Abstract: A solar collector utilizes an inflated tubular film which concentrates sunlight onto a solar receiver. The film incorporates refractive elements in a pattern which focuses light in one or two dimensions to create foci in the form of lines, spots, or other shapes. The film may be replaceable. The film may include layers of material to optimize optical, structural, thermal, and durability characteristics.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover with lenses is disclosed. The swimming pool cover uses lenses to focus ambient solar energy into the water of a swimming pool. In one embodiment, a plurality of rectangular lenses is connected at their edges by a minimal amount of connecting or gusset material, in order to create an impermeable sheet, while maximizing the amount of incident solar energy absorbed by the swimming pool water. The swimming pool cover also protects detritus from falling into the swimming pool, while at the same time, reduces the amount of heat loss through evaporation. In another embodiment, the gusset material connects a plurality of lenses, varying in both size and shape.

Abstract: A flexible unitary sandwich-like panel overhead door (11) consists of two relatively thin elastic sheets (12) and (13) connected by a plurality of elongated parallel web panels (14) which have supporting rollers (16) attached. The sheet-web connections are hinged (15) so that the panel may be flexibly moved from a closed vertical position to an open overhead nearly horizontal configuration. A rectangular beam (17), attached to the elastic sheets, provides additional stability and strength to the door structure. Additional embodiments are described.

Abstract: One embodiment of a deployable structural system having sandwich-like shell stiffness and strength properties is constructed of an outer elastic sheet and an inner elastic sheet connected by a number of substantially rigid webs wherein hinges constitute the connections. The hinge connection spacing dimensions on the inner and outer elastic sheets differ such that the resulting assemblage may be elastically bent into a compact cylindrical configuration. Deployment is achieved through reversal of the bending process and application of sufficient external restraints such that the deployed configuration is structurally stable. Additional application embodiments are described.

Abstract: Tensioned sheet-metal based solar panels and structures for supporting the same are disclosed. The sheet metal based solar panels can include a flexible photovoltaic solar module laminated onto a thin, flexible metal sheet. Such solar panels can be mounted on and tensioned within a support frame that is twisted out of plane with respect to a reference planar datum surface. The resulting surface can be a hyperbolic paraboloid, which can be aesthetically pleasing while improving structural stability and maximizing angular exposure to the sun.

Abstract: A heliostat apparatus includes one mirror frame supporting a reflecting mirror; a pair of north-south rotational shafts to rotate the mirror frame in the north-south direction; an east-west rotational shaft to rotate the mirror frame in the east-west direction with the north-south direction as the rotational axis direction; a pair of arms projecting from the east-west rotational shaft to the east and west; an east-west rotational shaft support allowing east-west rotational shaft axial rotation; and the north-south rotational shafts positioned to face each other on the ends of the arms. The mirror frame rotation, etc. as an integrated unit in the east-west direction with the east-west rotational shaft as the rotational axis adjusts a reflecting mirror reflecting surface east-west angle. With the north-south rotational shaft as the rotational axis, the mirror frame rotation in the north-south direction adjusts the north-south angle of at least one reflecting mirror reflecting surface.

Abstract: A solar drying tunnel having a low-profile and which is transportable includes a bottom portion, a cover, and externally controlled manually operated access mechanism for turning grain over. The tunnel may also include one or multiple ventilators at one end to keep the cover up and to provide air flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in isolating a subject, the apparatus including a frame movable between collapsed and erected configurations, a body supported by the frame, wherein in the erected configuration, the body defines an internal volume for containing a subject to thereby substantially isolate the subject from a surrounding environment and a door actuator supported by the frame for moving a door between open and closed positions to thereby provide access to the internal volume.

