Abstract: A solar energy turbine includes solar energy trap (1110) having a chamber with an inlet port (12), such that solar energy (13) entering the chamber through the inlet port is absorbed and reflected within the chamber means until substantially all the solar energy is absorbed by the chamber. Preferably, the inlet port is arranged to cause photons of the solar energy entering the chamber to circulate substantially in a single direction within the chamber until absorbed, such that on re-passing the inlet port substantially no photons emerge from the inlet port. The solar energy turbine includes a heat exchanger (1150, 1160, 1170) for extracting energy from the solar energy trap to drive a turbine (1120).

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: An economical system for harnessing the sun's energy, storing this energy and/or converting this energy into a usable energy product on a sustainable cycle is provided. The system includes an enclosed volume chamber having a mirrored inner surface and an opening for receiving a condensed high-temperature solar energy beam and trapping thermal energy. A fluid source is injected into the chamber for converting this energy into a high pressure source which can be fed to an energy converting device. The enclosed volume chamber can include a thermal absorbing member to store thermal energy for use during sunless hours. A sustainable system including a plurality of interconnected chambers can be provided to form an additive system of thermal energy for use during the day and during sunless hours. The thermal energy can be converted to provide a clean energy source at zero carbon emission for use in numerous and diverse applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines and/or piezoelectric generators. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into multiple 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. Advantageously, this enables more efficient use of the collected solar energy.

Abstract: The absorber pipe 10 according to the invention features a thermal opening 14, on which means are provided that reduce the radiation 26 emitted outwards from the absorbing surface 13 as a result of its operating temperature to an increasing extent as the operating temperature increases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar furnace. In particular, this invention relates to a solar furnace which is capable of raising the temperature of transfer medium. In use, the heated transfer medium can be used to generate electricity or put to other work, such as, for example, air conditioning, pasteurisation or desalination. In fact, for any situation that requires a source to generate work or power. The present invention describes a solar furnace for raising the temperature of a heat transfer medium, comprising a lens array for admitting incident thermal and solar energy onto a reflector portion and a pressure vessel. The reflector portion being generally shaped so as to concentrate said solar energy onto said pressure vessel. The pressure vessel having an inlet through which said heat transfer medium is injected and a central core which defines a continuous heat transfer path for said heat transfer medium to contact the surface of said pressure vessel and exit said pressure vessel at an outlet.

Abstract: Broadband reflectors include a UV-reflective multilayer optical film and a VIS/IR-reflective layer. In various embodiments, the VIS/IR reflective layer may be a reflective metal layer or a multilayer optical film.

Abstract: A solar heat collector includes a housing defining an insulated chamber extending from a focusing lens at a solar receiving end to a target glass at a target end forming a boundary wall between the insulated chamber and a target chamber receiving a heat transfer fluid therein. A target object is supported in the target chamber at the focal point of the focusing lens so as to be surrounded by the heat transfer fluid. In a preferred embodiment a heat engine is supported on the target end of the housing such that the target object and heat transfer fluid are the heat source of the heat engine.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A temperature fluctuation suppressing device for a heating medium is provided which is capable of sufficiently suppressing temperature fluctuations of the heating medium at the time of supplying collected solar heat for steam generation. The temperature fluctuation suppressing device includes a heating medium mixer provided on a heating medium supply passage configured to supply a liquid heating medium to a heat exchanging device, the heating medium mixer including: a heating medium passage forming member having plural heating medium passages; an inlet member and an outlet member provided separately from the inlet member, whereby the heating medium continuously flowing into the heating medium passage forming member through the inlet member passes through the plural heating medium passages with time-lags to form respective streams, which are then joined together before flowing out through the outlet member.

Abstract: A solar thermal system comprising at least one solar system including a solar system working fluid flowing therethrough, and a solar receiver for heating the solar system working fluid by solar radiation admitted into the solar receiver, and a thermal energy system in fluid communication with the solar system and receiving the heated solar system working fluid so as to produce thermal energy.

Abstract: A combined cycle power system is provided including at least one solar power plant including a concentrating dish configured to concentrate solar radiation; a solar receiver disposed and configured to utilize concentrated solar radiation for heating a first working fluid, and a first turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated first working fluid, and at least one recovery power plant including a heat recovery unit configured for utilizing exhaust heat of the first turbine to heat a second working fluid, and a second turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated second working fluid.

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.

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: 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.

