Abstract: A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

Abstract: A solar energy collector comprises a solid body having a substantially planar solar energy absorbing collecting surface. The solid body has a first thickness at a center portion tapering to a second thickness at each of a pair of opposing edge portions defining a width of the body. A bore extends completely through the body along its length and is aligned along an axis at the center portion. A window transparent at most solar radiation in the visible spectrum and near UV to infrared-red solar energy wavelengths is disposed at a distance from the collecting surface, the window sealed around a periphery of the collecting surface to define a sealed nitrogen filled gap between the collecting surface and the bottom surface of the window. The solar energy collector is a major component of a large scale solar thermal power plant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose systems and methods for the efficient conversion of solar energy into a useable form of energy using a solar collector subsystem and a heat conversion subsystem. The systems and methods transfer solar energy directly to an intermediate solution and a working solution and indirectly to and between a basic rich solution, a condensing solution, a lean solution and a rich vapor solution. The systems and methods also include condensing the basic rich solution using an external coolant. The systems and methods support a closed thermodynamic cycle.

Abstract: An energy generation system and method are presented for use in operating a heat engine. The energy generation method comprises: reducing a CO2 gas into CO and O2 gases; reacting said CO and O2 gases, thus combusting the CO gas, and yielding a substantially pure CO2 outlet gas; and supplying said CO2 outlet gas to the heat engine as a working gas in its heat-to-work generation process.

Abstract: For increasing power plant efficiency during periods of variable heat input or at partial loads, a motive fluid is cycled through a Rankine cycle power plant having a vaporizer and a superheater such that the motive fluid is delivered to a turbine at a selected inlet temperature at full admission. A percentage of a superheated portion of the motive fluid is adjusted during periods of variable heat input or at partial loads while virtually maintaining the inlet temperature and power plant thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A method of power generation, including: igniting a biomass boiler; starting a solar concentrating collector; measuring water temperature t3 at water outlet main of the solar concentrating collector; opening a second control valve arranged between the water outlet main and the boiler drum when t3 is greater or equal to 95° C.; closing the second control valve and the third control valve to prevent water in the solar collector tube from running and to maintain the water in a heat preserving and inactive state if the water temperature t3 decreases and t3 is less than 95° C.; turning the turbonator unit into a thermal power generation mode; opening a first control valve arranged between the water outlet main and a water supply tank if the water temperature t3 continues decreasing and when t3 is between 5 and 9° C.; and turning the turbonator unit into a biomass boiler power generation mode.

Abstract: The bladeless turbine includes a case, three or more turbine discs disposed within the case. Each turbine disc has a center opening, and two or more of the turbine discs have a set of exhaust ports positioned annularly around the center opening. A drive shaft passes through the center openings of the turbine discs and is attached to the three or more turbine discs, wherein the drive shaft is positioned within the case along the centerline, free to rotate within the case, and extends through the case for connection to a generator. The one or more fluid/vapor inlets are attached to the main housing such that a fluid/vapor is directed at a specified angle onto the three or more turbine discs. The fluid/vapor outlet is aligned with the centerline. A set of exhaust holes proximate to and connected to the fluid/vapor outlet that are positioned annularly around the drive shaft.

