Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotating pole, a first set of photovoltaic modules; and a second set of photovoltaic modules. The second set of photovoltaic modules do not rotate with the rotating pole.

Abstract: Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described. Low pressure solar receivers are provided that function to convert solar radiation energy to thermal energy of a working fluid, e.g., a working fluid of a power generation or thermal storage system. In some embodiments, low pressure solar receivers are provided herein that are useful in conjunction with gas turbine based power generation systems.

Abstract: A method for energy conversion from pressure energy into electrical energy uses an expansion turbine. In the method, a pressurized, gaseous, first medium is heated before being fed into the expansion turbine. The expansion turbine drives a generator and a compressor. At least one gaseous second medium is compressed by the compressor in a heating arrangement. Heat generated by the compression and preferably also via utilization of ambient heat according to a heat exchanger principle is used for heating the gaseous first medium.

Abstract: A solar heat turbine system includes: a compressor which compresses a working fluid, and generates a high-pressure working fluid; a solar heat receiver which heats the high-pressure working fluid with solar heat, and which generates a high-temperature working fluid; a turbine which is rotationally driven by the high-temperature working fluid; a restriction mechanism which restricts a flow of at least one of the high-pressure working fluid and the high-temperature working fluid; a rotation interlocking mechanism which rotationally drives the compressor so as to interlock with the turbine; a bleed mechanism which causes the high-pressure working fluid which is in a process of being generated in the compressor to be bled as a bled working fluid; and a system control unit which causes the bleed mechanism to execute bleeding after the restriction mechanism is caused to restrict.

Abstract: A power generation system, including: a solar energy concentration system, a biomass gasification device, a gas-powered generator, a steam turbine, a steam-powered generator. The solar energy concentration system is connected to a solar energy heat exchange system. The biomass gasification device is connected to the gas-powered generator. The gas outlet of the gas turbine is connected to the gas exhaust heat system. The second steam outlet of the gas exhaust heat system is connected to the second and the third cylinders of the steam turbine. The first steam outlet of the gas exhaust heat system and the steam outlet of the solar energy heat exchange system are connected to a steam mixing regulating system. The mixed steam outlet of the steam mixing regulating system is connected to the first cylinder of the steam turbine.

Abstract: Enclosure assemblies for managing air flow. Such assemblies include an enclosure and at least one inclined pathway in contact with the enclosure, each pathway including a pair of side wall portions and a top wall portion that collectively extend between spaced apart openings to define an air mass. One opening having a lower boundary and the other opening having an upper boundary, with the lower boundary being at an elevation higher than that of the upper boundary, such that when a temperature differential exists within a given pathway, warmer air will be trapped in an upper portion of the air mass and above the upper boundary, thereby impeding air flow from the enclosure.

Abstract: The structure disclosed within creates shelter, insulating the contents or individuals inside from the elements, while also generating electrical power. The electrical power is generated using one or more methods, the methods being interchangeable and varying depending upon the location of the structure, the time of day, and the seasons.

Abstract: A distributed compressed air storage system and method is described. A compression facility is configured to compress air and provides the compressed air to a pipeline. The pipeline is coupled to the compression facility and is configured to transport compressed air from the compression facility to a compressed air storage facility that is remote from the compression facility. A heat recovery unit is coupled to the compression facility and is configured to recover heat produced by compressing air in the compression facility. The compressed air storage facility is configured to store compressed air received from the pipeline and is located remote from the compression facility. An expansion facility is configured to receive compressed air from the compressed air storage facility and expand the compressed air to generate electricity.

Abstract: A renewable energy system is disclosed for generating electricity that is self-sustaining. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the system takes advantage of the stack effect to create a natural updraft in at least one vertical air column based on the temperature differences of the air in the vertical air column and the temperature of the ambient air adjacent the exhaust port of the vertical column. A wind generator is located in fluid communication with the vertical air column. Once the updraft is created, the blades of the wind generator rotate which causes electricity to be generated.

Abstract: An inverted funnel-shaped columnar tower (115) includes a window region (120), a heat absorbing surface (130), an air entrance (116) and exit (117). Solar energy passes through the window region and heats the heat absorbing surface. A plurality of fans (145), each connected to a generator (150), are suspended within the tower and extract energy from convectively rising air, generating electricity. A fan (160) outside the tower intercepts wind and turns an internal fan (145?) that aids the convective flow, providing a self-starting feature. A plurality of rotors (100) with wings (705) are connected in groups to generators (725) and all are arranged adjacent the tower. The rotors intercept wind energy and deliver it to the generators for conversion to electricity. The rotors include a flap (800) that predetermines the direction of rotation of the rotor, providing a second self-starting feature. The convection and wind capture functions operate independently.

Abstract: In an energy conversion system, a flexible conduit is disposed on the outside of a high rise of terrain drawing a stream of heated air through the conduit from a low to a higher elevation, a support structure supports the flexible conduit to maintain a substantially uniform cross-sectional area of the conduit orthogonal to its longitudinal axis. A plurality of longitudinal sections are included that individually include a plurality of lateral modular segments disposed orthogonally about the longitudinal axis of the conduit to laterally enclose the interior of the individual section of the conduit. The conduit has an interior surface of a repetitive varying contour that reduces friction between the interior surface and the air that flows through the conduit.

Abstract: A thermal energy generator of a size and configuration such that it captures and accelerates wind and thermal flow to drive a variable pitch internal propeller and an interconnected generator.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes a solar collector which heats air in the chimney, producing updrafts which can be harnessed to perform useful work. The solar collector may be located inside or outside the chimney. The device may include a reservoir for storing a heat transfer fluid, thus enabling the device to be used during both day and night. The solar chimney may be equipped with both internal and external solar collectors, operating in parallel. The solar chimney may also be equipped with multiple external solar collectors, connected in parallel to a reservoir. The solar chimney of the invention provides a convenient and practical way to convert solar energy into electrical power.

Abstract: The solar chimney of the present invention comprises an elongated chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end, the chamber defining a path for fluid, such as air, from the inlet to the outlet. Air updrafts in the chamber drive an internal turbine which is connected to an electric generator, or to some other machine. The chamber has the general configuration of an hourglass; the diameter of the chamber becomes progressively smaller with distance from the inlet end, until the diameter reaches a minimum value, then becomes progressively larger, as one proceeds towards the outlet end. Disposed within the chamber are one or more means for heating air in the chamber by solar and/or wind energy. In particular, there may be a solar collector inside the chamber which receives direct solar radiation from outside the chamber. The solar collector may also be configured to function as a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices. In one embodiment, among others, a vortex generation system includes a nucleating obstruction; an array of vanes distributed about the nucleating obstruction, the array of vanes configured to impart an angular momentum on air drawn through the array of vanes to form a columnar vortex over the nucleating obstruction; and a set of turbine blades positioned over the nucleating obstruction, the set of turbine blades configured to extract power from the columnar vortex. In another embodiment, a method for power extraction from a buoyancy-induced vortex includes establishing a thermal plume; imparting angular momentum to boundary layer air entrained by the thermal plume to form a stationary columnar vortex; and extracting power from the stationary columnar vortex through turbine blades positioned within the stationary columnar vortex.

Abstract: A multi-stage solar power device includes a light-permeable base plate, a plurality of light-condensing plates, a heat-conducting tube, at least one gas turbine, a gas inlet tube and a gas outlet tube. The light-condensing plates include a plurality of arcs with different length. The light-condensing plates are spaced from each other and arranged under the light-permeable base plate to define a plurality of light-reflecting chambers. The heat-conducting tube has first and second ends and extends through the light-reflecting chambers. At least one gas turbine is disposed in the heat-conducting tube. The gas inlet tube has first and second sections. The first section protrudes from the light-permeable base plate, and the second section extends through the light-permeable base plate. The gas outlet tube has one end protruding from the light-permeable base plate, as well as an other end extending through the light-permeable base plate.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel integration between wind and solar thermal renewable energy technologies. An existing wind turbine consisting of a hub and blades is operated by the power generated from a waterless solar thermal system (using high pressure, high temperature air) during periods of low wind availability. The solar thermal system consist of a heliostat field, solar air receiver panels, a thermal energy storage tank and a Pelton wheel assembly system for converting thermal energy of air into kinetic energy of the power shaft of the wind turbine. The thermal energy converting system consists of a plurality of supersonic air nozzles acting as stator, producing supersonic air jets to interact with a rotating Pelton wheel. A thermal storage system provides means for energy dispatchability. The proposed integrated system is capable of generating a stable renewable energy with minimum intermittency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grid-connected power plant, having the following systems which are adjusted in their capacitance to each other: a) a wind power plant, water power plant, solar-thermal system and/or photovoltaic system for the production of electrical energy for operating the systems b) through f); b) a CO2 absorption system for the absorption of atmospheric CO2; c) a CO2 desorption system for the desorption of the CO2 gained in b); d) an electrochemical or solar-thermal H2 synthesis system for the operating system e); e) a synthesis system selected from the group catalytic methanol synthesis, catalytic DME synthesis, catalytic methane synthesis; f) a storage system selected from the group methanol storage system, DME storage system, methane storage system. The invention also relates to the use of such a power plant and methods for the operation of such a power plant.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes an elongated chamber having the general configuration of an hourglass. The chamber includes one or more heat exchangers for heating air in the chamber by solar energy. A turbine in the chamber is driven by updrafts of air created in the chamber, and the turbine drives an electric generator or other machine. An exhaust wind turbine assists in the production of such updrafts. A vertical axis wind turbine harnesses energy of wind in the environment of the chimney, and such energy is used to drive the exhaust wind turbine. Excess wind energy is stored for later use. A set of extendable and retractable vanes, mounted externally of the chimney, deflects wind, in the environment of the chimney, towards the vertical axis wind turbine.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes an elongated chamber having the general configuration of an hourglass. The chamber includes one or more heat exchangers for heating air in the chamber by solar energy. A turbine in the chamber is driven by updrafts of air created in the chamber, and the turbine drives an electric generator or other machine. An exhaust wind turbine assists in the production of such updrafts. A vertical axis wind turbine harnesses energy of wind in the environment of the chimney, and such energy is used to drive the exhaust wind turbine. Excess wind energy is stored for later use. A set of extendable and retractable vanes, mounted externally of the chimney, deflects wind, in the environment of the chimney, towards the vertical axis wind turbine.

Abstract: A solar tower (1) has a solar radiation receiver (4) and a gas turbine engine (2). The gas turbine engine (2) is vertically arranged within the tower and includes, in downward flow series: a compressor (3) for compressing ambient air (15) drawn through at least one air inlet at an upper end of the tower, a heating arrangement (4) for heating compressed air from the compressor, the solar radiation receiver includes at least part of the heating arrangement, and a turbine (5) for extracting work from the heated compressed air. The gas turbine engine (2) is integrally formed with the solar tower (1) and the gas heating arrangement of the gas turbine engine (2) is integrally formed with the solar radiation receiver (4).

Abstract: Combined cycle solar power generation is achieved using a primary cycle based on a solar receiver, such as a volumetric absorber, in which compressed air is heated by concentrated solar radiation, coupled with a secondary cycle based on a water/steam circuit driven by exhaust gas from the primary cycle. When the primary cycle is inactive, typically at night time, the secondary cycle can be driven by accessing a heat store of liquid or solid heat storage material, such as a molten salt or concrete blocks, which has been heated earlier during day time operation. The water/steam circuit is reconfigurable between first and second switching conditions, wherein in the first switching condition heat is transferred directly or indirectly from the primary cycle to heat the heat storage material, and in the second switching condition stored heat is transferred from the heat storage material to the water/steam circuit in order to generate steam.

Abstract: An energy converter, includes a base, a first and a second converging lenses, an electric coil and a movable module. The base includes a substrate, a transparent chamber and two supporters formed on the substrate. The transparent chamber includes a first and a second vents formed therein. The first and second converging lenses are supported by the respective supporters. The electric coil is fixed on the substrate, and the electric coil defines a receiving space therein. The movable module includes a piston, a connector connected to the piston, a magnet connected to the connector, and a shading plate disposed on the connector and having an opening defined therein. The piston is moved in the transparent chamber due to thermal expansion of air in the transparent chamber, thereby moving the magnet in or out of the receiving space of the electric coil, and thus the electric power is generated.

Abstract: A solar receiver for a solar thermal power system includes a silicon carbide body having a passage therethrough. A coating on an outer surface of the silicon carbide body may increase absorption of solar radiation relative to the silicon carbide body. A plurality of silicon carbide fins may extend outwardly from the silicon carbide body, the fins oriented such that when the receiver is placed on a tower of a solar thermal power system having a plurality of heliostats, the fins are substantially perpendicularly to solar radiation received on the silicon carbide body from the plurality of heliostats.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting thermal energy. The system includes an intake for introducing air at a first temperature; an exhaust for exhausting the air, the exhaust being provided at a higher vertical elevation than intake; and a thermal energy source provided at second temperature higher than the first temperature, the waste thermal energy source being provided between the intake and the exhaust. The air introduced via the intake, passes the thermal energy source, and is exhausted via the exhaust due to a difference in elevation between the intake and the exhaust. The thermal energy source can be a waste thermal industrial energy source. The system can include a first ambient energy chamber configured to pass the air through the thermal energy source and an insulated, and a second ambient energy chamber provided between the ambient energy chamber and the exhaust, wherein the second ambient energy chamber is a made of a slow-loading thermal material.

Abstract: A solar wind chime having a structure that supports a solar energy system, a electrical subsystem, a cage, and a chime. The solar energy system includes a rechargeable electrical power source conductively coupled to a solar energy collection system. The rechargeable electrical power source powers one or more electrical subsystems. The electrical subsystem having at least one light for illuminating the solar wind chime. The cage is configured for protecting an ornamental object. The chime includes a bracket disposed within the chime. A wire extends through the chime and is at least partially supported by the bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light floating flue consisting of a wall of fibre-reinforced film which rotates about its axis to balance the reduced pressure in the flue with the centrifugal force on the gases in the flue and with the flue wall. The flue floats due to the friction with the rising air, the upward force of the lighter gases, optionally a zeppelin and balloon-like bodies filled with helium or hydrogen. In order to prevent bending moments on the flue, the flue is attached to the base of the tower by means of a tillable bearing.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes an elongated chamber having the general configuration of an hourglass. The chamber includes one or more heat exchangers for heating air in the chamber by solar energy. A turbine in the chamber is driven by updrafts of air created in the chamber, and the turbine drives an electric generator or other machine. An exhaust wind turbine assists in the production of such updrafts. A vertical axis wind turbine harnesses energy of wind in the environment of the chimney, and such energy is used to drive the exhaust wind turbine. Excess wind energy is stored for later use. A set of extendable and retractable vanes, mounted externally of the chimney, deflects wind, in the environment of the chimney, towards the vertical axis wind turbine.

Abstract: A method for storing heat from a solar collector CSTC in Concentrating Solar Power plants and delivering the heat to the power plant PP when needed. The method uses a compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or air as a heat transfer medium in the collectors CSTC and transferring the heat by depositing it on a bed of heat-resistant solids and later, recovering the heat by a second circuit of the same compressed gas. The storage system HSS is designed to allow the heat to be recovered at a high efficiency with practically no reduction in temperature. Unlike liquid heat transfer media, our storage method itself can operate at very high temperatures, up to 3000° F., a capability which can lead to greater efficiency. Due to material constraints and cost considerations in the rest of the system the maximum temperature is presently limited to between 1700° F. and 2000° F. The method can be applied to all current solar collector designs.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes a solar collector which heats air in the chimney, producing updrafts which can be harnessed to perform useful work. The solar collector may be located inside or outside the chimney. The device may include a reservoir for storing a heat transfer fluid, thus enabling the device to be used during both day and night. The solar chimney may be equipped with both internal and external solar collectors, operating in parallel. The solar chimney may also be equipped with multiple external solar collectors, connected in parallel to a reservoir. The solar chimney of the invention provides a convenient and practical way to convert solar energy into electrical power.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of electricity and the ventilation of urban areas with the use of waste heat from air-conditioning systems, waste organic matter, fuel cells and wind. A first aspect relates to the creation of a column of rising air in a stack to drive electricity-generating turbines. A second aspect relates to the use of wind energy to create a helix shape upward flow of air that may preferably augment the functioning of the first aspect. An advantage of the system is that by transferring waste heat from urban environments above habitable areas the problem of the so-called heat island effect is greatly alleviated.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention includes a solar collector subsystem and a heat engine. The solar collector system uses heliostat mirrors, a parabolic mirror, and a convex concentrator lens or compound parabolic concentrator to gather a large amount of solar energy into a very intense beam. The beam is used to vaporize an injected droplet of working fluid, whereby multiple opposed pistons responsive to the vapor formed reciprocate to produce electric energy by means of linear electric generators. The heat engine includes a chamber having three orthogonal sets of opposed pistons, wherein each piston is independently axially reciprocable and coupled to a linear electric generator. One piston is provided with an axially located window that admits the concentrated solar beam from the solar collector subsystem into the chamber of the heat engine. Another piston is provided with an injector that selectably injects a water drop into the center of the chamber where it can be vaporized by impingement of the concentrated solar beam.

Abstract: A solar-powered wind chime has a solar energy system for powering an electrical subsystem. The electrical subsystem may include lighting elements for illuminating the wind chime and the area around the wind chime in a decorative and functional manner.

Abstract: A compressed working fluid supply system including a power source, a liquefier in communication with the power source and a refrigerant, a circulator in communication with the power source and the refrigerant, and a heat sink is in communication with the refrigerant. The heat sink facilitates a transfer of heat from the working fluid to the refrigerant such that the working fluid becomes a cooled working fluid before or during compression. A compressor is in communication with the power source the cooled working fluid and includes an inlet and an outlet that is in communication with a compressed fluid tank.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly combination wind turbine and solar energy collector is provided. Solar panels are mounted on the surfaces of a wind turbine such that the combined energy from the wind turbine and the solar panels are provided as an output.

Abstract: A solar-powered power generation system and an associated method are provided. The system includes at least one trough solar absorption device for heating a heat transfer fluid to a first temperature, and at least one tower solar absorption device for further heating the transfer fluid to a second temperature. Thus, the generation system can efficiently heat the transfer fluid to high temperatures. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used, e.g., to generate steam and/or electricity.

Abstract: A generating facility is provided for generating electricity from both solar and non-solar energy sources. The solar generating portion of the facility includes capability to directly generate electricity from solar insolation, or to store the solar energy in a tangible medium, including stored heat, or solar generating fuel. The generating facility is configured to generate electricity simultaneously from both solar and non-solar sources, as well a solely from immediate solar insolation and from solar energy stored in a tangible medium. Additionally, the solar generating capacity may be segregated; such that separate spectra of solar insolation are used to capture heat for steam turbine based electrical generation, capture light energy for photovoltaic based electrical generation, and to grow biomass to generate a solar fuel.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generating apparatus is provided which comprises a single solar cell element formed on a substrate and a plurality of power conversion devices individually connected to the solar cell element for converting an output of the solar cell element.

Abstract: A method for generating and storing electrical energy is provided that includes utilizing solar radiation to generate electrical power; delivering a first portion of the generated electrical power to at least one consumer while storing a second portion of the generated electrical power as kinetic energy to accelerate at least one flywheel; when the generated electrical power is insufficient for the consumer(s), converting kinetic energy stored in the flywheel(s) back to electrical power; and delivering the electrical power obtained by converting the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel(s) to the consumer(s).

Abstract: A solar receiver system (10) has a solar receiver (12) that receives sun rays (14) directed thereto. The receiver (12) has a heat pipe (26) having working fluid (38) therein. The first end (28) of heat pipe (26) and a second end (30) form a respective first condenser (32) and a second condenser (34). An evaporator portion (36) is disposed between the ends (28,30). The first end (28) has an air manifold (42) therearound. The second end has a liquid manifold (48) therearound. The heated air from the air manifold (42) is provided to a power generation device (22). The power generation device (22) receives heated air from the air manifold (42) which is expanded in a turbine (68) to extract mechanical work therefrom. The turbine (68) may be coupled to a generator (78) for generating electrical power in response to the mechanical energy.

Abstract: A solar energy powerplant comprises at least one vertical tower with an open top mounted on a base structure. Each tower (10) has a height of at least 100 metres with a plurality of outwardly projecting heating chambers (12) mounted externally around the lower end of the vertical tower. Each heating chamber is a generally hollow chamber with walls formed of thin metal sheeting for absorbing solar energy, a closeable opening in a lower region of the chamber for introducing ambient air into the chamber and a closeable opening in an upper region of the chamber for releasing heated air accumulated in the chamber into the tower. A constricted zone, e.g. Venturi chamber, within the tower above the heated air inlet openings is adapted to increase the velocity of the heated air moving up the tower, and a wind powered turbine (14) is mounted within the constricted zone and adapted to drive an electrical generating unit.

Abstract: A system for employing the Coriolis effect for the generation and/or storage of energy generally comprises a vortex chamber for rotational acceleration therein of superheated, supersaturated water vapor and heated air and a water intake assembly and an adjustable air intake assembly each in fluid communication with the vortex chamber. The water intake assembly is adapted to deliver a directed flow of superheated water vapor to a lower portion of the vortex chamber while the air intake assembly is adapted to deliver a flow of heated air to the lower portion of said vortex chamber. The air intake assembly comprises an electrical generator operable by airflow drawn from the air intake assembly.

Abstract: A power plant and method for the generation of power from flowing air utilizes a generally vertically extending duct having an inlet open to atmosphere at an elevation above an outlet. A spray system is mounted adjacent the inlet for spraying droplets of a predetermined amount of water into the air causing the air and droplet mixture to become cooler and denser than the outside air to create a down draft of fluid within the duct. A power system mounted adjacent the outlet recovers energy from the downdraft of fluid passing through it. The predetermined amount of water sprayed is greater than the amount of water that would theoretically and potentially evaporate in the air throughout the entire elevation over an unlimited time period using fresh water droplets. The power plant can also be synergistically combined with desalination systems and aquaculture.

Abstract: Combustion turbine power plants and methods of operating the same are provided in which air is cooled using solar energy and supplied to an air inlet of the power plant to support combustion. Also, combustion turbine power plants and methods of operating the same are provided in which steam is produced using solar energy and injected into a turbine of the power plant.

Abstract: Retrofit equipment includes an auxiliary gas turbine unit including an auxiliary compressor for compressing ambient air to produce compressed air, a solar collector that receives the compressed air for heating the same to produce heated compressed air, and an auxiliary turbine coupled to the auxiliary compressor and to an auxiliary generator for expanding the heated compressed air and driving the auxiliary compressor and auxiliary generator thereby producing power and hot exhaust gases. When solar insolation is available, a flow control selectively supplies the hot exhaust gases from the retrofit equipment to a boiler which is part of a conventional fossil fueled power plant. The boiler has heat exchanger coils containing water and receives hot exhaust gases for vaporizing water in the coils and producing steam which is supplied to a steam turbine coupled to a generator for expanding steam produced by the boiler, and driving the generator and producing power and expanded steam.