Abstract: A solar energy conversion system includes a solar collector having a protective cover having a closed position and an open position, wherein a surface of the protective cover adjacent to the solar collector includes a reflective surface configured to reflect solar radiation at the solar collector when the protective cover is in the open position. The solar collector further includes a plane angle modifier configured to allow adjustment of the solar collector relative to the sun.

Abstract: The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel arranged singly or in an array, each solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed differential temperature between the solar panel or array and a dwelling set temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating to an existing ducting system in the dwelling or reflect solar flux from the roof, thereby reducing heating and cooling energy consumption and costs.

Abstract: A solar energy harvesting system including a luminescent solar concentrator for generating light emissions in response to received sunlight, and for redirecting and concentrating the light emissions onto a predetermined target (e.g., a PV cell). The luminescent solar concentrator includes a light-guiding slab containing a luminescent material that generates the light emissions, spaced-apart outcoupling structures that provide a distributed outcoupling of the light emissions through predetermined locations on one of the “broadside” (e.g., upper or lower) surfaces of the light-guiding slab, and optical elements positioned to redirect the outcoupled light emissions such that the light emissions are concentrated onto the predetermined target.

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

Abstract: A suction-recirculation device for stabilizing the flow of a curtain of blackened heat absorption particles falling inside of a solar receiver with an open aperture. The curtain of particles absorbs the concentrated heat from a solar mirror array reflected up to the receiver on a solar power tower. External winds entering the receiver at an oblique angle can destabilize the particle curtain and eject particles. A fan and ductwork is located behind the back wall of the receiver and sucks air out through an array of small holes in the back wall. Any entrained particles are separated out by a conventional cyclone device. Then, the air is recirculated back to the top of the receiver by injecting the recycled air through an array of small holes in the receiver's ceiling and upper aperture front wall. Since internal air is recirculated, heat losses are minimized and high receiver efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity. The system includes a platform having a top surface. The platform floats on a body of water and includes a plurality of energy modules. Each energy module produces electricity from a different source of energy and is affixed to the platform. Each module contributes produced electricity to the system for storage and distribution. Modules may include wind turbines for generating electricity from wind, water-driven generators for generating electricity from water currents, solar panels for generating electricity from solar energy, an apparatus which floats on water and converts kinetic energy of wave movements into electricity, and an apparatus which extends below the water where the platform is located upon and generates electricity from differences in water temperature at various levels of water depth. An apparatus may be mounted on the platform which produces hydrogen and oxygen gases through a process of electrolysis.

Abstract: A solar light collector assembly includes a mirror for concentratedly reflecting solar light; a frame for mounting the mirror; and a clamp arrangement for attaching the mirror to the frame. The clamp arrangement includes at least one base attached to one of the mirror and frame and at least one corresponding clamp attached to the other one of the mirror and frame. The at least one clamp is operative for clamping onto the at least one base to fasten the mirror to the frame.

Abstract: A solar thermal system comprising at least one solar system including a solar system working fluid flowing therethrough, and a solar receiver for heating the solar system working fluid by solar radiation admitted into the solar receiver, and a thermal energy system in fluid communication with the solar system and receiving the heated solar system working fluid so as to produce thermal energy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a “harness” assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc.

Abstract: A solar heliostat and system are described with various characteristics particularly suitable for concentrating systems with a relatively large number of small heliostats. Other features contribute to high performance, low cost, high durability, and high temperature operation, such as desired for high efficiency thermal power generation.

