Abstract: Heat storage devices suitable for storing solar energy, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a storage housing that contains a working fluid. A working fluid inlet pipe is coupled to the storage housing. A plurality of concrete plates are positioned in the housing, with the adjacent plates at least partially forming individual flow passages. A working fluid outlet pipe is coupled to the housing. A controller maintains a predominantly laminar flow of the working fluid in the flow passages. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be thermal oil having a boiling temperature of 300° C. or higher.

Abstract: A space-based solar power station, a power generating satellite module and/or a method for collecting solar radiation and transmitting power generated using electrical current produced therefrom is provided. Each solar power station includes a plurality of satellite modules. The plurality of satellite modules each include a plurality of modular power generation tiles including a photovoltaic solar radiation collector, a power transmitter and associated control electronics. The power transmitters can be coordinated as a phased array and the power generated by the phased array is transmitted to one or more power receivers to achieve remote wireless power generation and delivery. Each satellite module may be formed of a compactable structure capable of reducing the payload area required to deliver the satellite module to an orbital formation within the space-based solar power station.

Abstract: A central solar receiver (1) is provided having a heat exchanger assembly with walls that form an inlet chamber (2) and a generally juxtaposed outlet chamber (3) connected to each other by way of a multitude of tube assemblies (4). Each tube assembly (4) has an inner tube (6) and an outer tube (7) with the tube assemblies (4) extending away from the inlet and outlet chambers (2, 3). A remote end (8) of the outer tube (7) is closed and the inner tube (6) terminates short of that closed end (8). The interior of each inner tube (6) communicates with one of the inlet and outlet chambers (2, 3) and a space between each of the inner and outer tubes (6, 7) communicates with the other of the inlet and outlet chambers (2, 3) to form a passageway connecting the inlet and outlet chambers (2, 3) by way of the inner tube (6) and the space between the inner and outer tubes (6, 7) with a change in direction of flow of about 180°.

Abstract: A solar collector receiver tube containing an improved getter system is described. The solar collector receiver tube has a base, pills of getter material that are uniform in height, and a containment metallic mesh having a non-uniform height and presenting at least one depression.

Abstract: A solar heat collector is presented for heating a circulating fluid with an inner glass tube and an outer glass tube. The glass tubes are connected at their open ends, and the space between the inner tube and the outer tube being evacuated, wherein the inner space of the inner tube is divided by an insert to define a first channel and a second channel. Said channels are connected at the closed end of the inner tube. The inner glass tube and the outer glass tube have smooth inner and outer surfaces, and the insert is provided such that the first and second channels and a space between the end of the insert and the closed end of the inner tube define the same cross-section.

Abstract: A solar collector receiver tube containing an improved getter system is described. The solar collector receiver tube has a base, pills of getter material that are uniform in height, and a containment metallic mesh having a non-uniform height and presenting at least one depression.

Abstract: A double-sided vacuum thermal solar panel comprising a vacuum-tight envelope capable of withstanding atmospheric pressure when evacuated, the envelope comprising a first and a second glass plate transparent to solar radiation and facing each other, a perimeter frame defining the lateral surface of the envelope, the solar panel comprising at least one first heat absorber, a second heat absorber, a pipe which enters and exits the envelope by passing in between the first and second heat absorber, and a box-like element which surrounds the outer surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A solar receiver device includes a metal conduit and a glass container disposed around the metal conduit such that there is a space between the glass container and the conduit. A coating is disposed on the metal conduit and has a composition that includes at least one element from silicon, titanium, aluminum, barium, and samarium.

Abstract: Solar connector receiver tubes with getter systems having a substantially toroidal shape are described.

Abstract: The present application relates to a vacuum solar thermal panel (1) of the type comprising: a vacuum- tight envelope (10), having at least a front plate (11) transparent to solar radiation and a support structure (12) for said front plate (11); heat-absorbing means enclosed within said vacuum-tight envelope (10); and main getter means for keeping a vacuum condition within the vacuum envelope (10); wherein the vacuum solar thermal panel (1) further comprises a pressure indicator spot (13) of reactive material deposited on an inner side of said front plate (11), said reactive material undergoing a reaction noticeable from the outside of the vacuum-tight envelope (11) when the pressure within said envelope exceeds a given threshold.

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: New expansion compensating device and manufacturing method of the same, of those used in solar power absorber tubes featuring a dual bellows design where the height of the waves of the bellows is not regular, but the second wave is greater (where it supports more load) and diminishes towards the ends. With this design improving the performance of the receiver is achieved because it shortens the length of the device and consequently there is more surface area receiving solar radiation as well as it decreases the necessary diameter of glass tube and therefore its cost.