Abstract: A steam turbine plant of one embodiment includes a boiler configured to change water into steam, a high pressure turbine including a turbine or turbines connected to each other in series, and having a first inlet to supply the steam from the boiler, an extraction port located at a downstream of the first inlet, a second inlet to supply the steam extracted from the extraction port and located at a downstream of the extraction port, and an exhaust port located at a downstream of the second inlet, the high pressure turbine being configured to be driven by the steam supplied from the first and second inlets, an extraction steam heater configured to heat the steam extracted from the extraction port and to supply the heated steam to the second inlet, a reheater configured to heat the steam exhausted from the exhaust port, and a reheat turbine configured to be driven by the steam from the reheater.

Abstract: A steam turbine plant of one embodiment includes at least one heater configured to change water into steam to produce high pressure steam and low pressure steam having a lower pressure than the high pressure steam, a high pressure turbine including a turbine or turbines connected to each other in series, and having a first inlet to supply the high pressure steam, a second inlet to supply the low pressure steam and located at a downstream of the first inlet, and an exhaust port located at a downstream of the second inlet, the high pressure turbine being configured to be driven by the steam supplied from the first and second inlets, a reheater configured to heat the steam exhausted from the exhaust port, and a reheat turbine configured to be driven by the steam from the reheater.

Abstract: A steam turbine plant of one embodiment includes a solar energy collector configured to collect solar heat, a boiler configured to change water into steam by the solar heat, a high pressure turbine including a turbine or turbines connected to each other in series, and configured to be driven by the steam from the boiler, first to N-th reheaters, where N is an integer of two or more, and first to N-th reheat turbines, wherein the first reheater is configured to heat the steam exhausted from the high pressure turbine by the solar heat, and the first reheat turbine is configured to be driven by the steam from the first reheater, and the second to N-th reheaters are configured to heat the steam exhausted from the first to (N?1)-th reheat turbines by the solar heat, respectively, and the second to N-th reheat turbines are configured to be driven by the steam from the second to the N-th reheaters, respectively.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An eco-friendly linear solar heat generating system may employ a linear engine with a simple structure using solar heat is employed in place of a conventional Stirling engine with a complicated structure. Magnets and a coil are arranged in a piston and a cylinder, respectively, to thereby generate power in a highly efficient matter, improve installation stability, and enable easy maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a primary solar receiver and a secondary solar receiver. The secondary solar receiver generates steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. The primary solar receiver receives the generated steam from the secondary solar receiver and superheats the steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. A plurality of heliostat-mounted mirrors reflects incident solar radiation onto one of the primary and secondary solar receivers. A controller aims a portion of the heliostat-mounted mirrors at the primary solar receiver such that a predetermined thermal profile is provided on a surface of the primary solar receiver.

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

Abstract: An energy farm system that harnesses energy from the environment has an integrated energy collector that harnesses solar light radiation, solar heat radiation, and harnesses wind energy. Some embodiments of the collector may be used for powering lights on a pole, communication equipment outdoors, and be suitable for powering homes and buildings. The collector harnesses wind energy by a horizontal axis rotation wind mill, harnesses solar light radiation by using a system of lenses that focus light to the center to the photovoltaic cells, and harnesses solar heat radiation by using a system of lenses that focus heat to the center to a heat exchanger. The collector mounted on a pole receives solar energy from the sun rays, as the sun travels from east to west. The lens elements focus light and heat radiation towards the center of the collector to a solar cell array and a solar energy collector.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating high pressure air. The device comprises a block having an external surface and an internal surface, said internal surface defining an internal cavity in said block. A rotor located inside said cavity is capable of rotating about under the influence of wind energy. The block is capable of moving relative to the rotor in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotor so as to vary the position of the rotor within the cavity. A plurality of vanes extend from the rotor, and are coupled to the rotor in such a manner that, in every position that the block is capable of adopting relative to the rotor, the rotor is capable of rotating within the cavity while maintaining a seal between each vane and the internal surface of the block. There is a gas inlet channel and a gas outlet channel on an opposite side of the block to the gas inlet channel.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided with a reflective panel assembly that is supported by a frame and pivots about a first horizontal axis. The panel assembly is configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point, and includes a central panel and a pair of outer panels each pivotally coupled to the central panel and configured for folding over the central panel. A collector assembly is mounted relative to the frame and pivotal about a second horizontal axis. The collector assembly is configured for collecting solar energy and includes a receiver that is positioned at the focal point. The receiver is configured for extracting energy from the reflected sunlight. The solar collector may also include a four-bar linkage assembly for supporting the panel assembly and the collector assembly during movement from a collapsed position and a partially extended position.

