Abstract: Herein disclosed is receiving a request for an amount of electric energy, generating hydrogen by dissociating hydrogen from water, storing the dissociated hydrogen, determining if sufficient hydrogen has been stored to generate the requested amount of electric energy, refraining from recombining the hydrogen with oxygen until sufficient hydrogen has been stored and in response to determining sufficient hydrogen has been stored, activating hydrogen recombination with oxygen to generate the requested amount of electric energy. The hydrogen may be dissociated using an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer may be powered by a battery or a photovoltaic array. An implementation may selectively charge the battery or power the electrolyzer using the photovoltaic array. Steam pressurized from recombining the dissociated hydrogen with oxygen may be used to drive a turbine generator to produce the requested amount of electric energy.

Abstract: A light-splitting reflection high-concentration photovoltaic photothermal integrated cavity receiver includes a photothermal assembly and a photovoltaic assembly. The photothermal assembly includes a high-temperature heat storage system, a low-temperature heat storage system, a plurality of heat exchange tube bundles defining a reflective cavity, and an ultraviolet and visible light reflective film arranged on an inner surface of the reflective cavity. The plurality of heat exchange tube bundles are communicated to form a heat collection circuit, and the heat collection circuit has an input end connected with the low-temperature heat storage system, and an output end connected with the high-temperature heat storage system. The photovoltaic assembly is arranged at a focus of the reflective cavity, and includes a near-infrared reflective film, a high concentration photovoltaic integrated receiver and a concentration photovoltaic cooler stacked sequentially along an incident direction of light.

Abstract: A variable solar panel assembly includes a conventional solar panel, a mirror panel, and a transparent solar panel. The variable solar panel assembly is configured to reflect, by the mirror panel, light passing through the transparent solar panel towards the conventional solar panel. A method for managing an angle between the mirror panel and the conventional solar panel includes determining a position of a light source relative to a position of the variable solar panel assembly and adjusting the mirror panel to reflect light from the light source towards the conventional solar panel of the variable solar panel assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting solar energy wherein the system comprising a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and a plurality of solar panels secured to an outside periphery of the tower. The method comprises providing a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and securing a plurality of solar panels to and around an outside periphery of the tower.

Abstract: The receiver is provided with the heating area for heating a heat-transporting medium. The receiver has an optical opening for sunlight. An absorber absorbing the sunlight is arranged within the path of the incidental sunlight and with a transport arrangement for the transport of the medium through the heating area. The absorber is designed as a blackbody radiation arrangement with reduced convection and the transport arrangement for the transport of a gas is designed as a heat-transporting medium. By means of this, the receiver can be designed in a simpler and more reliable manner.

Abstract: A window reflector or heliostat is disclosed that is reversibly installed onto a window sill in order to reflect a view of the sun or sunlight into a room in a building. Window reflector or heliostat is a reflective member that is reversibly rigidly attached to a window sill on a window in a room. Window reflector or heliostat is an ultra-lightweight specially shaped biplanar reflective member with a reflectivity of 95 percent or greater at ninety degree incidence. Biplanar reflective member may be a one-piece assembly or a two-piece assembly with adjustable hinges. Window reflector or heliostat is reversibly attachable to the window sill using hook or loop attachment strips or window sill attachment fasteners.

Abstract: A light-receiving device includes: a light guide plate of a transparent member having a first surface and a second surface as principal surfaces opposed to each other and an emission surface formed on at least one end of the transparent member; a lens sheet having lenses and is disposed opposite to the first surface; a support member that supports the lens sheet such that a distance between the principal surface of the lens sheet and the second surface is equal to the focal distance of the lenses; a directional light-guide layer that is disposed on the second surface of the light guide plate and guides, toward the emission surface, the travel direction of an optical signal entering the light guide plate; and a receiver that receives the optical signal emitted from the emission surface of the light guide plate and converts the received optical signal into an electric signal.

Abstract: We describe a capnometer for detecting a concentration of a component in a gas, wherein said gas is inhaled and/or exhaled by a patient, said capnometer comprising: an air flow region through which said gas passes to and/or from said patient's lung; a mid-IR semiconductor emitter configured to provide IR light at a wavelength in the range 3-5 ?m; a mid-IR semiconductor detector to detect said IR light; a reflector to reflect said IR light emitted by said emitter; wherein said emitter, said detector and said reflector are arranged such that said IR light emitted by said emitter passes through said air flow region via said reflector to said detector. The reflector is selected from a Fresnel reflector and a reflective diffractive optical element, such as a Fresnel zone plate.

