Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar concentration plant which uses water/steam as a fluid, in any thermodynamic cycle for the exploitation of process heat, comprising an evaporation subsystem, where saturated steam is produced, a superheater subsystem through which the steam reaches the required conditions of pressure and temperature at the turbine inlet, and an attemperation system interconnected by a drum. A field of heliostats is pointed towards either of the subsystems (evaporator or superheater), in such a way to control both the pressure within the drum and the outlet temperature of the superheated steam.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 included

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant using indirect evaporation is provided. The solar power plant includes a primary circuit having a heat transfer medium conduction system and at least one solar thermal subassembly for heating the heat transfer medium by means of solar energy, a steam secondary circuit having a steam turbine system, and a generator coupled to the steam turbine system. The system includes a specific interconnection in the heat exchanger in order to improve the overall efficiency of the power plant. A method for operating such a solar thermal power plant using indirect evaporation is also provided.

Abstract: A dual hybrid heating apparatus, method of assembly and operation to heat potable water in a tank by heat exchange with a fluid heated by free heat sources—waste heat from heat recovery units and insolation. Once a demand for heated potable water is satisfied, a controller issues commands that cause the fluid to bypass the tank and instead flow to a further heat exchanger. Temperature is monitored downstream—if excessive, then the fluid is sent to a heat dump. A further fluid is heated by heat exchange at the further heat exchanger and then routed to where a parabolic dish solar concentrator vaporizes it to turn a blade of a turbine generator to generate electricity. Heat is extracted from the vapor to form condensate, but the vapor also heats the condensate before being cooled by heat exchange with fluid cooled by a cooling tower.

Abstract: A heat engine using solar energy is disclosed. The heat engine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a first body, a second body and a solar concentrator, and can have highly efficient thermal cycles by allowing a first piston assembly and a second piston assembly to reciprocate opposite directions with respect to each other inside a first cylinder and a second cylinder, respectively, as first operating gas and fourth operating gas or second operating gas and third operating gas thermally expand alternately.

Abstract: 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 hy

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 invention relates to a cushion-shaped concentrator (1) for concentrating electromagnetic radiation, in particular solar radiation (S), in an absorber (2), comprising a transparent membrane (3) that faces the incoming radiation during operation and a reflector membrane (4) which reflects the incident radiation in the direction of the absorber (2). In order to create a simply designed, low-cost cushion-shaped concentrator (1), by means of which the electromagnetic radiation can be concentrated at high efficiency in an absorber (2), the transparent membrane (3) and the reflector membrane (4) form an outer casing (5) for a chamber (6) filled with a gas at overpressure, wherein tension elements (7) are arranged between the transparent membrane (3) and the reflector membrane (4), said tension elements (7) producing constrictions (E) on the reflector membrane (4) that separate concavely curved sections (A) of the reflector membrane (4).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar canopy system includes support towers and an upper canopy suspended therefrom, the upper canopy forming a catenary shape. A method of generating electricity includes deploying mirrors upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, to focus sunlight on a Dewar tube containing a heat transfer fluid, utilizing heat from the sunlight collected within the heat transfer fluid to generate steam, and generating the electricity with a turbine powered by the steam. A method of generating electricity includes deploying first and second photovoltaic cell grids upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, the second grid being movable relative to the first grid. The method also includes positioning the second grid with respect to the first grid so as to maximize light collection and electricity generation during daylight hours, and repositioning the grids so as to maximize transparency of the canopy during nighttime hours.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low temperature solar thermal power system, which combines the solar hot water collectors with the organic Rankine cycle system using the low critical temperature hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) or hydrocarbons (HC) working fluid for converting solar energy to electrical energy. This invention also relates to systems and methodology for conversion of low temperature thermal energy, wherever obtained, to electrical energy using the low critical temperature hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) or hydrocarbons (HC) working fluid for organic Rankine cycle system to drive an electrical generator or do other work in a cost effective way.