Abstract: A system and method for converting solar energy into mechanical and electrical energy is described. This method is based on the phase change of a material due to temperature. The change of phase is accompanied with displacement at high forces that can easily be converted into useful mechanical and electrical power.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion device has a tungsten housing containing a working fluid and a conduit leading from and reentering the housing under pressure developed by heating the fluid with by an optical concentrator which directs rays from the sun at the housing. A voltage is developed across electrodes spaced within the conduit as the heated fluid passes therethrough. The fluid may be directed to turn a gas turbine for driving an electric generator.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a heat source, a primary heat engine and a secondary heat engine. The primary heat engine has a hot heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat source and a cold heat exchanger. The secondary heat engine has a hot heat exchanger thermally coupled to the cold heat exchanger of the primary heat engine and a cold heat exchanger configured to reject waste heat.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar receiver device includes a metal conduit and a glass container disposed around the metal conduit such that there is a space between the glass container and the conduit. A coating is disposed on the metal conduit and has a composition that includes at least one element from silicon, titanium, aluminum, barium, and samarium.

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: 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: Placing a vacuum between two panes of glazing material will form a glazing panel which is a perfect insulator against heat loss by conduction. However, at sea level air pressure of 14.7 psi, the glazing panel would have to resist a crushing force of about 2117 pounds per square foot. Rather than use mechanical pane separators as in prior art, in the present invention an electric charge cloud is trapped on or between the two layers of glazing material, in the vacuum space,in the vacuum space between them and the mutual electrostatic repulsion of the electrons or holes therein provide sufficient force to maintain separation of the glazing layers. The resulting panels may be seasonally or permanently attached to the sunny sides of buildings to trap solar heat, rendering them self-heating or used as window, greenhouse glazing etc.

Abstract: The solar-based power generator (10) is a system for producing usable electricity from water, which is heated through concentration of ambient, environmental light. The generator (10) includes a reservoir (12) having an open upper end. The reservoir (12) receives a volume of water (14) therein. A convex lens (16) is mounted on an upper edge of the reservoir (12). The convex lens (16) covers the open upper end. A steam output port (11) is in fluid communication with a steam-based electrical generator (18). The convex lens (16) concentrates ambient light on the water (14) stored within the reservoir (16), thus heating the water (14) and converting the liquid water to steam. Additionally, a methane-burning electrical generator (24) is in communication with the reservoir (12). Pollutants in the water (14) produce methane during heating and decomposition, which is burned by the methane-burning electrical generator (24).

Abstract: A closed Rankine cycle power plant using an organic working fluid includes a solar trough collector for heating an organic working fluid, a flash vaporizer for vaporizing the heated organic working fluid, a turbine receiving and expanding the vaporized organic working fluid for producing power or electricity, a condenser for condensing the expanded organic working fluid and a pump for circulating the condensed organic working fluid to the solar trough collector. Heated organic working fluid in the flash vaporizer that is not vaporized is returned to the solar trough collector.

Abstract: 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.

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: A solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats relates to a system of concentrating and harvesting solar energy. The heliostats of said system are positioned like facets of a Fresnel type of reflector. The heliostats are placed in arrays, wherein each array has a common positioning mechanism. The common positioning mechanism synchronously maneuvers the arrays of heliostats in altitudinal and/or azimuthal axis for tracking an apparent movement of the sun. The common positioning mechanism is employed for synchronously orienting said heliostats with respect to a stationary object and the sun such that incident solar radiation upon said heliostats is focused upon said stationary object from dawn to dusk. Subsequent to each said orientation of said heliostats, collective disposition of said heliostats always forms an arrangement that is capable of reflecting and thereby focusing incident solar radiation upon said stationary object.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar-powered system and method for producing a utility, such as electricity, hot water, and/or potable water is disclosed. The system may be configured to produce the utilities alone or in combination. The system may comprise a fluid medium, a converter, one or more solar concentrators, a storage tank, a collection tank, a dehydration tank, and one or more safety features. The system may be closed-loop or open-loop.

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 system is provided for converting thermal energy derived from a solar field into electricity.

Abstract: A solar energy system includes a plurality of concentrating dishes and a plurality of heated air collectors. Each collector receives directed rays of sunlight from one of the concentrating dishes. A heated air distribution assembly collects air heated in the collectors. A thermal storage assembly is operably connected to the heated air distribution assembly and has a plurality of thermal storage elements. A steam generator is operably connected to the heated air distribution assembly and the thermal storage assembly. A steam turbine is operably connected to the steam generator.

Abstract: Solar energy storage is achieved by capturing the rotational energy produced by a solar thermal energy system's turbines, and storing that energy in an energy storage spring, via a gear or a connected gear box/transmission, in a very efficient and scalable manner. Another gear box/transmission connected to the energy storage spring provides uninterrupted rotational energy, at a constant rate, to the system's electric generators, making it possible to provide base-load power. The stored rotational energy may also be released only during periods of peak demand, providing frequency regulation, in what is known as a peaker power plant. Previously, this instant on and off operation was only available in hydroelectric power plants. Stored rotational energy may also be utilized to provide a continuous pumping means, as well as to energize other machinery that relies on rotational energy, whereby performing work without generating electricity or burning fuel of any sort.

Abstract: A self-contained orbiting power plant receives and directs solar radiation as an energy source to heat the working fluid of a Rankine-type engine used to power an electrical energy generator and create a pseudo-gravity environment in which the buoyant force exists. Through the use of reflectors and alignment of the power plant with the solar radiation source, the low temperature of outer space is used as a heat sink to condense steam back into the liquid phase. The working fluid (e.g. water) is pressurized and heated to the elevated vaporization point and the expansion of the superheated steam is captured through rotation of the power plant in the microgravity environment. The steam is used to rotate an electrical generator turbine and a counter-rotation hull turbine. The steam is cooled by conductive heat transfer to a cooling fluid (e.g. liquid ammonia) which radiates excess heat to outer space, and to return the working fluid to the liquid phase for recirculation.

Abstract: The solar-based power generator is a system for producing usable electricity from water, which is heated through concentration of ambient, environmental light. The generator includes a reservoir having an open upper end. The reservoir receives a volume of water therein. A convex lens is mounted on an upper edge of the reservoir. The convex lens covers the open upper end. A steam output port is in fluid communication with a steam-based electrical generator. The convex lens concentrates ambient light on the water stored within the reservoir, thus heating the water and to converting the liquid water to steam. Additionally, a methane-burning electrical generator is in communication with the reservoir. Pollutants in the water produce methane during heating and decomposition, which is burned by the methane-burning electrical generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to utilization of energy including utilization of latent energy from electricity generating processes. According to one exemplary implementation, steam is produced from thermal energy, such as fossil fuel energy, nuclear energy and solar thermal energy; generating electricity from the steam using a turbine; and directing steam exhausted from the turbine to an absorption chiller or desalination apparatus as a condenser to drive an industrial process therein. In one exemplary implementation the absorption chiller may be an atmospheric control system to produce a gas of a desired temperature such as in an air-conditioning system. In another exemplary implementation the heat exchange apparatus is a desalination system employed to produce water of a desired purity.

Abstract: A concentrating solar receiver that maximizes the amount of solar energy available for conversion to electricity that utilizes a primary reflector, a secondary reflector and a fresnel lens to both reflect and refract solar rays to a thermal cycle engine receiver which converts solar energy to mechanical energy which is in turn converted into electrical energy using an electric generator. The configuration creates focal points that protect the thermal cycle engine receiver from high temperatures and provides uniform density of solar energy within the thermal cycle engine receiver. The solar receiver is moved in response to a sun tracking sensor using a vertical and a horizontal drive motor. The thermal cycle engine and the electric generator, representing the majority of mass, are centered on the vertical support and are low to the ground.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant is provided comprising a solar collection system and a steam-electric power plant. The solar collection system comprises one or more tube radiation absorbers containing a thermal fluid therewithin, the system being configured to heat the thermal fluid by passing the thermal fluid through the one or more tube radiation absorbers while the absorbers are irradiated with solar radiation. The steam-electric power plant comprises an intermediate-pressure steam turbine, a low-pressure steam turbine, at least one additional steam turbine having an inlet pressure higher than that of the intermediate-pressure steam turbine, and piping containing a working fluid. Each turbine is associated with a heat exchange system adapted to transfer heat from the thermal fluid to the working fluid.