Abstract: Provided is a photovoltaic apparatus including: a power generation part including a plurality of power generating elements each generating power in accordance with an amount of received light, the power generation part having a light receiving surface and a back surface positioned on an opposite side to the light receiving surface; a function part provided separately from the power generation part and configured to provide functions regarding the photovoltaic apparatus; and a position changeable part provided between the power generation part and the function part and capable of changing positions of the power generation part and the function part, wherein the back surface of the power generation part faces the function part face, and the position changeable part is capable of changing the positions of the power generation part and the function part while maintaining a state where the back surface of the power generation part faces the function part.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including: a trough shaped reflector extending along a longitudinal axis and including at least one reflective surface having a shape which substantially corresponds to an edge ray involute of the absorber.

Abstract: A solar thermal absorber including a spectrally selective filter comprising a stack of dielectric layers and one or more semiconductor absorber layers. The dielectric layers are transparent to infrared radiation and have a refractive index contrast, and the semiconductor absorber layers have a band gap, such that the semiconductor absorber layers absorb at least a portion of the solar spectrum and the stack reflects infrared radiation.

Abstract: A heat concentrator device for a solar power system includes an evacuated hollow body with a bottom, side walls, a top and an airtight cap. Portions of the side walls have inwardly reflective surfaces for concentrating solar radiation into the chamber toward a heat sink, which is positioned in the bottom of the chamber. The heat sink also is hollow and has an inlet port formed in one of its opposite side walls and an outlet port formed in the other for heat transfer fluid to flow into and out of the heat sink. Circuitous passageways form a maze that connects the inlet and outlet ports thus maximizing heat transfer to/from system fluid(s) within the heat sink. The sidewalls of the chamber of the device extend below the heat sink to form a partial vacuum chamber between its bottom and the heat sink. The device is mounted to a reflective dish of a solar power system in a unique way adding additional solar energy collection efficiencies.

Abstract: An absorber tube is provided that includes a metal tube, a glass sleeve tube surrounding the metal tube, and a glass-metal transition element is disposed on at least one end. The metal tube and the transition element can be moved relative to one another in the longitudinal direction and connected to one another by an expansion compensating device. An inner end of the expansion compensating device is fastened to an attachment element, which is connected to the transition element. An outer end of the expansion compensating device is fastened to the metal tube. An annular space section of the annular space is constructed between the transition and attachment elements. The attachment element has an annular disc on which the expansion compensating device is fastened. The absorber tube has at least one shielding device that has a first annular disc-shaped section disposed on at least one end in the annular space.

Abstract: An absorber tube is provided that has a central metal tube, a glass cladding tube, and a glass-metal transition element. The metal tube and the glass-metal transition element are connected to each other by an expansion compensation device such that they can be displaced relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. The expansion compensation device is arranged at least partially in an annular space between the metal tube and the glass-metal transition element. In the annular space, at least one shielding device is arranged, which has a first annular disc-shaped segment arranged at an axial distance in front of the end face and covers at least the connection region of the attachment element and the inner end of the expansion compensation device.

Abstract: A heat receiver tube for absorbing solar energy and for transferring the absorbed solar energy to a heat transfer fluid is provided. The heat receiver tube includes a first partial surface, which is covered by a solar energy absorptive coating, and a second partial surface, which is substantially uncovered by the absorbing coating. Also provided is a parabolic trough collector with a parabolic mirror having a sunlight reflecting surface for concentrating sunlight in a focal line of the parabolic minor and a heat receiver tube which is arranged in the focal line of the parabolic mirror, wherein the heat receiver tube is arranged in the focal line such that the first partial surface with the solar absorptive coating is at least partially located opposite to the sunlight reflecting surface and the second partial surface at least partially averted to the sunlight reflecting surface.

Abstract: A solar tracking system and method that use a tube that admits solar radiation and one or more photodetectors for generating a signal related to an intensity of solar radiation at a distal end of the tube. The system has a scan unit for periodically executing a certain scan pattern in an elevation angle El and in an azimuth angle Az of the shielding tube. A processing unit in communication with the photodetector determines an on-sun orientation of the shielding tube based on a convolution of the signal obtained while executing the scan pattern with a trained convolution kernel. The on-sun orientation thus found can be used to update the orientation of one or more solar surfaces, e.g., reflective or photovoltaic surfaces.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an all-glass solar heat collecting tube without a tail pipe. The bottom of one end of an inner glass tube plated by a selective absorbing coating layer is rounded, the other end is connected to a first glass outer tube. The bottom of one end of a second glass outer tube is rounded and the other end is flared. The connected inner glass tube/first glass outer tube is inserted into the second glass outer tube. A gap is formed between the first glass outer tube and the second glass outer tube to serve as an air exhausting channel. The first glass outer tube is inserted into the flared opening of the second glass outer tube. The contact point between the first glass outer tube and the second glass outer tube is heated to frit seal and butt joint.