Abstract: A solar-thermal gas turbine generator is equipped with a compressor, a heat receiver, and a turbine. Additionally, there is a generator that is driven by the solar-thermal gas turbine to generate power; and a steam power generation cycle in which high-temperature air exhausted from the turbine is introduced into a steam generator and in which a steam turbine that is operated with steam generated at the steam generator drives a generator to generator power, wherein a solar-thermal steam generator that generates steam by being heated with heat collected by the light collector is provided upstream of the steam turbine of the steam power generation cycle, and a distribution ratio for distributing the sunlight collected by the light collector to the heat receiver and the solar-thermal steam generator is adjusted in accordance with the sunlight intensity.

Abstract: An example space-based power generation panel arrangement includes a first reflective panel and at least one heat pipe configured to communicate thermal energy to the first reflective panel and a second reflective panel. The heat pipe is configured to hinge the first reflective panel to the second reflective panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hybrid solar concentration device comprising: (a) a solar collector configured to direct solar radiation to a photovoltaic cell and a heat exchanger; (b) a heat exchanger configured to heat a working fluid with a first energy component of the solar radiation; and (c) a photovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity from a second energy component of the solar radiation. Also provided are systems for generating electric power comprising one or more of the novel hybrid solar concentration devices and methods for generating electric power using such systems.

Abstract: The present application thus describes a solar-thermal power generation plant that includes one or more towers; a plurality of heliostats disposed around each of the one or more towers; a direct solar evaporator mounted at an elevated position on each of the one or more towers, the heliostats being configured to reflect solar radiation toward the direct solar evaporator such that concentrated solar radiation heats a receiving surface on the direct solar evaporator; and a heat engine mounted at an elevated position on each of the one or more towers, attached to the direct solar evaporator, and configured to use the heat from the receiving surface on the direct solar evaporator to generate electricity.

Abstract: A thermal generation system including a first renewable energy system operative to heat a first working fluid flowing therein, a second renewable energy system operative to heat a second working fluid flowing therein, and a heat transfer fluid for providing a thermal energy consumption system with thermal energy, the heat transfer fluid being designated to be heated by thermal energy, provided by the heated first working fluid, to a first elevated temperature and the heat transfer fluid being designated to be heated by thermal energy, provided by the heated second working fluid, to a second elevated temperature, wherein the second elevated temperature is greater than the first elevated temperature, the heat transfer fluid entering the thermal energy consumption system at the second elevated temperature.

Abstract: [Subject] The subject is to provide a method of converting solar energy into the transportable and stockable secondary energy [Means for Solving the Problem] There is provided a method of converting solar thermal energy obtained in a first region into motive power energy used in a second region, the second region having a solar-radiation amount smaller than that of the first region, comprising: synthesizing ammonia from air and water by using, as an energy source; only the solar thermal energy acquired in the first region, transferring the ammonia from the first region to the second region; and, burning the ammonia in the second region such that nitrogen and water are produced, thereby obtaining motive power energy.

Abstract: According to present invention, a method is provided for operating a multi-heat source power plant using a low-medium temperature heat source fluid, wherein the multi-heat source power plant includes a turbine or expander run by an organic motive fluid, comprising preheating the organic motive fluid using the low-medium temperature heat source fluid and thereafter providing further heat from an additional heat source to vaporize the motive fluid which is supplied to the turbine or expander. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a heat exchanger suitable to pre-heat an organic motive fluid with a low-medium temperature geothermal fluid, and solar energy collecting means suitable to directly or indirectly provide heat to the pre-heated organic motive fluid for heating and vaporizing the motive fluid.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for operating a solar steam system in response to a detected or predicted reduced insolation condition (for example, sunset or a cloud condition). In some embodiments, for a period of time, enthalpy stored within a solid material of a conduit via which steam travels en route to a steam turbine is used to heat the steam to drive the turbine. In some embodiments, a net migration of heliostats away from the steam superheater is carried out in response to the detected or predicted reduced insolation condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concentrating solar-power systems and, more particularly, beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems. A solar thermal array power system is provided, including a plurality of solar concentrators arranged in pods. Each solar concentrator includes a solar collector, one or more beam-forming elements, and one or more beam-steering elements. The solar collector is dimensioned to collect and divert incoming rays of sunlight. The beam-forming elements intercept the diverted rays of sunlight, and are shaped to concentrate the rays of sunlight into a beam. The steering elements are shaped, dimensioned, positioned, and/or oriented to deflect the beam toward a beam output path. The beams from the concentrators are converted to heat at a receiver, and the heat may be temporarily stored or directly used to generate electricity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solar energy system includes a sun tracking lens mounted on a frame. The system further includes a support system to support the solar energy system, a heat exchanger configured so that concentrated light from the lens is focused on the heat exchanger, a boiler, a double chamber scroll compressor, a turbine arranged in the support system, and a generator unit arranged in the support system.