Abstract: This invention concerns a receiver unit (10) for a parabolic trough solar plant. The receiver unit (10) has a conduit (12) for conveying a heat transfer fluid (14) and a cover (16), which is located about the conduit (12) such that a vacuum is formed between the conduit and the cover. The conduit (12) is designed to absorb thermal radiation. The cover (16) has a first portion (26) defining a window (22) through which incoming solar radiation (24) passes into the vacuum and onto the conduit (12) and a second portion (28) carrying a reflective surface (20) so as to reflect thermal radiation back onto the conduit (12). The invention also concerns a method of reducing thermal radiation loss from a parabolic trough receiver.

Abstract: A reflector array includes a base, a rotating support pivotally coupled to the base, and an array actuator comprising a rotating element coupled to the rotating support. The reflector array also includes a plurality of reflectors attached to the rotating support such that the plurality of reflectors rotate in unison in conjunction with one another relative to the base as the array actuator rotates the rotating element. First and second reflectors are coupled to the rotating support via separate reflector support elements that are rotatable to adjust elevation angles of the first and second reflectors.

Abstract: A solar power generating system for generating electricity and providing heat includes; at least one generator for generating the electricity; a heating element for heating a heat transfer fluid; a turbocharger having at least one turbocharger turbine and at least one turbocharger compressor, wherein the at least one turbocharger compressor is adapted to receive and pressurize the heat transfer fluid, and the at least one turbocharger turbine is coupled to the at least one turbocharger compressor, wherein the at least one turbocharger compressor receiving and expanding a heated compressed heat transfer fluid coming from the heating element to drive the at least one turbocharger compressor and; a control unit configured to control the solar power generating system by comparing thermophysical properties obtained from more than one sensors placed in the solar power generating system with predetermined data in the control unit.

Abstract: An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a system that includes a susceptor configured to retain a semiconductor substrate, a heating element, and a reflector integrated with the heating element, where the reflector includes a surface defined by a plurality of circumferential ridges having a separation distance that varies from a top portion of the reflector to a bottom portion of the reflector. The method further includes heating the semiconductor substrate and forming an epitaxial layer on the heated semiconductor substrate, where the heating includes emitting thermal energy from the heating element and reflecting the thermal energy from the surface of the reflector onto the semiconductor substrate, where an amount of the thermal energy received by an edge of the semiconductor substrate is more than an amount of the thermal energy received by a center of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A light-modulating device includes optical microstructures, each including a topmost layer, a bottommost layer, and in-between layers. The topmost layer extends in a first predetermined axis. The bottommost layer extends in a last predetermined axis which turns about a center axis such that an incident light beam passing through the topmost layer in an incident route is modulated to permit the light beam emitting from the bottommost layer to impinge upon a solar concentrator disposed below the light-modulating device along an impinging route different from the incident route. The in-between layers are sequentially turned about the center axis by an incremental degree toward the last predetermined axis.

Abstract: A method of using a combustor for high temperature combustion. The combustor is equipped with a showerhead type micromix air-fuel injector. The injector faceplate has its ports concentrically arranged into “banks”, to which delivery of fuel can be controlled on a bank-by-bank basis. During combustor operation, the temperature of the air into the combustor is monitored. If the temperature is above a predetermined threshold, fuel is delivered to fewer than all banks of ports. As a result, the bank(s) of ports to which fuel is not delivered inject only air into the combustion chamber, and the other bank(s) of ports inject the air-fuel mixture as usual.

Abstract: A concentrator (10) of sun rays comprising: a reflective body (15) adapted to reflect incident sun rays towards a focal segment (SF) at which the reflected sun rays intersect, wherein the reflective body (15) comprises a plurality of reflective first sheets (40) alongside each other along a flanking direction parallel to the focal segment (SF) and each of which is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a plane passing through the middle point (PM) of the focal segment (SF) and orthogonal to the focal segment itself, wherein each first sheet (40) comprises a reflective surface defined by a plurality of parabolas (401), which are alongside each other with respect to the flanking direction of the first sheets (40) and each have a vertex (Vn1) placed on a vertex segment (SV1), which joins all the vertices (Vn1) of the parabolas (401) of each first sheet (40) have a focal distance varying along the flanking direction and are configured such that each parabola has a focal point (F1, Fn1, F2) placed on th