Abstract: A composite electromagnetic-wave-absorbing film comprising pluralities of adjacent electromagnetic-wave-absorbing film pieces arranged on a plastic base film, each electromagnetic-wave-absorbing film piece being a plastic film provided with a conductor layer having a large number of substantially parallel, intermittent, linear scratches formed with irregular widths and intervals in plural directions, and pluralities of the electromagnetic-wave-absorbing film pieces being different in at least one of the widths, intervals, lengths and directions of the linear scratches.

Abstract: A central tube for linear concentrating solar thermal power plants, has an absorber layer. The absorber layer is generated by cold gas sputtering, wherein suitable method parameters can in particular generate an increased surface roughness by means of pores in the surface region of the absorber layer. An absorber layer can thus be advantageously produced, having a quadratic roughness of no more than 1 ?m, measured in a close range of no more than 50 ?m diameter, and preferably being made of a corrosion-proof hard alloy comprising tungsten carbide, in particular WC—CoCr, WC—Co, WC—FeCo, WC—FeC, WC—FeNi, WC—Ni or WC—NiCr.

Abstract: Non-evaporable getter pump assembly (1) for a vacuum solar thermal panel, ensuring a quick and efficient heating of the getter pump, comprising: a solar receiver plate (2), having an outer side (20) predisposed for absorbing solar radiation; at least a first supporting plate (3a); at least a non-evaporable getter element (4) interposed between an inner side (21) of the solar receiver plate (2) and the first supporting plate (3a); and holding means for pressing the solar receiver plate (2) and the first supporting plate (3a) against one another sandwiching the non-evaporable getter element (4) between the two plates (2, 3a).

Abstract: Concave receiver for a Stirling dish the main components of which are tubes (which form the surface on which the concentrated solar light beam falls), collectors (welded to the tubes and place the fluid that runs through the tubes in communication with the tanks), tanks (the internal areas of the collectors from which the working gas is distributed to each of the tubes) and cupolas (of which there are two types, that for housing the regenerator and the expansion cupola which is the area where the working gas is at a higher temperature) comprising a series of tubes (10, 11) extending from one collector (2), perpendicular thereto, to the other (2), also perpendicular thereto, and having a straight part (12) running from the inside of each collector (2) to the point where the tube starts to curve and a central part (13) in the shape of an arc of a circumference.

Abstract: Solar receiver having a receiver funnel, a solar absorber, and an absorber rotation drive mechanism. The receiver funnel has a funnel entrance and a funnel exit. The solar absorber may have a spherical shape and has an absorber rotation axis. The solar absorber is rotatably positioned in the funnel exit. The solar absorber has an internal absorber fluid chamber, an absorber fluid intake and an absorber fluid outlet. The absorber rotation drive mechanism provides for rotating the solar absorber about the absorber rotation axis.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a glass sleeve with an inner surface and an outer surface, the glass sleeve configured as a part of a solar-receiver tube, is provided. Thereby, the coating is solely applied to one of the surfaces of the glass sleeve. A method of fixing such glass sleeve in an interior of a coating tank, such coating tank and a fixing arrangement for fixing such glass sleeve in an interior of a coating tank, is also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to a solar array field (100) having an improved configuration, comprising a plurality of vacuum solar thermal panel (1) and a hydraulic circuit (10) for circulating a heat transfer fluid, said hydraulic circuit (10) comprising at least one circulation path (13, 14, 15, 16) connecting a low-temperature inlet (11) to a high-temperature outlet (12), said circulation path (13, 14, 15, 16) comprising a forward portion (15) successively traversing a plurality of vacuum solar thermal panels (1); said circulation path (13, 14, 15, 16) further comprising a return portion (16) connected downstream to said forward portion (15), said return portion (16) traversing the same vacuum solar thermal panels (1) in reverse order.