Abstract: A vacuum solar thermal panel includes a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated. The envelope includes a first plate made of glass, a second plate facing the first plate, a perimeter frame disposed between the first and second plate close to their edge, a metallic perimeter belt joining the perimeter frame to the first plate, a plurality of spaced apart bearing elements disposed against the edges of the first and second plate, and a plurality of traction rods joining the bearing elements with the perimeter frame to pull the perimeter frame toward the bearing elements, in order to limit the deformation of the perimeter frame under the external atmospheric pressure, when the envelope is evacuated.

Abstract: An absorber tube for solar collectors is provided. The absorber tube comprises a metal tube for carrying and heating a heat transfer medium, a sleeve tube enclosing the metal tube for forming an annular space that can be evacuated, a first container disposed in the annular space and filled with protective gas, an outer ring, and a transition element enclosing the metal tube for sealing off the annular space. The first container includes an outlet opening closed by a closure material, which releases the outlet opening under external actuation for introducing the protective gas into the annular space. The external actuation is applied by an opening unit that is activated for releasing the outlet openings. The first container is fixed in the annular space by a retaining device, which is on the outer ring and/or on the transition element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel arrangement of non-evaporable getters for a tube solar collector, said tube collector being of the type that includes an outer glass tube (2); an inner metal tube (3) through which a heat-transfer fluid flows; a vacuum chamber between both tubes; and, at the ends, non-evaporable getter pellets (1) that absorb gas molecules that could produce a loss of vacuum between the inner tube (3) and the outer tube (2) and the covers (8) at which a bellows-type expansion compensating device (4) is positioned. The inner metal tube (3) and outer glass tube (2) are positioned eccentrically to one another, forming a thicker area and a narrower area in the cover (8), said narrower area being used for the positioning, by means of bonding, of the non-evaporable getter pellets (1).

Abstract: Improved solar collectors receiver tubes are described. The improved solar collectors receiver tubes have a getter system containing one or more getter materials in the form of pills housed a single line in a suitable holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a solar power receiving tube and to the resulting tube, which is of the type that includes: an outer glass tube, an inner metal absorber through which a heat-transfer fluid flows, and an intermediate area in which the vacuum is produced. The method comprises the following steps: i. Production of the metal tubes ii. Production of the glass tubes: namely a longer central glass tube and two shorter glass tubes for the ends. iii. Process for the production of the Kovar rings or glass-metal transition elements iv. Process for the welding of the Kovar rings to the tubes v. Process for the production of the bellows or expansion compensating devices assemblies vi. Assembly of the products obtained in the preceding operations vii.

Abstract: An absorber tube, especially for solar collectors in solar thermal power plants with at least one collector mirror, is provided. The absorber tube includes a metal tube for supplying and heating a heat transfer medium, a sheath tube surrounding the metal tube to form an annular space that can be evacuated, a wall extending through the sheath tube and the metal tube to seal the annular space, and a getter material binding free hydrogen in the annular space. The absorber tube has a temperature variation device that changes the temperature of the getter material and the wall.

Abstract: An absorber pipe for solar collectors is provided. The absorber pipe includes a metal pipe for and a cladding pipe surrounding the metal pipe to form an annular space that can be evacuated. The absorber pipe can include a wall extending between the cladding pipe and the metal pipe for sealing the annular space and a retaining device for a getter material or a container filled with getter material or inert gas. The retaining device has a receiving section for receiving the getter material or the container. The retaining device is fastened to the wall. The absorber pipe can alternately include a getter material disposed in the annular space for binding free hydrogen present in the annular space and a reflector disposed in the annular space for reflecting radiation. The reflector has a housing with a support section for fastening and protecting the getter material from the radiation.

Abstract: There is provided a pipe in a solar thermal power plant. The pipe includes an inner tube configured for carrying a heated heat transfer fluid, an outer tube surrounding the inner tube, wherein the space between the inner and outer tube is evacuated, and a getter restraint structure configured for maintaining getters in a predetermined position. The getter restraint structure is in contact with the outer tube and otherwise entirely free of contact with the inner tube and/or is in thermal isolation from the inner tube.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant is provided. The solar thermal power plant includes a solar collection system configured for utilizing incident solar radiation to heat a heat transfer fluid (HTF) and a power block configured for utilizing the heated HTF to generate power. The solar collection system includes a plurality of pipes for carrying HTF characterized by a first degree of permeability to hydrogen, at least some of the pipes including portions exposed to the atmosphere, and including a membrane made of a material being characterized by a second degree of permeability to hydrogen, the second degree of permeability being higher than the first degree of permeability to hydrogen.

