Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid renewable energy system having an underground heat storage apparatus. A solar collector is provided on or around a building structure and collects solar heat to heat a heat medium. A transfer pipe transfers the heat medium, heated by the solar collector, into the underground. The heat storage apparatus stores heat received from the heat medium and heats, using the stored heat, both cold water supplied from the building structure through a supply pipe and air supplied from an inlet duct. A return pipe returns the heat medium from the heat storage apparatus to the solar collector. An inlet pipe supplies hot water produced by the heat storage apparatus to the building structure. A connection duct supplies air heated by the heat storage apparatus into the building structure to heat the room of the building structure.

Abstract: A plant (10, 110) for the production of electric energy comprises a fuel boiler (11) in which a fluid is heated in order to produce steam, a turbine (15) which is connected to an electric generator (16) and to which said steam is conveyed, and a condenser unit (19) which re-condenses the fluid output from the turbine so that it may be conveyed back to the steam generator. The return fluid along the path from the condenser unit (19) to the boiler passes through a preheating unit (22) which receives heat from the turbine steam bleed-offs (23) and from a thermodynamic solar field (25). By making suitable use of the heat produced by the solar field (25) and contained in the heat-carrier fluid which passes through it, it is possible to increase the overall efficiency of the plant (10, 110).

Abstract: Systems and methods for model based steam flow control to and/or through a steam turbine component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: at least one computing device configured to control a steam flow in a power generation system by performing actions comprising: generating a flow model for the steam flow based at least in part on operational data about the steam flow in the power generation system; and adjusting a characteristic of the steam flow based upon the flow model.

Abstract: An auxiliary steam generator system for a power plant, comprising a water-steam circuit, which has a condensate line and a feed-water line, wherein a condensate pump is connected in the condensate line and a feed-water pump is connected in the feed-water line, and wherein a pressure accumulating vessel is connected between the condensate pump and the feed-water pump, and wherein a feed-water take-off line is connected to the water-steam circuit at a branch-off point after the pressure accumulating vessel is provided. The feed-water take-off line is connected to the pressure accumulating vessel and a heating device is connected in the feed-water take-off line.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant is provided. The solar thermal power plant includes a solar collection system configured for utilizing incident solar radiation to heat a heat transfer fluid (HTF) and a power block configured for utilizing the heated HTF to generate power. The solar collection system includes a plurality of pipes for carrying HTF characterized by a first degree of permeability to hydrogen, at least some of the pipes including portions exposed to the atmosphere, and including a membrane made of a material being characterized by a second degree of permeability to hydrogen, the second degree of permeability being higher than the first degree of permeability to hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressor powered by a pressurized gas, whether steam or another working fluid, and a system for extracting work using such as compressor. The pressurized gas may comprise a heated working fluid in a gaseous state, to displace a piston in an input circuit, which in turn displaces a piston in an output circuit, thereby compressing a compressible fluid or displacing an incompressible fluid. A purpose of the compressor is to convert waste heat, heat generated by the combustion of biomass or other fuels, or heat resulting from the concentration of solar energy into useful power, whether configured to produce compressed air or pump water, which can displace the electricity otherwise used for this purpose, or to produce electricity or motive force directly, through a hydraulic circuit. The system for extracting work does so by an output fluid which is compressed or pumped by a pressurized gas powered compressor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power generating system by combining medium-and-low temperature solar energy and fossil fuel with thermochemical process, the system comprising: a material supply device configured to store fossil fuel; a material mixing device configured to mix the fossil fuel with non-reacted reactant; a material metering device configured to control an amount of material fed to a material preheating device in unit time; a material preheating device configured to heat the material; a solar energy absorption and reaction device configured to drive the fossil fuel by using solar thermal energy absorbed to make a decomposition reaction or reforming reaction, through which the solar energy is converted to chemical energy of hydrogen-rich fuel, obtaining solar-energy fuel; a solar energy heat collecting device configured to collect the solar energy with low energy flux density to medium-and-low temperature solar thermal energy with high energy flux density, so as to provide heat to decomposition