Abstract: A Stirling engine solar concentrator system including a primary reflector (10) mounted on a base supporting structure (1), a secondary reflector (14) located at a focus of the primary reflector (10). a receiver (18) located at a focus of the secondary reflector (14), wherein sunrays are reflected from the primary reflector (10) to the secondary reflector (14) and are reflected back from the secondary reflector (14) to the receiver (18), and a Stirling engine (5) located near the receiver (18), characterised by a cooling system of the Stirling engine (5) including a plurality of heat transfer elements (6, 8) mounted on a shaded side of the primary reflector (10), wherein a cooling fluid (19) is arranged to flow between the Stirling engine (5) and the heat transfer elements (6, 8).

Abstract: A system includes a multi-stage compression engine including at least a first compressor and a second compressor and an intercooler positioned between the first compressor and the second compressor. The intercooler includes an air inlet configured to receive heated air from the first compressor and direct the heated air to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is configured to receive the heated air and to expel cooled air, wherein a cooling fluid is directed through the heat exchanger. An air outlet is configured to receive the cooled air and direct the cooled air to the second compressor. A chimney is positioned above the heat exchanger and adapted to capture the cooling fluid that is heated after having passed through the heat exchanger. A natural convection created in the chimney by the captured heated cooling fluid tends to draw the cooling fluid through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Fresnel lenses are prepared from a transparent substrate and a structured polyurethane layer. The structured polyurethane layer includes a curable reaction mixture. The curable reaction mixture includes a polyol, a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, and at least one UV stabilizer. The Fresnel lenses may be used in panel arrays and in solar power generation devices.

Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of pollutants in a combustion flue gas having a first temperature is provided. The method includes the step of providing an organic Rankine cycle apparatus utilizing a working fluid and including at least one heat exchanger is arranged in thermal communication with the flue gas. The method further includes the step of reducing the temperature of the flue gas to a second temperature less than the first temperature by vaporizing the working fluid within the heat exchanger utilizing thermal energy derived from the flue gas. The method further includes the step of filtering the flue gas through at least one filter disposed downstream of the heat exchanger to remove pollutants from the flue gas. An associated system configured to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the combustion flue gas is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention in several embodiments is an apparatus for producing potable distilled water and solar-thermal energy, as co-products of the generation of steam from sea water by concentrated solar radiation. This apparatus would be comprised of an array an Fresnel lenses of the same or substantially the same focal length which preferably each have an area of approximately 1 square meter, which are oriented in the appropriate 3-dimensional plane in relation to the sun to collect the maximum amount of solar energy over the area of the lens; the lens array would follow or “track” the sun across the horizon in two dimensions. The lens array would focus the collected and concentrated solar radiation in one discrete area of a boiling of several square centimeters, in order to produce steam which is then used to create power and is condensed to provide distilled water.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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].