Abstract: A power transmission system manages a delivery of a power requirement from multiple renewable energy resource components to an intelligent power distribution network. The transmission system includes components capable of variably and independently generating power from the multiple renewable energy resource components to provide a dynamic demand response to a power requirement to one or more microgrids comprising the intelligent power distribution network so that the power requirement is entirely satisfied from multiple renewable energy resources from a common location. The transmission system enables distributed energy generation from the multiple renewable energy resources that is responsive to various types of grid demand situations, such as customer demand, direct current-specific demand, and security issues, and so that power production is substantially balanced with power consumption.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar power system for use as a solar roofing concept based on an absorber system with a solar thermal absorber and a circulation system for circulating absorber liquid through the absorber and a core system which extracts energy from the absorber liquid and provides hot water to a building. An intelligent controller uses data about external conditions to control the core system, where both current conditions and predicted conditions are taken into account. In preferred embodiments, the system can generate heat, hot water and electric energy to cover the need for a normal household. When excess heat is generated, the thermal energy can be used by an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) machine for electricity production. A forecasting and control unit using external weather measurements in combination with internet weather forecasts will by fuzzy logic calculate the optimum periods of time for use of the heat pump during the colder periods.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device and system capable of producing electricity by using a temperature gradient and a dual-phase fluid to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The system relies on a sealed enclosed volume that utilizes a thermal gradient to vaporize and condense a dual-phase fluid. The cycle of the fluid transforming between the two phases is used to turn a turbine to create electricity. The thermal gradient can be enhanced using energy input from the sun.

Abstract: A method for alternate storage and outputting of the thermal energy which is obtained in the primary circuit of a solar-thermal power station, using a heat carrier medium, which can be partially fed between a plurality of storage tanks, in each case flowing through a heat transmission apparatus which is operatively connected to the primary circuit and/or to the steam/water circuit, which heat carrier medium can be heated to a higher temperature or can be cooled to a lower temperature, the aim is to provide a solution which makes it possible, with a storage capacity which is the same as that of installations known from the prior art, to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular with a smaller space requirement and occupying a smaller installation area.

Abstract: Provided is a gas turbine system capable of dealing with a request for output increase even when high-pressure hot water generated using solar thermal energy cannot be used according to the operating state of the gas turbine system. A gas turbine system which sucks in intake air from an air intake duct by a compressor and drives a gas turbine by combustion gas obtained by burning air and fuel by a combustor, said gas turbine system being provided with pipes for generating high-pressure hot water by providing a solar collecting tube that utilizes solar heat and spraying the high-pressure hot water into the intake air sucked in by the compressor, and pipes for spraying normal temperature water into the intake air sucked in by the compressor.

Abstract: A steam generation system comprises a main steam generator and a back-up steam generator (20) which are both in fluid communication with a super heater (3) for superheating the generated steam. The superheater comprises a main heat source (6) for heating up a flow of heating gas. A back-up evaporator (2) is provided as a back-up steam generator for evaporating supplied water into steam. The back-up evaporator is connected in parallel to the main steam generator. An auxiliary heat source is provided for heating up the back-up evaporator. By controlling the auxiliary heat source (9), it is possible to supply more or less heat energy to the back-up evaporator to compensate for fluctuations in steam production of the main steam generator. The back-up evaporator is positioned away from the flow of heating gasses departing from the main heat source.

Abstract: A heating medium supply system is provided which is capable of sufficiently suppressing a temperature fluctuation of a heating medium, by the time when a heat exchanging device recovers heat of the heating medium, by leveling the temperature fluctuation fluctuating inevitably with time. The heating medium supply system includes: a heat collecting unit configured to heat a liquid heating medium by sunlight; a heat exchanging device configured to heat water supplied thereto by means of the heating medium supplied thereto from the heat collecting unit; heating medium supply piping for supplying the heating medium from the heat collecting unit to the heat exchanging device; and a heating medium heater for heating the heating medium and a temperature measuring device configured to measure a temperature of the heating medium, which are provided on the heating medium supply piping.

Abstract: An improved solar concentrating system (100) uses a two-stage arrangement of mirrors wherein the rays of the sun are reflected and concentrated to a point focus. The solar concentrator (100) may be used to increase the temperature of a substance such as metal, for use in a variety of applications including the melting of metals in a foundry furnace. The solar concentrating system (100) comprises at least two single-curved parabolic mirrors (10, 20) connected in an operable arrangement. The rays of the sun are reflected from a first single-curved parabolic mirror (10) to a second single-curved parabolic mirror (20). The plane of symmetry of the second single-curved parabolic mirror is arranged substantially orthogonal to the plane of symmetry of the first single-curved parabolic mirror thereby concentrating the rays of the sun to a point focus.