Abstract: An energy conversion device generates electrical power responsive to a flow of thermal power. An energy radiator is in thermal communication with the energy converter and includes an input side for receiving the flow from the energy converter and an output side that is tuned for selectively emitting at least a portion of the thermal flow in a bandwidth at which the atmosphere of Earth is substantially transparent and/or with a sufficiently small radiation angle such that the portion of the thermal flow can be radiated to outer space. In one system, the energy conversion device held at least near an ambient temperature. In another system, the energy conversion device is maintained below an ambient temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include grid-tied thermal energy storage (TES) systems, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems featuring grid-tied TES and methods of operating same. Grid-tied TES systems include a heat storage material, a heat transfer material in thermal communication with a source of concentrated solar flux and an electric heating element. Both the heat transfer material and the electric heating element are in thermal communication with the heat storage material. Both the heat transfer material and the electric heating element can be selectively used to provide alternate and complimentary means to store thermal energy in the heat storage material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating energy by means of thermal cycles with high pressure and moderate temperature steam, which allows improving the energy and operational efficiency of the conversion of heat energy into mechanical or electrical energy by means of thermal cycles in which the temperature of the steam is limited to moderate values in its generation, comprising the following steps: a) generating steam at a pressure above 65 bar and a moderate temperature below 400° C., b) expanding said steam in a steam turbine, steam of an intermediate pressure, comprised between 10-40 bar, with a moderate moisture, below 15%, being obtained c) drying said steam by means of a moisture separator and reheating said steam, d) expanding said steam in the turbine, and e) heating boiler water used to generate the steam by means of a plurality of steam extractions from the turbine, in order to exchange heat with said boiler water.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for converting light energy to mechanical energy by modification of surface tension on a supporting fluid. The apparatus comprises an object which may be formed as a composite object comprising a support matrix and a highly light absorptive material. The support matrix may comprise a silicon polymer. The highly light absorptive material may comprise vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VANTs) embedded in the support matrix. The composite object is supported on a fluid. By exposing the highly light absorptive material to light, heat is generated, which changes the surface tension of the composite object, causing it to move physically within the fluid.

Abstract: A closed loop system for producing energy using an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and an ORC fluid, comprising a first solar power source (52) configured to heat an ORC liquid to a saturated ORC liquid, a second solar power source (70) fluidly connected to the first solar power source and configured to vaporize the saturated ORC liquid to become ORC vapor, and a turbo-machine (54) configured to receive ORC vapor and produce mechanical energy by expanding the ORC vapor.

Abstract: The integrated solar-gas turbine cogeneration plant includes a fuel reformer, a plurality of solar collectors, and a gas turbine. The fuel reformer produces syngas to be used as fuel for the gas turbine. One solar collector is operatively connected to both the fuel reformer and the turbine to provide heat for the reforming reaction and to preheat air for a combustion chamber. Exhaust gas from the turbine is directed to the fuel reformer and to a heat recovery steam generator, the former as an additional heat source and the latter to heat the generator. Another solar collector is connected to the generator and heats a portion of the water being fed into the generator in order to help produce steam. The syngas is stored in a fuel storage unit to provide fuel to the gas turbine continuously and to a supplemental heater on the steam generator during low insolation periods.

Abstract: A system may include an insulated water tank configured to store a first heated water from a first plant component during operation of a plant, and a fuel heater comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the first heated water to a fuel for a gas turbine engine during startup of the plant.

