With Elevated Structure Patents (Class 60/641.11)
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Patent number: 8572965Abstract: A chimney has a lower portion substantially in the shape of a pyramid and an upper portion forming a cylindrical portion that extends with a predetermined dimension upwardly and is provided in a ceiling portion of a building of a coil yard that is used for temporary storage of the hot-rolled coil which is an intermediate iron and steel product acting as a high-temperature heat radiator that is manufactured using the hot-rolling equipment of an iron and steel mill. A power generating turbine is provided at a predetermined position in the cylindrical portion. An intake duct is provided on a lower end portion of the side walls of the building. Hot-rolled coils that are in a high-temperature condition after manufacture are successively imported into the coil yard and accumulated and stored until transfer to a subsequent processing step. An ascending airflow is generated by sequential heating of air introduced into the building from the intake duct using heat retained in the hot-rolled coils.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: IHI CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Otsuka, Hisakazu Onizuka, Shinsuke Matsuno, Takahisa Nagao, Yoshiyuki Yamane, Atsushi Hirata, Kazuo Miyoshi, Masahiro Nakajima
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Publication number: 20130283793Abstract: Provided are a solar light collecting mirror which can achieve high light collection efficiency even in a solar thermal power generation system such as a tower solar thermal power generation system in which the distance from a reflecting mirror to a heat collector is a long distance between several tens of meters and several hundreds of meters, can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and can easily achieve concave mirrors with various curvatures, and a solar thermal power generation system using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Hideyuki Ishihara, Kazuo Ishida
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Patent number: 8552580Abstract: A wind turbine power generation for generating electricity from a fluid may include a compression module housing to compress the fluid, a turbine module housing to convert the compressed fluid into electricity, and a lower pressure reduction module housing and a upper pressure reduction module housing to exhaust the fluid from the turbine module housing. The turbine module housing may include a turbine airflow control to control the amount of fluid flowing through the turbine module housing. The turbine airflow control may include a variable diameter shutter to open and close to control the amount of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Justin Dale Tackett
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Publication number: 20130207402Abstract: A solar power plant in a new split configuration of a solar Brayton cycle or Brayton/Rankine combined cycle which comprises an array of heliostat mounted mirrors, a solar receiver and a high pressure section of a Brayton cycle power plant mounted near a top of a solar tower, a low pressure section of the Brayton Cycle power plant and the electric generator mounted near or at ground level.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Ormat Technologies Inc.Inventors: Lucien Y. BRONICKI, Joseph SINAI
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Publication number: 20130199183Abstract: An economizer in a solar tower plant and operating method of said plant the purpose whereof is to make use of the heat from the heat losses generated around the solar tower receivers (3) to preheat the fluid with which the saturated steam or superheated steam solar receivers are fed. When the heat from the losses absorbed by the economizer (2) is not sufficient to achieve the necessary minimum temperature, a secondary economizer (4) is used which takes live steam (prior to it entering the turbine) and increases the temperature of the feed water of the receiver (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Abengoa Solar New Technologies, S.A.Inventors: Raul Navio Navio Gilaberte, Jose Maria Mendez Marcos, Javier Dominguez Rodriguez, Lucia Serrano Gallar
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Publication number: 20130186089Abstract: A continuous flow steam generator including a vessel with a heat transfer medium inlet and a heat transfer medium outlet is provided. A heat transfer medium channel is formed between the heat transfer medium inlet and the heat transfer medium outlet, and a heat transfer medium flows in the channel, having steam generator tubes disposed in the heat transfer medium channel, wherein a first portion of the steam generator tubes, and a second portion of the steam generator tubes is designed as a system of preheating and boiler tubes, and the first portion is disposed upstream of the second portion in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium. A steam generator device having a continuous flow steam generator and a water separation system is also provided along with a solar thermal power plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: Jan Brückner, Joachim Franke
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Patent number: 8490396Abstract: A system and method of collecting solar energy from sunlight, employing a thermal generation apparatus having a solar collector module including a receiver in optical communication with an array of mirrors. The method comprises reflecting energy impinging upon the reflector assembly with a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is configured to direct energy reflected therefrom onto the receiver. The solar collector module is configured to rotate about an axis; and an angular position of the plurality of reflective elements is changed in relation to relative movement of the sun with respect to earth.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: e-Cube Energy Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: Xiao-Dong Xiang