Abstract: A glass vacuum insulating panel comprises at least one sheet of glass including a first sheet portion with a first plurality of attachment locations and a second sheet portion with a second plurality of attachment locations. The first sheet portion and the second sheet portion each extend along a plane of the glass vacuum insulating panel. An insulating space is hermetically sealed between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, wherein the insulating space includes an absolute pressure of less than about 10 kPa. Each of the first plurality of attachment locations is attached to a corresponding one of the second plurality of attachment locations to form a plurality of integral attachment areas that are spaced apart in a pattern along the plane of the glass vacuum insulating panel. Methods of making a glass vacuum insulating panel are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that comprises at least one collection unit (11), equipped with a collection tube (21) placed on supports (23), which is formed by an inner absorber tube (31) shaped as a continuous tube and an outer envelope tube (33). The collection unit (11) also comprises reflectors (15) that direct the radiation toward the collection tube (21). Moreover, the device comprises means (41, 43) designed to maintain the collection tube (21) space between the absorber tube (31) and the envelope tube (33) at a pressure of between 5·10?1-5·10?2 mbar. The main advantages of the invention include the reduction in the breaking of glass due to the lower stresses to fatigue, an increase in the effective collection surface (97%-99%) and active management of the vacuum, which makes it possible to monitor the evolution thereof at all times.

Abstract: A building using solar energy for heating and cooling without any air conditioning equipment is disclosed. The building comprises a fluid channel arranged for a fluid to transfer absorbed solar heat, a solar heat storage bank to store and supply the solar heat, and a mechanism for directing and controlling the flow of the fluid throughout the building. A insulating glass style solar heat collector (IGSHC) and building element comprises a insulating glass or the like; a solar heat absorber is arranged in hollow space of the insulating glass, and separates the space into two subspaces; a fluid channel is connected to the solar heat absorber; the channel connected to a convergent tube; and an air inlet and an air outlet are provided for drawing heated air out from one of the divided subspaces, each of the air inlet and air outlet has a respective cover for closing or opening the air channel.

Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a first member having a cavity and a longitudinal axis. The first member has a longitudinal window forming a part thereof and a body forming another part thereof. The longitudinal window is made of a material adapted to be transparent to solar radiation. The body has an exterior absorptive surface and an interior reflective surface. A second member is located within the cavity of the first member and is generally parallel to longitudinal axis of the first member. The second member is adapted to carry an energy absorbing fluid. An insulative material fills the cavity between the first member and the second member. A solar energy collection system includes the form going solar energy collector and a solar energy transmitting device for directing solar energy through the window of the collector.

Abstract: A solar photo-thermal receiving device, consisting of a sealed structure (1) and a solar photo-thermal receiver (2) inside the sealed structure (1); the solar photo-thermal receiver (2) includes a secondary absorption heat-exchange pipe (17) and a primary absorption heat-exchange pipe (16); the temperature of a heat exchange medium inside the secondary absorption heat-exchange pipe (17) is lower than that of a heat exchange medium inside the primary absorption heat-exchange pipe (16); the secondary absorption heat-exchange pipe (17) receives the heat energy released by the primary absorption heat-exchange pipe (16) and/or receives the solar heat not received by the primary absorption heat-exchange pipe (16); the solar photo-thermal receiving device takes the heat away via the heat-exchange medium flowing inside the pipes of the solar photo-thermal receiver (2). The solar photo-thermal receiving device can be applied in a through type, a Fresnel array and a tower type solar photo-thermal concentration system.

Abstract: A low cost mass-produced solar module that extracts both electricity and heat from the sun. One or more reflectors held by a frame reflect the sun's heat into an absorber. Each reflector rotates about its axle to keep its reflected solar energy focused on the absorber. In one embodiment, solar heat is focused to heat fluid that flows to thermodynamic engines that convert the heat to electricity. Engine waste heat is also captured for use as building heat, home hot water or industrial process heat. In another embodiment, solar heat is focused onto photovoltaic devices that directly convert light into electricity. The fluid that cools the photovoltaic devices can be used for building heat, home hot water or industrial process heat. The frame shields the reflectors from ambient wind loads, supports reflector axles accurately and simplifies installation on roofs or walls of buildings.

Abstract: The present invention offers improved absorber plates for solar energy collectors, improved cover glazings for solar energy collectors, improved concentrating solar energy collectors, and solar energy collection methods that use one or more of the improved solar energy collectors for useful residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The improved absorber plate solar energy collectors utilize a porous metal to improve solar radiant absorption collection and utilization, the improved concentrating solar energy collectors are Fresnel lens faced ducts of various geometries that enable efficient axial length solar energy collection, and the improved cover glazings utilize transparent front and back faces with other improvements to enable increased solar radiant energy collection per unit front face cover area of solar collector.

