Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional glazing unit suitable for generating electricity, to a method of preparing same and use thereof, said multifunctional glazing unit comprising a first sheet of glazing material comprising a first face and a second face, a second sheet of glazing material comprising a first face and a second face, a photovoltaic portion, and a reflecting element, wherein the first sheet of glazing material and the second sheet of glazing material are separated by a cavity, the second faces of each sheet of glazing material face towards the cavity, the photovoltaic portion and the reflecting element are each positioned between the first sheet of glazing material and the second sheet of glazing material, and wherein the photovoltaic portion comprises a transparent region, a bi-facial region, and at least one photovoltaic element.

Abstract: A gas receiver configured to heat a working fluid is disclosed. The receiver comprises an aperture, a light absorber, and a pre-heater interposed between the aperture and light absorber. The pre-heater is transparent to visible light and opaque to infrared. The pre-heater in the preferred embodiment comprises quartz in the form of a plurality of quartz plates or quartz tubes, for example, that are oriented substantially parallel to one another. The quartz plates are separated from one another by a gap to permit air to pass into the receiver cavity, while the quartz tubes are hollow to permit air to pass therethrough. The quartz plates or tubes are configured to transmit visible light from the aperture to the light absorber, and to absorb infrared radiation passing from the light absorber toward the aperture. Since the quartz structures absorb infrared, they serve to capture blackbody radiation emitted from the absorber and use that energy to pre-heat air before it passes into the absorber.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) panel that includes: a first photovoltaic (PV) layer comprising photovoltaic cells capable of converting energy from incident solar power into electricity; a second transparent layer arranged underneath the first PV layer such that a portion of the incident solar power passes through; and a third thermal collection layer arranged underneath the second transparent layer and comprising absorbing material capable of absorbing energy from the portion of the incident solar power that has passed through the second transparent layer, wherein the second transparent layer includes a thermally insulating material to provide a thermal barrier between the first PV layer and the third thermal collection layer such that when the PV panel is operated, the first PV layer operates at a temperature lower than a temperature of the thermal collection layer.

Abstract: A control method for optimizing generated power of a solar-aided coal-fired power system under off-design working conditions sets maximizing generated power without changing main steam flow rate as a control goal. A solar-coal feedwater flow distribution ratio is adjusted to adjust water flow rate heated by a solar heat collection system, so as to achieve the control goal. Control steps include reading relevant information; calculating the water flow rate range heated by the solar heat collection system, and an applicable solar-coal feedwater flow distribution ratio range; establishing a correspondence between the generated power and the solar-coal feedwater flow distribution ratio within this range; selecting a solar-coal feedwater flow distribution ratio corresponding to the maximum generated power; and adjusting the water flow rate entering the solar heat collection system to an optimized value. The present invention can flexibly control the solar-coal coupling and improve the economy.

Abstract: A system and method for improving solar collector design to provide thermal and electric output during times of low or no solar intensity. The improved solar collector design includes an infrared heater to supplement energy provided by the sun during time of low or no solar intensity.

Abstract: Support platforms for one or more solar panels and systems and methods for securing support platforms are provided. In one embodiment, a frame of a support platform includes a plurality of support legs, each leg including a shoe plate. One or more toggle anchors with rod and/or cable are provided that include an anchor portion and a toggle portion pivotally coupled to the anchor portion, and a rod and/or cable is coupled to the toggle portion. Each anchor is driven into the ground with a driving rod such that an exposed end of the rod and/or cable extends from the ground. The driving rod is removed, and the rod and/or cable is pulled to deploy the anchor, and which the anchor is pull tested and measured in real time soil conditions whereupon the exposed end is coupled to the shoe plate of one of the support legs to apply a desired tensile force between the exposed end and the anchor to secure the support leg and, consequently, the support platform relative to the ground.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a photovoltaic system. The system comprises photovoltaic cells, arranged side-by-side to form an array of photovoltaic cells. It further involves a cooling device, which comprises one or more layers, wherein the layers extend opposite to the array of photovoltaic cells and in thermal communication therewith, for cooling the cells, in operation. The one or more layers are structured such that a thermal resistance of the photovoltaic system varies across the array of photovoltaic cells, so as to remove heat from photovoltaic cells of the array with different heat removal rates, in operation. One or more embodiments of the present invention are further directed to related systems and methods for cooling such photovoltaic systems.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a photovoltaic system. The system comprises photovoltaic cells, arranged side-by-side to form an array of photovoltaic cells. It further involves a cooling device, which comprises one or more layers, wherein the layers extend opposite to the array of photovoltaic cells and in thermal communication therewith, for cooling the cells, in operation. The one or more layers are structured such that a thermal resistance of the photovoltaic system varies across the array of photovoltaic cells, so as to remove heat from photovoltaic cells of the array with different heat removal rates, in operation. One or more embodiments of the present invention are further directed to related systems and methods for cooling such photovoltaic systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels can be formed flexible or non-flexible solar panels that are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.