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Patent number: 8479515Abstract: Solar energy is converted into electricity by use of a solar concentrator system, a steam production system, a turbine and an alternator. A boiler is heated by a concentrator dish aimed at the sun. The dish may also be fitted with a polar mount, an actuator and a devise for sensing the relative position of the sun. There is a mast on the dish upon which a boiler is mounted which is heated by the sun's concentrated rays. The boiler will preferably be arranged to heat and vaporize water to create continuous steam that is delivered to turn the turbine which is operatively connected to the alternator and from which electricity is generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventors: Joseph Bertrand Coffey, Joseph Bertrand Peter Coffey, Sean Peter Edgcomb Coffey
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Patent number: 8471187Abstract: An improved solar concentrating system (100) uses a two-stage arrangement of mirrors wherein the rays of the sun are reflected and concentrated to a point focus. The solar concentrator (100) may be used to increase the temperature of a substance such as metal, for use in a variety of applications including the melting of metals in a foundry furnace. The solar concentrating system (100) comprises at least two single-curved parabolic mirrors (10, 20) connected in an operable arrangement. The rays of the sun are reflected from a first single-curved parabolic mirror (10) to a second single-curved parabolic mirror (20). The plane of symmetry of the second single-curved parabolic mirror is arranged substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry of the first single-curved parabolic mirror thereby concentrating the rays of the sun to a point focus.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Lunenburg Foundry & Engineering LimitedInventor: Peter J. Kinley
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Publication number: 20130111902Abstract: A solar power system includes a steam turbine with a plurality of pressure stages, a first solar field for heating water or water steam, and a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is operated with molten salt liquids. Further, with a method of operating such a solar power system, water steam from the first solar field is transferred to the first heat exchanger, where the water steam is heated by the first heat exchanger and routed to a high pressure stage of the steam turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Mansour Maleki-Ardebili, Nishant Muley, Thorsten Wolf
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Patent number: 8424306Abstract: The Air-Water Power Generation System utilizes the temperature differential between warm air and a surface cooled by water evaporation. To enhance the temperature differential, the air that evaporates the water is first cooled by releasing heat to boil the working fluid in a boiler and then is cooled further by a counter-flow heat exchanger before the air enters the condenser where a water film is evaporating. The air then becomes colder as the water evaporates in the condenser, and this provides the cooling to condense the working fluid. Finally, the cold air flows out of the condenser and flows back through the counter-flow heat exchanger to provide the cooling of the air flowing from the boiler.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventor: Melvin L. Prueitt
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Patent number: 8397710Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a plurality of boiler panels arranged side by side with each other so that the panels form a boiler wall section. Piping fluidly connects the plurality of boiler panels together to route a working fluid through the boiler wall section from an inlet of the boiler wall section to an outlet of the boiler wall section. The piping and boiler panels are configured and adapted to route the working fluid through each of the boiler panels in a common direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Babcock Power Services Inc.Inventors: Andrew Plotkin, Craig Gillum
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Publication number: 20130047609Abstract: A solar tower system including an array of individually controlled carousel-type heliostats, where each heliostat includes a rotatable D-shaped carousel, a mirror array including horizontal, elongated flat mirrors supported in a tiltable (e.g., louvered) arrangement on the carousel, and a mirror positioning system that is disposed next to the carousel and controls the tilt position of each mirror and a rotational position of the carousel to reflect light onto a solar receiver. The heliostats are arranged in a closely-spaced (e.g., square or hexagonal) pattern that both maximizes the effective ground coverage ratio of solar power harvesting system and facilitates the formation of service pathways that allow access to any of the heliostats in the array (e.g., by aligning the straight peripheral wall portions of adjacent carousels in parallel with each other).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Philipp H. Schmaelzle, Patrick C. Cheung
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Publication number: 20130047610Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar energy system including a tower having a solar radiation receiver, the solar radiation receiver including a plurality of tubes carrying a heat-transfer medium and a drum, the drum in thermal communication with the tubes, and one or more mirrors configured to reflect solar radiation onto the receiver, wherein the receiver receives the reflected solar radiation from the mirrors, thereby heating the heat transfer medium and vaporizing the heat transfer medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: JOHN DAVID PENTON
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Patent number: 8378280Abstract: Receivers for use in solar energy collector systems and solar-powered electrical energy generating plants are provided. The receivers comprise a solar radiation absorbing core that converts absorbed solar radiation to thermal energy. The core comprises a refractory material to allow the receivers to operate continuously at high temperatures reached by absorbing concentrated solar radiation. The thermal energy so generated in the core may be stored in the receiver for a transitory period, or for a more extended period. Receivers may comprise one or more fluid channels in and/or around the core for conveying a working fluid to facilitate extraction of stored thermal energy from the core.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Areva Solar, Inc.Inventors: David R. Mills, Peter K. Le Lievre
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Patent number: 8365529Abstract: A high temperature solar power tower system includes a molten salt heat transfer medium, a high temperature solar receiver, and an energy conversion system. The molten salt heat transfer medium is capable of being heated to a temperature of at least approximately 1200 degrees Fahrenheit by the high temperature solar receiver. The energy conversion system uses the heated molten salt to generate power.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Robert Z. Litwin, Andrew J. Zillmer, Nathan J. Hoffman
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Patent number: 8360053Abstract: A sunlight collecting heat receiver includes: a heat-exchange heat receiving tube which receives sunlight collected by heliostats and transfers the sunlight to a heat carrier, wherein the heat-exchange heat receiving tube includes an outward-flow heat receiving tube which is disposed on the upstream in a sunlight incident direction and an inward-flow heat receiving tube which is connected to the outward-flow heat receiving tube through a U tube and is disposed on the downstream in the sunlight incident direction, and wherein the outward-flow heat receiving tube and the inward-flow heat receiving tube are arranged so as to be deviated from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the height direction when seen in the sunlight incident direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Kawashima
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Patent number: 8360051Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Brightsource Industries (Israel) Ltd.Inventors: Yoel Gilon, Gil Kroyzer, Rotem Hayut
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Patent number: 8359861Abstract: A sunlight collecting system and a solar energy utilization system which collects sunlight with the sunlight collecting system are provided, a sunlight collecting system including a solar heat collector which includes a heat collecting element which is formed by a helically wound heat exchange medium circulation pipe inside which the heat exchange medium flows, in such a way to have an incurved light receiving surface which narrows and converges towards the sunlight inlet and a sunlight collecting reflector which includes a reflector group which includes a plurality of reflector segments each of which includes a reflecting surface which makes sunlight converge on a heat collector, a sunlight collecting system in which a plurality of heliostats Bm are arranged in places which are irradiated by the sunlight between a plurality of heliostats An, in which each of the heliostats An and the heliostats Bm reflect light in a direction to a light collecting point of a heliostat group in which the heliostat is includedType: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventors: Yutaka Tamaura, Yoshio Yoshizawa, Motoaki Utamura, Hiroshi Hasuike, Hideyuki Ishihara, Tadahiko Takamatsu
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Patent number: 8356591Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a first wall of substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the first wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common first wall header elevation. A second wall includes substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the second wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common second wall header elevation. The second wall is adjacent to and angled with respect to the first wall so that one end panel of the first wall is adjacent to one end panel of the second wall to form a boiler wall corner. The inlet headers of the two end panels of the boiler wall corner are at different elevations relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Babcock Power Services, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Plotkin, Russell Ricci
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Publication number: 20130014508Abstract: Methods and systems for aiming heliostats toward a receiver. One of the methods includes directing a first subset of a set of heliostats to reflect solar rays toward a first location within an aperture of a receiver and directing a second subset of the set of heliostats to reflect solar rays toward one or more second locations within the aperture of the receiver. The solar rays reflected toward the first location provide solar heat to at least a first flow path of a working fluid in an engine assembly coupled to the receiver. The solar rays reflected toward the one or more second locations provide solar heat to a second flow path of the working fluid. The first and second flow paths correspond to heating at first and second stages respectively within the engine assembly, which is configured to generate power from the solar rays reflected to the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventor: Alec Brooks
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Patent number: 8341961Abstract: A solar desalination system for creation of desalinated water from seawater that produces electricity includes: a) a solar furnace unit including a vessel for receiving and evaporating seawater to create desalinated steam and a solar energy concentrator positioned adjacent the vessel to concentrate solar energy to the vessel; b) input for feeding seawater to the vessel; c) brine output for removal of brine water bottoms from the vessel; d) a riser pipe connected at its bottom to the vessel and extending upwardly from for transporting steam from the vessel to a higher elevation electric power-producing steam turbine generator; f) a drop pipe having a top and a bottom, and being connected at its tops to the steam turbine generator for removal of desalinated water from the steam turbine generator; g) a hydroturbine generator connected to the bottom of the drop pipe for production of electric power with desalinated water from the steam turbine generator; and, h) egress for removal of desalinated water from the hyType: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Kenergy Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