Abstract: The invention is a rotary engine comprised of at least one and usually a plurality of independent partial engines. Two different processes can be carried out in each independent partial engine both of which are used to operate the engines. The processes of the invention are basically two different and separate closed cycle processes that can both operate within the same geometric confinement, i.e. the same expansion chamber or expansion chambers, at the same time. The primary process performs the main function of converting heat to kinetic energy and is necessary in all engines of the invention. It is a unique process that uses the expansion of gases and also the contraction of the condensing gases after their expansion. The secondary process is needed for start-up and to provide additional power in case the engine might go into a stall. In most engines of the invention both processes are needed to operate the engine.

Abstract: A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy, such as an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine can have an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger configured to capture energy by radiation, comprising at least one flag-shaped basic exchanger (10), including: a) an input collector (5) and an output collector (6); b) a plurality of exchange tubes (1) connected to the input collector (5) and to the output collector (6), respectively, and stacked so as to halt the incident radiation, each tube (1) being provided in the form of a hairpin with one curved part at the head of the pin (4) and two arms (2, 3) adjoining essentially vertically and on the largest part of the length thereof, the end of the tubes (1) at the pin head (4) being free and the tubes (1) being self-supported at the ends thereof connected to said collectors (5, 6).

Abstract: An engine for harvesting energy stored in water vapor includes a vortex chamber coupled to an extraction unit and also to a vortex induction unit, the vortex induction unit configured to induce a vortex of water vapor in the chamber and the extraction unit configured to harvest energy from the flow of water provided by the chamber. A method of operation is provided. Additionally, and electrical generation system is disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid solar power plant includes a first circuit including a first flow medium and a second circuit including a second flow medium. The first circuit includes at least one solar collector to transfer collected solar heat to the first flow medium. The first circuit includes at least one first fluid/second fluid heat exchanger to exchange heat from the first flow medium in the first circuit to the second flow medium in the second circuit. The second circuit is preferably a water/steam circuit. The second circuit includes at least one steam turbine for generating electricity out of steam. The first circuit further includes a heat source for generating a flow of heating gas. The heat source serves as the auxiliary energy. A gas/first fluid heat exchanger is provided for transferring heat from the flow of heating gas to the first flow medium in the first circuit.

Abstract: The solar-thermal conversion member includes a ?-FeSiz phase material. The solar-thermal conversion member exhibits a high absorptance for visible light at wavelengths of several hundred nm and a low absorptance for infrared light at wavelengths of several thousand nm and as a consequence efficiently absorbs visible light at wavelengths of several hundred nm and converts the same into heat and exhibits little thermal radiation due to thermal emission at temperatures of several hundred ° C. The solar-thermal conversion member can therefore efficiently absorb sunlight and provide heat and can prevent thermal radiation due to thermal emission.

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 method and apparatus for transporting a fluid wherein a pressure difference for causing transport of the fluid to occur is generated by membrane, which may include a network of pores, preferably arranged in artificial leaves, in fluid communication with the fluid and in contact with an environment facilitating vaporization of the fluid via the membrane, the apparatus including a mechanical apparatus for recovering useable energy from the transport of the fluid across the membrane.

Abstract: In the case of a solar thermal energy generating plant with a first solar array, using water as a heat transfer medium, a water separator, arranged downstream of the first solar array, and a high-pressure turbine, it is intended to achieve the effect of increasing the efficiency of the solar thermal energy generating plant. This is achieved by a first superheater for overheating the steam leaving the water separator being arranged between the water separator and the high-pressure turbine.

Abstract: Solar and steam hybrid power generation system including a solar steam generator, an external steam regulator, a turboset, and a power generator. A steam outlet end of the solar steam generator is connected to a steam inlet of the turboset. A steam outlet end of the external steam regulator is connected to the steam inlet of the turboset. A steam outlet of the turboset is connected to the input end of a condenser, and the output end of the condenser is connected to the input end of a deaerator. The output end of the deaerator is connected to the input end of a water feed pump. The output end of the water feed pump is connected to a circulating water input end of the solar steam generator. The output end of the water feed pump is connected to a water-return bypass of the external steam.