Abstract: A fossil fuel-fired power station having a removal apparatus for carbon dioxide which is located downstream of a combustion facility and through which an offgas containing carbon dioxide may flow is provided. The removal apparatus comprises an absorption unit and a desorption unit. The desorption unit is connected to a renewable energy source.

Abstract: An integrated solar combined cycle power generation system includes a solar heat collector for collecting solar heat and generating solar heat steam; a gas turbine; a gas turbine exhaust heat recovery boiler; and a steam turbine; wherein the solar heat steam is decreased in temperature by a solar heat steam desuperheater under a normal condition, and the temperature decrease is stopped or a temperature decrease rate is reduced when the solar heat steam temperature falls due to a cause such as a sudden weather change, wherein the solar heat steam is joined to generated steam by a high-pressure drum or exit steam of a primary superheater, and wherein a main steam temperature control by a main steam temperature control valve is combined so that the main steam, the temperature of which is controlled to a predetermined temperature, is supplied to the steam turbine.

Abstract: Thermal expansion of U-shaped tubes is permitted to prevent damage to it. A heat exchanger includes a casing having a first fluid inlet provided at one end thereof and a first fluid outlet provided at the other end thereof, the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet being connected to each other via a first flow path extending in a straight line from the first fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet; and multiple tube sets accommodated inside the casing so that a fluid that flows through the interiors thereof undergoes heat exchange with a fluid that flows via the first flow path. The multiple tube sets are arrayed along the first flow path, and multiple U-shaped tubes constituting the tube sets are fixed only to a tube plate disposed parallel to the first flow path and located at both ends of the U-shaped tubes.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a solar assisted gas turbine system significantly reduced in the number of heat collectors and downsized in heat collector installation site area requirement. The system according to the invention includes a compressor 1 for compressing air, a combustor 3 for burning the compressor-compressed air and a fuel, a gas turbine apparatus 100 including a turbine 2 driven by combustion gases generated in the combustor, and a heat collector 200 for collecting solar heat and creating high-pressure hot water using the solar heat; the system further including an atomizer 300 that atomizes the high-pressure hot water created by the collector 200 and sprays the atomized hot water into a stream of the air taken into the compressor 1.

Abstract: An electrical power generation system comprises a vertical axis solar powered generator having a bottom side grounded and a top side connected to a vertical rotor shaft, a central rotating hub having a center connected to the vertical rotor shaft, a solar energy collecting and converting unit enclosed in a transparent dome mounted on a top side of the central rotating hub, and a plurality of rotating arms having a proximal end secured to the central rotating hub and a distal end connected to a dual-V roller bearing. The system further comprises an electric motor with a propeller mounted proximate to the distal end of rotating arms, a shroud attached to ground, and a pair of hollow tubes attached to the shroud. Solar energy collecting and converting unit provides electric energy to electric motor which turns the propeller and rotates the rotating arms thereby causing electric energy generation by generator.

Abstract: A solar thermal system for the partial desalination of sea water and for generating electricity includes a mass of black top material such as asphalt or the like used in paving roadways, parking lots and the like. The system also includes a network of interconnected conductive conduits such as a serpentine array of copper tubing and a pump for pumping seawater through the copper tubing that is in contact with or surrounded by the black top or asphalt portion of a roadway. The asphalt layer acts as a black body for absorbing heat from the sun and converts solar energy to thermal energy.

Abstract: A memory alloy spring engine includes a spring (1) made from a memory alloy, a driving stem (6) and a heat resource. The memory spring (1) is connected to the driving stem (6) and configured to move the driving stem (6) when being compressed and deformed by an external force, to restore to an original shape after being compressed and then heated, and to move the driving stem (6) again after being cooled and then compressed and deformed again so as to move the driving stem (6) up and down along therewith in continuous repeating cycles. The memory spring is equipped with a polyhedral glass ball (3), the polyhedral glass ball (3) is configured to collect sunlight from different angles and to conduct solar heat to the memory spring (1) so that the memory spring is heated and thereby restored to the original shape. The engine may utilize natural heat energy (solar energy or geo-heat) and combustible fuel alone or in combination to generate electricity according to different locations or different times.