Abstract: A collapsible reflector includes a plurality of reflective blades which are rotatably arranged around a common axis. Each blade has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The blades are substantially flat and stacked above one another between a top blade and a bottom blade when the reflector is in a retracted position. The blades rotate and elastically bend to form an approximately dish-shaped arrangement when in an extended position. The leading edge of each blade is arranged below the trailing edge of the adjacent blade when the reflector is in the extended position. This includes the leading edge of the top blade, which is below the trailing edge of the bottom blade when the reflector is in the extended position. One blade may be fixedly connected to a central hub, enabling quick setup and disassembly of the reflector.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to concentrate sunlight with inflatable enclosures to heat substances, including fluids and for cooking, and to provide concentrated sunlight for other uses. The system includes an inflatable sunlight concentrator (upper balloon), an inflatable cooking housing (bottom balloon), and a cooking container. When inflated, the upper balloon has a substantially cone-shape and concentrates sunlight towards the bottom balloon. The bottom balloon may be of various shapes and may concentrate sunlight towards the cooking space. Each balloon is less than two ounces and can be folded into a small pocket-sized package when it is deflated. The cooking space may be a thermal bag, a box, or an insulated space.

Abstract: A solar light collecting mirror includes a reflective section which is elastically deformable, and a frame which is elastically deformable and configured to support the reflective section. A central portion of the reflective section is positionally fixed in X and Y directions of the reflective section. A relative position in a Z direction between the central portion of the reflective section and a peripheral portion of the reflective section is changeable. The peripheral portion of the reflective section is not positionally fixed in the X and Y directions. The frame includes warp members which radially extend from a position corresponding to the central portion of the reflective section. And the reflective section is configured to deform elastically together with the frame so as to change the relative position in the Z direction between the central portion and the peripheral portion, whereby a concave mirror structure is obtained.

Abstract: A portable solar-thermal device produces fresh water from sewage water or salt water. The device has a closed fluid circuit made of connected pipe or hose elements with a sewage water supply and a fresh water runoff. The fluid circuit has a tilted heating section essentially aligned normally to the sun irradiation for heating and vaporization of the sewage water. Connected to this is an essentially vertically aligned condensation section for condensation of the fresh water and heating of the sewage water. A storage section is designed as base area for the condensed fresh water. The heating section of the fluid circuit has a solar collector for concentration of the thermal energy of sun irradiation on a vaporization area inside the heating section.

Abstract: A method of converting a liquid into a vapor includes directing liquid into one or more solar collectors through a manifold that supports the one or more solar collectors. Each of the one or more solar collectors includes a transparent outer cylinder having a closed end and an open end, an inner cylinder having a closed end and an open end, the inner cylinder being concentric with and disposed within the transparent outer cylinder so that the closed end of the inner cylinder is located proximate to the closed end of the transparent outer cylinder, an outer surface of the inner cylinder being made of a material that absorbs solar radiation to generate heat, the longitudinal axes of the transparent outer cylinder and the inner cylinder being substantially horizontal, and an enclosed and evacuated space formed between the transparent outer cylinder and the inner cylinder.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided solar water pasteurizers that are portable, efficient, inexpensive and easy to use. In its simplest form, the solar pasteurizer includes a transparent container such as a bag or envelope that contains at least one energy converting structure and has sufficient insulation to enable heating water to a temperature of at least 65° C. (and preferably to a temperature of at least 70° C.) for a time sufficient to achieve pasteurization (at 65-70° C., a period of only about 6 minutes is required for pasteurization). Invention solar pasteurizers are particularly useful for pasteurizing water. In additional embodiments, invention solar pasteurizers include additional features, such as, for example, a water pasteurization indicator, and a receptacle for retaining same within the invention container.

Abstract: A tube structure, and a method for assembling the tube structure, is provided, that is particularly useful in a solar heating system. The tube structure comprises, (a) a tube formed into a predetermined (e.g. coiled) configuration, (b) at least one rafter which engages the tube in a manner designed to hold the tube in the predetermined configuration, and (c) a plurality of snippets connected at predetermined locations to the rafter, the snippets extending away from a bottom surface of the rafter, and configured to (i) hold the rafter away from the substrate to allow flow of water and debris along the substrate without interference from the rafter, and (ii) allow relative movement of the rafter and tube relative to the snippets during expansion and contraction of the tube structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat collection system for a roof, the system including a roof deck, a membrane upwardly adjacent of the roof deck; a fluid channel disposed between the membrane and the roof deck, the fluid channel having a defined entry port and a defined exit port, the entry port and the exit port being disposed in fluid communication via the fluid channel.

