Abstract: In an example, a system to facilitate installation of a drive linkage in a solar array at or below an installation surface includes a housing and first and second interconnection assemblies. The housing is installed on or below the installation surface and is configured to at least partially enclose and protect the drive linkage at or below the installation surface. The first interconnection assembly extends between a first drive assembly of a first solar tracker supported above the installation surface by a support structure and a first end of the drive linkage at or below the installation surface. The second interconnection assembly extends between a second drive assembly of a second solar tracker supported above the installation surface by the support structure and a second end of the drive linkage at or below the installation surface.

Abstract: An aerospace mirror having a reaction bonded (RB) silicon carbide (SiC) mirror substrate, and a SiC cladding on the RB SiC mirror substrate forming an optical surface on a front side of the aerospace mirror. A method for manufacturing an aerospace mirror comprising obtaining a green mirror preform comprising porous carbon, silicon carbide (SiC), or both, the green mirror preform defining a front side of the aerospace mirror and a back side of the aerospace mirror opposite the front side; removing material from the green mirror preform to form support ribs on the back side; infiltrating the green mirror preform with silicon to create a reaction bonded (RB) SiC mirror substrate from the green mirror preform; forming a mounting interface surface on the back side of the aerospace mirror from the RB SiC mirror substrate, and forming a reflector surface of the RB SiC mirror substrate on the front side of the aerospace mirror.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a perovskite PV cell having reduced aging. The internal temperature of the perovskite PV cell, or a measure thereof, is determined using a measurement of an electrical parameter. In the case that it is detected that the corresponding measured value exceeds a threshold value, i.e., that the internal temperature is too high, the operating conditions of the perovskite PV cell are adjusted to the effect that the internal temperature reduces again. This can be achieved, for example, by an input resistance of power electronics of the perovskite PV cell being adjusted such that lower ohmic losses occur, as a result of the correspondingly altered electric currents.

Abstract: A space optical system is disclosed. The space optical system can include a primary support structure in support of a primary mirror. The space optical system can also include a sensor mounting structure coupled to the primary support structure and extending to an exterior of space optical system. The space optical system can further include first and second sensors mounted on the sensor mounting structure. In one aspect, the sensor mounting structure can comprise a thermally and mechanically stable, non-zero CTE material.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a tracker configured to collect solar irradiance and attached to a rotational mechanism for changing a plane of the tracker and a controller in communication with the rotational mechanism. The controller is programmed to store a plurality of positional information and a shadow model for determining placement of shadows based on positions of objects relative to the sun, determine a position of the sun at a first specific point in time, retrieve height information for the tracker and at least one adjacent tracker, execute the shadow model based on the retrieved height information and the position of the sun, determine a first angle for the tracker based on the executed shadow model, and transmit instructions to the rotational mechanism to change the plane of the tracker to the first angle.

Abstract: A method for automatically identifying global solar photovoltaic (PV) panels based on a cloud platform by using remote sensing. Optical images in a study area for a whole specific year are collected based on the cloud platform, and preprocessing is performed to obtain a surface reflectance image. Seven time-series images are derived and constructed based on spectral features of a solar PV panel: a solar PV panel index image, a water index image, a vegetation index image, a difference image between a first shortwave infrared band and a second shortwave infrared band, a difference image between the first shortwave infrared band and a near-infrared band, a blue band image, and a first shortwave infrared band image. Data in the seven time-series images are synthesized and reconstructed to obtain input data required by a model. A remote sensing theoretical model for automatically identifying a solar PV panel is constructed.

Abstract: A mounting assembly may include an arced connecting member that includes a first drive chain along a bottom surface of the arced connecting member, a second drive chain positioned adjacent to the first drive chain, and a third drive chain in a gap between the first and the second drive chains. The mounting assembly may include an intermittent-motion drive system that has a drive wheel with a nub extending from a lateral surface of the drive wheel, the nub being shaped to interface with notches included along the third drive chain. The intermittent-motion drive system may include a first and a second protrusion shaped to interface with surfaces of the first and second drive chains, respectively. Rotation of a drive axle extending through the drive wheel may affect rotation of the drive wheel, rotational movement of the nub extending from the drive wheel, and movement of the arced connecting member.