Abstract: A solar powered electrical generation system can produce electrical power by utilizing energy from the sun to vaporize liquids, such as bromine. The system of the present invention allows liquid to be vaporized by a heating unit powered by the sun. The vapor can travel to a condenser that is disposed at a height higher than a holding tank. The holding tank can collect liquid, which then drains back to the heating unit through a turbine. The turbine powers a generator to produce electricity. Because bromine has a high specific gravity (3.12 at 20° C.) and a relative low boiling point (58.8° C.), it may be ideal for use in the system of the present invention, where gravity provides the motive force of the condensed liquid through the turbine.

Abstract: A hybrid power plant is described in which a pressurized water nuclear reactor or a biomass-fueled power plant, which have a relatively low operating temperature, such as, is combined with a coal or other fossil fuel power plant having a higher operating temperature. Steam from the first plant is superheated in the second power plant to provide a hybrid plant with improved efficiencies and lower emissions.

Abstract: A method is provided for operation of an integrated solar combined-cycle power station. The power station includes a water/steam circuit having a steam turbine and a heat recovery steam generator through which hot exhaust gases from a gas turbine flow. The water/steam circuit is additionally supplied with heat from a solar array. In such a method, an optimum cost-benefit relationship is achieved in that the water/steam circuit is designed only for the full load on the gas turbine, and in that, when feeding additional power from the solar array into the water/steam circuit, the load on the gas turbine is reduced, on the basis of the power additionally fed in from the solar array, to such an extent that the total output power of the integrated solar combined-cycle power station remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a first tank and a second tank thermally interfaced with the first tank. A pump is connected between the first tank and the second tank to move a fluid from the first tank to the second tank. A first heat exchanger includes a heat-exchanging portion that is located within the first tank. A second heat exchanger includes another heat-exchanging portion that is located within the second tank.

Abstract: Provided herein are geothermal power generating systems utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid and superheating the extracted the emitted carbon dioxide utilizing external combustion of the hydrocarbons concurrently extracted with the emitted carbon dioxide to increase enthalpy and thermodynamic cycle efficiency. Methods for producing power are also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid power plant comprising fuel-operated heating and solar energy heating of carrier fluids, wherein a first portion of total power provided by the power plant is based on fuel-operated heating of carrier fluids and a second portion of the total power is based on solar energy heating of carrier fluids, the heat absorbed by a solar energy heated carrier fluid is transferred to a carrier fluid circuit of a fuel-operated part of the power plant. When a sudden increase or reduction of the total power provided by the power plant is required as compared to a basic state, the second portion is first increased or reduced over a short time period in order to provide a positive or negative reserve power. Subsequently, the first portion is slowly increased or reduced and the second portion based on solar energy heating is correspondingly reduced or increased again.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar heat collecting apparatus comprises a first heat exchanging unit and a second heat exchanging unit. The first heat exchanging unit includes a first pipe through which a heat medium flows and a first heat receiving face which receives heat of sunlight reflected by a plurality of reflecting units. The first heat exchanging unit heats the heat medium flowing through the first pipe by using heat of the first heat receiving face. A second heat exchanging unit includes a second pipe through which the heat medium heated by the first heat exchanging unit flows, a second heat receiving face which receives heat of the sunlight reflected by a plurality of reflecting units, and a nozzle provided to the second pipe to discharge the heat medium flowing through the second pipe toward a back face of the second heat receiving face.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and conveying aqueous thermal energy are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a floating film retains solar energy in a volume of water located under the film. A series of curtains hanging from a bottom surface of the film define a passage between a periphery of the film and a center of the film to direct the heated water at the center of the film. The heated water is circulated to deliver the heat to a dissociation reactor and/or donor substance. The donor is conveyed to the reactor and dissociated.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a multi-heat source power plant includes a thermal collector having access to heat from a solar collector as a heat source for heating a fluid to a first temperature; a second heat source for heating the fluid; a heat exchanger that transfers heat to the fluid which is heated to said first temperature, to raise the temperature of the fluid to a higher temperature; and a power generation cycle using the fluid, heated to the first temperature, as a motive fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar-powered apparatus, comprising a housing (1), a shield panel (5) disposed on the housing (1), and a transmission apparatus (2) disposed inside the housing (1). The transmission apparatus (2) is provided with eight or more memory alloy sheets (3). The housing (1) is also provided with a ratchet pawl (13). The shield panel (5) is provided with a light-focusing apparatus (51) used for focusing light. The apparatus is capable of converting solar energy into mechanical energy.

Abstract: A wind-energy and radiation-energy collector system has at least one radiation-energy collector with a radiation-absorbing absorber and a reflector element. The reflector element collects radiation and directs the radiation at the absorber. At least one wind wheel, which is arranged in a direction opposite the receiving direction of the radiation-energy collector and which is supported on the system, is provided. The arrangement of the radiation-energy collector and the wind wheel is movably supported so that the arrangement can be oriented either with the radiation-energy collector facing the sun or with the wind wheel against the prevailing wind direction.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion device with an electrically conductive working fluid flowing through a conduit in a magnetic field has permanent magnets aligned for maximum field density for inducing an electric current in the fluid and a multistage cooling system for cryogenically cooling the magnets whereby heat is removed from the device at successive cooling stages having respective different coolants, e.g., water, liquid nitrogen and liquid helium, to maintain the magnets at temperatures low enough to produce high tesla magnetic flux densities in the presence of a high temperature working fluid.

Abstract: A design of a dual energy solar thermal power plant is proposed. It can be built on a piece of land where sunshine is abundant and the moisture in the air is relatively low. The desert corridor starting at Las Vegas and to the south is the best in the whole U.S. The power plant design is simple, using the equipment and material commonly available at reasonable costs. No particularly complicated equipment and material are required. The optimized plant size will be one MVA up to 300 MVA depending on the available land size in acres. The transmission line voltage can be from 13.8 kV up to 230 kV, depending on the MVA capacity. The land for a plant can be up to 600 acres.

Abstract: A concentrating solar power device may include a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a thermal storage device. The primary mirror may reflect solar rays from the sun towards the secondary mirror. The secondary mirror may reflect the solar rays reflected from the primary mirror towards the thermal storage device. The thermal storage device, which may comprise a thermal medium such as salt, may collect/absorb energy from the solar rays which may be used to run multiple Stirling engines, and/or an energy storing or energy expending device.

Abstract: A real-time photovoltaic power plant control system and method of control for plant output, voltage regulation and/or power factor regulation. The system comprises a grid interface controller configured to receive power information from a power grid and provide commands for controlling at least one active or reactive power supplied to the power grid, a power plant controller configured to receive commands from the grid interface controller for and direct real-time output of the power plant, a plurality of local controllers connected to and controlled by the power plant controller, and a plurality of inverters each connected to supply power from at least one photovoltaic device to the power grid and arranged such that each local controller is connected to and controls at least one inverter, the inverters reporting status information in real-time back to the local controllers, and the local controller reporting status information in real-time back to the power plant controller.

Abstract: A solar-thermal receiver with a superheater isolation valve is disclosed. The superheater isolation valve is positioned so as to impede the transfer of steam from a steam drum or vertical separator into a superheater. The decays in temperature and pressure, within components of a solar-thermal receiver system that may occur throughout the shutdown period of a solar-thermal receiver, may be reduced or minimized.

Abstract: A heating medium supply system is provided which, even when a temperature fluctuation of a heating medium occurs continuously, is capable of relieving a bad thermal influence upon a heat exchanging device due to the temperature fluctuation. The heating medium supply system includes: a heating system configured to heat a liquid heating medium by sunlight; a heat exchanging device configured to heat feedwater; heating medium supply piping for circulating the heating medium; a heating medium temperature detecting device, a heating medium flow rate detecting device and a first heating medium flow control valve; and a control device capable of calculating a value of supply thermal energy from results of detections by the heating medium temperature detecting device and the heating medium flow rate detecting device and controlling an operation of the heating medium flow control valve based on the value of supply thermal energy thus calculated.

Abstract: A hybrid solar/non-solar thermal generation system includes a solar concentrator and collector, and fiber optic cables that transfer collected solar radiation to a solar to thermal converter. The solar to thermal converter converts the solar radiation to heat that is used to augment the heating of a working fluid in a boiler. The system has particular application for use in Rankine cycle power generation plants that employ non-solar sources to heat the working fluid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods for biological production of hydrogen. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention pertain to a modular energy system and related methods for producing hydrogen using organic waste as a feed stock.

Abstract: A solar energy receiver includes a plurality of solar receiver elements. Each solar receiver element includes a substantially solid core configured to absorb solar radiation and to store the solar radiation as heat. The core includes a base surface and a plurality of absorption surfaces. The receiver further includes at least one fluid passageway defined within the core adjacent at least one absorption surface of the plurality of absorption surfaces, wherein the at least one fluid passageway is configured to channel a working fluid therethrough for absorbing heat stored in the core.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first expansion unit in which a first expansion member is received and the first expansion unit is connected to a cylinder which has a piston received therein and the piston defines a first room and a second room in the cylinder. The piston has a first magnetic member which magnetically drives a movable member with a second magnetic member connected thereto. The movable member moves along the cylinder. A cleaning unit is co-movably connected with the movable member. By expansion of the first expansion unit by the sun, the movable member is moved and the cleaning unit is moved along the glass surface. The action consumes no electric power.

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: Provided is a solar light concentrating system which realizes suppression of power generation costs by applying a receiver 2 that is capable of suppressing a manufacturing cost to a low level, facilitating recovery work when a failure occurs, and quickly recovering a heating medium circulating inside in case of an emergency. The receiver 2 is formed by three-dimensionally combining multiple modules 20. At least a part of the modules is a trapezoid-shaped module 20B. The trapezoid-shaped module includes an upper header 21B, a lower header 22B being shorter than the upper header, and multiple heat receiving tubes 23 which connect the two headers. The heat receiving tubes are formed by successively altering their cross-sectional shapes in away that makes each heat receiving tube shaped like a wedge that becomes narrower from its top toward its bottom in a front view, and like a wedge that becomes wider from its top toward its bottom in a side view.

Abstract: A pull control apparatus of solar tracking power generation mechanism includes a solar power generation module two-dimensionally movably disposed on a support assembly via a carrier platform. Two link assemblies are disposed between the solar power generation module and the support assembly, which intersect each other. Each link assembly is composed of a power source, a drive member drivable by the power source and two connection cables. Two drive sections are disposed on each drive member, which are synchronously operable. First ends of the two connection cables are respectively connected to the two drive sections in reverse directions. Second ends of the two connection cables are respectively connected to two opposite sections of the carrier platform corresponding to two lateral sides of the support assembly. The connection cables are prevented from slipping on the drive members during rotation.

Abstract: A solar energy driven power generation system includes a solar energy receiver configured to collect solar energy. A vapor generator is operably connected to the solar energy receiver. A vapor turbine is operably connected to the vapor generator and is configured to be driven by a flow of vapor from the vapor generator. An electrical power generator is operably connected to the vapor turbine and driven thereby. A thermal conditioning system is operably connected to the vapor turbine and is driven by a flow of output vapor or hot liquid from the vapor turbine. A method of power generation includes collecting solar thermal energy and generating vapor utilizing the solar thermal energy. A vapor turbine is driven by the vapor and electrical power is produced via the rotation of the vapor turbine. Output vapor from the vapor turbine is utilized to drive a thermal conditioning system.

Abstract: A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil.