is connected to the attachment structure; and a hinging assembly, set between the attachment structure and the solar panel, to enable rotation of the solar panel with respect to the attachment structure about an inclined hinge axis forming an angle smaller than 90° with a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker that orientates and adjusts the angular position of associated solar collector panels. The tracker may be hydraulically operated all movements of the tracker may be produced by three hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A system may include determination of whether solar tracking of a first period of time is to be performed in a first region of sky or in a second region of sky, determination of a target tracker position in a first coordinate system if the solar tracking of the first period of time is to be performed in the first region of sky, and determination of the target tracker position in a second coordinate system if the solar tracking of the first period of time is to be performed in the second region of sky. In some aspects, determination of the target tracker position in the second coordinate system includes subtracting 360° from an azimuth angle in the first coordinate system if the azimuth angle in the first coordinate system is between +180° and +360°, wherein the azimuth angle in the second coordinate system is determined to be equal to the azimuth angle in the first coordinate system if the azimuth angle in the first coordinate system is between 0 and +180°.

Abstract: A modular linear solar energy collection system comprises one or more reflector units each having a light-weight generally planar aluminum frame that mounts a number of solar panels in a fixed position at angles which progressively increase from the frame centerline outwardly to its perimeter so as to collectively form a surface having a shape approximating that of a parabola. The focal line of such parabola is coincident with a secondary reflector which receives sunlight incident on the solar panels and reflects such light onto a receiver tube mounted in a fixed position concentric to the centerline of the frame. The frame is connected to a drive mechanism operative to pivot the frame and solar panels in order to track the position of the sun during the course of a day.

Abstract: A modular linear Fresnel solar energy collection system comprises one or more reflector units having a number of spaced, elongated solar panels that extend between a pair of opposed, light-weight aluminum beams. A first drive mechanism rotates the solar panels at angles progressively increasing from the center of the two beams to their ends so that each panel reflects incident sunlight to a secondary reflector located above the panels. The secondary reflector, in turn, reflects the sunlight it receives from the solar panels onto a receiver tube mounted in a fixed position substantially concentric to a central axis extending between the two aluminum beams. A second drive mechanism is coupled to one of the beams which is operative to pivot the assembly of beams, solar panels and secondary reflector between a generally easterly direction and westerly direction in order to track the apparent movement of the sun during the course of a day.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar collector apparatus, comprising a horizontally-mounted cylindrical reflector, divided along its length into two reflector segments, each having its own axis of rotation. Preferably, the two reflector segments are produced by dividing the horizontally-mounted cylindrical reflector down its centerline into two equal reflector segments. The two reflectors segments perform novel tracking with different rotation angles about their corresponding axes by use of a trapeze coupling or a mechanism that permits separate tracking. Since the two reflector segments are coupled, preferably only one tracking mechanism (trapezoid or other) is required since the reflector segments preferably have parallel axes. The present invention also provides a stationary preferably flat plate receiver facing downwards, absorbing the solar energy reflected upwards.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a plurality of elongated parabolic reflectors mounted within a glass-topped enclosure for pivotal movement such that each reflector is incrementally pivoted throughout the course of a day to remain substantially perpendicular to the sun. The incremental pivotal movement is caused by a motor energized from a solar switch having solar cells that also pivot throughout the day so that in one position of the switch, no electricity is being generated and transferred to the motor, but in a second position, the switch receives solar radiation and energizes the motor to again incrementally pivot each reflector along with the solar switch.

Abstract: A man-made island adaptable for land-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. A platform includes a large outer ring that floats on a fluid and a flexible cover is attached to the ring to define an airtight volume below the cover. A plurality of rows of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover and carry steam generating heat pipes. The rows of modules are supported laterally above the cover by an upper support structure, either a space frame, a plurality of cables, or a honeycomb. A compressor creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume to vertically support the cover and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail-type solar tracking system with a focusing function. The invention includes a plurality of support elements, a Fresnel lens, a rail platform, a load bearing platform and a pushing device. The system moves a solar cell on the load bearing platform to a focus position where sunlight is focused by the Fresnel lens to collect solar energy. Hence, the invention collects solar energy without moving heavy lens so as to reduce power consumption and improve the electric power generating efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples and variations of solar energy collector systems comprising an elevated linear receiver extending generally in an east-west direction, a polar reflector field located on the polar side of the receiver, and an equatorial reflector field located on the equatorial side of the receiver. Each reflector field comprises reflectors positioned in parallel rows which extend generally in the east-west direction. The reflectors in each field are arranged and positioned to reflect incident solar radiation to the receiver during diurnal east-west processing of the sun and pivotally driven to maintain reflection of the incident solar radiation to the receiver during cyclic diurnal north-south processing of the sun. Inter-row spacings of the reflectors on opposite sides of the receiver may be asymmetrical.

Abstract: A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (42) formed from a rigid subassembly (44). The subassembly (44) includes a truss (68), a post (46) downwardly extending from the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) upwardly extending from the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). Multiple ganged piers (44) can be interconnected to increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22). Each of the torsion tubes (34) may have a flat surface (164) for ready alignment and attachment of solar panels (24) onto the torsion tubes (34).

Abstract: Tracking the position of the sun is provided where light from sources other than direct sunlight can be ignored. In particular, lights from various sources can be passed through differently angled polarizers to determine radiation energies from the polarizers. This can indicate whether the original light is polarized or substantially non-polarized, like the sun. Additionally, the light can be passed through a spectral filter to reject light not falling within a spectrum of wavelengths or having weak intensity with respect to direct sunlight. Subsequently, the light can pass through a ball lens and quadrant cell configuration to optimally align a device or apparatus to receive the direct sunlight. Additionally, the size of a focus point of the light through the ball lens and onto the quadrant cell can determine a collimation of the light, which can indicate direct sunlight as well.

Abstract: A solar collector arrangement includes a number of assemblies (1), which are immersed or partially immersed in a pond of water (2). Each assembly (1) includes a parabolic reflector (3) and an absorber (6). Barriers (10) are located on or near the surface of the water (2) and operate to reduce waves which may otherwise disturb the direct passage of sunlight in windy conditions. The complete immersion of the assembly (1) in the liquid serves to simultaneously protect and cool the apparatus, while allowing ease of sun 10 tracking movements by buoyancy induced rotation. Partially immersed versions have higher efficiency and protect against severe weather by inverting into the water.

Abstract: A revolutionary solar collecting system for effectively and efficiently harnessing the sun's energy is shown. The system tracks the sun and maintains a constant spatial focal point or sub-focal point to at least partially condense the sun's rays into a high-energy beam that may or may not be redirected to a predetermined location or locations for generating electrical power, heat energy, steam, and/or any other well-known applications In industry and research areas. The revolutionary system of the invention is low-cost, low maintenance, and is capable of significantly reducing energy costs.

Abstract: A solar energy collector/converter in space must somehow transmit energy to the ground-based distribution system. This invention provides a way to send the energy with low transit energy loss by suspending receivers and conduits in the air using vessels which are buoyant in the atmosphere. The conduits contain conductive transmission lines for conveying electrical power, and tubes and remotely controlled valves for sustaining the load-bearing arrangement and buoyancy of the vessels.