Abstract: This invention is a trough solar collector that uses inexpensive aluminized plastic films as the reflecting surface. The films are held in proper shape by stretching them between rigid ribs that are spaced apart along the length of the collector. The structure of the trough is held rigid by a unique sun-tracking system that not only guides a whole of array of troughs on a field to point them toward the sun, but also maintains the whole length of each trough in rigid configuration. It is not necessary to extend rigid metal beams along the trough to maintain the rigidity of the trough. Small-diameter cables are wrapped around rotatable pipes that extend along the east and west sides of the field. The cables extend over the field of the troughs and are attached to connecting points above the troughs in such a way that when the rotatable pipes rotate, the cables move, the troughs move with them, and the cables provide the rigidity of the troughs.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a compound parabolic concentrating (CPC) trough, a target, a plurality of sunlight diverters, and a tracker. The CPC trough is for concentrating sunlight and is symmetric about an imaginary plane of symmetry. The target is for absorbing sunlight concentrated by the trough. The plurality of sunlight diverters is to increase the sunlight received by the trough. The tracker is to orient the trough so that the sun is positioned on the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system arranged to gradually and stepwise heat a thermal fluid in thermal receivers, interconnected via an insulated tube and configured in parallel serially connected subgroups. The receivers are heated by optical elements arranged to reflect solar radiation upon the receivers, aligned according to specified temporal-spatial patterns, relating to the terrain and the solar motion. Receivers and optical elements may be positioned at specified locations and heights that maximize the energy yield. The configuration of the receivers and the optical elements may be adapted to storage and transport requirements. The system is highly modular and efficient in energy production and storage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a concentrating solar energy collector, which tracks movements of the sun along one axis has a reflective trough, at least one solar receiver mounted above the reflective trough and configured so that incident sunlight striking the reflective trough is directed toward the at least one solar receiver, and a reflector extender coupled to a first end of the reflective trough and configured to capture and direct incident sunlight towards the at least one solar receiver. In another embodiment, one or more extended end reflectors is attached with a reflective trough of a solar energy collector.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to solar energy collection and use in communications systems and to enhancements thereof. In an aspect, dual function antennas are disclosed that can simultaneously function as an antenna and as a solar energy collection system. In further aspects, disclosed embodiments can focus incident solar radiation to increase output voltage of conventional solar cells. Measured and simulated results demonstrate various aspects of the subject disclosure.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant associated with a solar thermal electric generation system has a heat receiver which receives heat from the sun, a gas turbine having a compressor and a turbine which operates with an operating fluid compressed by the compressor and heated by the heat receiver, a temperature sensor which detects heat from the sun, an auxiliary driving device which is driven based on the temperature of the heat detected by the temperature sensor, and which starts the gas turbine, and a generator which converts kinetic energy generated as a result of the rotation of the turbine into electric energy.

Abstract: A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tracking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.

Abstract: A solar mirror includes an opaque reflective coating on a surface of a transparent substrate facing away from the sun and a transparent reflective coating on the opposite surface of the substrate. The transparent reflective coating increases the percent reflection of wavelengths in selected ranges, e.g. wavelengths in the infrared range to increase the total solar energy reflected by the solar mirror to increase the solar energy directed to a receiver that converts solar energy to electric and/or thermal energy.

Abstract: Heat transfer pipes uniformly heat a compressible working fluid passing there through with a simplified supporting structure and reduced manufacturing costs. A solar central receiver (3) on top of a tower on the ground includes heat transfer pipes (16) arranged in the south-north direction; and a casing (14) accommodating the pipes (16) and has a solar radiation inlet (15) through which sunlight reflected by heliostats on the ground is transmitted to the lower surface side of the pipes (16). The pipes (16) are at equal intervals on a solar radiation receiving surface (11) parallel to a heliostat field on which the collectors are, or inclined with respect to the heliostat field on which the collectors are, and the diameters of the pipes (16) are substantially inversely proportional to the shortest distance from the inlet (15) to the central axes of the respective pipes (16) in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A panel of flat mirrors reflect light towards one or more locations. The light reaching the one or more locations is converted into another form of energy.

Abstract: A complete energy and water integrated building in a number of modules that may be usable together. The prime module is a solar collector-roof focuses sunlight on inverted strips of fluid-cooled photocells. A second module uses the heated photocell cooling-fluid as winter heating or to charge a heat storage device. A third module uses the heat from photocell cooling to concentrate a liquid desiccant. Water vapor is condensed to liquid water in this module. The concentrated desiccant is used to dry air (humidity extraction). External source of water enables the production of ‘added’ distilled water to increase the reserves of water within the building's water recycle system. Module 5 is a greenhouse with controlled insulation. This module is from liquid foam insulation technology that is in public domain and an invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror comprising a glass sheet and a silver layer applied to the glass and provided on its back with a protective coating comprising a layer of dried and crosslinked paint of the alkyd type and a layer of dried and crosslinked paint of the polyurethane type, the alkyd layer being located between the silver layer and the polyurethane layer. The invention also relates to its use for deflecting solar light onto a heat collector. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a mirror comprising: a silver layer is deposited on a glass sheet using a silverplating solution; then a layer of alkyd paint having a viscosity of between 25 and 110 seconds measured using a Ford No. 4 cup is applied on the side with the silver layer; then the alkyd paint layer is dried and crosslinked; then a layer of polyurethane paint having a viscosity of between 25 and 110 seconds measured using a Ford No.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a solar energy collection system will be described that includes a collector row and at least one stand that supports the collector row. Multiple longitudinally adjacent collectors are arranged end to end along a longitudinal axis to form the collector row. Each collector includes a reflector, at least one solar receiver and a support structure. The support structure supports the solar receivers and the reflector. The reflectors of the collector row are configured to have a range of tilt angles that are at least ±70 degrees around the pivot axis. In various embodiments, the reflectors of the adjacent collectors are arranged to collectively form a substantially continuous reflective surface along the length of the collector row.