Abstract: A solar tracking system including a plurality of bases, a torque tube supported by the plurality of bases and configured to support a plurality of solar modules, and a drive device operably connected to the torque tube and arranged to translate the torque tube in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The solar tracking system also includes a plurality of helical guides operably connected to the torque tube, and a plurality of cam assemblies, wherein upon linear movement of the torque tube, interaction between the helical guides and cam assemblies causes the torque tube to rotate about its linear axis.

Abstract: A controller, a water source heat pump and a computer useable medium are disclosed herein. In one embodiment the controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive operating data and monitoring data from the water source heat pump and transmit control signals to components of thereof and (2) a processor configured to respond to the operating data or the monitoring data by operating at least one motor-operated valve of the water source heat pump via a control signal.

Abstract: This latent heat storage body is provided with: a latent heat storage material; and a temperature-sensitive material exhibiting different functions at a temperature equal to or higher than a specific temperature and at a temperature lower than the specific temperature, in which a phase change temperature is changed by using the function of the temperature-sensitive material according to ambient temperature. This latent heat storage body is characterized in that: the phase change temperature is set, by the function of the temperature-sensitive material when the ambient temperature is lower than the specific temperature, to one among a low temperature setting and a high temperature setting having a higher temperature than the low temperature setting; and the phase change temperature is set to the other setting among the low temperature setting and the high temperature setting by the function of the temperature-sensitive material when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the specific temperature.

Abstract: A heat dissipation assembly includes a case and a partition structure. The case has a chamber. The partition structure includes a partition wall vertically disposed in the chamber to separate a first flow path and a second flow path in the chamber, and the partition wall has a breach and a valve structure disposed at the breach, wherein the valve structure covers the breach when the valve structure is not pushed open. When a fluid pressure existed in a section of one of the first flow path and the second flow path which is adjacent to the valve structure is greater than a fluid pressure existed in a section of the other one of the first flow path and the second flow path which is adjacent to the valve structure, the valve structure is pushed away to expose at least a part of the breach.

Abstract: Example implementations include a system and method of using plastic from bodies of water and creating a floating platform by collecting plastic from a body of water, cleaning the collected plastic, melting and compacting the plastic, molding a plurality of hexagonal blocks from the compacted plastic, stacking the plurality of hexagonal blocks, wherein a system of springs and an energy storage device is provided between each of the plurality of hexagonal blocks, and coating the stacked blocks with a non-toxic material. Through the use of various onboard functionalities, energy may be generated to regulate temperature and provide electricity, oxygen may be supplied, and water may be purified.

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: Techniques for solar thermal water purification by recycling photovoltaic reflection losses are provided. In one aspect, a solar thermal water purification system includes: a water purification component for desalinating salt water, the water purification component having multiple stages through which the salt water passes, and condensers in each of the stages; and a photovoltaic component configured to heat the salt water prior to the salt water entering a first stage of the water purification component, wherein desalinated water evaporates and condenses in each of the stages to be collected as pure water. A system using reverse osmosis and a heat-driven water pump is also provided. Methods for water purification are also provided.

Abstract: A solar power generation apparatus with non-equidirectional solar tracking stages. At the beginning of sunrise, a solar power generation module is driven by a link assembly to gradually rotate from an initial position to the sun in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the sun. After the solar power generation module is rotated to a position of first preset elevation and azimuth, where the solar power generation module right faces the sun, the solar power generation module starts pivotally rotating along with the change of the position of the sun. When the sun and the direction of the solar power generation module synchronously move to a position of second preset elevation and azimuth, the solar power generation module is further driven to gradually pivotally rotate back to the initial position in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the sun for next cycle.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a reaction chamber, including a catalyst, and a heating chamber configured to receive light. The heating chamber is positioned underneath at least a portion of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch element, which is thermoresponsive and which switches between a less transmissive state for radiant energy and a more transmissive state for radiant energy, and which comprises a liquid-crystalline medium. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the switch element for the regulation of radiant energy flow between interior spaces and the environment and for the regulation of the temperature of interior spaces. The invention furthermore relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterized in that it comprises 5-60% of a compound of the formula (I), in particular for use in the switch elements according to the invention.