Abstract: In a battery cooling device for an electric vehicle, a cooling medium supply piping and a cooling medium discharge piping are disposed in a fore-and-aft direction in a middle part in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle body. A plurality of cooling members extend toward opposite sides in the vehicle width direction from both the pipings. A cooling medium passage returns in an outer end part in the vehicle width direction of the cooling member. Therefore, when the vehicle is involved in a side collision, it becomes difficult for both the pipings to be damaged, and cooling medium is prevented from leaking. Also, the cooling medium flows by making a U-turn inside the cooling member, thereby enabling positions on outside and inside in the vehicle width direction of a battery to be cooled evenly.

Abstract: Support platforms for one or more solar panels and systems and methods for securing support platforms are provided. In one embodiment, a frame of a support platform includes a plurality of support legs, each leg including a shoe plate. One or more toggle anchors with rod and/or cable are provided that include an anchor portion and a toggle portion pivotally coupled to the anchor portion, and a rod and/or cable is coupled to the toggle portion. Each anchor is driven into the ground with a driving rod such that an exposed end of the rod and/or cable extends from the ground. The driving rod is removed, and the rod and/or cable is pulled to deploy the anchor, and which the anchor is pull tested and measured in real time soil conditions whereupon the exposed end is coupled to the shoe plate of one of the support legs to apply a desired tensile force between the exposed end and the anchor to secure the support leg and, consequently, the support platform relative to the ground.

Abstract: A system for heating a work fluid and for air circulation comprises a plurality of collectors fitted top-to-top in one or more columns, such that air ducts of the modules constitute a single duct along a column, wherein the solar collector comprises: one solar radiation planar absorber with one anterior face exposed to solar radiation and another posterior face affixed to the work fluid piping; one duct for exchanging heat with the planar absorber via the air duct which has its air inlet and outlet on opposite tops of the solar collector. The system can additionally comprise a descendent air duct to collect air from the upper part of the building and to supply air to the lower side of one or more columns of the facade.

Abstract: A field-deployable solar panel stand configured to transition between a collapsed configuration for carrying and an expanded configuration for use. The stand includes a plurality of linear posts, cross members, legs and support members interconnected through a plurality of joint assemblies configured to slide along a length of the linear posts to transition the stand between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A portable water purification system is disclosed. The system can have a water storage receptacle, a reverse osmosis filter, a pump, and a solar panel array group. The reverse osmosis filter can be configurable to convert source water into drinkable water, and the pump can be configurable to provide the source water from a water source to the reverse osmosis filter. The array group can have at least one bi-fold solar panel array, and the array group can be configurable to provide power for the pump. The water storage receptacle can be configurable to contain the drinkable water in one configuration and configurable to contain at least one component of the purification system for storage in another configuration.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a photovoltaic system. The system comprises photovoltaic cells, arranged side-by-side to form an array of photovoltaic cells. It further involves a cooling device, which comprises one or more layers, wherein the layers extend opposite to the array of photovoltaic cells and in thermal communication therewith, for cooling the cells, in operation. The one or more layers are structured such that a thermal resistance of the photovoltaic system varies across the array of photovoltaic cells, so as to remove heat from photovoltaic cells of the array with different heat removal rates, in operation. One or more embodiments of the present invention are further directed to related systems and methods for cooling such photovoltaic systems.