Abstract: A solar collector has a polygonal top panel forming a top face and having at least three edges, a similarly polygonal bottom panel forming a bottom face directed away from the top face and fitted congruently to the top panel to form a flow passage extending between the faces, and at least four connectors projecting from at least three of the edges.

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: A solar cell collector unit that materially contributes to a more efficient use and conservation of green energy includes a first metal sheet having alternating corrugated crest and valley portions on an upper surface and alternating open channels on an under surface and having a first dimension with a first peripheral edge about its entire perimeter. A second substantially flat metal sheet having a second dimension with a second peripheral edge about its entire perimeter and less than the first dimension. The first and second metal sheets overlie one another with flattened copper tubing disposed within the open channels and sandwiched there between, while crimping and folding the first peripheral edge over the second peripheral edge to form nested protuberances about its perimeter to provide stiffness and rigidity there about and forming a low cost single solar cell unit.

Abstract: This invention provides a solar fluid heating assembly that generally increases efficiency by reflecting the sun's energy onto heat generating surfaces that face away from the sun. It also provides an aesthetic structure that is readily installed in a variety of outdoor settings and can be used as a boundary fence in certain applications. In an illustrative embodiment, the solar heater comprises one or more conduits and a reflective mechanism, such that in use, heat energy falls onto a front surface of the conduit, thereby heating water or another fluid within the conduit, and heat energy is reflected by the reflective mechanism onto another surface of the conduit, thereby further heating the fluid within the conduit.

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: A mounting support for mounting photovoltaic modules constructed with at least one glass pane on a flat roof surface includes a flexible elongated strip having a bottom side with a substantially smooth surface for attachment to the roof surface and a top side with a substantially smooth surface for supporting the photovoltaic modules. The top side of the strip includes recesses oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip and separating strip segments which allows the mounting support or strip to be easily rolled up. The strip segments include integrally formed fastening members configured to engage with cooperating fasteners for securing the photovoltaic modules on top side of the strip. The top surface may also include longitudinal grooves or tubes holding the fastening members.

Abstract: A solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector connected to a housing that can be installed, e.g., in a sash window of a house. The housing has an air blower that draws air from the interior of the house and directs it into the inflatable solar collector, which is positioned outside the window. The collector has a flexible permeable membrane that serves as a transpired absorber of solar radiation. The air flowing through the collector is heated when it percolates through the membrane exposed to solar light. The heated air is returned back to the interior of the house, thereby providing space heating. In certain embodiments, in addition to serving as a transpired absorber, the membrane can also serve as an air filter that removes particles, odor-causing pollutants, and/or allergens from the drawn air.

Abstract: An apparatus with a foldable lens assembly includes a base having a receiving space for receive a solar powered charger. At least one lifting device is movably disposed on the base. A lens assembly is connected to the at least one lifting device so as to be driven upwardly/downwardly relative to the base by the at least one lifting device. The lens assembly comprises a main condensing lens and two auxiliary condensing lenses respectively connected to two sides of the main condensing lens. When the lens assembly is driven upwardly by the at least one lifting device and the two auxiliary condensing lenses are pivotally rotated to be co-planar with the main condensing lens, the main condensing lens and the two auxiliary condensing lenses are configured in an unfolding position for converging incident solar radiation to the solar powered charger.