Abstract: By the invention a heat storage system for storing solar heat is provided, the system including a subterranean heat storage (2) for storing heat at temperatures above 800° C., a collector structure (8) being placed on or above the ground, the collector structure having at least one reflecting surface (10) or converging lens for deflecting solar radiation (12), an absorber body (6) positioned so as to receive solar radiation (12) deflected by the collector structure (8) and be heated by said solar radiation (12), and a solid material heat conductor (4) for transferring heat from the absorber body (6) to the subterranean heat storage (2). A method of storing solar heat is also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A heat pump power generation system is provided that can generate electricity by efficiently using solar energy in a wide wavelength range including a visible light range and an infrared range. The heat pump power generation system includes a collector 1 for collecting solar light and solar heat; a power generation panel 8 for generating electricity by receiving the solar light collected by the collector; a switching unit 9 for providing switching control on a place to deliver heat energy collected by the collector or of cold energy generated by cooling; a heat accumulating device 4, 10 for accumulating the cooling energy or the heat energy going through the switching unit: and a heat pump generator 11 for generating electricity by using, as a heat source, the cold energy or heat energy accumulated in the heat accumulating device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with closed-cycle thermodynamic engines. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. The closed-cycle thermodynamic engines utilize a reciprocating piston to generate energy based on thermal expansion of a working fluid based on concentrated solar energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a steam power plant, wherein solar energy can be very flexibly and very efficiently coupled into the water steam circuit of the steam power plant.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic 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 dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A sustainable closed loop system with zero waste for cogeneration of electric and thermal energy using woodfuel from a closeby energy plantation of quick growing trees such as Gliricidia Sepium. In addition to the energy plantation sub-system, the system includes a biomass fuel preparing sub-system and a steam and power generation sub-system for use with a biological wastewater treatment sub-system. No chemicals are used for wastewater treatment.

Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly, In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.

Abstract: A solar energy transfer system including a spherical dish measuring 0-100 meters in diameter, with stem measuring 0-100 meters in length (its length depends on the dish dimensions), perpendicular to the base of the dish. At the top of the stem is a spheroid where power concentration and transfer occurs by reflecting quantum and electromagnetic solar energy by means of reflecting material with the same curvature as the spherical dish.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter includes one or more thermoelectric converter modules. A thermoelectric converter module includes spatially delimited gas volumes interconnected by a regenerator in a gas-permeable manner. During operation of the thermoelectric converter, a first gas volume warmer than the ambient temperature or a fluid flow is heated, and a second gas volume is cooler than the first gas volume. A fluid flow is thermally coupled with the second gas volume to dissipate heat. A volume change element suited to change the size of one or more of the gas volumes can be moved or deformed by an electromagnetic component by creating a magnetic field such that the size of at least one of the gas volumes is changed.

Abstract: A support element configured for supporting a heat collection element (HCE) of a solar concentrator in a solar thermal power plant is provided. The support element comprises a post engaging portion being configured for being pivotally articulated to the top of an HCE support post, and an HCE engaging portion being configured for retaining therein the HCE.

Abstract: Apparatus to collect solar radiation using a series of lenses or mirrors that concentrate the solar energy onto targets. A gaseous working fluid flowing through the targets is heated and optionally supplied to a heat store having an internal walled labyrinth of a suitable material to store heat energy. A heat exchanger, turbine and electricity generator are coupled to the collection and storage apparatus so as to provide a power plant for the conversion of solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed that utilize waste heat from one or more aeroderivative turbines to provide backup thermal energy for a parabolic trough concentrating solar power (CSP) plant.

Abstract: A system and method for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly recovery of bitumen aims at recovering unconventional oil in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way that has the potential of eliminating the need of natural gas currently employed for steam production and power generation. The system and method aims at providing low temperature steam for the stimulation of the formation by means of solar radiation. In addition, the system and method provides a novel solution for hydrogen production that does not employ reforming of natural gas. Furthermore, the use of thermoelectric devices in combination with low temperature steam can be employed to power an electrolysis plant to generate the hydrogen necessary to produce synthetic oil.

Abstract: A solar concentration plant which uses water/steam as a fluid, in any thermodynamic cycle for the exploitation of process heat, comprising an evaporation subsystem, where saturated steam is produced, a superheater subsystem through which the steam reaches the required conditions of pressure and temperature at the turbine inlet, and an attemperation system interconnected by a drum. A field of heliostats is pointed towards either of the subsystems (evaporator or superheater), in such a way to control both the pressure within the drum and the outlet temperature of the superheated steam.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.