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: A solar power system includes a steam turbine with a plurality of pressure stages, a first solar field for heating water or water steam, and a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is operated with molten salt liquids. Further, with a method of operating such a solar power system, water steam from the first solar field is transferred to the first heat exchanger, where the water steam is heated by the first heat exchanger and routed to a high pressure stage of the steam turbine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermodynamic system includes multiple types of thermodynamic cycles and multiple types of solar thermal fields that provide thermal energy to the thermodynamic cycles.

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: In a startup period for a solar thermal electricity generating system, a non-solar source of steam heats a downstream receiver (for example, a superheating receiver) prior to insolation being available. Insolation, once available, heats an upstream receiver (for example, an evaporator). The upstream receiver can be arranged in a recirculation loop with a steam separation drum, which may be bypassed during the initial heating of the upstream receiver by insolation. Once sufficient temperature and pressure have been reached, steam from the upstream receiver is directed to the downstream receiver by way of the steam separation drum to replace the non-solar source of steam. Heating of the downstream receiver using steam from the upstream receiver continues until a threshold temperature and pressure are reached. Insolation is then directed at both the upstream and downstream receivers to generate steam for electricity production by a turbine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of generating superheated steam for use in power generation. The method comprises: (a) preheating feed water to a temperature below its boiling point; (b) boiling the preheated feed water to produce steam; and (c) superheating the steam. The feed water is boiled by heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid which has been heated by heat collected in a first solar radiation absorption device. In addition, one or other or both of the preheating and superheating is carried out by direct heating in a further solar radiation absorption device or devices. The invention also relates to an apparatus for generating superheated steam for use in power generation.

Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system, a thermal energy storage device, and a heat recovery system. The gas turbine system is powered by solar energy to generate a first amount of electric power. The thermal energy storage device is coupled to the gas turbine system. The thermal energy storage device is configured to selectively receive expanded exhaust gas from the gas turbine system and store heat of the expanded exhaust gas. The heat recovery system is coupled to the gas turbine system and the thermal energy storage device. The heat recovery system is selectively powered by at least one of the gas turbine system and the thermal energy storage device to generate a second amount of electric power.

Abstract: A solar energy collector comprises a solid body having a substantially planar solar energy absorbing collecting surface. The solid body has a first thickness at a center portion tapering to a second thickness at each of a pair of opposing edge portions defining a width of the body. A bore extends completely through the body along its length and is aligned along an axis at the center portion. A window transparent at most solar radiation in the visible spectrum and near UV to infrared-red solar energy wavelengths is disposed at a distance from the collecting surface, the window sealed around a periphery of the collecting surface to define a sealed vacuum gap between the collecting surface and the bottom surface of the window. The solar energy collector is a major component of a large scale solar thermal power plant.

Abstract: A solar power system includes a solar energy collector that has at least one solar receiver that is operable to carry a working fluid and at least one solar reflector that is operable to direct solar energy towards the at least one solar receiver to heat the working fluid. The working fluid has a maximum predefined operational temperature up to which it can be heated. A first storage unit is connected to receive the working fluid from the at least one solar receiver, and a second storage unit is connected to provide the working fluid to the at least one solar receiver. A power block generates electricity using heat from the heated working fluid. A heater is operable to heat the working fluid to approximately the maximum predefined operational temperature.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for collecting solar energy for electrical energy generation through one or more thermodynamic closed-cycle heat engines or the like. 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 closed cycle thermodynamic engines without heating the outside surface of the engines. In an exemplary embodiment, the present utilizes an inflatable design for a dual-surface reflector which provides low cost and weight, protection from external elements, and the ability to inflate/deflate as required.