Abstract: A solar panel includes an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold spaced apart from the inlet manifold, and a plurality of pipes having a first end in open fluid communication with the inlet manifold and a second end in open fluid communication with the outlet manifold. A box-shaped cover formed of a polycarbonate material is disposed in ensleeving relation to the plurality of pipes. The box-shaped cover has a length at least slightly less than the distance between the inlet and outlet manifolds so that opposite ends of pipes in the plurality of pipes are exposed to ambient. The cover substantially prevents ventilation of the plurality of pipes and thus allows water temperatures in the panel to rise higher than possible in the absence of such cover. The exposure of the opposite ends of the pipes to ambient prevents water temperatures in the panel from exceeding a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An integrated spa water heating assembly comprising a solar water heater panel, having a water inlet and outlet, an electrical motor/pump unit attached to the panel and having ducting for drawing water from the spa interior for passage to the panel inlet, the panel operating to discharge heated water flowing from the panel back into the spa water, and a solar power panel operatively attached to the heater panel, and electrically connected with the motor to power motor operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (3) for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, in particular solar radiation. The device (3) has at least one 11cxible film pocket (4) that is divided into chambers (15). Said chambers (15) are connected to at least one feed clement (5) and at least one discharge element (6), by means of which a heat transfer medium can be fed to and discharged from the chambers (15). To prevent a build-up of pressure in the heat transfer medium caused by gravity and thus unwanted stress on the film material, at least one pressure reducing clement (21) is provided between at least two of the chambers (15) or fllm pockets (4). Said pressure reducing clement (21) limits the pressure of the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A solar collector is constructed on a support structure (such as a roof (14)) that has a plurality of side-by-side channels (16) (for example formed between roof battens (20)), using a length of an elongate web (26) of flexible material that is formed with a plurality of generally parallel passageways for a thermal transfer fluid extending in the longitudinal direction of the web and spaced apart across the width of the web. A first run (26c) of the web is laid along a first of the channels of the support structure so that one face of the web faces out of said first channel. The web is split longitudinally between at least one adjacent pair of the passageways adjacent and beyond the end of said first run and is curved so that the web enters a second of the channels of the support structure. A second run (26d) of the web can then be laid along the second channel so that said one face of the web faces into said second channel.

Abstract: An outdoor shading device includes a supporting frame, a shading awning supported by the supporting frame to define a shading area underneath the shading awning, and a solar power system. The solar power system includes a solar collecting unit having a solar collecting surface overlapped on the shading awning for solar energy collection, and a power storage supported at the supporting frame to electrically connect to the solar collecting unit, wherein when the shading awning is orientated for providing shade from the sun, the solar collecting surface of the solar collecting unit is aligned with the direction of the sun to maximize the solar energy collection, such that after the solar energy is collected, the solar collecting unit converts the solar energy into electrical energy and stored in the power storage.

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

Abstract: Solar generators have Fresnel lenses and spaced heat absorbers or photovoltaic cells for receiving focused solar rays. Heat is removed from their backs by boiling liquid in conical receivers. Pins or fins extend rearward into the receivers from the heat absorbers or photovoltaic cells. Liquid supply to the receivers is controlled by valves and floats or sensors. Tubes remove steam or vapor from the receivers for driving generators or for cooling photovoltaic cells. Hinged tubes which form the foldable support conduct the steam to generators and condense the vapor. Liquid is returned to a holding tank, is pumped to a distribution tank and is conducted by some of the structural tubes back to the valved receivers.

Abstract: A closeable case includes a power system stored in an interior of the closeable case. The closeable case includes a power system, and at least a portion of the power system is integral to the closeable case. The closeable case also includes at least one power generating device stored in the closeable case and at least partially removable from the closeable case.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting solar panels is provided. Preferably, the apparatus includes a base, a solar panel receiving structure, and a support structure coupling the base to the solar panel receiving structure such that the solar panel receiving structure is at least one of elevated and angled relative to the base. The solar panel receiving structure preferably includes a base member, a first side member coupled to the base member, and a second side member coupled to the base member. Preferably, the first side member and the second side member are slotted so as to slidably receive at least one solar panel between the first side member, the second side member, and the base member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for a hybrid solar energy collector comprising a CIGS photovoltaic energy collector, the photovoltaic energy collector being thermally coupled to an energy absorbing working fluid casing for flowing heat out to heat sink The solar radiation is trapped in the photovoltaic collector, generating electrical power from the CIGS photovoltaic array, The array is cooled by the working fluid transferring unproductive heat away from the photovoltaic array and into an exterior heat sink via the cooling fluid circuit, thus making the photovoltaic array more efficient, while adding another energy source. Where thermal collection is not beneficial, a floating platform supported CIGS PV array may be cost effectively cooled to increase efficiency, by harnessing wave energy from a wave power device to flow cooling or evaporative spray water over the panel.