Abstract: A building construction surface element includes a PV-panel and, spaced therefrom, a building construction element including a mounting plate spaced from and facing the backside of the PV-panel and a thermal insulation plate. Spacers define for an interspace between the backside of PV module and the topside of the mounting plate. Building construction surface elements are used to finish building surfaces. As such building surfaces may possibly not be covered by an integer number of the building construction surface elements, dummy building construction surface elements may be provided which do not have a PV module, but whereon a more easily tailorable PV module fake is applied. By combining building construction surface elements with appropriately tailored dummies the building construction surface may be completely covered, thereby providing for a homogeneous optical appearance.

Abstract: A sun-tracking light distributor system for use in an open-ended photo-bioreactor having an aqueous liquid for a photosynthetic culture, comprising: at least one light distributor each including a concentrator supporting section with a light entry surface adapted to receive sunlight rays, an elongated rod section with a light distribution surface adapted to redirect the received sunlight rays within the aqueous liquid, a light concentrating element provided at the light entry surface which concentrates within the elongated rod at least a portion of the sunlight rays received at the light entry surface; a displacement system operatively connected to the light distributors and adapted to change an orientation of the light entry surface of the light distributors to track a solar position.

Abstract: A light-concentrating lens assembly for a solar energy system, the assembly comprising a plurality of concentrically arranged paraboloid mirror reflectors, a conical light guide extending below the plurality of paraboloid mirror reflectors, an inner central cone disposed along a central axis of the concentrically arranged paraboloid mirror reflectors, and a compound paraboloid concentrator disposed beneath the inner central cone.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a solar panel assembly, having a plurality of solar panels, includes a plurality of vertical support legs and a grid assembly. The grid assembly includes a plurality of north-south members and the east-west members. The plurality of north-south members include a plurality of elongated slots to allow attachment to the vertical support legs despite any manufacturing tolerances that may exist in the components. The plurality of east-west members include a plurality of elongated slots to allow attachment to the north-south members despite any manufacturing tolerances that may exist in the components.

Abstract: A greenhouse used as a solar panel support structure maintains the usability of the greenhouse through at least one solar panel assembly in order to produce electricity, as well as, optimize light exposure for enclosed plants. The at least one solar panel assembly includes an array and a solar tracker. The array is a photo-voltaic module to convert solar energy into electrical energy to power the greenhouse, other onsite devices, or to export excess energy to a local electrical grid. The array is positioned to receive sunlight to produce electrical energy or provide sunlight exposure to a plurality of plants positioned within the greenhouse. The solar tracker controls the position of the array to move in accordance to sun exposure during a solar day, to maximize electrical power generation, and to allow shade created by the array to move evenly within the greenhouse.

Abstract: A method to manufacture and produce trough shaped solar concentrators and concentrating solar collectors that have reduced wind loading compared to comparable prior art trough concentrators is disclosed. Shown are several different types of trough shaped concentrating solar collectors incorporating Open Architecture lattice geometric support structures with aerodynamic treatment of the lattice structural members.

Abstract: A solar thermal lamp used for heating water inside a tank. The thermal lamp includes a transparent glass bulb with a threaded male coupling for attaching to a female coupling in the tank. The lamp also includes a heat tube with an enlarged water heating condenser. The condenser is received inside the tank. The heat tube can include a copper coil, copper fins, a glass coil, a copper lamp, a glass lamp, and the like for receiving solar energy and conducting the heat to the heating condenser for heating the water inside the tank. Also, the invention can be in the form of a solar thermal globe. The solar globe is self-contained and includes a water tank. Another embodiment of the globe tracks with the daily movement of the sun and change with seasons.