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 horizontal structure defines an expansive floating solar pond underlain by an open-ended chamber, and a distributed network of heat engines produce electricity based on the temperature differential between the heated solar pond water and ambient seawater. Each heat engine includes a heat exchanger disposed near the bottom of the solar pond, a working fluid boiler at least partially submerged in the solar pond, a turbine-generator, and a working vapor condenser disposed under the solar pond in the open-ended chamber. A heat exchange fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger and the boiler to vaporize working fluid for powering the turbine-generator, and cold ambient seawater is passed through the condenser to condense working vapor downstream of the turbine-generator. Warmed seawater from the condenser is exhausted into the open-ended chamber, where it is naturally retained by convection to minimize heat transfer from the solar pond to the ambient seawater.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrical energy storage system is described. Electrical energy is supplied to electrolyze first water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. A turbine is operated from the hydrogen and the oxygen to combine the hydrogen and the oxygen to deliver energy to the turbine by forming second water in a vapor phase in order for the turbine to operate an electric generator to generate electrical energy. The second water is condensed from the vapor phase into a liquid phase as liquid second water. The liquid second water is delivered to be electrolyzed into new hydrogen and new oxygen in order to recirculate the second water for electrolysis into new hydrogen and new oxygen. The electrical energy generated by the electric generator is distributed to customers by means of grid transmission lines.

Abstract: Receivers for use in solar energy collector systems and solar-powered electrical energy generating plants are provided. The receivers comprise a solar radiation absorbing core that converts absorbed solar radiation to thermal energy. The core comprises a refractory material to allow the receivers to operate continuously at high temperatures reached by absorbing concentrated solar radiation. The thermal energy so generated in the core may be stored in the receiver for a transitory period, or for a more extended period. Receivers may comprise one or more fluid channels in and/or around the core for conveying a working fluid to facilitate extraction of stored thermal energy from the core.

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

Abstract: A sunlight collecting heat receiver includes: a heat-exchange heat receiving tube which receives sunlight collected by heliostats and transfers the sunlight to a heat carrier, wherein the heat-exchange heat receiving tube includes an outward-flow heat receiving tube which is disposed on the upstream in a sunlight incident direction and an inward-flow heat receiving tube which is connected to the outward-flow heat receiving tube through a U tube and is disposed on the downstream in the sunlight incident direction, and wherein the outward-flow heat receiving tube and the inward-flow heat receiving tube are arranged so as to be deviated from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the height direction when seen in the sunlight incident direction.

Abstract: A sunlight collecting system and a solar energy utilization system which collects sunlight with the sunlight collecting system are provided, a sunlight collecting system including a solar heat collector which includes a heat collecting element which is formed by a helically wound heat exchange medium circulation pipe inside which the heat exchange medium flows, in such a way to have an incurved light receiving surface which narrows and converges towards the sunlight inlet and a sunlight collecting reflector which includes a reflector group which includes a plurality of reflector segments each of which includes a reflecting surface which makes sunlight converge on a heat collector, a sunlight collecting system in which a plurality of heliostats Bm are arranged in places which are irradiated by the sunlight between a plurality of heliostats An, in which each of the heliostats An and the heliostats Bm reflect light in a direction to a light collecting point of a heliostat group in which the heliostat is included

Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam generator capable of greatly improving energy efficiency, and an energy supply system that uses the steam generator. The steam generator of the present invention includes a high-temperature chamber to which heat of 250° C. to 800° C. is supplied; a low-temperature chamber arranged adjacent to the high-temperature chamber and configured to produce low-temperature steam of 50° C. to 185° C. from water using the heat of the high-temperature chamber; and at least one thermoelectric element arranged between the high-temperature chamber and the low-temperature chamber.