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for manufacturing large PV sheets and conveying large PV sheets away from the PV manufacturing site while routing power from the PV sheet to the grid.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems and methods for optimizing the harvesting of solar energy are disclosed. The photovoltaic system includes: a housing; and a solar panel assembly supported within the housing. The solar panel assembly comprises: one or more solar panels; and a plurality of elongate tubes for receiving the solar panels. The tubes are stacked perpendicular to a base of the housing. Recycling of incident light is facilitated within each of these tubes. The light is intermittently or continuously recycled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar refraction device (“SRD”) for heating industrial materials in a heating container, having a bottom, with diffuse solar energy that impinges on an outside surface of the SRD and is refracted through the SRD. The SRD may include a lens array assembly and a plurality of lens panes attached to the lens array assembly. The lens array assembly may include an outside surface corresponding to the outside surface of the SRD, an inside surface, and a plurality of lens array sub-assemblies.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a light-concentrating mechanism that is suitable for photovoltaic power generation. [Solution] This light-concentrating mechanism comprises an angle selective reflection means that reflects light having an incident angle of at least a first threshold angle and transmits at least some of the light having an incident angle smaller than the first threshold angle, and an angle-increase reflection means that reflects incident light at an angle greater than the incident angle of said light, the two means being arranged so as to have a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A solar collection assembly for collection of incident solar energy and generation of electricity includes a central vertically oriented support column carrying a solar collection assembly of one or more dual faced solar receptor assemblies. Each solar receptor assembly has an upper solar receptor surface and a lower solar receptor surface. A rotatable solar collector reflective assembly surrounds the central vertically oriented support column and is oriented to reflect incident solar energy onto the solar collection assembly. Sails are attached to the outside of the rotatable solar collector reflective assembly for additional generation of electricity by rotation of the rotatable solar collector reflective assembly from wind energy.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tracking device configured to track an object in space, such as the sun, as the object moves across the sky. The tracking device may further be configured to direct a payload toward the object or toward an angle relative to the object. The tracking device may continuously or intermittently determine the location of the moving object, and adjust the position of the payload accordingly. The tracking device may calculate the position of the moving object based on GPS information, such as triangulated coordinates of the tracking device, date, and time. Generally, the tracking device may be capable of tracking an object such as the sun from anywhere on the earth's surface. The tracking device may employ one or more actuation assemblies to position the payload toward or relative to the moving object. The one or more actuation assemblies may operate through linear motion.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include improved mounting hardware for reducing hardware costs and labor required for assembly. For example, mounting hardware can include surfaces for supporting part or all of the weight of a solar module as it is brought into contact with mounting hardware and then moved into a final engaged position. In some systems, a torque tube can include saddle mount assemblies that allow a solar module to be partially engaged and a registered with the saddle mount while being pivoted into a final locked engagement. Some systems can include arrangements sufficient to support the full weight of a solar module in a disengaged position, and as it is moved into a final engaged position. Some systems can include a configuration of apertures and interference or snap-fit features for providing tool-less connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

Abstract: The solar collector unit is adapted for reflecting light onto a receiver, and comprises a reflector element, and a support structure supporting the reflector element. The reflector element is flexible and comprises a reflective surface and a substrate having a predefined length and width. The support structure comprises a predefined number of profiles per length unit connected to the reflector element at a distance from each other to provide a predefined shape of the solar collector unit. The number of profiles per length of substrate may be varied and lies in the interval 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10, most preferred 5 to 8 per 2000 mm of length of the substrate.

Abstract: A novel cost effective low profile structure that converts and stores solar radiation into heat and electricity for controlled utilization. The inventive material incorporates a large insulated vault or chamber of substantial thermal mass connected to a series of inlet passages and to a solar collector assembly. As solar radiation is collected by the solar collector assembly a temperature gradient is created between the collector and the air that is within the vault resulting in air being drawn out of the chamber and through the collector assembly. This air movement is utilized to rotate turbines that are coupled to the inlet passages generating electricity. The hot air is also captured and utilized. The system provides for an efficient, economical process of harnessing and utilizing solar energy by capitalizing on not only on its thermal nature, but its motive nature as well.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a receiver for receiving radiation from a heliostat array that includes at least one external panel configured to form an internal cavity and an open face. The open face is positioned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and forms an entrance to the internal cavity. The receiver also includes at least one internal panel positioned within the cavity and aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the at least one internal panel includes at least one channel configured to distribute a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: Electric power obtained by wind power generation is used effectively. A power generation system in an embodiment includes: a wind power generation apparatus; a solar thermal power generation apparatus; and an electrothermal converting unit. The solar thermal power generation apparatus includes: a heater heating a heating medium by solar heat; and a heat exchanger exchanging heat of the heating medium heated by the heater and heat of a working fluid to operate a drive mechanism of a power generator. The electrothermal converting unit converts part of electric power generated by the wind power generation apparatus into heat to heat the heating medium.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer, laptop, or tablet that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which may include any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of an information-processing device includes a logic component mounted on a circuit board. The information-processing device also includes a plastic layer surrounding the logic component. Further, the information-processing device includes a first metal layer surrounding the logic component. The plastic layer is integrated with the first metal layer.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for manufacturing large PV sheets and conveying large PV sheets away from the PV manufacturing site while using power from the PV sheet to power the PV manufacturing site.