Abstract: A racking system for photovoltaic solar panels greatly reduces material, weight, labor and system profile as compared to previous mounting systems. Special pedestals are secured to a roof at far larger spacings and fewer number than required in previous systems. The pedestals are configured for efficient and dependable flashing for waterproofing the roof. In assembly the extruded aluminum components are fitted together quickly with efficient and strong connections, with the photovoltaic panels retained in a compact array and fully supported along the length of each panel. The fittings provide for field adjustment of the height of the uprights, helping accommodate uneven roof surfaces, such as flat roofs.

Abstract: A framing system for mounting solar collection devices to form a solar array can include a plurality of interconnected frame members having connectors provided on the frame members to form rows of an array solar collector devices. Mounts can be provided at the upper portion of the frame members to secure the solar collecting devices at a raised position. The framing system can simplify the installation of the wiring system before the solar collection devices are attached to the frame members.

Abstract: A solar array integration system (AIS) and methods for mounting solar energy capture devices are provided. Such systems are useful for applications such as mounting photovoltaic (PV) modules to a suitable surface such as a rooftop. In one embodiment, the AIS includes a first row of tilted solar modules, a center spoiler coupled to the first row of tilted solar modules, the center spoiler is configured to deflect frontal airflow over the first row of tilted solar modules, and a second row of tilted solar modules, the second row of tilted solar modules being coupled to each other by an aerodynamic spar. The aerodynamic spar includes a deflector configured to deflect frontal airflow over the second row of tilted solar modules. The deflector may include a wedge-shaped profile. AIS can also include a third row of tilted solar modules, with an end spoiler coupled to the third row of tilted solar modules, and wherein the end spoiler is configured to deflect side airflow over the third row of tilted solar modules.

Abstract: A positioning system for a solar panel includes a frame, a surface plate, an adjustable rail and a frame coupling. The surface plate is configured to secure the positioning system to a mounting surface and includes a connection for an axle. The axle links the surface plate with the frame coupling or with the adjustable rail. The frame coupling attaches to the frame and holds the frame in an operating position. A length of the adjustable rail may be increased or decreased for varying the angular orientation of the frame relative to the mounting surface. The frame is configured to be removable from the frame coupling without requiring the surface plate to be removed from the mounting surface.

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

Abstract: A solar collector receiver tube containing an improved getter system is described. The solar collector receiver tube has a base, pills of getter material that are uniform in height, and a containment metallic mesh having a non-uniform height and presenting at least one depression.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a building installation comprising a building comprising a slab or cellar floor placed in contact with a piece of earth under the building. A fluid hose is placed in the piece of earth under the slab or cellar floor and contains earth circuit fluid which is thermally coupled to a fluid circulation circuit in or by the building such that the earth circuit fluid receives heat from the heated solar collector fluid for circulation in the fluid hose through which heat energy is released to the surrounding piece of earth.

Abstract: Superheated steam tower receiver with a well-defined configuration that benefits the transfer of heat between the surface of the component and the working fluid. Composed of at least four subpanels that define the circulation circuit for the steam by means of internal passages. The component is provided with saturated steam and for the production of said steam it is possible to use other solar concentrator technology. The proposed configuration minimizes the technological risks inherent in superheated steam receiver technology where drawbacks arise in the structure of the material owing to the thermal cycles to which the solar component is subjected.

Abstract: The solar concentrator includes a base with a support frame that is rotatably connected thereto. A torsion box is tiltably mounted to the support frame to provide a wide range of movement of the torsion box and the finish surface thereon, which is preferably of a single plane parabolic shape that carries a layer of highly reflective chrome material. A receiver is mounted above the surface of the chrome layer at the focus of the parabola by a bracket to optimize reflection of radiation thereto. Plumbing transports liquid, such as water, through the receiver for heating thereof for various purposes, such as water desalinization. Thus, the solar concentrator is an optimized low cost and easy to manufacture solar concentrator.