Abstract: An electronic management system for a photovoltaic generator is disclosed herein. The, the electronic management system comprises a plurality of static microconverters, each microconverter being electrically connected to one or more photovoltaic cells, the one or more photovoltaic cells forming a portion of a whole of the cells of the generator, a reconfiguration module adapted for transmitting energy flows from said microconverters towards a load, and a central electronic unit adapted for controlling a modification of the energy flows transmitted by said at least one reconfiguration module.

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: A solar boiler includes a boiler support defining an axis along an inboard-outboard direction. A hanger rod is rotatably mounted to the boiler support. A bracket is rotatably mounted to the hanger rod, and a solar boiler panel is mounted to the bracket. The solar boiler panel defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular with the axis of the boiler support. The hanger rod connects between the boiler support and the bracket to support the weight of the solar boiler panel from the boiler support. The hanger rod and bracket are configured and adapted to maintain a substantially constant orientation of the bracket during inboard and outboard movement of the bracket relative to the boiler support.

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: A heat buffering system that has a hydrant boiler for storing energy and a hut for housing the hydrant boiler outside a building being heated using the energy stored in the hydrant boiler. The hut is insulated. The system has a heat source coupling for connecting a local solar energy collector to the hydrant boiler. Heat is stored in the hydrant boiler in separately controllable layers. Heat is transferred from one of the layers to at least one other layer. A controller is configured to control charging and discharging of the hydrant boiler based on the weather forecast. Buffered energy can be used for heating the building or for selling to others via district heating.

Abstract: The molten salt solar tower system 100 is provided for controlling molten salt temperature in a solar receiver 130 for effective operation of the system 100 while without degrading physical properties of molten salt. The system 100 includes two circuits, first 140 and second 150. The first circuit 140 is configured to supply relatively cold molten salt in the solar receiver 130 for heating, and the second circuit 150 is configured to supply a predetermined amount of the relatively cold molten salt in the first circuit 140, as and when the temperature of the relatively hot molten salt circulating through the solar receiver 130 exceeds a predetermined set temperature value thereof.

Abstract: A glass vacuum insulating panel comprises at least one sheet of glass including a first sheet portion with a first plurality of attachment locations and a second sheet portion with a second plurality of attachment locations. The first sheet portion and the second sheet portion each extend along a plane of the glass vacuum insulating panel. An insulating space is hermetically sealed between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, wherein the insulating space includes an absolute pressure of less than about 10 kPa. Each of the first plurality of attachment locations is attached to a corresponding one of the second plurality of attachment locations to form a plurality of integral attachment areas that are spaced apart in a pattern along the plane of the glass vacuum insulating panel. Methods of making a glass vacuum insulating panel are also provided.