Abstract: Mirror assemblies according to the present invention comprise a mirror (1) and a facing panel (2) with a sealed gas space (5) therebetween. The mirror (1) may be a mirror comprising a glass substrate (10), a silver coating layer (11) and at least one paint layer (12), or a mirror comprising an organic mirror film (14) bonded to a substrate (13). In the case of a glass mirror, the at least one paint layer (12) faces the sealed gas space (5) and in the case of a mirror comprising an organic mirror film (14), the mirror film faces the sealed gas space (5).

Abstract: Solar energy reflector, collector, array, and other equipment for converting solar energy to e.g. thermal energy. A reflector or collector may, for instance, comprise a plurality of longitudinal rails; a rib engaging and spanning the plurality of longitudinal rails; and a first mirror panel. The rib of the reflector or collector may have a slot that is parabolic or in the shape of a section of a parabola. A portion of the mirror panel such as an end portion or a portion located away from the ends may be positioned within the rib's slot.

Abstract: Solar energy reflectors (1) according to the present invention comprise a mirror (5) laminated to a support (6) by means of a bonding material (9) comprising a foam tape.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: Non-tracking solar collector device (1) comprising at least an absorber element (2), at least a couple of reflector elements (3) disposed on opposite sides of the absorber element (2) for conveying the solar radiation onto the absorber element itself and said reflector elements (3) comprising at least one fixed portion (8a,8b) and at least one rotating portion (9); the rotating portions (9) being movable between at least a first extreme position (10), in which the rotating portions are moved away from each other and the entire surface of said reflector elements (3) is substantially continuous, and a second extreme position (11), in which the rotating portions are moved close to each other in order to substantially obscure said absorber element (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for generating and superheating steam.

Abstract: A solar reflecting mirror having a curved reflective surface includes a plurality of transparent shaped segments held together by securing facilities to provide a shaped transparent substrate having a convex surface and an opposite concave surface, the concave surface having a focal area. A solar reflecting coating is provided over the convex surface of the shaped substrate to reflect visible and infrared waves of the electromagnetic scale to the focal area of the shaped transparent substrate. A method of making the solar mirror is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector. The collector has a heat regulating medium which defines a cavity therein. An aperture communicates with the cavity so as to allow solar energy incident on the aperture to enter the cavity. An energy collection device is disposed in the cavity and in thermal contact with the heat regulating medium to collect solar energy entering the cavity.

Abstract: This invention presents a trough-shaped solar collector. The solar collector includes a trough-shaped reflector for concentrating incoming solar rays upon a focal axis. The reflector includes a flexible reflective membrane having a concave reflective surface. The reflective membrane is braced by a support frame that is inside the concave space created by the reflective surface. The concave reflective surface forms a paraboloidal surface. The reflective membrane is placed in tension and is held against support frame members using clamps.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a compact solar concentrator module and array preferably with cooling and heat extraction system for converting solar energy to other energy forms preferably electric and thermal energies. The solar concentrator module comprises a vacant structure with a substantially reflective parabolic inside surface, as well as a focal device disposed within the vacant structure for receiving a solar energy converter or a solar cell preferably photovoltaic cell. the focal device being positioned proximate to the focal point of the reflective parabolic inside surface, and a transparent cover coupled to the vacant structure opposing to the reflective parabolic inside surface for transmitting sunlight therein.

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, the plurality of absorber tubes functions, in the limit, effectively to simulate a flat plate absorber.

Abstract: plasticizer-containing films based on polyvinyl acetal where the polyvinyl alcohol content of the polyvinyl acetal is less than 20 wt % are useful for production of mirrors for solar thermal power plants which exhibit low creep of the adhesive layer, and low corrosion of the specular surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a receiver panel is provided that includes multiple thermally conductive nanostructures. The thermally conductive nanostructures may be provided on a substrate that supports the multiple thermally conductive nanostructures. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive nanostructures may be substantially orthogonal with respect to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided with a reflective panel assembly that is supported by a frame and pivots about a first horizontal axis. The panel assembly is configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point, and includes a central panel and a pair of outer panels each pivotally coupled to the central panel and configured for folding over the central panel. A collector assembly is mounted relative to the frame and pivotal about a second horizontal axis. The collector assembly is configured for collecting solar energy and includes a receiver that is positioned at the focal point. The receiver is configured for extracting energy from the reflected sunlight. The solar collector may also include a four-bar linkage assembly for supporting the panel assembly and the collector assembly during movement from a collapsed position and a partially extended position.