Abstract: A steam condensation and water distillation system comprises an evaporation compartment in a vacuum environment in which a water source is evaporated and at least one first column in which high density water is accumulated; a steam line partly located in the evaporation compartment; a condensation pool in which steam is transferred; a condensation compartment in a vacuum environment in which steam in the evaporation compartment is transferred, a second column in which water formed by the condensation of the steam is accumulated, and a water compartment which is provided with an amount of water therein, in which condensation compartment is positioned; a first water line which is in connection with the water compartment and the second column, and by which the water coming from them are transferred to the water compartment again by being cooled; a second water line by which water is transferred for using.

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprises is provided. The solar concentrator includes at least one row of reflectors comprising mirrors. The row extends along a longitudinal direction and the reflector of the row is pivotally supported with respect to the ground about a pivot axis. The row includes at least a first reflector and a second reflector and a connecting arrangement which connects adjacent longitudinal ends of the first and second reflectors. The connecting arrangement allows a relative movement between the first and second reflectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector (18) including an outer casing (20) having at least one aperture (22) disposed therein and an absorber (24) disposed within the outer casing (20). The aperture (22) is arranged to receive a beam (16) of solar radiation therethrough so that the beam (16) is incident on the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged in use to absorb the energy of the beam of solar radiation and to thereby convert solar radiation to heat energy to heat a fluid communicated through the absorber (24). The absorber (24) is arranged to be moved by a moving means to promote even heating of the absorber (24).

Abstract: A system for quickly, easily and inexpensively facilitating the attachment of various solar water heating components to the roof of a structure in a panel form generally without regard to the type of underlying roof support structure and further, which provides an upper surface upon which essentially any type of roofing material maybe installed. In a first embodiment, it is contemplated that all of the components of the invention may be provided in the form of a ‘panel’ of essentially any size such as, for example, a panel measuring 4?×4?, 4?×8?, or any other size that is convenient and workable in terms of weight and ease of installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiant energy powered water heating methods and apparatus, particularly, to the open-loop solar radiation collection systems. At least one nozzle is directed against a reflection surface facing an evaporation surface to spray at least one jet with reflection to diffuse the fluid within the inner cavity in an atomized plume having the evaporation surface been moisturized by a part of the sprayed fluid and said moisturizing part of the sprayed fluid been sufficiently vaporized or evaporated (see FIG. 3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector (1) comprising a collector element plane comprising a set of parallel metallic collector elements (2) for collecting solar energy. The collector element plane, on its side to be arranged to face the sun, comprises a set of parallel, elongated ridges (R, r) formed by the metallic collector elements (2), and elongated depressions (v) between the ridges (R, r), and that at least some of the ridges (R, r) comprise therein a channel (3) for a heat transfer medium. The invention also relates to a collector element. The invention further relates to a building roof, a building, and a solar energy recovery system comprising said solar collector (1).

Abstract: A solar collection system is described that includes an elongate central truss angled upward from ground horizontal and mounted on a plurality of ground support legs, a collector subsystem mounted at one end of the central truss, a cross truss perpendicular to the central truss and mounted at an end of the central truss opposite the collector subsystem, and a reflector subsystem mounted on the cross truss. The collector subsystem includes a truncated trapezoid-shaped housing with a front side facing the reflector subsystem, the front side including a glassed-in opening fronting a V-shaped core heat mechanism enclosed within the housing interior that captures reflected photon energy from the reflector subsystem which heats a fluent medium within the V-shaped core heat mechanism for output to an external source for thermal power operations.

Abstract: Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.