Abstract: A cable drive system for solar tracking for solar array systems. The cable drive system employs one or more cables wound around a drive pulley of a drive device and one or more driven pulleys of respective rotatable solar assemblies of the solar array system. The system may use a tension device such as a spring or weight that returns the solar array system to an initial position at the end of the day. The drive device may be an active or passive solar tracker. The disclosed techniques of rotating solar panels are flexible, inexpensive, and reliable. The techniques can apply to any solar technology that benefit from following the sun.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an improved method for storing thermal energy from the sun in a CSP plant. The heat storage system used for storing the thermal energy has a spherical shell filled with a salt, and several insulated storage towers. The method for storing thermal energy comprises adopting a plurality of spherical shells and filling the spherical shells with the salt. The salt is a mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. The spherical shells filled with the salt are packed inside the insulated storage tower. During the day time, a HTF is passed through the tower to melt the salt and store thermal energy. After sunset, the HTF is passed through the storage tower to absorb heat from the salt in the spherical shells. The HTF is then passed through the boiler for producing steam and driving, the turbine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solar fluid heating in a multi-story building. A system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes solar collectors installed in solar-facing walls of the multi-story building, in which fluid receives thermal energy from the solar collectors. The system also includes fluid storage vessels. The system further includes a circulating pump coupled to the solar collectors to circulate the heated fluid between the solar collectors and the fluid storage vessels on a floor of the multi-story building.

Abstract: A device (1; 10; 11; 12) for storage and transfer of thermal energy associated with an incident solar radiation, which used in a solar plant for the production of energy, based on an optical plant configuration which makes solar radiation converge from above, and comprises: —a containment casing (2); and—a dual bed (31, 32) of fluidizable particles received inside the casing (2) and arranged the one circumscribed to the other one, wherein the casing (2) has at least one receiving cylindrical cavity (20) which extends through the bed (3) of particles and has a open top inlet (21) for receiving the solar radiation concentrated by a field of heliostats and an open or closed bottom (22) at the level of the base of the bed of particles, the overall arrangement being such that one of the beds of particles (31) is arranged in contact with the side skirt (23) of the cylindrical cavity (20) for storing thermal energy received from the solar radiation and the other one bed of particles (32) is arranged in contact with

Abstract: A movable solar array and method for capturing solar energy which includes a V-shaped longitudinal support forming a corner of an elongated truss located at each angle of a polygonal axial cross-section where an open web is fixedly attached between each V-shaped longitudinal support extending the length of the elongated truss. An end member is fixedly attached at each end of the support truss and includes a shaft extending longitudinally outwardly from the end member adapted to engage a drive to longitudinally rotate the elongated truss. Solar panels are attached along one face of the elongated truss, and at least one rotatable drive is capable of driving the shafts at the end of the elongated truss to move the solar panels in relation to a change of direction of incoming solar energy.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant, wherein, in an intermediate superheater in the water-steam circuit, steam is heated to a settable setpoint temperature value at the outlet by a heat carrier medium which has been heated solar-thermally, wherein, for the heating of the steam to a set setpoint temperature value, a mass flow of the heat carrier medium entering the intermediate superheater is controlled as a function of a determined enthalpy difference of the heat carrier medium between the entry and exit thereof into and out of the intermediate superheater and as a function of a determined enthalpy difference of the steam between the exit and entry thereof out of and into the intermediate superheater is provided.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a building installation comprising a building comprising a slab or cellar floor placed in contact with a piece of earth under the building. A fluid hose is placed in the piece of earth under the slab or cellar floor and contains earth circuit fluid which is thermally coupled to a fluid circulation circuit in or by the building such that the earth circuit fluid receives heat from the heated solar collector fluid for circulation in the fluid hose through which heat energy is released to the surrounding piece of earth.