Abstract: This invention is a trough solar collector that uses the principles of high leverage in order to produce a lightweight, inexpensive thermal solar collector. The parabolic reflectors are held in proper shape by rigid ribs that are spaced apart along the length of the collector. The structure of the trough is held rigid by a unique sun-tracking system that not only guides a long trough row to point it toward the sun, but also maintains the whole length of the row in rigid configuration. Small-diameter cables are wrapped around a rotatable pipe that extends along the row. The cables extend around circular arches attached to the parabolic ribs that provide high leverage for rotating the troughs. Since the arches rotate in unison, the long trough row is maintained in rotational rigidity. Rather than having heavy concrete foundations and heavy structures to support the troughs, lightweight support posts are placed into the ground, and guy wires maintain the position of the posts.

Abstract: An apparatus for harnessing solar energy that generates heat from solar radiation, which can be used in various applications. The apparatus for harnessing solar energy comprises a telescope reflector that projects a collimated beam towards a heat accumulator, wherein heat may be generated and used or stored for later use.

Abstract: Concentrating solar collector systems that utilize a concentrating reflector to direct incident solar radiation to a solar receiver are described. In one aspect, the reflective surface is arranged to direct light to the receiver in a non-imaging manner in which the solar rays reflected from the opposing edges of the reflective surface are generally directed towards a central portion of the solar receiver. Rays reflected from selected central portions of the reflective surface are directed closer to the edges of the receiver than the solar rays reflected from the edges of the reflective surface. The described reflectors are generally intended for use in solar collector systems that track movements of the sun along at least one axis.

Abstract: A reflector element carrier structure is disclosed for use in a solar energy reflector system. The structure comprises a reflector element (11), a corrugated platform (12) which carries the reflector element and a skeletal frame structure (13) which supports the platform. The frame structure comprises hoop-like end members (14) that are supported by rollers (18) and the rollers accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that lies substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element (11). The combination of the corrugated platform (12), the frame structure (13) and the hoop-like end members (14) of the frame structure provide the carrier structure with a torsional stability that permits the application of turning drive from one end of the structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment a solar collector is provided. The collector has a modular heat transfer component which includes a heat transfer core to heat up a heat transfer fluid. The collector makes use of the heat transfer fluid itself to prevent heat loss through radiation.

Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.

Abstract: A carrier and drive arrangement is disclosed for use in a solar energy reflector system. The arrangement comprises a) a carrier structure (10) having a platform (12) for supporting a reflector element (11), a frame portion (13) that includes hoop-like end members (14) between which the platform extends and support members (18) which support the frame portion by which of the end members and which accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element, and b) a drive system incorporating an electric motor for imparting unidirectional turning drive to the carrier structure by way of the hoop-like end members (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrator arrangement for solar radiation which has a beam splitter for deflecting solar radiation by means of total reflection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for concentrating and converting solar energy which has such a concentrator and at least one device for the conversion of solar energy. Such devices for the conversion of solar energy are for example solar cells, solar modules or thermal solar collectors. The concentrators according to the invention are used for concentrating solar radiation just as in sun protection panels.

Abstract: A solar concentrator having a concentrator element for collecting input light, a redirecting component with a plurality of incremental steps for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so system optics can provide illumination.

Abstract: A system and method of collecting solar energy from sunlight, employing a thermal generation apparatus having a solar collector module including a receiver in optical communication with an array of mirrors. The method comprises reflecting energy impinging upon the reflector assembly with a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is configured to direct energy reflected therefrom onto the receiver. The solar collector module is configured to rotate about an axis; and an angular position of the plurality of reflective elements is changed in relation to relative movement of the sun with respect to earth.

Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and methods for concentrating solar radiations with trough solar energy collectors are disclosed. A support assembly for a trough solar energy collector has a plurality of transverse ribs attached to longitudinal rails and end assemblies secured to the rails. End assemblies may attach to longitudinal rails through transverse ribs, and guy wires may span from one of the end sections to the other. Transverse ribs may be formed of two rib sections with semi-parabolic shape. Solar energy collecting panels may be placed on the ribs and secured with cowlings and transverse panel-retaining strips, for instance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the collection and conversion of light energy. The apparatus includes, a sandwich core structure, a collector element and a concentrator including one or more reflector elements and positioned at an exterior surface of the sandwich core structure.