Abstract: A solar water heating system, including: (a) a solar heating collector, having: (i) an array of convex lenses; (ii) a panel disposed below the array of convex lenses, wherein the array of convex lenses focuses sunlight on the panel to heat areas of the panel; (iii) a fluid chamber disposed below the panel; and (iv) a plurality of members extending from the panel into the fluid chamber to transfer heat from the panel into fluid in the fluid chamber; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a fluid inlet line for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid inlet of the solar heating collector; (d) fluid outlet line for moving fluid from the fluid chamber of the solar heating collector to the fluid reservoir; and (e) a pump for moving fluid cyclically through the fluid chamber of the solar collector and the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A solar thermal collector is provided. The collector comprises a housing defining an inlet, and an outlet for a heat transfer fluid, said housing comprising a window to allow sunlight to pass there through; a heat transfer core disposed within the interior of the housing said housing designed to be heated by exposure to said sunlight; and a heat absorbing component in proximity to the heat transfer core, said heat absorbing component designed to at least partially absorb heat losses from the heat transfer core; wherein a positioning the components within the housing defines at least one path for the heat transfer fluid for preheating of the heat transfer fluid prior to said heat transfer fluid passing through the heat transfer core.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a solar-thermal receiver comprising: (a) a light-absorbing panel comprising: (i) a light-absorbing outer surface; and (ii) an inner volume configured to admit the flow of heat transfer fluid; (b) an inlet configured to receive heat transfer fluid; and (c) an outlet configured to output the heat transfer fluid from the volume under hydrostatic pressure. Embodiments may include vanes and/or other flow-directing and/or flow-impending structural elements.

Abstract: Method and air conditioning system for the conversion of energy, particularly solar energy; the method featuring the steps of heating a first end (E1) of a base body (2) made of a porous material by way of electromagnetic radiation that impacts on an element of absorption (3), which is thermally coupled to the base body (2) at a first end (E1); supplying an evaporative fluid to the body base (2) at a second end (E2) as opposed to the first end (E1) so that the evaporative fluid penetrates inside the base body (2) and spreads inside the body base (2) by way of capillary action; and circulating a heat exchange fluid in contact with the base body (2) at the second end (E2).

Abstract: In some examples, a first solar powered furnace may be fluidically coupled to a second solar powered furnace by an array interconnect, which may include a first receiver, a second receiver, and an array interconnect stent that is at least partially inserted into each of the first and second receivers. In some examples, a solar powered furnace may include a back pass air channel defined by a duct floor and a solar absorption plate, and a distance between the duct floor and the solar absorption plate and a flow rate of air may be selected such that air flows through the back pass air channel in a laminar flow regime.

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

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed provide a sunshade apparatus that integrates a solar collector into an attractive architectural sunshade, and a system for deriving energy, and in particular heat, from such an apparatus. The sunshade is comprised of between one and several solar collector panels. Each panel has an infrared clear pass face and contains tubing. The panel may also contain a layer of insulation underneath the tubing. The tubing contains a fluid and is connected to a solar water system. The clear face extends for most but not all of the upper surface of the panel, such that the ends are solid to provide structural support for the panel. The panels are designed in advance for use in connection with an architectural feature, such as a window on a building, with angles for each of the panels and in some cases the shade as well. Aesthetic architectural options including interior beam colors and clear face coatings are contemplated.

Abstract: A solar receiver with a longitudinal axis, including an absorber, a beam extending over an entire length of the solar receiver and configured to suspend the receiver in the power plant, a protective envelope mounted around the beam and including a thermal insulator surrounding the beam, the protective envelope configured to protect the beam from heating due to solar flux, the beam and the protective envelope configured to slide one with respect to the other along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Method of maintaining or widening the long-term operating temperature range of a heat transfer medium and/or heat storage medium comprising a nitrate salt composition selected from the group consisting of alkali metal nitrate and alkaline earth metal nitrate and optionally alkali metal nitrite and alkaline earth metal nitrite, wherein all or part of the nitrate salt composition is brought into contact with an additive composed of a combination of elemental oxygen and nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: Method of maintaining or widening the long-term operating temperature range of a heat transfer medium and/or heat storage medium comprising a nitrite salt composition comprising, as significant constituents, an alkali metal nitrate or an alkaline earth metal nitrate or a mixture of alkali metal nitrate and alkaline earth metal nitrate and in each case an alkali metal nitrite and/or alkaline earth metal nitrite, wherein all or part of the nitrite salt composition is brought into contact with an additive composed of nitrogen and/or noble gases, in each case with elemental oxygen, the latter in an amount in the range from 0 to 20% by volume based on the total amount of the additive in combination with nitrogen oxides and/or compounds which generate nitrogen oxide.