Abstract: A hybrid receiver-combustor (100) for capturing heat energy from a solar source and a fuel source. The hybrid receiver-combustor (100) includes a vessel (110) for acting both as a combustion furnace and as a solar receiver, and a plurality of burners (180) for combusting an oxidant stream, such as an air stream, and a fuel stream. The vessel (110) includes a casing (120) defining a cavity (125) having an aperture (130) for receiving the concentrated solar radiation from the solar source. The cavity (125) provides a chamber defining a zone (126) which can function as a combustion zone for production of heat energy through a combustion process using the fuel and into which concentrated solar radiation can be received from the solar source through the aperture (130). A heat energy absorber (190) configured as a heat exchanger is provided to receive heat energy from concentrated solar radiation entering the cavity (125) through the aperture (130) and from combustion within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention disclosure provides a hot water supply system and method thereof which can control a solar heating unit, a first heat-pump unit, a boiler unit, and an electric heater unit through a control unit to heat water. The control unit operates in a pre-heating period and a heating period after the pre-heating period. In the pre-heating period, the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit preheat water. In the heating period, the boiler unit further heats water coming from the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit to an exit temperature and stores water in the boiler unit and the electric heater unit so as to provide water to an outflow device. The invention integrates many water heaters in one system, so as to improve the efficiency of generation of hot water and achieve the objectives of energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to concentrate sunlight with inflatable enclosures to heat substances, including fluids and for cooking, and to provide concentrated sunlight for other uses. The system includes an inflatable sunlight concentrator (upper balloon), an inflatable cooking housing (bottom balloon), and a cooking container. When inflated, the upper balloon has a substantially cone-shape and concentrates sunlight towards the bottom balloon. The bottom balloon may be of various shapes and may concentrate sunlight towards the cooking space. Each balloon is less than two ounces and can be folded into a small pocket-sized package when it is deflated. The cooking space may be a thermal bag, a box, or an insulated space.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a solar preheater having a central body, which includes a base and an outer cover, wherein the base is arranged to receive the outer cover. The solar preheater includes a first thermal collection mechanism and a second thermal collection mechanism.

Abstract: In various aspects, a solar collector apparatus includes a lens pivotally mounted about an axis thereof and adapted to gather sunlight into a focal point, and a tracking device adapted to track a position of the sun, the tracking device cooperates with the lens to pivot the lens about the axis in correspondence to the position of the sun. Related methods of use of the solar collector apparatus are disclosed herein. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: The tracking device of the present disclosure includes a platform, support structure, and a cylinder. The cylinder comprises a plunger, an interior space, an aperture, and a fluid within the cylinder. Forward actuation of the plunger within the interior space the fluid to be pushed through the aperture. The platform is operably connected to the plunger, so that movement of the plunger causes the platform to rotate about a pivot point of the support structure. The tracking device can have a solar panel connected to the platform. The tracking device can also be used in any application where tracking would be of use, such as for surveillance, or time-lapse photography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun, comprising a layered construction provided with a substrate layer and a cover layer comprising a curable mortar, wherein there is arranged on the substrate layer a tube system through which a fluid can be transported in order to regulate the temperature in the tube system, this tube system being at least partially embedded in the mortar, and wherein the mortar of the cover layer comprises insulating granules, cement, water and additives. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a layered construction for a device for collecting and utilizing energy generated by the sun.

Abstract: A direct flow solar collector and solar hot water system are presented wherein high pressure connections are eliminated to lower installation costs while freeze and stagnation protection is provided by a cooling loop and a continuous circulation protocol. A novel fin design and a modular concept deliver manufacturing, shipping and assembly efficiencies while providing flexibility for customizing the collector configuration.

Abstract: Described herein are solar reflectors which provide a low cost reflector construction that has a unique set of attributes: high solar reflectance, abrasion resistance, UV stability, mechanical integrity, and flexibility. The abrasion resistance is enabled through incorporation of an abrasion-resistant coating into a polymer film metal mirror construction. Methods of using the solar reflectors in solar concentrating applications are also provided.

Abstract: A solar concentrating system for concentrating sunlight by tracking the sun, including concentrator support structure, an annular track mounted on an upper surface of a base, the center of mass of the concentrator support structure being off-axis relative to curvature center of annular track, enclosures provided at comers and comprising a wheel positioned on the track, the enclosure connected to a piston connected to a guiding element placed on the track; a fastening element that when moved towards the track, the guiding element is fastened to the track, and when the fastening element is moved away from the track, the guiding element is released, when the first piston elongates or contracts, the first guiding element is fastened to the track, the second guiding element is released, the wheels of the enclosures rotate from a first location on the track to a second location, thereby rotating the concentrator support structure.