Abstract: A flexible solar power collector includes a flexible transparent outer tube, a flexible black inner tube inserted through the flexible transparent outer tube for guiding water to a water heater, sealing devices that seal the two ends of the flexible transparent outer tube to define a greenhouse within the flexible transparent outer tube around the flexible black inner tube, a flexible photoelectric converter fastened to the bottom side of the flexible transparent outer tube to convert solar energy into electric energy, and a flexible electrothermal converter connected to the flexible photoelectric converter to transform electric energy into thermal energy.

Abstract: A covering material for solar thermal power generation system, characterized in that it is made of a film which has a tensile yield strength of at least 10 N/mm2 according to JIS K7127, a solar radiation transmittance of at least 85% according to JIS R3106, and a retention of at least 80% against the initial value of the tensile breakage strength after 5000 hours of the sunshine carbon arc lamp weather test according to JIS B7753.

Abstract: A below-deck solar blanket roller assembly is installed below the deck of a pool. The roller assembly includes a rotatable roller shaft for rolling and unrolling a solar blanket and a non-rotatable protective casing which surrounds the roller shaft. The roller assembly is intended to be installed below the deck of a pool. This invention at least partially overcomes some of the disadvantages of typical solar blanket rollers that are installed on the surface of the pool deck, such as inconvenience in moving the entire above-deck assembly away from and back to the pool area. The below-deck solar blanket roller assembly provides an aesthetically pleasing and safe alternative to solar blanket roller assemblies installed above the pool deck.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid medium by means of environmental influences, such as light, solar irradiation and/or ambient temperature, etc., has at least two films arranged parallel to each other which at least to some extent adhere to each other in such a way that one or more chamber-like cavities or interspaces to hold the fluid medium are formed. The apparatus has at least one opening for the supply of a fluid medium, and also at least one opening for the discharge of the fluid medium. The production of the apparatus is for example carried out by means of fishtail extrusion of two films, which are extruded lying on each other, a separating material, such as a separating film, a separating nonwoven, a separating fabric or a release agent, being introduced between the two film layers in those regions in which the chamber-like cavities are to be formed.

Abstract: Solar water heaters may include a solar collector in a decorative structure, and solar collectors comprising a coil of tubing are adapted to be disposed in a decorative structure such as a wishing well. In one embodiment, a solar water heating system comprising a decorative structure and a coil of tubing disposed within the decorative structure, the coil having a helical shape and being oriented with its axis disposed generally vertically. In another embodiment, a method comprises the steps of providing a coil of tubing, the coil having an axis and the tubing of the coil being radially spaced from the axis; disposing the coil in a location receiving sunlight with the coil axis oriented generally vertically; and causing fluid to flow through the coil.

Abstract: A flexible solar power assembly (2) includes a flexible photovoltaic device (16) attached to a flexible thermal solar collector (4). The solar power assembly can be rolled up for transport and then unrolled for installation on a surface, such as the roof (20, 25) or side wall of a building or other structure, by use of adhesive and/or other types of fasteners (23).

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a photovoltaic device having a flexible substrate. The photovoltaic device has a strain at least partly in the planar direction of the flexible substrate, and the strain is not greater than a critical value at which the photovoltaic device cracks. The solar cell module may further comprise a strain holding means for holding the strain. A deformable region where the photovoltaic device can be deformed when a region embracing the photovoltaic device is worked is defined so that a great variety of solar cell modules having a high reliability, also taking account of manufacture, can be designed with good efficiency.

Abstract: A below-deck solar blanket roller assembly is installed below the deck of a pool. The roller assembly includes a rotatable roller shaft for rolling and unrolling a solar blanket and a non-rotatable protective casing which surrounds the roller shaft. The roller assembly is intended to be installed below the deck of a pool. This invention at least partially overcomes some of the disadvantages of typical solar blanket rollers that are installed on the surface of the pool deck, such as inconvenience in moving the entire above-deck assembly away from and back to the pool area. The below-deck solar blanket roller assembly provides an aesthetically pleasing and safe alternative to solar blanket roller assemblies installed above the pool deck.

Abstract: A collapsible pop-open solar heating system having a heating enclosure with an open configuration and a collapsed configuration. The enclosure is made of substantially opaque flexible fabric having reflective interior surfaces, and it includes a region of transparent flexible material for the passage of light. When placed in an open configuration, the enclosure is shaped so as to reflect and focus light into a focal region in the interior space defined by said enclosure. To facilitate rapid erection, preferred embodiments include a collapsible flexible spring frame contained within at least one sleeve in the fabric enclosure. The sleeve confines the spring frame and when the enclosure is unrestrained, the spring frame urges the enclosure into an open configuration. A door in the enclosure permits placement and removal of heating and cooking vessels in the enclosure.

Abstract: A removably mountable blind-type curtain is provided which includes a plurality of blinds removably securable to a curtain support. One or more of the blinds have a solar module secured thereto for converting solar energy to other energy. The blinds are connected to one another in a cable-free manner. An energy storage device is connected to the blinds for storing energy generated by the solar modules and an energy power take off device cooperates with an energy receiving device to effect the transfer of energy from the blind-type curtain to the energy receiving device. The energy storage device and the energy power take off device are mounted on the curtain support such that they are protected against external adverse environmental effects.

Abstract: A below-deck solar blanket roller assembly is installed below the deck of a pool. The roller assembly includes a rotatable roller shaft for rolling and unrolling a solar blanket and a non-rotatable protective casing which surrounds the roller shaft. The roller assembly is intended to be installed below the deck of a pool. This invention at least partially overcomes some of the disadvantages of typical solar blanket rollers that are installed on the surface of the pool deck, such as inconvenience in moving the entire above-deck assembly away from and back to the pool area. The below-deck solar blanket roller assembly provides an aesthetically pleasing and safe alternative to solar blanket roller assemblies installed above the pool deck.

Abstract: A flexible solar power assembly includes a flexible photovoltaic device attached to a flexible thermal solar collector. The solar power assembly can be rolled up for transport and then unrolled for installation on a surface, such as the roof or side wall of a building or other structure, by use of adhesive and/or other types of fasteners.

Abstract: A container for holding a liquid having transparent walls and an opening near its upper end, utilizes a heat absorbing insert element within the container comprised of a sheet of flexible black material that can be situated therein so as to expose a relatively large surface area to the sun's rays which pass through the container's transparent walls, thereby increasing the rate of solar heat absorption and rate of heating water within the container.

Abstract: A novel, high-efficiency, extremely light-weight, inflatable refractive solar concentrator for space power is described. It consists of a flexible Fresnel lens, flexible sides, and a back surface, together enclosing a volume of space which can be filled with low pressure gas to deploy the concentrator on orbit. The back surface supports the energy receiver/converter located in the focal region of the Fresnel lens. The back surface can also serve as the waste heat radiator. Prior to deployment, the deflated flexible lens and sides are folded against the back surface to form a flat, low-volume package for efficient launch into space. The inflatable concentrator can be configured to provide either a line focus or a point focus of sunlight. The new inflatable concentrator approach will provide significant advantages over the prior art in two different space power areas: photovoltaic concentrator arrays and high-temperature solar thermal conversion systems.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for capturing solar energy and transferring it onto a receiving medium to be heated. The device comprises a multiplicity of blades (16), mutually spaced and tiered up to form a screen (10) with an external surface (18) for exposure to the sun radiation and an internal surface (20) for being arranged on the side of the receiving medium (12), the blades defining between them a multiplicity of air channels (22) extending from the external surface (18) to the internal surface (20), closing means being provided for immobilizing the air contained in the channels, the blades being transparent or translucent, with low capacity for absorbing the sun radiation and low thermal conductivity, being made from a lap of thin material, and having an outline with an end part bordering the internal surface of the screen.

Abstract: For facilitating work and improving durability of a grounding conductor without a need for preparation of a separate grounding conductor for grounding a solar cell array, a solar cell array is provided comprising a plurality of solar cell modules each comprising a solar cell element and an electroconductive outer portion, the plurality of solar cell modules being electrically connected by an electric wire, wherein the electric wire has a plurality of cores, at least one of the cores being connected to an electric connection portion for leading a power of the solar cell elements out and at least one of the cores being connected to a grounding portion.