Abstract: Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described.

Abstract: A glass-to-metal sealing device of a solar receiver has a metal collar and a glass cylinder to be sealed together. The glass cylinder is made of a borosilicate glass having a coefficient of thermal expansion within the range of [3.1, 3.5]·10?6° C.?1 in a temperature range of [50, 450]° C. The metal collar s made of an austenitic alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of [3.5, 6.0]·10?6° C.?1 in the temperature range of [50, 450]° C. The end portion of the metal collar is beveled so as to increase its mechanical flexibility and, further, the end portion of the metal collar is processed via a thermal treatment in order to establish a bond between the metal and the glass surfaces.

Abstract: The Variable Angle Solar Collector, or from this point on is also known as VASC, function is to collect solar energy in/on the hot side, or exit side, of the Energy Exchanger inside the vacuum chamber and allow for the storage of the fluid in the cold side, or entrance side of the Energy Exchanger. The design of the Energy Exchanger can/will act as a fluid back check/back flow preventer in the event of the fluid become pressurized by the expansion of the heated fluid in the Energy Exchanger's Hot or Exit side of the Energy Exchanger. The VASC can be connected in a series (similar to cells in a battery pack are place ?to +to increase voltage) or individually, directly in a storage tank. A back flow preventer value may/can also be used in conjunction with the head pressure created from the fluid in the Entrance side of the Energy Exchanger.

Abstract: A linear Fresnel light concentrating device with high multiplying power, including a reflector field and a receiving unit, where the reflector field includes a plurality of arrays of one-dimensional linear convergence reflector strips; the linear receiving unit is arranged parallel to the reflector strips, and is provided with a secondary optical light concentrating unit inside, the height value of the receiving unit exceeds half of the width value of the reflector field, so as to obtain a relatively high primary convergence light concentrating multiplying power and secondary convergence light concentrating multiplying power, thereby realizing a high total convergence light concentrating multiplying power. High multiplying power light concentration in low cost can be achieved, while the severe problem of low light concentration efficiency caused by extinction, tolerance rate and shading rate and the problem of inconvenience in repair and maintenance of the device are solved.

Abstract: Improved solar collectors (40) comprising glass tubing (42) attached to bellows (44) by airtight seals (56) enclose solar absorber tubes (50) inside an annular evacuated space (54. The exterior surfaces of the solar absorber tubes (50) are coated with improved solar selective coatings {48} which provide higher absorbance, lower emittance and resistance to atmospheric oxidation at elevated temperatures. The coatings are multilayered structures comprising solar absorbent layers (26) applied to the meta surface of the absorber tubes (50), typically stainless steel, topped with antireflective Savers (28) comprising at least two layers 30, 32) of refractory metal or metalloid oxides (such as titania and silica) with substantially differing indices of refraction in adjacent layers. Optionally, at least one layer of a noble metal such as platinum can be included between some of the layers.

Abstract: A layer material for corrosion protection and to a solar receiver having such a layer material is provided. The layer material comprises a binding agent consisting of a resin containing at least one of the following substances: oligo- or polysiloxane, silicone resin, silicone, silicate, polyphosphate, and which is dissolved in a solvent, a pigment consisting of zinc microparticles having an average diameter of at least 1 um, wherein a further pigment consisting of titanium oxide or silicon oxide nanoparticles having an average diameter of no more than 100 nm is present in the layer material. The layer advantageously has a self-healing effect in addition to the corrosion protection effect thereof owing to the use of zinc particles.

Abstract: The “FLAT TERMO-SOLAR COLLECTOR AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS”, subject of this patent, represents a radical paradigm shift, both in the manufacturing process—whose steps were minimized and subject to any degree of automation—and regarding the shape design of the solar energy gathering tubes and tightness of the metal housing that houses the collecting element. The solar energy gathering tubes in accordance with this patent are manufactured with copper and have reduced costs—as the materials, shapes and manufacturing process—due to three innovative embodiments: 1. The reducing the thickness of the copper plates to only 0.10 to 0.15 millimeters, which reduces the cost of materials and the final weight of the assembly; 2. The molding of the gathering tubes by its stamping in these thin plates, which provide structural stability to the thin plates, thereby balancing the brittleness of their low thickness with increased resistance conferred by stamping; 3.

