Abstract: A digital fluid heating system may include a solar collection system configured for focusing sunlight on a focal axis, an elongated flow element arranged and configured for transporting fluid along the solar collection system at the focal axis, and a flow-control assembly comprising a digitally controlled valve configured to control the flow of the fluid in the elongated flow element such that pathogens present in the fluid are substantially inactivated before the fluid exits the fluid heating system and at a maximized flow rate under the given energy providing conditions. The system may also include one or more digital controls and communication systems for remote and/or automatic control.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a photovoltaic cell including a sun tracker, a top surface configured to generate electrical energy from the incident sunlight, and a bottom surface configured to thermally dispel heat generated by the photovoltaic cell; at least one mirror including a reflective surface; a plurality of actuators securing the at least one mirror the photovoltaic cell; at least one actuator pump connected to the plurality of actuators and configured to extend or retract the plurality of actuators and adjust the distance of the at least one mirror from the top surface; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the bottom surface of the photovoltaic cell; and a fluid pump connected to the heat exchanger and configured to circulate the fluid through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar desalinator that converts contaminated water to potable water includes a cylindrical solar collector, a trough-shaped parabolic mirror, and a condenser. The solar collector is positioned within the trough-shaped parabolic mirror, and the parabolic mirror focuses the Sun's rays onto the solar collector, heats the water, and converts the water to steam. The steam is fed to the condenser where the steam is condensed to recover potable water. The solar collector includes an inner conduit surrounded by an outer shell with a vacuum in the anger space between. Energy absorbing material in the form of dark metal is positioned in the inner conduit. A residue bulb is attached at the contaminated water inlet to collect residue left by the creation of the steam.

Abstract: Reflectors for solar concentration and methods for formation thereof. A reflective assembly (1340) may include a plurality of elongate panels (370) forming a continuous trough (1330), and a frame (1230) configured to support the panels, with the frame with attached panels defining a parabolic contour on the top side of the trough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflective element for solar fields, having a sandwich-type structure, comprising a reflective sheet (1), a reinforcement sheet (2) and a layer of foam (3) arranged between the reflective sheet (1) and the reinforcement sheet (2).

Abstract: Various configurations of solar collectors are defined. Some solar collectors are formed from flat glass mirrors. Some solar collectors are formed by bending a sheet along a curve.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus includes a solar collector panel having a parabolic shape, and a base comprising a pair of spaced apart support frames. Each support frame has a parabolic shape corresponding to the parabolic shape of the solar collector panel. Spaced apart rollers are positioned along an upper surface of each support frame to support the solar collector panel. A drive mechanism is coupled to the solar collector panel for rotation thereof. The solar collector panel includes a pair of spaced apart guide channels on an underside thereof for contacting the spaced apart rollers to ensure that the solar collector panel rotates squarely with respect to the base.

Abstract: Provided is a consumer to industrial scale renewable energy based quintuple-generation systems and energy storage facility. The present invention has both mobile and stationary embodiments. The present invention includes energy recovery, energy production, energy processing, pyrolysis, byproduct process utilization systems, separation process systems and handling and storage systems, as well as an open architecture for integration and development of additional processes, systems and applications. The system of the present invention primarily uses adaptive metrics, biometrics and thermal imaging sensory analysis (including additional input sensors for analysis) for monitoring and control with the utilization of an integrated artificial intelligence and automation control system, thus providing a balanced, environmentally-friendly ecosystem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal vector system for solar concentration plants, in particular for parabolic trough solar concentration plants, both for industrial and domestic use, comprising a solid state thermal vector. A preferred solar concentration plant comprises one or more solar collectors (1), an heat exchanger (3-5), a heat accumulator (2) and a connecting pipe circuit, in which a solid state thermal vector is pushed through said circuit by mechanical means (6).

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

Abstract: A linear solar energy collector system includes reflective lines arranged in parallel in a south-north direction, heliostats mounted on the reflective lines, respectively, each comprised of mirror segments to reflect solar radiation, a light receiving line set above the reflective lines in a east-west direction, a receiver mounted on the light receiving line, to receive light reflected from the heliostats and collect heat from the light, and an angular adjuster to adjust angles of the mirror segments individually to irradiate a same light receiving area on the receiver with the reflected light from east-west neighboring reflective lines and thereby adjust a concentration ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cooking apparatus, comprising: a first solar reflector; a second solar reflector; a solar collection element; and a solar collection element holder, wherein the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector are concave and parabolic, and are in a substantially symmetrical arrangement to a solar collection element axis, each reflector focuses solar radiation at the solar collection element from a reflective surface, which rapidly heat when the the solar collection element. The solar cooking apparatus is adjustable and, in some embodiments, portable.

Abstract: A receiver system for a Fresnel solar plant is provided that includes an absorber tube defining a longitudinal direction, a mirror array that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction and is used for concentrating light beams onto the absorber tube, and a support frame for the absorber tube and the mirror array. A first suspension for holding the absorber tube and a second suspension for holding the mirror array or at least parts of the mirror array are independently mounted on the support frame. The first suspension has first compensation device while the second suspension has second compensation device. The first and second compensation devices allow for different expansions of the absorber tube and the mirror array or at least parts of the mirror array in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A trough type solar thermal collector which uses a curved mirror to make a heat tube which is arranged in the front of the curved mirror collect sunlight and to heat a fluid which flows through the inside of the heat tube, the trough type solar thermal collector configured to be able to avoid damage to the curved mirror due to vortex-induced vibration, is provided. The trough type solar thermal collection apparatus of the present invention is provided with, at an outer edge of the curved mirror in the direction of change of curvature of the curved shape of the curved mirror, vortex control means for controlling the flow of vortices which forms at the outer edge, whereby it is possible to avoid damage to the curved mirror such as occurs due to vortex-induced vibration at the time when higher windspeed resistance specifications are sought from the apparatus.

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.

Abstract: Support structure, comprising a supporting wall, advantageously with a substantially parabolic profile or suchlike, for solar plants of the concentration type, and able to support at least a thin and flexible reflection plate, able to reflect the sun's rays in order to concentrate them in correspondence with collectors to exploit the solar energy. The support structure comprises clamping elements movable with respect to the supporting wall, and able to clamp the reflection plate in cooperation with the supporting wall. The support structure comprises adjustment means constrained to the clamping elements and able to cooperate with relative elastic means constrained to the supporting wall. The elastic means are disposed and conformed with respect to the supporting wall so as to exert an action of traction on the adjustment means and on the clamping elements, so as to exert the desired action of deformation on the reflection plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solar steam generation are described. The systems and methods include disposing a plug in a closed top outer shell of a solar steam generator, which may define a small annular space between the plug and an interior of a transparent housing disposed atop the outer shell. Raw water is transferred into the outer shell of the solar steam generator, up into the small annular space between the plug and the interior of the transparent housing. Concentrated solar energy is directed at the transparent housing to boil raw water in the small annular space. Stray concentrated solar energy may be focused at the transparent housing to aid in boiling raw water in the small annular space. Steam rising from the small annular space is directed through a cavity extending from a top of the plug, downward through a steam outlet pipe, out of the solar steam generator.

Abstract: A direct solar steam generator is provided. The direct solar steam generator includes a solar evaporator having an evaporator circuit for circulation of a working fluid, an evaporator inlet pipe for supplying fluid to the evaporator circuit and an evaporator outlet pipe for collecting the working fluid exiting the evaporator circuit, and a solar concentrator for concentrating solar energy towards the evaporator circuit. The direct solar steam generator also includes a fluid arrangement configured to allow forming a static liquid seal in the outlet pipe using the working fluid.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a trough mirror for a solar trough, in particular longitudinal solar trough mirrors for solar power stations. One object is to provide a method for manufacturing a trough mirror for a solar trough mirror power station which reduces the costs for installing the solar power station.

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

Abstract: A 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: The invention relates to the field of solar energy usage and, particularly, to solar systems, which operate on the base of concentration of direct solar radiation. The invention proposes a radiation absorbing metal pipe intended for heating gaseous medium or gaseous-liquid mixture. The proposed radiation absorbing metal pipe is constructed from perforated plates. These plates are provided with inclined or two-stage upright rims. The plates are stacked and sealingly joined with formation of a tubular unit. Such tubular units with absorbing coatings of their external surfaces can be applied in following solar thermal systems: parabolic trough collectors; solar thermal collectors with usage of linear Fresnel reflectors; for a system with an array of tracking mirrors and a central receiver mounted on a tower or on the ground.

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

Abstract: A solar light reflecting plate used for a light condensing and heat collecting device which includes a solar light reflecting plate that reflects and condenses solar light and a heat collecting tube that receives the solar light condensed by the solar light reflecting plate and is heated by the condensed solar light, wherein the solar light reflecting plate includes at least a rolled substrate, a surface roughness of a solar light reflecting surface that is an outermost surface and that reflects solar light is 0.02 ?m to 1.0 ?m in terms of arithmetic mean roughness Ra, and the solar light reflecting plate is disposed so that an angle between a rolling direction of the substrate and a longitudinal direction of the heat collecting tube is 80° to 100°.

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

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering that selectively absorbs visible and infrared radiation, which comprises: (a) a first anti-diffusion barrier layer (2); (b) an IR-reflecting metallic layer (3) made from at least one metallic element selected from a group comprising An, Ag, Al, Cu, Ti and Pt; (c) at least a second anti-diffusion barrier layer (4) formed by oxidation of the layer (3); (d) a structure that absorbs in the UV-VIS range, which comprises at least a first film (5) and a second film (6) made from cermet, which in turn comprises a metallic fraction made from a metal selected from Pt, Cr, Mo, W, Zr, Nb, Ta and Pd, or any alloy thereof, and a ceramic comprising an oxygen-free nitride which is constituted by a metallic oxide in which the metal is selected from aluminium, silicon and chromium; and (e) a dielectric layer that is non-reflecting in the UV-VIS range, which comprises a nitride of at least one metal selected from silicon, aluminium and chromium.

Abstract: Solar collector modules and techniques for their construction are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar collector module includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The structural frame includes a set of primary structural shapes and a set of axial frame members connected between corners of the primary structural shapes forming helical paths for the transmission of torque from one end of the structural frame to the other. In another aspect, a method for assembling a solar collector module includes pre-assembling part of the module.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A concentrating solar energy collector comprises a linearly extending receiver comprising solar cells, a plurality of linearly extending reflective elements arranged in side-by-side rows, oriented parallel to a long axis of the receiver, and fixed in position with respect to each other and with respect to the receiver to form a linearly extending reflector, and a linearly extending support structure supporting the receiver and the reflector and pivotally mounted to accommodate rotation of the support structure, the reflector, and the receiver about a rotation axis parallel to the long axis of the receiver.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A multiplexed torque brake (MTB) system for preventing the accumulation of torsional forces at a center drive and thereby significantly reducing the design load requirements for trough frames of a corresponding solar concentrator assembly (SCA). In one embodiment, an MTB system for an SCA having a plurality of solar reflector frames spaced along a length of the SCA includes a plurality of brake mechanisms arranged at locations spaced apart from each other along the length of the SCA, each of the brake mechanisms coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of supporting pylons and configured to constrain the solar reflector frames from rotating when subjected to torsional loads, the brake mechanisms adapted to transfer the torsional loads to the corresponding supporting pylons.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure, such as a greenhouse, encloses a concentrated solar power system having line-focus solar energy concentrators. The line-focus solar energy concentrators have a reflective front layer, a core layer, and a rear layer. The core and the rear layers, when bonded with the reflective front layer, enable the line-focus solar energy concentrator, in some embodiments, to retain a particular form without additional strengthening elements. In some embodiments, the core layer and/or the rear layer are formed by removing material from a single piece of material.

Abstract: The solar panel includes a housing for a heat collecting element, delimited by walls, one of which includes slits for the passage of solar rays. At least one reflective area is arranged to face the heat collecting element. At least one reflective strip is arranged outside the housing to face a respective slit so as to focus the solar rays received towards this slit. Elongated reflective elements are arranged side by side, and include coplanar flat bases, forming together the wall of the housing having slits and the flat base of at least one elongated reflective element forming a reflective area of this wall of the housing, and including one concave surface arranged to face the reflective strips such that the solar rays reflected by each concave surface are focused towards the corresponding reflective strip.

Abstract: A solar system for collecting solar energy, adapted to be rapidly assembled on site. The modular solar system includes a solar energy collector-assembly, having two wings of collectors, arranged in at least one row. The modular solar system further includes an energy-receiving-module, having a receiver unit, adapted to absorb the solar energy, a shaft, a support structure, a stand, disposed on rigid surface, a control-subsystem, a motor and a sun-following mechanism coupled to operate with the control-subsystem. The receiver unit has a diameter dr, wherein collected energy directed at the external surface of the receiver unit forms a pair of solar energy strips, each strip having a width de, such that de<dr. The solar system may be shipped by land vehicles inside one standard container, wherein each major component is light weight, and can be lifted by two workers.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trough collector having a focal area and an absorber tube arranged in the focal area, said absorber tube having an insulating area that extends from its outer surface to the inside, enclosing preferably a transport channel that runs through the absorber tube along its length and carries a heat-transporting medium, and is penetrated by at least one thermal opening that extends radially from the outside through the insulating area to the transport channel. According to the invention, the at least one thermal opening comprises a constriction for radiation passing through it, the focal area being located in the constriction.

Abstract: A solar energy power generation system generates AC electrical power from solar radiation through the use of parabolic troughs to capture the energy and a fluid turbine to convert the solar energy to mechanical energy. The turbine is directly coupled to a generator to produce AC electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sample chamber constructed according to a design certified by the Department of Transportation for transporting fluids at a first pressure P1. A cylindrical sample compartment exists within the sample chamber. The sample compartment is designed to withstand the pressure P1. The cylindrical sample compartment has a cylindrical inner surface with a radius r and a height h. A hollow cylindrical sleeve is secured to the cylindrical inner surface of the sample compartment and has a wall of thickness t. The sample chamber is capable of transporting fluids at a second pressure P2. P2 is higher than P1.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation collection apparatus includes an exterior including a bottom portion and first and second walls extending from the bottom portion, the exterior defining a cavity in the bottom portion, the cavity being configured to receive a thermally absorbing material; and a radiation collector. The radiation collector includes a first surface on an interior of the first wall, the first surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the first surface into the cavity; and a second surface on an interior of the second wall, the second surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the second surface into the cavity, where the first and second surfaces face each other to at least partially define an interior region of the radiation collector, and the cavity defines an opening to the interior of the radiation collector.

Abstract: A solar trough system of the invention comprises at least one trough-shaped reflector surface (1) directing beams coming from the sun to the focal axis (F); at least one thermal receiver (2) disposed at the focal axis (F) and extending along the reflector (1). Furthermore, the system comprises at least one first arm (L1) and a second arm (L2), one end of each of which are connected to two fixed points (P1, P2) with swivel joint; at least one third arm (L3) which is connected to the other ends of these two arms (L, L2) from two points (P3, P4) with swivel joint wherein the thermal receiver (2) is connected with swivel joint to a linear movement point (E1) on the third arm (L3) which moves with rotation of the first and second arms (L1, L2).

Abstract: A solar collector system is for support in a building opening to furnish heated air to the interior of the building. The solar collector system includes a collector shell supported at the opening and including a front heating chamber, at least one air intake channel and at least one air outlet channel and a fan disposed within the collector shell for providing a closed loop air circulation from the air intake channel, through the heating chamber and to the air outlet channel. The front heating chamber is defined in part by a parabolic reflector having a focal point facing out from the heating chamber. A heat exchanger is disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for heating a fluid has an extended solar reflector with a plurality of reflective concave steps, each step having an apex offset vertically and horizontally from a reflector apex of the reflector. A conduit through which the fluid flows is positioned along a common focal line of each step, preferably on an underside of the conduit. A framework is fixed with the reflector and conduit and is adapted for holding the reflector and conduit in a fixed mutual relationship. In use, with the reflector positioned towards the sun, rays from the sun reflect from each step to concentrate along the focal line on the conduit to heat the fluid.

Abstract: In a “once-through” configuration, feedwater is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Active steam quality management, in a preheat mode, vents warm/hot water and low-quality steam to a return vessel where steam is recondensed via contact with water and fed back in as feedwater. In an operating mode, the venting is disabled, and high-quality steam is directed as an outlet stream. Inlet water flowrate and outlet valves are managed to reduce effects of variation in the solar energy. A steam generator continuous piping system uses a single continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun to reduce high-temperature fouling. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided.

Abstract: A hybrid solar collector is disclosed having a passive solar collector unit and active photovoltaic panels. The inclination angle of the photovoltaic panels is optimized by linking the panels to the passive unit and its associated tracking controls.

Abstract: A system for controlling the rotational position of a solar collector trough includes a hydraulic cylinder having an output end and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes at least one linkage member and a pair of pivot arms attached to the at least one linkage member. The pair of pivot arms is defined by a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each arm being pivotally attached to the at least one linkage member and the trough. The first and second pivot arms form respective parallel horizontal first and second pivot axes enabling the trough to be entirely movable over an angular range of motion extending over 180 degrees based totally on the linear movement of the output end of the hydraulic cylinder and in which an actuator control circuit controls the relative displacement of the cylinder output end.

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