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Publication number: 20120325313Abstract: A solar-tower system includes a raised solar receiver disposed on a tower and a mirror array including multiple flat mirrors for reflecting sunlight onto the raised receiver. The mirror array is disposed on a carousel-type platform that is rotatable around a vertical axis, and the raised receiver is maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the mirror array for all rotational positions of the platform. A solar azimuth tracking controller controls the platform's rotational position to track the sun's azimuth angle such that sunlight shines on the mirror array from a fixed apparent azimuth angle at all times during daylight hours. Each flat mirror pivots around a corresponding unique axis, and a solar elevation tracking controller individually controls each mirror's pivot position to track the sun's elevation angle such that sunlight is accurately reflected onto the raised solar receiver at all times during daylight hours.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Patrick C. Cheung, Patrick Y. Maeda
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Publication number: 20120325314Abstract: A method for harvesting solar power by concentrating sunlight onto a raised solar receiver disposed on a tower. The method involves rotating a mirror array made up of multiple flat mirrors as a unit around a vertical axis such that sunlight shines on the mirror array from a fixed apparent azimuth angle at all times during daylight hours, and controlling each mirror's pivot position to track the sun's elevation angle such that sunlight is accurately reflected onto the raised solar receiver at all times during daylight hours. In one embodiment the mirror array is disposed on a roundabout-type platform whose rotational position is controlled to track the sun's azimuth angle and the raised receiver is maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the mirror array for all rotational positions of the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Patrick C. Cheung, Patrick Y. Maeda
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Patent number: 8327839Abstract: An air quality instrumentation system for a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a pipe, a window and a spectroscope. The pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and contains system air from within the concentrated solar power generation system. The window is positioned within the pipe to permit light to pass through the pipe and the system air. The spectroscope is positioned adjacent the window to assess concentration of a constituent within the system air, the concentration of the constituent providing an indication of an operating condition of the concentrated solar power generation system.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Joseph P. Carroll
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Patent number: 8266819Abstract: An air drying system for use in a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a first vent pipe and a first desiccant pack. The first vent pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and includes a first inlet open to ambient air, and a first outlet open to an interior of the solar power generation system in fluid communication with the fluid heat transfer medium. The first desiccant pack is positioned within the first vent pipe between the first inlet and first outlet and is positioned to reduce moisture content of ambient air flowing into the first vent pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Daniel P. Cap
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Publication number: 20120186251Abstract: The present invention provides a novel solar steam generator comprising solar steam boiler compartment carrying water surrounding an internal superheater compartment. The boiler compartment is exposed to a first concentrated solar radiation. The boiler compartment is configured and operable to heat water to saturated temperatures and generate saturated steam. The boiler compartment operates as an integrated cavity enclosing the superheater compartment, reducing the thermal losses of the superheater compartment to the outside environment and absorbs most of the thermal losses of the superheater compartment. The internal superheater compartment is exposed to a second concentrated solar radiation and is configured and operable to superheat the saturated steam generated in the boiler compartment. The boiler compartment and the superheater compartment are thus arranged one with respect to the other such that the boiler compartment surrounds the internal superheater compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.Inventors: Michael Epstein, Akiba Segal
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Patent number: 8225609Abstract: A system [500] for producing solar energy at a desired temperature and pressure range includes a primary energy source [501] that is used in a Clausius Rankine cycle, with the primary energy source connected to and proximate to a plurality of solar collectors [520]. More particularly, at least one steam storage tank [501] feeds the expansion step of the Clausius Rankine cycle. This enables the system [500] to reliably supply energy during times when the solar collectors receive little or no radiation. According to one aspect of the invention, the solar collectors [520] reside on an artificial island [510a, 510b, 510c], preferably sea-based, or offshore, so that the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c] can be located well below sea level. This enables the use of compressive forces from the sea water to counteract the outwardly directed pressure caused by the steam contained in the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c].Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Nolaris SAInventor: Thomas Hinderling
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Publication number: 20120180483Abstract: A solar receiver is disposed on a top portion of a tower provided upright on the ground for heating a compressible working fluid by means of heat converted from sunlight collected by heliostats disposed on the ground, to raise the temperature of the compressible working fluid. The solar receiver has modules disposed back-to-back, and each of which includes a casing having a bottom plate to be fixed to the top-portion upper surface of the tower. A heat-transfer-tube unit is accommodated in the casing and includes heat transfer tubes. A sunlight inlet port having a circular shape in front view or an elliptical shape in front view is provided at the center portion of a plate-like member whose lower end is connected to an outer circumferential end of the bottom plate to constitute the casing and that extends obliquely upward from the outer circumferential end.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuta KOBAYASHI, Masashi TAGAWA, Toshiyuki OSADA, Kuniaki AOYAMA, Masahiro MASUDA, Takeshi OKUBO, Shuhei SASAKI, Akira FURUTANI, Jin KATO, Hiromi NAKATANI
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Publication number: 20120125000Abstract: Solar concentrator plant using natural-draught tower technology, in which the tower is, in turn, used as cooling system. The tower houses saturated or superheated steam receivers in cavities with different orientations, with adaptive dynamic control of the heliostat field in order to direct said receivers towards different focusing points, for the production of electricity, process heat or solar fuels or for use in thermochemical processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: ABENGOA SOLAR NEW TECHNOLOGIES, S.A.Inventors: Rafael Olavarría Rodríguez-Arango, Elena García Ramírez, Josê Barragán Jiménez, Raúl Navío Gilaberte, Lucía Serrano Gallar
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Patent number: 8151568Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Infinia CorporationInventors: Paul Fraser, Terry Smith, Rocco Luongo, Justin Thurgood, Trent Wetherbee, Raphael Milleret, Allen Peterson, John Edward Augenblick, Scott McCallum, Ian Williford, Ray Erbeznik, Ben Gyori, Patrick Fox, Harry McVicker, Tina Dale
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Patent number: 8132409Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting solar energy and converting it to heat, mechanical work, or electricity on a small scale and utilizing one or more system components originally adapted for use in a non-solar-power-generation application are described. Solar energy is used to heat a fluid that is part of a solar energy collector. This fluid transfers heat to the working fluid of thermodynamic engine, which converts some of the heat into mechanical work or electricity. One or more system parameters are monitored and controlled to enable improved efficiency under variable environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Solar Turbine Group, InternationalInventors: Matt Orosz, Amy Mueller, Elizabeth Wayman, Headley Jacobus, Bryan Urban
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Patent number: 8119963Abstract: A high efficiency, environmentally friendly system comprising a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (PV panels) is disclosed. The system comprises an outer frame to which a plurality of inner frames are mounted to which the plurality of PV panels are attached. To minimize shadowing by the outer frame upon one or more PV panels, at least one PV panel may extend beyond an endpoint of the main frame. The system also comprises an outer frame rotation actuator that rotates the outer frame and an inner frame rotation actuator that rotates the inner frames and the plurality of PV panels. The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein help to improve the quality of the environment by conserving a variety of energy resources (e.g., fossil fuels, hydroelectric energy, etc.) The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as solar tracking array frames do not produce carbon dioxide byproducts.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Sedona Energy Labs, Limited CompanyInventor: Mark Scanlon
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Publication number: 20120031094Abstract: A solar receiver includes at least two receiver panels having a common outer front surface for receiving incident solar radiation from a field of mirrors. The receiver panels include an array of side by side arranged heat exchange tubes which have a substantially straight main portion which extend in an upwards longitudinal direction and an inwards extending portion for a connection to an input or output header for respectively distributing or collecting fluid to or from the heat exchange tubes. The receiver panels are spaced apart in the upwards direction at a distance of Z cm. The header for the solar receiver is spaced behind the front surface at a distance of A cm, wherein the quotient of Z and A, Z/A, at the most equals the quotient of a vertical V and a horizontal H distance, V/H, from the header to a most far positioned mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: NEM B.V.Inventors: Jacobus Johannes de Bruijn, Arie Meerkerk, Peter Simon Rop
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Patent number: 8087245Abstract: Which, using a heat transfer fluid in any thermodynamic cycle or system for using process heat, comprises: two-dimensional solar concentrator means for heating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T1 to a temperature T2; three-dimensional solar concentrator means for overheating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T2 to a temperature T3; such that the advantages of working at high-temperatures of the three-dimensional solar concentrator means are taken advantage of with overall costs similar to those of two-dimensional solar concentrator means. In a specific application for generating electric power, the two-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a parabolic trough collector (1), while the three-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a heliostat field and central tower (2) for generating overheated steam that expands in a turbine (6) coupled to an electric generator (7).Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Abengoa Solar New Technologies, S.A.Inventors: Valerio Fernandez Quero, Marcelino Sanchez Gonzalez, Rafael Osuna Gonzalez-Aguilar
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Patent number: 8042337Abstract: This invention relates to the sun location tracking method and apparatus of solar heat or photovoltaic collectors which are composed of a solar heat comparison collector for tracing the sun, a solar heat collector for reverting the collectors to sunrise position, and a turbine driven instrument of differential gear for mechanical driving of the tracking system so the tracking is accomplished by itself, and a heat exchanger and a water tank are provided to improve efficiency. The sun location tracking is performed by kinetic force of the steam turbine which driven by the steam from the solar heat comparison collector that generating steam with the solar energy only, so the most solar heat or photovoltaic energy to be obtained at the collectors while tracking the sun location from sunrise to sunset as driving one or more solar heat or photovoltaic collector(s) with interlocking movement manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventor: Jeong-Ho Hong
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Publication number: 20110252797Abstract: A gas turbine plant associated with a solar thermal electric generation system has a heat receiver which receives heat from the sun, a gas turbine having a compressor and a turbine which operates with an operating fluid compressed by the compressor and heated by the heat receiver, a temperature sensor which detects heat from the sun, an auxiliary driving device which is driven based on the temperature of the heat detected by the temperature sensor, and which starts the gas turbine, and a generator which converts kinetic energy generated as a result of the rotation of the turbine into electric energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2009Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuta Kobayashi, Masashi Tagawa, Kuniaki Aoyama, Toshiyuki Osada, Junichiro Masada, Manabu Maeda, Masahiro Masuda, Shiro Sugimoto, Hiroshi Kawashima, Takayoshi Iijima, Kenji Atarashiya, Keiji Mizuta, Shigenari Horie
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Patent number: 8033110Abstract: A multi-mode solar power generation system can include a first energy conversion system that generates electricity from a working fluid heated by a portion of solar radiation focused by a plurality of heliostats. The multi-mode solar power generation system can also include a second energy conversion system that generates electricity from an unused portion of the focused solar radiation using a different energy conversion mode than that of the first energy conversion system. The second energy conversion system can include one or more photovoltaic converters, which directly convert solar radiation to electricity. The unused radiation from the first energy conversion system can include radiation spillage or dumped radiation from a thermal receiver of the first energy conversion system.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Brightsource Industries (Israel) Ltd.Inventors: Yoel Gilon, Arnold J. Goldman, Israel Kroizer, Gideon Goldwine, Gil Kroyzer
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Publication number: 20110209475Abstract: High-temperature solar thermal systems and methods are described. In one aspect, a system is described that includes a heat engine power conversion system, or a “heat engine,” with a fluid working medium. The heat engine includes a first input, a second input, and a heat exchanger. The first input receives heated high temperature tolerant particles, or “heated particles,” from a solar energy collection and distribution component that is coupled to the heat engine. The heat engine's second input receives the working fluid medium used to drive the power cycle in the heat engine. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the received heated particles to the working fluid medium, and thereby, energized the heat engine's power cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: King Saud UniversityInventors: Sheldon M. Jeter, Hany Abdulrahman M. Al-Ansary
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Publication number: 20110203573Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector. The collector has a heat regulating medium which defines a cavity therein. An aperture communicates with the cavity so as to allow solar energy incident on the aperture to enter the cavity. An energy collection device is disposed in the cavity and in thermal contact with the heat regulating medium to collect solar energy entering the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Stephen Hollis, Richard Howard Gentle
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Publication number: 20110197584Abstract: Provided is a device for supporting a center reflector stably and firmly. The device improves the setting density of heliostats and is capable of reducing the blocking and the shadowing of the beams of light reflected by the heliostats. In a beam down system solar generation device, the center reflector is attached, in a cantilever manner, to a supporting post standing upright. A pylon is provided to stand on the top of the supporting post. A stay member is attached to the pylon and is used for fixing the center reflector. A second stay member is provided to support the supporting post. This second stay member connects: the pylon; a jut extending out from the back side of the supporting post; and a base.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Kazuaki Ezawa, Hiroo Inoue, Takashi Kawaguchi, Yuzuru Hamada
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Publication number: 20110185728Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a receiver panel is provided that includes multiple thermally conductive nanostructures. The thermally conductive nanostructures may be provided on a substrate that supports the multiple thermally conductive nanostructures. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive nanostructures may be substantially orthogonal with respect to the surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Marshall Meyers, Reed Roeder Corderman, Mohamed Sakami, Loucas Tsakalakos, Kevin Richard Lang
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Publication number: 20110162361Abstract: The invention relates to a method for solar overheating of vapour produced by solar energy, using different solar heat producers, wherein the process with the lower maximum possible temperature is essentially used for vapour production and the process with the higher maximum possible temperature is essentially used for vapour overheating.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventor: Reinhard Schu
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Patent number: 7886537Abstract: A power generation system comprises a turbine and a fluid warming device in communication with the turbine. The fluid warming device may comprise a housing, an inlet pipe carried by the housing, an outlet pipe carried by the housing, and a plurality of solar collection members carried by the housing between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The plurality of solar collection members may have a plurality of channels to receive fluid. The inlet pipe, the plurality of solar collection members, and the outlet pipe are in fluid communication with one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: CoTherm of America CorporationInventors: Tadeusz Frank Jagusztyn, Donald James Hay
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Patent number: 7890217Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling power in renewable solar energy sources. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling a renewable energy solar farm, where the farm may include one or more renewable energy sources. The method may include measuring aggregate energy output of the renewable energy solar farm and measuring individual source energy output of the one or more renewable energy sources. The method may also include controlling energy production from the one or more renewable energy sources via a controller based at least in part on the measured aggregate energy output and the measured individual source energy output, where the controller facilitates communications with the one or more renewable energy sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Edward Cardinal, Minesh A. Shah, Andreas Kirchner, Timothy B. Cribbs, Anthony Galbraith, Enno Ubben
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Patent number: 7854119Abstract: The present invention provides a hydroelectric device having a closed conduit portion extending along an elevational drop, with a turbine positioned at a lower elevation and in fluid communication with the closed conduit portion. The closed conduit portion contains a volume of fluid forming a pressure head therein, the fluid impacting the turbine in such a manner as to operate the turbine and produce electricity therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventor: David Joseph Strain
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Patent number: 7779635Abstract: A solar energy power generator comprises a solar energy heating device for absorbing solar energy for heating medium flowing therethrough; a secondary heating device for further heating medium flowing through the solar energy heating device so as to generate air convection; and a power generator for generating electric power by air convection for driving a load. The solar energy heating device and the secondary heating device heat air so that air convection generates in the hot air convection space so as to drive the power generator to generate electric power for driving a load.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Wen Chang Lin
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Patent number: 7735483Abstract: A floating solar chimney includes several parts, e.g., the Main Chimney, the Heavy Base, and the Folding Lower Part. The main chimney includes cylindrical balloon rings full of non flammable light gas. The cylindrical balloon rings are tied with the help of supporting rings so that together they form one or more compact units of the main chimney. The compact parts of the main chimney are fastened on the heavy base. The successive compact parts are separated by separating rings filled with environmental air that can go in and out of the separating rings, so that the dynamic independence of the successive compact parts is ensured. The main chimney, which can float, is configured to sit on a chimney seat, and is connected to the heavy base. The lower part of the heavy base is fastened to the folding lower part. The air can enter and come out freely from the rings of folding lower part in order to enable the floating solar chimney to achieve any suitable decline as dictated by the exterior winds.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Christos Papageorgiou
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Patent number: 7726127Abstract: A solar-powered hydrogen production system includes a thermochemical system and solar heating system. The thermochemical system produces hydrogen. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer medium for providing thermal energy to the thermochemical system.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Robert Z. Litwin, Stanley M. Pinkowski
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Patent number: 7685820Abstract: A solar-powered supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system includes a supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system and a solar heating system. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer fluid for providing thermal energy to the supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Robert Z. Litwin, Andrew J. Zillmer, Nathan J. Hoffman, Alan V. von Arx, David Wait