Abstract: A receiver used in a solar collection assembly includes a tube adapted to carry a heat transfer medium therethrough. An envelope surrounds the tube and has opposed ends and a diaphragm is interposed between each end and the tube to support the tube from the envelope. The diaphragm comprises radially oriented convolutions which minimizes the axial length of the diaphragm and hence reduces shading of the absorber tube.

Abstract: A solar collector has an opaque cover heated by solar energy. Heat flows from the opaque cover by conduction, convection, and infrared emittance across a gap within an at least substantially airtight enclosure to an absorber containing a working fluid. The exterior surface of the opaque cover has high solar energy absorptance and the interior surface has high infrared emittance. The exterior surface preferably has low infrared emittance. In one embodiment, fully wetted surface geometry permits direct and reflected infrared absorption by the absorber. The opaque cover eliminates the weight, cost and other shortcomings of glass. A hollow continuous side wall with rounded corners provides an embodiment that is robust yet economical, that is easy to manufacture and seal, that permits a reduced thickness of the opaque cover and mitigates the destructive potential of severe winds, and that can withstand the compressive forces experienced by an evacuated solar collector.

Abstract: A solar panel comprises a conduit which in the usual way is designed to comprise a heat carrying medium for heat transfer between the solar panel and the surrounding environment. The conduit is placed so that it can be heated by the rays from the sun. The solar panel comprises a chemical heat pump of the type hermetically sealed unity tube with a reactor part, an evaporator/condenser part and a passage there between. The part of the unity tube comprising the reactor part of the chemical heat pump is positioned in heat conducting contact with the first conduit and thereby the part of the unity tube with the reactor part will be heated. The unity tube may be surrounded by a heat insulating part of vacuum jug type comprising an evacuated space between an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall may at its outwards facing surface comprise a radiation receiving part adapted to transform solar radiation to heat and which is in heat conducting contact with the first area and the first conduit.

Abstract: A glass tube with a glass tube wall is provided, wherein an inner surface of the glass tube wall comprises at least partially at least one infrared light reflective coating. Additionally a heat receiver tube for absorbing solar energy and for transferring absorbed solar energy to a heat transfer fluid, which can be located inside a core tube of the heat receiver tube, is provided. The core tube comprises a core tube surface with a solar energy absorptive coating for absorbing solar absorption radiation of the sunlight. The core tube surface and an encapsulation are arranged in a distance between the core tube surface and the inner surface of the encapsulation wall with the infrared reflective surface such, that the solar absorption radiation can penetrate the encapsulation with the infrared light reflective coating and can impinge the solar energy absorptive coating.

Abstract: A solar receiver having a higher yield than a central tower receiver. The receiver comprises a plurality of absorbent tubes for absorbing incident energy from light guides suitable for capturing solar radiation in solar collector concentration focal points, the absorbent tubes being arranged consecutively and in parallel, adjacently in relation to a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent tubes. The tubes contain a circulating heat-transfer fluid. The longitudinal axes are contained in at least two planes, defining at least two lines of absorbent tubes arranged in an alternating manner, and partially superimposed. The receiver also comprises containers subjected to a vacuum in order to enclose the absorbent tubes and reduce losses by convection.

Abstract: A collector system (12) is disclosed that comprises a row of linearly conjoined collector structures (13). The collector system is arranged to be located at a level above a field of reflectors (10) and to receive solar radiation reflected from the reflectors within the field. The collector structure (13) comprises an inverted trough (16) and, located within the trough, a plurality of longitudinally extending absorber tubes (30) that, in use, are arranged to carry a heat exchange fluid. The absorber tubes (30) are supported side-by-side within the trough and each absorber tube has a diameter that is small relative to the aperture of the trough. The ratio of the diameter of each absorber tube to the trough aperture dimension is of the order of 0.01:1.00 to 0.10:1:00 and, thus, a plurality of absorber tube functions, in the limit, effectively to simulate a flat plate absorber.

Abstract: A solar power conversion receiver is described. In one aspect, the solar power conversion receiver includes a circular glass envelope and an absorber tube encapsulated within the circular glass envelope. An annulus, positioned between the circular glass envelope and the outer perimeter of the absorber tube, is bifurcated by first and second fins operatively coupled to the circular glass envelope and the absorber tube. These fins create first and second annulus compartments that are substantially sealed off, or independent, from one another. The first and second fins are ductile and responsive to expansion and contraction of components in the solar power conversion receiver due to temperature effects. In one aspect, gas in the lower annulus compartment stratifies with cooler gas interfacing with the encapsulating glass envelope, and hotter gas interfacing with the hotter absorber tube, resulting reduced natural convection heat loss as compared to conventional glass encapsulated receivers.