Abstract: Improved solar collectors (40) comprising glass tubing (42) attached to bellows (44) by airtight seals (56) enclose solar absorber tubes (50) inside an annular evacuated space (54. The exterior surfaces of the solar absorber tubes (50) are coated with improved solar selective coatings {48} which provide higher absorbance, lower emittance and resistance to atmospheric oxidation at elevated temperatures. The coatings are multilayered structures comprising solar absorbent layers (26) applied to the meta surface of the absorber tubes (50), typically stainless steel, topped with antireflective Savers (28) comprising at least two layers 30, 32) of refractory metal or metalloid oxides (such as titania and silica) with substantially differing indices of refraction in adjacent layers. Optionally, at least one layer of a noble metal such as platinum can be included between some of the layers.

Abstract: A solar tracking system with a plurality of tracking assemblies moved by a single motor. A method and system that prevents overloading the motor or tripping a circuit breaker due to an obstructed or impeded tracker includes sensing movement of the tracker assemblies and entering into obstruction clearing modes. Obstruction clearing mode 1 (OCM1) is a high frequency adjustable mode that prompts movement for an adjustable period of time. If movement commences, the system returns to a normal mode. If there is no movement, the system enters into an obstruction clearing mode 2 (OCM2) with is an adjustable lower frequency series of attempts. If there is no movement, no further attempts are made. Each of these steps are monitored and controlled remotely. There are two types of secure connections for drivelines, torque tubes or affixing driveline linkages for high torque conditions.

Abstract: A solar power system comprises a solar receiver, a heated solids storage tank downstream of the solar receiver, a fluidized bed heat exchanger downstream of the heated solids storage tank, and means for transporting solid particles from the fluidized bed heat exchanger to a cold solids storage tank upstream of the solar receiver. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes a first fluidized bed and a second fluidized bed. Solid particles flow through the fluidized bed heat exchanger and transfer heat energy to heating surfaces in the two fluidized beds. The system permits the solid particles to absorb more energy and permits a constant energy output from the fluidized bed heat exchanger.

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 device for collection, concentrating and storing solar energy comprises an optical concentrator in operative connection with a transmission means which is also operatively connected to an energy recovery device. Concentrated solar energy is transmitted from the optical concentrator to the energy recovery device where it is stored until it is deployed as an energy source for generating electricity.

Abstract: Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems and methods are disclosed featuring the use of a solid-liquid phase change heat transfer material (HTM). The systems and methods include a solar receiver configured to receive concentrated solar flux to heat a quantity of the solid HTM and cause a portion of the solid HTM to melt to a liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the solar receiver. The heat exchanger is configured to receive liquid HTM and provide for heat exchange between the liquid HTM and the working fluid of a power generation block. The heat exchanger further provides for the solidification of the liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a material transport system providing for transportation of the solidified HTM from the heat exchanger to the solar receiver.

Abstract: A solar hot water and recovery system includes a water loop, a refrigerant loop and a solar loop. Cross-heat exchange occurs in a first heat exchanger between the heat transfer mediums of the refrigerant loop and the solar loop to produce a super-heated fluid stream which is returned to the air conditioning or heat pump unit. Cross-heat exchange also takes place in a second heat exchanger between the now-lower temperature heat transfer medium of the solar loop and the water loop to produce a heated water stream. The main objective of the system is to superheat refrigerant and use all excess heat for heating the water. The heat exchangers are preferably housed in the same heat recovery unit and arranged so that the refrigerant heat exchange area is before the water heat exchange area, thereby maximizing solar potential.

Abstract: This relates to a heating device including a solar energy collector, the solar energy collector transferring collected solar energy to outside air. First collector panels are used to heat outside air which heated air is led to a heater, for example a space heater. Second collector panels are used to transfer solar energy to air led to a heat exchanger of a heat pump. The heat pump transfers the extracted heat to heat storage. The stored heat is added to the air coming from the first collector panels if the temperature of the air coming from the first collector panels is below a predetermined temperature.