Abstract: A system for producing energy includes a solvent chamber, a pressure chamber and a semi-permeable barrier separating the solvent chamber from the pressure chamber. The solvent chamber holds a solvent, and the pressure chamber hold a solute solution comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent. The semi-permeable barrier is permeable to solvent molecules and impermeable to solute molecules. Solvent molecules effuse across the semi-permeable barrier into the solute solution of the closed pressure chamber to increase the pressure of the pressure chamber, thereby generating energy in the form of hydrostatic pressure. A conversion device may convert the increased pressure in the pressure chamber to energy. The solute solution may be expelled and recycled after use.

Abstract: A small scale, concentrated solar power generation system includes a solar field of parabolic reflectors that may be located in proximity to load centers such that waste heat from the generation system may be employed in distributed, auxiliary applications.

Abstract: A solar receiver is disclosed and includes a housing having a front, radiation-facing, end and a rear end, the front end being formed with a cavity therein. A window is mounted at the front end of the housing and projects inside the cavity. A receiver chamber is defined within the cavity between the housing and the window. The receiver chamber has a working fluid inlet for ingress of working fluid to be heated therewithin, and a working fluid outlet for egress therethrough of the heated fluid. A solar absorber is within the receiver chamber for absorbing the solar radiation and heating the working fluid. The solar absorber includes at least one tubular member configured for maintaining fluid isolation between contents thereof and contents of the receiver chamber. The solar absorber is configured for heating working fluid within the receiver chamber exterior to the tubular member, and working fluid within the tubular member.

Abstract: A water heating/distillation chamber with multiple lenses arranged on its external walls such that direct sunlight from any direction is input into the chamber to heat the chamber contents. An input line provides water when necessary, and an output condensing structure channels water vapor out of the device for condensation into distilled water. Alternatively, a supply of hot water can be output from the chamber after heating. Alternatively, steam can be generated which can be used as an energy source for turbines. The chamber can be fabricated from glass, or any other material suitable for creating a greenhouse effect inside the chamber. The device can be applied to a wide spectrum of uses, from large scale commercial activity to small applications such as camping equipment.

Abstract: Solar electricity generation methods and apparatus are disclosed. In one general aspect, a solar cell is positioned to receive concentrated solar radiation and convert part of it into electricity and part of it into heat. A first heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the solar cell and includes microchannels that have a cross-sectional dimension to the center of the channel that is about equal to or less than the thermal boundary layer thickness for a working fluid. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the photovoltaic solar cell to the working fluid in the microchannels, and a second heat exchanger can then receive the transferred heat via a conduit. This heat can be used to generate additional electricity.

Abstract: A concentrating solar system has multiple receivers, in some embodiments mounted on multiple towers, on which solar energy is concentrating using heliostats. At least some heliostats are controlled such that they may direct energy onto different receivers to achieve any of various control goals, such as temperature or flux uniformity of the receiver. In preferred embodiments, the receivers or receiver portions are fluidly connected in stages such that there are high temperature targets, e.g., superheated receivers or portions, and low temperature targets, e.g. evaporating receivers or targets. By doing so, it is possible to selectively control heliostats to track for directing energy on the targets to, for example, achieve temperature uniformity of the high temperature target by selecting heliostats for that control goal under varying circumstances.

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: A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which the platform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on one side of the support and a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a second side of the support; c) a connecting tube connecting the first container and the second container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the first and the second container, the fluid being evaporable from solar heat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof above and connected to the platform, having at least one window of which is located above the first container and at least one window of above the second container; f) shuttering devices connected to the roof and movable so that one window is closed while the other is open and vice versa; and, g) shutter device controls functionally connected to the shutter device

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: Methods and systems are disclosed to convert low temperature thermal energy to electricity. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes an electrical generating unit to receive heat energy to produce electricity, a concentrator including a heat engine, a liquid piston operatively coupled to the heat engine, and a heat pump operatively coupled to the liquid piston, the heat engine adapted to collect thermal energy, and the heat pump operatively coupled to the electrical generating unit to provide heat to the electrical generating unit. The example apparatus disclosed herein also includes a heat engine floating piston disposed in the heat engine, a heat pump floating piston disposed in the heat pump, and wherein the heat engine floating piston and the heat pump floating piston oscillate.