Abstract: Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described. Low pressure solar receivers are provided that function to convert solar radiation energy to thermal energy of a working fluid, e.g., a working fluid of a power generation or thermal storage system. In some embodiments, low pressure solar receivers are provided herein that are useful in conjunction with gas turbine based power generation systems.

Abstract: A solar device alignment system enabling greater adjustment of solar devices during installation is provided. The alignment system enables both translational and rotational adjustments in multiple degrees of freedom, allowing solar device installers to make greater adjustments to allow greater tolerances in installing solar devices and limit the need for extensive and expensive surveying and/or redesign of the installation to account for those tolerances.

Abstract: A solar array for collecting sunlight that is converted into electricity. The array includes an arrangement of solar collectors strategically positioned on a frame to maximize the amount of sunlight collected in relation to the size of the array. The collectors are plate like members with a reflective side and shaped so that sunlight collected by the reflective side is concentrated at a location away from the reflective side. The collectors are recumbently positioned in rows with their respective reflective sides directed away from the array frame. The collectors are spaced apart so that no collector casts shade on any part of another collector and substantially no sunlight between adjacent collectors.

Abstract: Polymeric sheets suitable for use as solar concentrators in solar thermal devices are provided. Also provided are solar thermal devices incorporating the polymeric sheets. The polymeric sheets have two oppositely facing surfaces. A first pattern is defined in the first surface and a second pattern is defined in the second surface. The first pattern is designed to reduce the reflectance of light incident upon the first surface relative to the first surface in the absence of the first pattern and to channel incident light through the sheet onto the second surface. It does so by redirecting photons incident upon the first surface over a broad range of incident angles into transmittance angles that are more closely aligned with the surface normal of the polymeric sheet. The second pattern is designed to focus the photons transmitted to the second surface of the sheet onto a focal surface, such as a receptacle containing a heat-transfer medium.

Abstract: A robotic controller for autonomous calibration and inspection of two or more solar surfaces wherein the robotic controller includes a drive system to position itself near a solar surface such that onboard sensors may be utilized to gather information about the solar surface. An onboard communication unit relays information to a central processing network, this processor combines new information with stored historical data to calibrate a solar surface and/or to determine its instantaneous health.

Abstract: A sun-tracking light distributor system for use in one of an open-ended system and a closed photo-bioreactor for a photosynthetic culture having an aqueous liquid is described. The system comprises: two light distribution walls made of a transparent material allowing sunlight to pass therethrough, the two light distribution walls creating an elongated channel with an interior space adapted to receive the sunlight and an exterior surface adapted to be partly immersed in the aqueous liquid in use; and a displacement system operatively connected to at least one of the two light distribution walls, the displacement system being adapted to change an orientation of the at least one of the two light distribution walls to track a solar position with respect to at least one axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that offers a capability to concentrate light from a large focal point onto a small spot on a detector. The system also offers off-axis capability should the system be moved, poorly pointed, off axis or jostled while in use. As designed, the present invention includes a half-ball lens having a front end and a back end, a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) having a front end and a back end, wherein the front end of said CPC is adjacent to the back end of the half-ball lens such that the CPC is centered against the back end of the half-ball lens, and a detector, wherein the detector is adjacent to the back end of the CPC.

Abstract: A solar array for collecting sunlight that is converted into electricity. The array includes an arrangement of solar collectors strategically positioned on a frame to maximize the amount of sunlight collected in relation to the size of the array. The collectors are plate like members with a reflective side and shaped so that sunlight collected by the reflective side is concentrated at a location away from the reflective side. The collectors are recumbently positioned in rows with their respective reflective sides directed away from the array frame. The collectors are spaced apart so that no collector casts shade on any part of another collector and substantially no sunlight between adjacent collectors.

Abstract: A method for shaping a glass sheet having a thickness Ev by applying and adhering a layer of a first material that can be subjected to traction onto a first surface of the glass sheet. The layer has a thickness E1. Either the neutral fiber of the complex moves across into the layer of the first material, the glass being then completely under compression; or the neutral fiber moves towards the first material but remains in the glass sheet, the surface of the glass being then subjected to a level of traction lower than the failure value. The complex comprising the glass sheet coated with the first layer of material is deformed, such that it is close to the final shape and the glass is mainly under compression. A stabilizing element B is applied and adhered or attached onto the complex A and of dimensionally stabilizing the final shape.

