Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror for a dish reflector of a system for generating electrical power from solar radiation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) shaping a blank of a deformable material to have a concave surface that is a required surface profile for a mirror; and (b) glueing, laminating or otherwise adhering together a back surface of a sheet of reflective glass and the concave surface of the shaped blank to form the mirror.

Abstract: A brewery plant with at least one mash container, a lauter tun, a wort pan and a water housing, wherein at least part of the thermal energy requirement of the brewery is covered with solar collectors, and the solar collectors directly or indirectly heat a fluid. Also, a brewing method where the thermal energy requirement for at least of a part of the brewing process stages is at least partially covered with a fluid heated directly or indirectly by solar collectors.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates each component.

Abstract: Reflector dish having a reflective surface for reflecting incident radiation to a focal region and a receiver for receiving radiation reflected by the reflective surface. A reflective surface support (26) supports the reflective surface. A receiver support (2) supports the receiver substantially in the focal region of the reflecting surface. The receiver support (2) includes at least one first elongate member (4) extending from substantially the central axis of the dish towards the outside of the dish, and a second elongate member (6) extending from the outer end of the or each first elongate support member (4) and connected to the receiver for supporting the receiver. The receiver support (2) is not in load bearing contact with the reflective surface (26). The reflective surface support (26) and the receiver support (2) are each supported by a support means (34) provided generally on or close to the central axis of the dish.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a concentrating solar energy receiver comprising a primary parabolic reflector having a center and a high reflectivity surface on a concave side of the reflector and having a focal axis extending from the concave side of the reflector and passing through a focal point of the primary parabolic reflector; and a conversion module having a reception surface wherein the reception surface is spaced from the focal point by a predetermined distance and disposed to receive a predetermined cross section of radiant solar energy reflected from the concave side of the primary parabolic reflector for conversion to electrical energy in the conversion module. In one aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface comprising a planar array of at least one photovoltaic solar cell. In another aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface coupled to a thermal cycle engine. The mechanical output of the thermal cycle engine drives an electric generator.

Abstract: A solar reflector for an evaporator in a heat pump system. The evaporator has heat transfer plates and is located in an outdoor environment. The solar reflector has a curved surface configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. The curved surface can be in the shape of a truncated parabola. The curved surface can also be curved in a dish-like shape defining an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, and the lower perimeter defines a bottom opening configured to receive the evaporator. The solar reflector can also be made of a plurality of partially overlapping curved surfaces configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. In this case the solar reflector includes a hinge ring, and each of the curved surfaces are hingedly attached to the hinge ring. Preferably the hinge ring defines an opening to receive the evaporator.

Abstract: A solar water heater comprising a water tank, a solar heating compartment for heating water, and an air pump. The water tank and the solar heating compartment are both substantially cylindrical, and the bottom surface of the heating compartment overlaps the top surface of the water tank. The solar heating compartment has an upper surface and a side surface which are substantially constructed from transparent materials. The heating compartment contains water tubing in communication with water in the water tank and at least one stainless steel parabolic reflector positioned for reflecting incident sunlight upon the water tubing for absorption. The water tubing terminates in at least one hot water outlet. The air pump is in communication with the water tubing within the solar heating compartment. Operation of the air pump causes a stream of water to continuously flow from the water tank to the hot water outlets by the siphoning effect.

Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.

Abstract: The absorber pipe (1), especially for a parabolic collector for a solar heat collecting apparatus, is described. The absorber pipe (1) has a central metal pipe (3) and a glass sleeve tube (2). An expansion compensation device (10) is provided, which is arranged at least partially in an annular space (4) between the metal pipe (3) and a glass-metal transitional element (5), which is attached to the sleeve tube (2). The expansion compensation device (10) can have a folding bellows (11). Furthermore a connecting element (15) is provided, which has either a cylindrical or a conical section (17, 18, 18″).

Abstract: A non-imaging energy flux transformation system including a concentrator incorporating a set of nested, ring-like, concave reflective elements, and a receiver. The system efficiently concentrates radiant energy, such as sunlight, by means of focusing the energy striking the entrance aperture of concentrator to the receiver located on the side of concentrator's exit aperture. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual non-imaging profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The receiver can be an energy absorbing device, a secondary energy concentrating transformer, or a flux homogenizer.

Abstract: An adaptive full spectrum solar energy system having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one hybrid luminaire, at least one hybrid photobioreactor, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator, each hybrid luminaire, and each hybrid photobioreactor. A lighting control system operates each component.

Abstract: A nonimaging light concentrator system including a primary collector of light, an optical mixer disposed near the focal zone for collecting light from the primary collector, the optical mixer having a transparent entrance aperture, an internally reflective housing for substantially total internal reflection of light, a transparent exit aperture and an array of photovoltaic cells disposed near the transparent exit aperture.