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

Abstract: Embodiments provide a solar-thermal receiver comprising: (a) a light-absorbing panel comprising: (i) a light-absorbing outer surface; and (ii) an inner volume configured to admit the flow of heat transfer fluid; (b) an inlet configured to receive heat transfer fluid; and (c) an outlet configured to output the heat transfer fluid from the volume under hydrostatic pressure. Embodiments may include vanes and/or other flow-directing and/or flow-impending structural elements.

Abstract: A solar collector comprises an evacuated glass tube (8), an absorbing section (9) comprising a radiation absorbing plate (10), an elongate tube (11, 15) for a working fluid in contact with the radiation absorbing plate (10) and a wire clip (25) for retaining the absorbing section (9) in position in the solar absorbing glass tube (8). The wire clip (25) consists of a single piece wire having a clamping portion (26) for clamping onto the outer surface of the working fluid tube (11, 15) and a pair of resilient side support sections (27) flanking the clamping portion (26). The side support sections (27) extend so that portions thereof engage against the inner surface of the solar absorbing tube (8).

Abstract: A solar energy collection conduit (10) comprising an optical concentrator (40) incorporated into an outer tube (30) having a sunlight-transmitting ceiling (32). The concentrator (40) focuses, guides, directs, and/or otherwise concentrates sunlight towards a pipe (50). Fluid (60) conveyed by the pipe (50) can be heated to very high temperatures (e.g., up to and above about 100° C., about 200° C., and/or about 300° C.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a field of open-flow solar collectors, and specifically to flat solar collectors with wetting the underneath sides of their solar radiation absorbing plates with liquid heat transfer medium. More specifically, the invention proposes the flat solar collector, which operates with relatively low flow rate of the heat transfer medium on the underneath side of the solar radiation absorbing plate, with flow in form of some rivulets. The invention describes some technical solutions, which restrict meandering rivulets' flow. The proposed flat solar collector can be applied for heating water or other liquids and for evaporation and concentration of aqueous solutions.

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

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vacuum-tight envelope for a vacuum solar thermal panel includes: joining edge to edge a first metal strip to a second metal strip in order to form a bi-metal strip, and then joining together the opposite ends of said bi-metal strip in order to form a closed loop; after said joining step, forming said first metal strip into a peripheral frame and said second metal strip into a peripheral belt; after said joining and forming steps, sealing the free edge of the peripheral belt to a glass front plate; after said joining and forming steps, joining a metal bottom plate to the peripheral frame.

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

Abstract: A solar receiver for a solar thermal system that is formed with ytterbium hexaboride (YbB6) is provided. A solar thermal system having a solar receiver of this kind is also provided.

Abstract: Solar concentration system with thermo-vector fluid made up of gas-based nanofluids and with suitably shaped receiver element of the solar radiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that comprises at least one collection unit (11), equipped with a collection tube (21) placed on supports (23), which is formed by an inner absorber tube (31) shaped as a continuous tube and an outer envelope tube (33). The collection unit (11) also comprises reflectors (15) that direct the radiation toward the collection tube (21). Moreover, the device comprises means (41, 43) designed to maintain the collection tube (21) space between the absorber tube (31) and the envelope tube (33) at a pressure of between 5·10?1-5·10?2 mbar. The main advantages of the invention include the reduction in the breaking of glass due to the lower stresses to fatigue, an increase in the effective collection surface (97%-99%) and active management of the vacuum, which makes it possible to monitor the evolution thereof at all times.

Abstract: A solar heat collection element includes: a central tube (102) formed from glass-ceramic material; and an outer tube (104) formed from glass material disposed coaxially with respect to the central tube (102) to form a volume therebetween (106).

Abstract: An interlocking photovoltaic module mounting system that provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame portion that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frame portions. The apparatus includes a frame member for enclosing the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, having an inside surface and outside surface, with the inside surface including a recess for capture of the panel. The frame member outside surface includes at least one interlocking means for affixation to the complementary outside surface of an adjacent frame-member. The frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting the frame member on a roof, so that adjacent frame members may be interlocked to form an array, and the foot portion may be adjusted to level the formed array on the roof.