Abstract: A solar receiver is disposed on a top portion of a tower provided upright on the ground for heating a compressible working fluid by means of heat converted from sunlight collected by heliostats disposed on the ground, to raise the temperature of the compressible working fluid. The solar receiver has modules disposed back-to-back, and each of which includes a casing having a bottom plate to be fixed to the top-portion upper surface of the tower. A heat-transfer-tube unit is accommodated in the casing and includes heat transfer tubes. A sunlight inlet port having a circular shape in front view or an elliptical shape in front view is provided at the center portion of a plate-like member whose lower end is connected to an outer circumferential end of the bottom plate to constitute the casing and that extends obliquely upward from the outer circumferential end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror module of a Fresnel Solar Collector System with a plurality of mirror elements pivotably mounted on a carrier plate and extending in parallel, which focus the sun light upon a receiver unit mounted above the mirror module in a raised position. The mirror elements are pivotably mounted on the carrier plate at least along longitudinal sections.

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation in an absorber (2), an anchoring frame (8) and an inflatable concentrator pad (3), which has a light-transmissive entry window (4) for coupling in the solar radiation and a reflector film (5) subdividing the concentrator pad (3) into at least two cavities (6, 7), wherein the reflector film (5) is designed to concentrate the solar radiation in the absorber (2) which is arranged in the cavity (6) of the concentrator pad (3), and with an anchoring frame (8), arranged outside of the concentrator pad (3), for anchoring the concentrator pad (3), wherein the absorber (2) is attached to the anchoring frame (8) by means of an absorber mount (15) and the concentrator pad (3) has at least one attachment opening (26) for the absorber mount (15) to pass through.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Drives and drive systems are described herein that may provide improved rotational positioning, movement, and/or rotational positional sensing. For example, drives and drive systems are provided which allow operation through a variable frequency drive. The components and methods described herein may be used together in any combination in a solar collector system, or they may be used separately in different solar collector systems.

Abstract: System for establishing a surface shape. The system includes a compliant substrate including the surface and having a reverse side, and a plurality of discrete actuators engaging the reverse side and arranged in a selected pattern to control the surface shape as individual discrete activators are activated. It is preferred that the actuators have multiple discrete stable states of elongation. A particularly preferred embodiment uses actuators that are binary with two stable states of elongation.

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 receiver includes at least two receiver panels having a common outer front surface for receiving incident solar radiation from a field of mirrors. The receiver panels include an array of side by side arranged heat exchange tubes which have a substantially straight main portion which extend in an upwards longitudinal direction and an inwards extending portion for a connection to an input or output header for respectively distributing or collecting fluid to or from the heat exchange tubes. The receiver panels are spaced apart in the upwards direction at a distance of Z cm. The header for the solar receiver is spaced behind the front surface at a distance of A cm, wherein the quotient of Z and A, Z/A, at the most equals the quotient of a vertical V and a horizontal H distance, V/H, from the header to a most far positioned mirror.

Abstract: A tubular heat-absorbing element partly enclosed in an insulating layer or jacket, has absorbing surface that is accessible to solar radiation. The thermal insulation is designed to provide entry to solar radiation by way of a cavity. The absorbing surface can be substantially planar.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention provides a supporting and a shape-regulating device for a reflector of a heliostat, which relates to the solar field.

Abstract: A solar collector is formed as a compound arrangement of a multiple number of tapered, pyramidal-type structures. This forms an N-stage solar collector, each stage providing a degree of concentration and thus forming an arrangement that is smaller than a single stage collector (while achieving the same amplification factor). The stages are arranged in tandem along a common optical axis, with the output of the first stage becoming the input for the second stage, and so on. It was found that a reduced number of reflections is required, reducing the loss of the overall system.

Abstract: A mirror (31) that reflects solar light, a rear plate (35) that supports a rear surface of the mirror (31), and a support frame (36) that is disposed on a rear surface of the rear plate (35) are prepared. Next, the rear plate (35) and the support frame (36) are joined to each other. Moreover, an adhesive agent is disposed between the mirror (31) and the rear plate (35), the mirror (31), the rear plate (35), and the support frame (36) are elastically deformed so that a reflecting surface of the mirror (31) forms a target three-dimensional curved surface, using a lower mold (51) and an upper mold (52), and the elastically deformed state is maintained until the adhesive agent is cured.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.