Abstract: A solar radiation concentrating system (1) comprises at least two reflectors (12, 16) successively arranged along an optical path (4) of the system (1) so that a first (12) of the two reflectors (12, 16) reflects the radiation towards a second (16) of the two reflectors (12, 16). The reflectors (12, 16) have such spectral characteristics as to be capable of highly reflecting the radiation in a reflection range of wavelengths and absorbing the radiation in an absorption range of wavelengths, wherein the absorption range of wavelengths of the first reflector (12) substantially includes the absorption range of wavelengths of the second reflector (16).

Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.

Abstract: A collection device for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing a reflector having a concave reflecting surface for concentrating electromagnetic radiation to a focal point. The reflector also includes an opposite surface, a flexible optical guide includes a first end portion which is located at the focal place of the reflector. Flexible optical guide also includes an intermediate portion which extends to the reflector and a second end portion which is located at the opposite surface of the reflector. The flexible optical guide extends through the reflector such that distribution of the concentrated electromagnetic radiation will pass from the second end portion of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A solar powered fluid heating system for providing a user with a cost and energy saving advantage when heating fluids includes a solar dish which includes a mirrored concave surface. A power head assembly coupled to the solar dish by a support pole extending outwardly from the solar dish. A fluid line extending through the support pole. The fluid line is coiled at a focal point of the mirrored surface of the solar dish whereby solar rays are directed by the solar dish onto the coiled fluid line for heating fluid passing through the coiled fluid line.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing solar radiation of tracking type including a matrix array of a number of light receptors is disclosed. A first set of four shafts are disposed parallel to each other and parallel to a floor surface on which the apparatus is installed. A second set of four shafts are mounted on each shaft in the first set, and four light receptors per one shaft in the second set including 4×4 equal to 16 shafts are supported, thus providing a total of 64 light receptors. Each light receptor internally contains a mirror having four sections, and four parabolic mirrors of a reduced diameter which reflect light reflected by respective sections to the center of each section. Where the light receptors constitute a light collector which condenses and projects solar radiation into optical fibers, a conical opening having a reflecting surface is defined centrally in each section, with a light receiving end face of an optical fiber disposed at the bottom thereof.

Abstract: Radiant energy collecting apparatus (11) which includes a platform assembly (13) floating on a body of liquid, the top side of which supports reflectors (16) of a solar concentrator and the underside of which is provided with a series of compartments (31) which are open on their lowermost sides and which contain air to provide buoyant lift to maintain the reflectors (16) above the level of liquid. Air may be supplied to the compartments (31) through an air duct (33) beneath the platform assembly (13), the duct (33) having a number of openings (35) through which the air passes.

Abstract: A hemispheric moving focus power plant (10) has a hemispheric solar reflector (12) for reflecting solar energy. A receiver (14) for receiving reflected solar energy and producing power therefrom is movably connected to the hemispheric solar reflector (12). The receiver (14) includes a frame with a top (24), to which a plurality of photovoltaic cells are connected, and a support (26). Further, a power conditioner (16) is connected to the receiver (14) for receiving power from the receiver (14) and conditioning the power for use.

Abstract: The solar concentrator system includes a generally parabolic-shaped primary reflector having a flat region at the center thereof, so that the focus of the primary reflector is a ring about the center axis of the reflector, in the plane of the rim thereof. A receiver, in the shape of an inverted, truncated cone, is positioned so that the peripheral surface of the receiver is approximately coincident with the ring focus. Solar cells are positioned in lines on the peripheral surface of the receiver. Prefilter tubular secondary concentrator elements are positioned just in front of the lines of solar cells, providing an additional focusing capability and improving the concentration of the solar rays, while being spaced sufficiently that the unilluminated areas between the lines of solar cells can accommodate electrical interconnectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for desalination of sea water by the utilization of solar energy, advantageously accompanied by electric power generation, containing a heat caption unit (1) serving as a heat source, a sea water collecting tank (10), a pre-heating tank (11), a heat receiver (20), and evaporators (2,3,4) connected in line, and distilled water storage tanks (13). The sea water collecting tank (10) and the pre-heating tank (11) that pre-heats the sea water and cools the distilled steam are situated beside each other at different level, and the adjoining walls of the two tanks have an opening for through-flow (11a) or a through-flow tube; the discharge duct (8) of the pre-heating tank (11) is led into the evaporators where the first evaporator (2) is provided with a heater (72) heated by the heating agent, the second and the subsequent evaporators (3) are provided with a heating system consisting of pipe rings (73a) utilizing hot vapor and pipes connecting the pipe rings.

Abstract: A cradle and concentrator dish for solar powered high pressure steam generation is described. The cradle permits the dish to rotate around the declination axis to follow the sun through its seasonal motions. The cradle with the dish rotates around the polar axis to follow the sun through its daily motions. The cradle is formed from two tetrahedra. Both axes of rotation lie behind the reflective surface of the dish. The dish has declination axis bearings mounted well away from its rear surface on a separate structure designed to connect the dish to the bearings. The cradle and dish combination allow tubes carrying fluid to and from a receiver mounted over the dish to accommodate the rotation of the cradle and dish by elastic torsion of the tubes.

Abstract: A radiant gas heating apparatus of the present invention includes a cylindrical member of a porous ceramic material adapted to be heated by radiation, and a flow passageway which directs gas radially through the pores of the ceramic material from one cylindrical surface of the cylindrical member to the other cylindrical surface thereof. A steam electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention includes a light focusing section having a porous ceramic member disposed within a transparent light-receiving section vessel, an electrolyzing cell having an oxygen electrode and a hydrogen electrode disposed on inner and outer surfaces of a cylindrical electrolyte, and a heat-insulating vessel covering the electrolyzing cell. In the steam electrolyzing apparatus, after low-temperature gas has passed through the space between the porous ceramic member and the light-receiving section vessel, the gas passes through the porous ceramic thereby being heated.

Abstract: A point focus distributed receiver system for generating high-pressure steam by means of solar energy collection is disclosed. The cradle within which a gimbal mounted concentrator dish rotates is designed to withstand high wind forces by delivering all forces along the polar axis to the equatorial end of the cradle, requires only one structural member to withstand flexural forces and provides an unobstructed volume behind the axis of rotation for the concentrator dish to rotate in. The concentrator dish comprises a plurality of segments whose bracing forms a tee-pee-like structure behind the dish. The receiver of the present invention further discloses a receiver cavity which achieves maximum blackness in a minimum depth and volume, a combined heat shield/secondary reflector and a plumbing system which permits the receiver system to operate successfully when the concentrator dish is nearly perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system includes a curved rim, a collector assembly including a plurality of solar radiation transducer elements passing through the plane of and connected to the curved rim, and a plurality of relatively small diameter tension members connected in distributed manner between the curved rim and the collector assembly and forming a stiff, lightweight, bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure. The support structure is rotatably supported from the ground in a manner to allow for three dimensionally stable support and rotation of at least ninety degrees with respect to the ground. Rotation of the bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure provides for a desired primary tracking motion to adjust for the apparent motion of the sun, and movement of the transducer elements provides for a second dimension adjustment for the apparent motion of the sun.

Abstract: A central solar receiver comprising a housing with a window for the admission of incident concentrated solar radiation, a volumetric solar absorber within the housing comprising a base body holding an array of absorber members spaced from each other and projecting from one face thereof with their free ends facing said window, means for the injection of working fluid into the volumetric solar absorber in flow directions which intersect the absorber members and means for the withdrawal of heated working fluid. The window of the central solar receiver is a tubular frusto-conical body coaxial with the housing, whereby the receiver is adapted for operation at elevated pressure.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting apparatus including a fluid reservoir, a platform floating on said fluid reservoir, a drive structure for moving the platform on the reservoir, radiant energy collectors supported on the platform, reflectors for concentrating radiant energy on the radiant energy collectors, and means for selectively submerging the concentrating means beneath fluid from the reservoir for protection against inclement weather conditions. Fluid feed impellers are supported beneath the platform within the reservoir and communicate with ports through the platform for pumping fluid onto the platform and reflectors. Opposing fluid impellers are associated with each fluid feed impeller, the opposing impellers being operable with the feed impellers to force fluid in an opposing direction to the feed impellers, with deflectors being disposed between the feed impellers and the opposing impellers.

Abstract: This invention the multiple reflection solar energy absorber makes possible the direct absorption of solar energy into a transparent working fluid, thereby heating the fluid and discharging it through a nozzle to produce power. The invention comprises a method for producing an ultra high concentration of solar flux and a means to circulate the working fluid into an interior cavity confining the ultra high energy concentration producing absorption of heat energy. The apparatus of the invention comprises a primary and a secondary solar energy concentrator, a multiple reflection chamber, a working fluid, a nozzle and thermal insulation. The invention can be constructed in several embodiments suitable for heating both liquids and gases.

Abstract: Applicant's invention is a lightweight solar collection system, supported overhead, having a parabolic reflecting trough which continuously rotates about a fluid-filled collection conduit located at the trough's focal point. The system is supported overhead preventing bending of the collection conduit, ensuring that solar rays reflected off the trough will continuously focus on the conduit. A tracking system, cooperating with the reflection assembly, monitors the location of the sun, cuing the motor when rotation of the trough is required for maximum heat collection. The efficiency acquired through a reflection assembly supported and braced overhead used in cooperation with a system monitoring movement of the sun, allows solar heat collection for operation of a cooling and heating unit simply and economically.