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

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

Abstract: A floating type solar energy collection/power device includes a base having a compartment receiving a working fluid. A heat collecting assembly is mounted to an opening of the compartment to seal the compartment. A heat conducting assembly is mounted in the compartment and includes a heat conducting tube and a pump. The heat conducting tube includes a first end in communication with the compartment and a second end connected to the pump. The pump draws the first working fluid into the second end of the heat conducting tube via an inlet of the pump. A heat machine includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a gas turbine. The compressor, the heat exchanger, and the gas turbine are connected to each other by a plurality of pipes. The gas turbine is connected to a generator. The heat exchanger and the working fluid undergo heat exchange.

Abstract: Wave energy conversion to produce electricity uses wave-engaging articulated, forward and after barges connected to a center inertial barge. A damper plate attached to the central barge minimizes heaving to increase stability. The barges use composite materials, steel or other materials that can withstand the impact and wear caused by a corrosive weather environment. A movable ballast weight in each barge adjusts the mass moment of inertia, and changes the natural pitching frequency. Electrical energy is generated from the motions of the barges and the movement of the movable ballast weights being converted by linear induction motor/generators and/or Pelton Wheel hydraulic systems connected to electrical generators. A dynamic computer control system controls the energy generating system to keep the forward/after barges and the movable ballast moving in phase with the wave excitation force. During dangerous wave action, the system is submerged and then re-surfaced when the waves have subsided.

Abstract: A solar receiver including at least more than one tubular array, each tubular array including a tube operative to be heated by solar radiation impinging thereon, an inlet for allowing a working fluid to flow into the tube so as to be heated therein, and an outlet for allowing the heated working fluid to flow out of the tube, each tubular array being in fluid communication with a thermal energy consumption system so as to provide the working fluid to the thermal energy consumption system.

Abstract: A method and system for solid reactant based thermochemical process are disclosed. A metal oxide or solid reactant having a crystal structure associated with a characteristic state of high temperature engendering creation of oxygen vacancies is identified. The metal oxide is heated to the high temperature corresponding to the state of oxygen vacancies. Subsequently, the solid reactant is cooled to a temperature conducive to water splitting reaction. Steam is then introduced to react with the solid reactant to thereby re-oxidize the solid reactant producing hydrogen gas. Finally, the re-oxidized solid reactant is reheated to a reduction temperature completing the process of solid based reactant thermochemical solar power generation. The system includes one or more processors adapted to configure a solar absorption system, a thermochemical system, a gas storage system for storing product gases and a power generation system for processing the stored product gases into electrical power.

Abstract: An energy generation system comprises: (i) a first system comprising an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of solar energy into electrical energy; and (ii) a second system, in thermal contact with said first system by means of a device for transferring heat energy from said first system to said second system. The second system comprises a device for converting at least a portion of heat energy from said second system, into electrical energy.

Abstract: For operating a multi-heat source power plant, including a thermal collector having access to heat from a solar collector as a first heat source for heating a first fluid to a first temperature, a topping power generation cycle using the first fluid as a motive fluid, and a geothermal second heat source for heating a second motive fluid, which is different from said first motive fluid, to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, a heat exchanger transfers heat from the first fluid to the second fluid to raise the temperature of the second fluid to a higher temperature. A bottoming power generation cycle uses said second fluid, heated to the higher temperature, as a motive fluid.

Abstract: A universal heat engine is disclosed for converting energy from an input heat source to an output. The universal heat engine comprises a heat engine section and an output section. The heat engine section includes a heat engine bore receiving a heat engine piston. A heat engine valve assembly communicates with the heat engine bore for effecting reciprocal motion of the heat engine piston. The output section includes an output bore receiving an output piston. A piston rod interconnects the heat engine piston to the output piston. A control controls the heat engine valve assemblies to operate the heat engine section in accordance with a desired output from the output section. The heat source may comprise the burning of a petroleum product, a solar heat source, geothermal heat source or a byproduct heat source. The output may comprise a static or mobile air conditioning system or an electrical generator.