Abstract: A vacuum solar thermal panel including a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume and able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber being disposed inside the vacuum envelope, a pipe entering and exiting the envelope and being in contact with the heat absorber, the vacuum envelope including a first plate made of glass, a peripheral frame, a metallic peripheral belt being joined to the first plate by way of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal, including glass material and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification. The metallic peripheral belt includes at least one elastically deformable portion that prevents the bulk glass-metal seal from getting damaged and is no more vacuum tight when subject to the evacuation process of the envelope and the thermal treatments of the panel and the potential reciprocal displacements of the glass plate and the joined metallic peripheral belt.

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: A double-sided vacuum thermal solar panel comprising a vacuum-tight envelope (30) capable of withstanding atmospheric pressure when evacuated, said envelope (30) comprising a first and a second glass sheet (1, 2) transparent to solar radiation and facing each other, a perimetral frame (3) defining the lateral surface of said envelope (30), said solar panel comprising at least one first heat absorber (11), a second heat absorber (12), a pipe (13) which enters and leaves said envelope (30) by passing between said first and second heat absorber (11, 12), and a box element (10) which surrounds the outer surface of the pipe (13).

Abstract: The evacuated solar panel (1) comprises a frame (2) containing a plurality of spacers (3) carrying a transparent wall (4). The transparent wall (4) with the frame (2) defines a closed chamber (6) containing the spacers (3), the light absorber (8) and a getter pump (15). The getter pump (15) comprises an envelope having selectively blackened outer surfaces (16) and including one or more non-evaporable getter NEG elements.

Abstract: Evacuated solar panel (1) comprises a frame (2) carrying spacers (3,4) crossing one another and one or two transparent walls (10, 10a) connected to said frame (2) and defining with said frame (2) an evacuated closed chamber (11). The chamber (11) contains the longitudinal and transverse spacers (3,4) and an absorber (14) comprising a plurality of absorbing panels (14a, 14b) each connected to a cooling pipe (15) welded to the frame (2) at both extremities. The longitudinal spacers (3) are in contact with the transparent wall (10) to support it against the ambient pressure, while the transverse spacers (4) support the longitudinal sides of the frame (2) against the ambient pressure and are not in contact with the transparent wall (10), so allowing the absorbers (14a, 14b) to cover the whole length of the panel (1) without interruptions.

Abstract: Vacuum solar thermal panel comprising a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume, able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, said vacuum envelope comprising a first plate made of glass, a second plate facing the first plate, a perimeter frame disposed between the first and second plate close to their edge, a metallic perimeter belt joining the perimeter frame to the first plate, a plurality of spaced apart bearing elements disposed against the edges of the first and second plate, a plurality of traction rods joining said bearing elements with said perimeter frame to pull the perimeter frame toward the bearing elements, in order to limit the deformation of the perimeter frame under the external atmospheric pressure, when the envelope is evacuated.

Abstract: A vacuum solar thermal panel including a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume and able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber being disposed inside the vacuum envelope, a pipe entering and exiting the envelope and being in contact with the heat absorber, the vacuum envelope including a first plate made of glass, a peripheral frame, a metallic peripheral belt being joined to the first plate by way of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal, including glass material and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification. The metallic peripheral belt includes at least one elastically deformable portion that prevents the bulk glass-metal seal from getting damaged and is no more vacuum tight when subject to the evacuation process of the envelope and the thermal treatments of the panel and the potential reciprocal displacements of the glass plate and the joined metallic peripheral belt.

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: The present invention relates to a solar co-generation/tri-generation system having a thermal insulating coating structure (1) comprising a plurality of support beams (3), parallel each other, that can be fixed to a support structure; a support layer (5) provided on said support beams (3); a plurality of solar concentration linear means (2), provided on said support layer (5) in correspondence of said plurality of support beams (3) and that can be connected with a power generation system; and an insulating layer (7) coupled with said support layer (5).