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: Water expands in volume when it is heated up and contracts in volume when when heat is taken out of it. This invention relates to systems where solar energy causes volume changes in water so electrical energy is thereby produced. In a first preferred embodiment a field of solar mirrors concentrate solar energy on two targets alternately. Pipes feeding pressure to either side of a common piston are thereby energized alternately causing reciprocal movement of the piston. Through a gear mechanism an generator is then energized to produce electricity. In a second preferred embodiment the sun shines directly on a large bourdon tube. In a day temperature rises and falls. This causes the bourdon tube to coil and uncoi, energizing attached gearing and an electrical generator.

Abstract: A hybrid power plant is disclosed wherein a first power plant produces secondary steam of a first, relatively low temperature using a renewable source of energy such as geothermal or solar. The steam from the renewable source plant is passed through a solar power plant that has an operating temperature higher than that of the first temperature which results in superheating the first temperature steam to the higher temperature in the higher temperature solar power plant. Higher efficiencies are obtained.

Abstract: A water displacement apparatus is provided which uses water as a means for transferring energy from the wind and sun into electricity. Wind and the sun may be used to displace water from a water container means. The water container means has a water container member which may be partially submerged in a water supply or reservoir, or it may be connected remotely. The water container means also has a water transport member connected to it, through which water from the water reservoir may move into the water container member. The water from the supply or reservoir will move into the water container member as the water displacement process begins. A conventional windmill system may be used to mechanically displace the water, or an evaporation system utilizing one or more lenses may be used to evaporate the water.

Abstract: A solar-powered hydrogen production system includes a thermochemical system and solar heating system. The thermochemical system produces hydrogen. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer medium for providing thermal energy to the thermochemical system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harnessing heat energy uses at least one thermally conductive material in communication with a heat collecting material in order to conduct heat from a first region of the heat collecting material to a second region of the heat collecting material. The thermally conductive material can be interspersed within the heat collecting material and/or applied externally to the heat collecting material. Heat drawn from the second portion can be stored and/or converted into another form of energy for providing power to a structure or vehicle. Conversion can use the differential between the temperature of the second region and the temperature of a cold sink. Additional heat can be added to the heat collecting material.

Abstract: A solar-powered supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system includes a supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system and a solar heating system. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer fluid for providing thermal energy to the supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system.

Abstract: A water vaporization apparatus is provided which uses the heat from the sun to vaporize water from a water collection means. The water collection means has a water container member which may be partially submerged in a water reservoir, or connected to a remote reservoir of water. The water container member has a water transport member connected to it, through which water from the water reservoir may move into the water container member, as the sun vaporizes water from the water container member, since the water levels will naturally try and reach equilibrium. An electricity generation means may be operatively connected to the water collection means in such a manner that the movement of the water through said water transport member may be used to generate electricity. In an alternate configuration, a water condenser means may be connected to the water collection means in such a manner that the vaporized water may be transformed back into liquid form, for use as drinking water and/or industrial water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting solar energy into mechanical or electrical energy, comprising: means for concentrating the solar radiation from the sun at a given focal point, collector means for receiving and accumulating the solar radiation originating from the concentration means in order to accumulate thermal energy, and means for converting the thermal energy accumulated in the collector means into mechanical energy. Subsequently, the mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy using a conventional generator.

Abstract: A power-generating system is provided for operating adiabatically and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The system may include gas reactors and/or combustors that burn a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas under substantially adiabatic conditions such that high-pressure combustion products and low pressure combustor housing cooling air are combined to produce a medium pressure working fluid. Higher thermal efficiencies reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Products of combustion can be processed to further reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from portable and stationary exhaust-producing devices using different fuels. The system may also include solar collectors that pick up a spectrum of solar energy by means of cells containing fluids, aligned to concentrate the solar rays. The collectors may pick up direct and/or diffused solar radiation and can be used to power self-propelled vehicles or function as a roof of a building.

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 invention relates to a device for production of hydrogen, using low-energy solar energy, by means of solar traps (1) to give hot water (3) during the day and thermal radiators (2) to give cold water (4) during the night. The hot and cold water are stored to give a permanent hot (3) and cold (4) source which produce electricity by using a turbine (6) operating with the Rankine cycle coupled to an alternator (18), or a Stirling engine, or by a thermoelectric process. Said electricity may be used for electrolysis (9) of water (10) to give hydrogen (11).

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: A modified Brayton Cycle Engine employs solar radiation to heat a compressible Brayton working fluid for driving a turbine to which an electric generator is coupled for converting solar radiation to electricity. A compressor, also coupled to the turbine, compresses the Brayton working fluid before it is heated by the solar radiation. Heat from a solar MHD generator may also be used to heat the Brayton working fluid. A heat pipe can be used to efficiently transfer heat from the solar radiation or MHD generator to the Brayton working fluid. Spent Brayton working fluid exiting the turbine is passed through a heat exchanger to preheat compressed Brayton working fluid exiting the compressor before the compressed Brayton working fluid is heated by the solar radiation. The spent Brayton working fluid exiting the heat exchanger may be further cooled in another heat exchanger across which ambient air can be blown.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for removing heat from closed-cycle thermodynamic engines that generate electrical energy through a reciprocating piston operated by thermal expansion. The present invention includes a heat exchange mechanism for a closed-cycle thermodynamic engine that exchanges hot working fluid and cold fluid at different points in a heat cycle thereby increasing efficiency of the closed-cycle thermodynamic engine. The heat exchange mechanism allows the engine to remove heat faster from the working fluid and therefore lowers the low temperature of the thermodynamic cycle resulting in better efficiency. The heat exchange mechanism also allows the engine to operate at a faster cycle frequency.

Abstract: A solar power arrangement for converting solar energy into electricity comprising; a solar chimney, the chimney having a flared base spaced from the ground the chimney including a transparent surface to allow solar energy to heat air within the solar chimney. A first air turbine drives a first generator, and the chimney including an exhaust. The first air turbine drives an air compressor and wherein the compressor includes an ambient air intake and a plurality of pipes for receiving compressed attached to the solar chimney. A plurality of heliostats focus solar energy on the pipes to heat the compressed air contained therein and a second turbine driven by expansion of the compressed air wherein the second turbine drives a second generator.

Abstract: A solar thermal power generator includes an inclined elongated boiler tube positioned in the focus of a solar concentrator for generating steam from water. The boiler tube is connected at one end to receive water from a pressure vessel as well as connected at an opposite end to return steam back to the vessel in a fluidic circuit arrangement that stores energy in the form of heated water in the pressure vessel. An expander, condenser, and reservoir are also connected in series to respectively produce work using the steam passed either directly (above a water line in the vessel) or indirectly (below a water line in the vessel) through the pressure vessel, condense the expanded steam, and collect the condensed water. The reservoir also supplies the collected water back to the pressure vessel at the end of a diurnal cycle when the vessel is sufficiently depressurized, so that the system is reset to repeat the cycle the following day.

Abstract: A method of growing algae is described that is part of a cogenerational energy production plant in which solar energy from a solar collecting and concentrating field is used to provide photonic energy for the growth and stress phase of algae as well as to provide heat for driving a turbine. The supplementary energy for the power plant is provided by natural gas and by biomethane that is produced by fermentation of the algal biomass. The carbon dioxide that is a by-product of the combustion of both the natural gas and the biomethane is recycled to provide the carbon source for the algal growth.

Abstract: Thermal energy derived from a low temperature heat source is stored in one reservoir above ambient temperature and in another reservoir below ambient temperature for use in driving an organic Rankine cycle engine to produce electricity. The organic Rankine cycle engine may utilize an organic working fluid that boils below or near ambient temperature. Solar energy may be used to power a heat pump or chiller that provides the hot and cold storage fluids stored in hot and cold reservoirs for use in the organic Rankine cycle engine.

Abstract: A pyramid-like structure consisting of a base and 3 or more side frames, each side frame forming an angle to the base. The pyramid-like structure having an enclosed space within and including a way to collect solar energy and to collect and transfer thermal energy from the sun; air suction mechanisms to take surrounding air into the enclosed space; a plurality of wind turbines; a Main Thermal Reservoir to take in and hold heat transfer medium, which is heated therein and then pumped to the top day tanks. The heat transfer medium is heated by a Heat Absorption and Transfer Layer through a network of pipes on the side frame back to the Main Thermal Reservoir, wherein thermal energy is collected, absorbed and transferred to the enclosed space of the pyramid, heating the enclosed space and within the air suction means, causing a temperature differential between the surrounding air and heated air inside the enclosed space of the pyramid to create a continuous flow of the heated air to turn the wind turbines.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror for a dish reflector of a system for generating electrical power from solar radiation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) shaping a blank of a deformable material to have a concave surface that is a required surface profile for a mirror; and (b) glueing, laminating or otherwise adhering together a back surface of a sheet of reflective glass and the concave surface of the shaped blank to form the mirror.

Abstract: A power generating system comprises a water supply system for supplying water; a solar heating device having a water inlet and a water outlet; the water inlet being connected to the water supply system; the solar heating device receiving water from the water supply system and then the water being preheated in the solar heating device; a steam generating device connected to the water outlet of the solar heating device for storing hot water preheated from the solar heating device; a hydrogen-fuel generating device for electrolyzing water into hydrogen and oxygen as fuels; a combustion heating device for reheating hot water from the steam generating device; the fuel of the combustion heating device being hydrogen and oxygen from the hydrogen-fuel generating device; and a steam electric-power generator receiving steam from the steam generating device for generating electric power and then the electric power being outputted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using a solar collector and one or more piezoelectric generators. The present invention includes new designs for solar collectors that concentrate solar energy, and mechanisms for transporting and transferring the concentrated solar energy directly into the working fluid (e.g., a liquid, a gas, or a phase change substance) of the one or more piezoelectric generators without heating the outside surface of the engines. The system includes one or more solar collectors and a delivery system to deliver concentrated energy from the collectors directly into working fluid of one or more piezoelectric generators. Advantageously, the delivery system avoids heating an outside surface of the one or more piezoelectric generators as is done in conventional designs.

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: Combined cycle power plants and related methods are disclosed here. In the plants, a mediating thermal energy storage unit is used to store waste or residual thermal energy recovered from a heat engine employing a top thermodynamic cycle of the combined cycle power plant, so that the stored residual thermal energy may be used as an energy source in a bottom thermodynamic cycle of the power plant. In the combined cycle power plants described here, the heat engine employing a top cycle may comprise a Brayton cycle heat engine and the heat engine employing the bottom thermodynamic cycle may be a Rankine cycle heat engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy. The present invention includes solar collectors that concentrate solar energy and mechanisms for transporting and transferring the concentrated solar energy directly into closed cycle thermodynamic engines without heating the outside surface of the engines. Additionally, the present invention includes multiple thermodynamic engines and mechanisms to direct solar energy into each of the thermodynamic engines to increase overall system efficiency by maximizing the use of collected solar energy. Advantageously, the delivery system of the present invention avoids heating an outside surface of the engine as is done in conventional designs, provides a closed design to protect the collectors, and maximizes efficiency through multiple engines.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying thermal energy using thermally conductive solid objects within a closed circuit.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed. The thermal energy storage apparatus has a phase change medium. The thermal energy storage apparatus also has an inner manifold area having at least one inner feed port. The thermal energy storage apparatus also has an outer manifold area having at least one outer feed port and fluidically coupled to the inner manifold area. The inner manifold area and the outer manifold area are configured to be substantially immersed in the phase change medium. Methods of constructing and controlling embodiments of related thermal energy storage apparati are also disclosed, as well as embodiments of related heat exchangers.

Abstract: A solar power station includes a solar panel assembly, having a substantially planar solar panel, and first, second and third towers. Each of the towers includes multiple vertically stacked floors and a main bearing structure pivotally mounting the solar panel assembly to the tower upper end. Each of the floors includes an arrangement of robots that are connected to each vertically adjacent floor. At least some of the robots including hydraulic jacks. A controller selectively actuates the hydraulic jacks, such that each of the towers is individually extendable from a bottom position to an extended position. Selectively moving one or more of the towers rotates the solar panel about one or both of the axes, whereby the solar panel is maintained at an optimal orientation for collecting solar power.

Abstract: Designs of cooling systems that operate entirely on solar energy are disclosed. Such cooling systems may be used in refrigeration and air conditioning. According to one aspect of the designs, a solar energy collecting device is disposed outdoor to collect solar energy. A first heat-to-electricity pump operating on heated liquid is provided to produce electricity. A storage tank is used to store heated water. A second heat-to-electricity pump is disposed in the storage and operates on the heated water to generate electricity. A cooling system operates on at least three types of working fluids to achieve low temperature evaporation and high temperature condensation to derive cooling effects. A working unit powered by at least one of the first generator and the second generator is provided to utilize the cooling effects from the cooling system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of solar-architectural materials which receive solar radiation and transfer it into heat energy and at the same time works as building finishing and decoration material, and thereof a system of building integrative solar heat utilization in which comprise a kind of heat-energy-conflux-device via metal matching surface impinging on each other without leakage possibility of liquid as heat transfer medium in the system.

Abstract: A power-generating system is provided for operating adiabatically and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The system may include gas reactors and/or combustors that burn a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas under substantially adiabatic conditions such that high-pressure combustion products and low pressure combustor housing cooling air are combined to produce a medium pressure working fluid. Higher thermal efficiencies reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Products of combustion can be processed to further reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from portable and stationary exhaust-producing devices using different fuels. The system may also include solar collectors that pick up a spectrum of solar energy by means of cells containing fluids, aligned to concentrate the solar rays. The collectors may pick up direct and/or diffused solar radiation and can be used to power self-propelled vehicles or function as a roof of a building.

Abstract: A system (112) for generating electric power from solar energy is provided. The system is comprised of a solar concentrator (302) formed of an optically reflective material having a curved surface. The curved surface defines a focal center toward which light incident on the curved surface is reflected. A PV/thermal device (310) is positioned substantially at the focal center. The PV/thermal device is comprised of a photovoltaic array (600) and a thermal energy collector (604). The thermal energy collector (604) is used as a fluid cooling system for the photovoltaic array. A thermal energy converter (116-1) is provided with a fluid coupling to the fluid cooling system. The thermal energy converter is configured for converting thermal energy from the fluid cooling system to electric power. A power generation system (128) is also provided.

Abstract: A solar-thermal powered generator has an absorber assembly which includes a gas permeable body of light absorbing material operative to absorb incident light and convert the absorbed light into heat. The gas permeable body of light absorbing material is supported in a spaced-apart relationship with a subjacent surface to define a volume which is bounded by the body of light absorbing material and the subjacent surface. A gas flow channel establishes fluid communication between the volume and the ambient atmosphere, and a turbine is disposed so as to intercept the gas flowing between the ambient atmosphere and the interior volume and extract kinetic energy therefrom. Also disclosed is a method for power generation using the disclosed generators.

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 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 solar power system capable of storing heat energy and converting sun light to electrical power. The solar power system includes a solar collection system which gathers and transmits concentrated solar energy to an absorber/cavity. The thermal energy is extracted from the absorber/cavity via a fluid and transported to a heat conversion system. The heat conversion system uses the thermal energy to create electricity.

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 heat system utilizing solar energy is disclosed herein, which includes at least one solar panel, an energy control unit, a temperature control device, at least one heat-radiating element, and at least one storage cell. The solar panel collects solar energy and transforms it into electric current that flows through the energy control unit, the temperature control device, and the heat-radiating element to release heat energy with a predetermined temperature; or the energy control unit directs the electric current to the storage cell for backup. When the solar energy is insufficient, the energy stored in the storage cell can be transformed under the control of the energy control unit into electric current flowing through the temperature control device and the heat-radiating element to release heat energy with a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A mechanical thermo-voltaic solar power system (MeTSoPoS) that uses a mechanical generator, instead of the photovoltaic panel commonly in use today, is disclosed. The system is comprised of three major subsystems: (1) a light collector array, (2) a mechanical thermo-voltaic generator, and (3) a storage and retrieval system. At the center of the system is the light collection array comprised of solar collector elements. These collector elements are connected to optical conduits (fiber optic cables) that carry the light energy to a mechanical generator. An automatic aiming system is used to align the collector elements directly at a light source for maximum light output. Each light collector element is comprised of a set of lenses that focus a larger area of light down to a point small enough to inject into an optical conduit. The optical conduit is then used to carry the light from each collector element to the generator.