Abstract: In a flat panel solar collector adapted to be evacuable and vacuum-tight, at least one absorber is provided. At least one conduit is provided which is at least partially thermally associated with the at least one absorber. A holding structure is provided comprising a perimetric frame. At least one first transparent wall is provided, the first transparent wall and the holding structure having a overlapping area. At least one side of the first transparent wall comprises at least partially at said overlapping area a metal coating forming at least one metallized area on the transparent wall. A first soft metal ribbon is provided sealing the junction between the first transparent wall and the holding structure and which is soldered to the holding structure and to the metallized area of the first transparent wall.

Abstract: The tubular radiation absorbing device (1) for solar thermal applications has a central tube (2) and a glass tubular jacket (3) surrounding the central tube (2) so that a ring-shaped space (4) is formed between the central tube (2) and the tubular jacket (3). The ring-shaped space (4) contains at least one inert gas with a partial pressure of 3 to 200 mbar. Alternatively in another embodiment a gas-tight closed container (10) filled with at least one inert gas is arranged in the ring-shaped space (4). The container (10) has a device for supplying inert gas to the ring-shaped space (4) in order to compensate for increased heat losses due to diffusion of hydrogen into the ring-shaped space (4) from the heat carrier medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat solar collector comprising individual vacuum chambers. The invention is formed by two heads and a series of parallel tubes having high transmittance in the solar spectrum, which is disposed between said heads. The opposite side of the heads is provided with vacuum chambers which closure the connections of the conducting tubes. One of the vacuum chambers is characterized in that it is fitted with a vacuum valve at one end thereof. In addition, conducting tubes are disposed inside the aforementioned tubes having high transmittance in the solar spectrum and said conducting tubes are in turn connected to collector plates, all under vacuum conditions which minimize convection energy losses. When the conducting tubes are configured in series, the collector can raise the temperature of the working fluid to above 200° C. All of the above is performed in a novel, simple and economical manner.

Abstract: A solar heating system for a building and other architectural structures including a solar heating system. The solar heating system comprises a solar heating module with an enclosure of panels bounding a plenum. An interior panel is disposed inside the enclosure. A collector panel, which is separated from the interior panel to define a heating chamber, is exposed to, and heated by, solar radiation. Outside air enters the heating chamber though passages in the collector panel, where the air is heated by heat transferred from the collector panel. An air-moving device is coupled with an air outlet from the plenum. The air-moving device applies a negative pressure in the heating chamber effective for drawing the outside air through the passages into the heating chamber and for withdrawing the heated air from the heating chamber through a delivery opening to the plenum for subsequent removal through the air outlet.

Abstract: A tubular radiation absorbing device (1) designed for a solar heating application is described. The tubular radiation absorbing device has a metal central tube (3) and a glass tubular jacket (2) surrounding the central tube (3). A folding bellows (11) is connected between the central tube (3) and the tubular jacket (2), so that the tubular jacket and the central tube are movable relative to each other. A connecting element (20) connects an inner end of the folding bellows (11) with the central tube (3) and extends from the inner end of the folding bellows (11) through an inner annular space (30) between the folding bellows (11) and the central tube (3). The connecting element includes at least a part of a hydrogen window (50). A getter (6) is arranged in an outer annular space (33) between the folding bellows (11) and the tubular jacket (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for improved efficiency in the collection of solar energy, in which an energy conversion device is provided that includes a first zone for converting received solar energy into thermal energy, the first zone having a Fresnel lens, and a heat absorption layer with heat collectors embedded therein. The energy conversion device also includes a second zone positioned at a lower level of first energy zone for converting received solar energy into electrical energy utilizing a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: An improved thermosiphon solar heater is disclosed. The thermosiphon solar heater includes a substantially planar collector including a plurality of heat exchanger channels that are positioned next to one another in a parallel relationship. The thermosiphoning solar heater also includes a pair of headers fluidly coupled to the collector. A first header is disposed at a top end of the collector. A second header is disposed at a bottom end of the collector. The thermosiphoning solar heater further includes one or more exposed storage tanks fluidly coupled to the header and positioned in a side by side relationship next to the collector.

Abstract: The parabolic trough collector has a receiver formed by several single absorber tubes (13). The single absorber tubes (13) are supported by absorber tube supports (14) and surrounded by a glass tube (15). Because of different expansion behavior of the absorber tube (13) and the glass tube (15) during collector operation flexible unions (17) are foreseen between absorber tube (13) and glass tube (15). In order to use the radiation coming to the non active-area where the absorber tube supports (14) and the flexible unions (17) are installed a mirror collar (20) is installed on this area. The mirror collar (20) is able to reflect the solar radiation, which is coming from different directions, to the active absorber part of the single absorber tubes (13) also when the sun incident angle is changing.

Abstract: The absorber pipe (1), especially for a parabolic collector for a solar heat collecting apparatus, is described. The absorber pipe (1) includes central metal pipe (3), a glass sleeve tube (2) surrounding the nine so that an annular space (4) is formed between them and an expansion compensating device connecting the central metal nine and a glass-metal transitional element (5) on a free end of the sleeve tube (2). The expansion compensation device (10) connects the metal pipe and sleeve tube, so that they can slide relative to each other, and includes folding bellows (11) for that purpose. Furthermore it also includes a connecting element (15), which has either a cylindrical or a conical section (17,18,18?) and which connects an interior end of the folding bellows with the metal pipe.

Abstract: A getter support assembly for supporting getters in a focusing collector type solar collector system comprising a tube radiation absorber (TRA) and a glass enclosure tube, defining therebetween an annular space, and a solar radiation focusing reflector. The getter support assembly comprises a bridge formed with an elongated trough having a getter support portion. The bridge further comprising feet fixedly attached to the TRA supporting the trough so that the trough is spaced apart from the TRA. The trough further comprises a radiation reflecting surface facing the TRA for blocking radiation emitted from the TRA and missed solar radiation reflected from the reflector.

Abstract: A getter support assembly for supporting getters in a focusing collector type solar collector system comprising a tube radiation absorber (TRA) and a glass enclosure tube, defining therebetween an annular space, and a solar radiation focusing reflector. The getter support assembly comprises a bridge formed with an elongated trough having a getter support portion. The bridge further comprising feet fixedly attached to the TRA supporting the trough so that the trough is spaced apart from the TRA. The trough further comprises a radiation reflecting surface facing the TRA for blocking radiation emitted from the TRA and missed solar radiation reflected from the reflector.

Abstract: A passive solar collector has a reflector or a plurality of reflectors in a tube that is in a partial vacuum and is entirely or partly transparent. An absorber collects light reflected by the reflector or plurality of reflectors and delivers energy from the collected light to a central tube where it heats a substance such as water or other fluid. The absorber is disposed at an angle to the axis of the passive solar collector. The passive solar collector is protected against overheating by one or more devices such as a getter that releases a gas to reduce the vacuum or an opaque shield that is placed so as to cover the reflector in response to an indication of overheating. Reflecting surfaces of the solar collector may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and they may be smooth or they may have dents, protrusions, or both. The surfaces of the solar collector may be smooth, ridged with smooth curves, or ridged with sharp curves.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting apparatus includes a first, inner glass dome, and a second, larger outer glass dome disposed outwardly from the inner dome. Both of the inner and outer domes have respective inner and outer surfaces and an open end, and an infrared reflective coating is adhered to the inner surface of the outer dome. A solder glass seal joins the open ends of the inner and outer domes together, thereby forming a void between said inner and outer domes. Means are provided for rechargeably forming a vacuum in the void, and an absorber plate is disposed beneath and covered by the inner and outer domes. Solar radiation entering the solar heat collecting apparatus according to the present invention is absorbed by the absorber plate, and transferred to a remote storage system by conventional heat transfer means, such as an array of conduits placed in thermal contact with the absorber plate and containing a suitable fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for obtaining heat and/or electrical energy from sunlight with at least one solar collector (2) having an absorber (4) and an energy concentrator (6) surrounding the absorber over its length and at least regions of its periphery and optically concentrating the sunlight on the absorber (4). The energy concentrator (6) has a prism arrangement (12) of transparent material at least at its peripheral region which will be illuminated by the sunlight in accordance with the sun's daily movements, with a plurality of axial adjacent prisms (14) running parallel to the absorber (4) and distributed around the periphery. All the prisms (14) are equal sided in cross section and their apexes (18) are directed towards the absorber (4).

Abstract: A flat plate solar collector comprising a planar glazing and a rear housing formed into a number of semi-circular cells to receive fin-tube absorbers with minimal direct contact, the glazing being a low iron glass with an anti-reflective exterior coating and a low emissivity interior coating, the glazing being directly supported by the rear housing cells, the interior wall of the rear housing and the lower side of the fin-tube absorber having low emissivity surfaces. At least one radiation shield member having low emissivity upper and lower surfaces is positioned between the fin-tube absorber and the rear housing. The collector is evacuated by atmosphere control means also capable of reintroducing atmosphere into the collector to control internal temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy at elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange.