| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 126714000 | PROCESS OF HEATING BY USING SOLAR HEAT | 72 |
| 20090101138 | Method of operating a solar thermal power plant and solar thermal power plant - In order to provide a method of operating a solar thermal power plant, in which a heat transfer medium is evaporated endothermally by solar radiation in an evaporator section, wherein the evaporator section comprises a plurality of evaporator branches, among which the heat transfer medium is distributed, in which method non-uniform radiation conditions of the evaporator section may be effectively taken into consideration, it is provided that the mass flow distribution at the evaporator section is controlled, wherein the mass flows are adjusted individually at all or a majority of the evaporator branches and a controlled variable is a variable characterizing a spatial energy rise in a respective evaporator branch in a region of the evaporator branch where the heat transfer medium has not yet evaporated. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090223511 | Unglazed photovoltaic and thermal apparatus and method - A photovoltaic/thermal solar panel is presented which contains no glazing above the photovoltaic array. The absence of glazing allows the photovoltaic cells to operate at a lower temperature and therefore at a higher efficiency. In addition, the absence of glazing allows the present invention PV/T panel to be used to provide nighttime cooling for a building. The panel is constructed by adhering an aluminum heat transfer plate to the rear of the PV array in the panel using a silicone adhesive. PEX tubing is inserted into channels integrally formed into the back of the heat transfer plate again using silicone or other heat-conductive compound. | 09-10-2009 |
| 20100319684 | Concentrating Solar Photovoltaic-Thermal System - 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. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110094503 | Method and apparatus for solar panel tracking - A method for tracking the movement of the sun from East to West across the sky during daylight hours to enable solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or arrays of such panels to capture significantly more solar energy than fixed solar panels. Readily-available sun position data (taken from ephemeris or celestial navigation tables) can be programmed into read-only memory (ROM) chips. Date and time of day information can also be programmed into ROM chips powered by long-life, rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries. Using such ROM chip data, a solar panel or an array of solar panels can track the sun position provided that during installation (with the panels aimed longitudinally towards the South), the solar panels are positioned upwards towards the noontime sun position to establish a starting point. This enables the sun tracking system of the present invention to track the sun without requiring a solar sensing device. Sun tracking provides an increase of from about 20% to 50% increased solar energy capture compared with fixed, non-tracking solar panels. Experimental data is also provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the present invention. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20130087139 | SOLAR FIELD LAYOUT AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ARRANGING, MAINTAINING, AND OPERATING HELIOSTATS THEREIN - At least some of the heliostats can be arranged and operated in such a manner that the maintenance vehicle can pass through the solar field along conditional pathways. The arrangement and control of the heliostats to allow access to heliostats by a maintenance vehicle can enable different heliostat patterns as compared with conventional arrangements. In particular, heliostats in one section of the solar field, which may be less geometrically efficient, can be arranged at a higher density as compared to heliostat in another section of the solar field. In addition, the locations of heliostats in various sections of the field can be optimized based on ground coverage as viewed from a vantage point in the solar tower and/or revenue generation without constraining the locations to particular line or arc patterns. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130092156 | METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING HELIOSTATS IN TOWER PLANT - Method for distributing heliostats in a tower solar plant surrounded by a field of heliostats which reflect solar radiation on said tower. The distribution method for said heliostats consists of imitating the systems that are found in nature to maximize the collection of light (plant seeds, leaves and petals) and which is mathematically described by Fermat spirals in a number belonging to the Fibonacci series, through the placement, in polar coordinates, of each heliostat according to a radius and an angle defined by | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130180520 | THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE WITH MOLTEN SALT - Several systems of thermally stable inorganic salts with low melting points are disclosed. These compositions include earth-abundant salt materials and can have thermal stability limits greater than 700° C. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130186390 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION - A method of converting a liquid into a vapor includes directing liquid into one or more solar collectors through a manifold that supports the one or more solar collectors. Each of the one or more solar collectors includes a transparent outer cylinder having a closed end and an open end, an inner cylinder having a closed end and an open end, the inner cylinder being concentric with and disposed within the transparent outer cylinder so that the closed end of the inner cylinder is located proximate to the closed end of the transparent outer cylinder, an outer surface of the inner cylinder being made of a material that absorbs solar radiation to generate heat, the longitudinal axes of the transparent outer cylinder and the inner cylinder being substantially horizontal, and an enclosed and evacuated space formed between the transparent outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. A maximum value is determined for the amount of liquid to be converted to vapor during a daylight portion of a day as a result of the heat generated in the inner cylinders of the one or more solar collectors. An amount of the liquid is directed into the one or more solar collectors, where the amount is a value that is at least the maximum amount value. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130192589 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SOLAR STEAM SYSTEM DURING REDUCED-INSOLATION EVENTS - A solar energy system can be controlled during periods of reduced insolation. For example, one or more environmental condition sensors can detect environmental properties indicating current or expected insolation levels and can generate at least one signal indicating a current or impending transient reduced-insolation event. The at least one signal can be received (for example, by a controller) from the sensors that indicates changes in insolation. Responsively to the at least one signal, characteristics of a current reduced insolation event or of an impending transient reduced-insolation event can be calculated. In response to the calculated characteristics, a quantity of available insolation can be calculated. An attemperation flow rate in the solar steam system can be controlled responsively to the calculated quantity of available insolation such that the temperature of steam entering the steam turbines is maintained within a predefined range. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130220312 | Cavity Receivers for Parabolic Solar Troughs - A tubular heat-absorbing element partly enclosed in an insulating layer or jacket, has absorbing surface that is accessible to solar radiation. The thermal insulation is designed to provide entry to solar radiation by way of a cavity. The absorbing surface can be substantially planar. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130233305 | METHOD OF TRACKING AND COLLECTING SOLAR ENERGY - A method of tracking and collecting solar energy includes receiving solar energy on at least two solar energy receivers, measuring an energy output from each of the at least two solar energy receivers, comparing the energy output from one of the at least two solar energy receiver with the energy output from another of the at least two solar energy receivers, and shifting the at least two solar energy receivers until the energy output from the one of the at least two solar receivers is substantially equal to the another of the at least two solar receivers. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130239952 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING SOLAR TOWER SYSTEMS - A solar energy system can be controlled and operated responsively to detected and/or predicted changes in insolation conditions. By placing an imaging aperture of an imaging device as part of an external surface of a solar receiver, an orientation of each heliostat in a heliostat field can be determined. The imaging device can be used to image at least a portion of the heliostat field based on light passing through the imaging aperture, which is proximate to, adjacent to, or at least partially within the capture area of the solar receiver so as to acquire at least one image indicating a change in a distribution of insolation levels falling on the portion of the field. Characteristics of heliostats within the portion of the field can be calculated based on the at least one image. Aiming directions of one or more can be changed based on the calculated characteristics. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130333693 | Energy Generating Transparent Film - An energy-generating transparent (EGT) structure is provided, in addition to a method for generating energy from light incident to an EGT structure. The EGT structure is made up of a window pane with an interior surface adjacent a reflective structure. The method accepts light incident to an exterior surface of the window pane, and transmits light in the visible spectrum through the window pane and reflective structure. However, light in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum is reflected back from the reflective structure into the window pane, so that reflected NIR, spectrum light is supplied to an edge of the window pane. For example, reflected NIR spectrum light is supplied to the window pane edge if the light has an angle greater than or equal to an angle TIR occurring between the window pane exterior surface and air. This reflected NIR spectrum light can be converted to electrical or thermal energy. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130333694 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEM - A solar energy collection system comprises hollow radiation absorber(s) in an enclosure, each absorber for filling with working fluid, to absorb radiation impinging thereon and transform its energy into heat to thereby heat the fluid. The system comprises an inlet non-return valve upstream of each absorber, for allowing a flow of the fluid thereto; and an outlet valve downstream of each absorber for allowing a flow of the fluid out. The system comprises a measuring device for determining parameter(s) of the fluid within each absorber, which depends on the heat absorbed thereby; and a controller that controls operation of at least the outflow valve between its open state in which the fluid can flow freely out of the associated absorber, and its closed state in which the fluid filling the associated absorber is held therein for a period of time depending on a desired change of the parameter. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140014091 | METHOD OF USING A STATIONARY DOME-SHAPED STRUCTURE COMPOSED OF LINKED CONVERGING LENSES AS A SOLAR COLLECTOR SYSTEM - Disclosed is a method to create a stationary solar collector system composed of linked converging lenses, structured in a dome or cone shape. The solar energy is refracted and concentrated through the converging lenses, in which then, heat specific points on the conical helix receiver pipe to heat the flowing liquid. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140020678 | Multiple Parabolic Trough Solar Collector Having A Focus-Tracking Pipe Array - A trough collector for solar energy, with multiple parallel troughs preferably being contained within a single unit. The collector does not use conventional azimuth tracking in order to keep the sun's rays directed toward the parabola's focus as the sun moves across the sky. Instead, the relative position between the collecting device (preferably a conductive tube containing a circulating working fluid) and the plane of symmetry for each collector is adjusted so that the collecting device remains within the focal zone of the collector as the sun traverses the sky. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140034044 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DIRECTLY HEATED, SOLAR-THERMAL STEAM GENERATOR - A method for operating a directly heated, solar-thermal steam generator is provided. As per the method, a nominal value M | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140034045 | STARTUP SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SOLAR BOILERS - A startup system for a solar boiler includes a main fluid circuit having a plurality of solar boiler panels for generating power from solar energy. An auxiliary fluid circuit is selectively connected in fluid communication with the main fluid circuit by a plurality of valves. An auxiliary boiler is operatively connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit. The valves connecting the auxiliary fluid circuit to the main fluid circuit are configured to be opened and closed to selectively place the auxiliary boiler in fluid communication with portions of the main fluid circuit to supply heat to the portions of the main fluid circuit in preparation to produce power from solar energy. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140060519 | Generation Of Steam For Use In An Industrial Process - A method of generating steam for use in an industrial process is disclosed. The industrial process may for example be power generation or desalination. The method comprises: (a) pressurising a working fluid liquid comprising water to a first pressure; (b) heating the working fluid liquid to a temperature substantially equal to the saturation temperature of the working fluid liquid at the first pressure; and (c) flash evaporating the working fluid liquid to generate steam. The pressurised working fluid liquid is heated in step (b) by direct heating in a solar radiation absorption device. Also disclosed is an apparatus for generating steam for use in an industrial process. The apparatus comprises a pump ( | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140069417 | POLYMERIC SOLAR CONCENTRATOR AND SOLAR THERMAL DEVICE INCORPORATING SAME - Polymeric sheets suitable for use as solar concentrators in solar thermal devices are provided. Also provided are solar thermal devices incorporating the polymeric sheets. The polymeric sheets have two oppositely facing surfaces. A first pattern is defined in the first surface and a second pattern is defined in the second surface. The first pattern is designed to reduce the reflectance of light incident upon the first surface relative to the first surface in the absence of the first pattern and to channel incident light through the sheet onto the second surface. It does so by redirecting photons incident upon the first surface over a broad range of incident angles into transmittance angles that are more closely aligned with the surface normal of the polymeric sheet. The second pattern is designed to focus the photons transmitted to the second surface of the sheet onto a focal surface, such as a receptacle containing a heat-transfer medium. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140083415 | SOLAR SYSTEM FOR REPRODUCING THE EFFECT OF A COMBUSTION FLAME - The present invention relates to a solar system for providing volumetric energy reproducing the effect of a combustion flame for a high-temperature industrial process, characterised in that it comprises:
| 03-27-2014 |
| 20140096763 | MODULAR, FLUID THERMAL TRANSFER DEVICE - A modular thermal panel can include a heat exchanger having connected top and bottom plates with channels formed there between for receiving a heat exchange fluid. An architectural tile (e.g., a paver, stone, acoustic tile, or any other architectural element) can rest on the top of the modular thermal panel, while an insulator panel is positioned below the modular thermal panel. The heat exchanger can transfer heat between the architectural tile and the heat exchange fluid to either cool or heat the architectural panel. Additional implementations include heat transfer systems including such modular thermal panels, and methods of collecting and utilizing thermal energy using such modular thermal panels. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140109895 | METALLIC COMPOSITE PHASE-CHANGE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Metallic composite phase-change materials and methods of using are disclosed. In some embodiments, a thermal energy storage module is provide that included one or more phase change alloys having a variable phase transition temperature between about 400° C. and about 1200° C. and having a latent heat of more than about 200 kJ/kg. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140116421 | SOLAR RADIATION CONCENTRATING SYSTEM - A concentrator having a reflective surface ( | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116422 | SOLAR CONCENTRATING SYSTEM - A solar concentrating system includes a heliostat having an actuator that adjusts a reflecting direction of a mirror reflector. An anemometer measures wind direction and wind speed. A controller generates and outputs a target angle command to the actuator in order to control the actuator. The controller generates the target angle command based on the current position of the sun and on the wind direction and the wind speed measured by the anemometer. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140190469 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY PRODUCING STEAM FROM SOLAR COLLECTORS AND HEATERS - Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes directing a flow of water to a solar collector, directing the flow of water to a gas-fired heater, and, as a result of heating the flow of water at the solar collector and the gas-fired heater, forming steam from the flow of water. The method further includes changing a sequence by which at least a portion of the flow passes through the solar collector and the gas-fired heater. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140202449 | MULTIPLATFORM HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM - A multiplatform heating ventilation and air conditioning control system configured to maximize energy efficiency in maintaining desired conditions within an area through beneficial use of natural energy sources. In some embodiments, the multiplatform heating ventilation and air conditioning control system can include sensors and a control system. In some embodiments, the sensors can detect conditions inside and outside of the controlled area to determine the most efficient method of maintaining desired conditions. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202450 | Solar Array, Arrangement with a Plurality of Solar Arrays and Use of the Solar Array or the Arrangement - A solar array is provided with a first heat-transfer fluid transporting line (parabolic trough loop) for transporting a first heat transfer fluid, and at least one further heat-transfer fluid transporting line for transporting a further heat transfer fluid arranged to receive solar energy from, for example, a parabolic-trough solar array. The first heat-transfer fluid transporting line and the further heat-transfer fluid transporting line are coupled to form an overall heat-transfer fluid transporting line (for example, as a parabolic trough loop). The first heat-transfer fluid transporting line is connected to at least one main line pump for pumping the first heat transfer fluid through the heat-transfer-fluid transporting line and the further heat-transfer fluid transporting line is connected to at least one further main line pump for pumping the further heat transfer fluid through the further heat-transfer-fluid transporting line. The first and further heat-transfer fluids may be the same fluid. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202451 | Solar Switching System - A method and a control system for a hot water supply system, wherein the hot water supply system includes at least one boiler having a heating fluid input pipe line, the control system comprising: a motorized valve; installed upon the heating fluid input pipe line; a first thermistor installed upon the heating fluid input pipe line; a second thermistor installed within the boiler; a motor mechanically connected to the motorized valve; and a controller, wherein the controller is adapted for opening and closing the motorized valve according to temperature difference between a temperature measurement by the first thermistor and a temperature measurement by the second thermistor, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the motor, to the first thermistor, and to the second thermistor. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140230808 | SOLAR ENERGY RECEIVER - Solar receiver having a receiver funnel, a solar absorber, and an absorber rotation drive mechanism. The receiver funnel has a funnel entrance and a funnel exit. The solar absorber may have a spherical shape and has an absorber rotation axis. The solar absorber is rotatably positioned in the funnel exit. The solar absorber has an internal absorber fluid chamber, an absorber fluid intake and an absorber fluid outlet. The absorber rotation drive mechanism provides for rotating the solar absorber about the absorber rotation axis. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140238387 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROL OF HELIOSTATS - Adherence to flux or resultant measurable parameter limits, ranges, or patterns can be achieved by directing heliostat mounted mirrors to focus on aiming points designated on the surface of a solar receiver. Different heliostats can be directed to different aiming points, and a heliostat can be directed to different aiming points at different times. The cumulative flux distribution resulting from directing a plurality of heliostats to any aiming point on a receiver surface can be predicted by using statistical methods to calculate the expected beam projection for each individual heliostat or alternatively for a group of heliostats. Control of the heliostats in a solar power system can include designating aiming points on a receiver from time to time and assigning heliostats to aiming points from time to time in accordance with an optimization goal. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140251314 | Solar Oven Positioning - A positioning system is attached to radiation collection device such as a solar oven. The positioning system is attached to an outside of a building structure, allowing the collection device to be positioned in a plurality of locations. At least one of the plurality of locations is away from the building structure to allow the radiation collection device to collect solar radiation. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251315 | Method and apparatus for orienting arrays of mechanically linked heliostats for focusing the incident sunlight on a stationary object - The present invention is a method and apparatus for periodic orientation of arrays of mechanically linked heliostats positioned on rotatable shafts such that incident sunlight is focused on a stationary object. In each altitudinal orientation a minuscule predefined push is given by an actuator and the time interval between each altitudinal orientation is 2×(T | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140261391 | SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM - A Fresnel lens-type solar heater including an outer enclosure having at least an upper portion for admitting solar energy to be directed to a Fresnel lens mounted above a heat sink mounted within a solar energy collector which is pivotally mounted to be movable in an east-west manner within a support cradle that is pivotally mounted to be movable in a north-south manner such that the lens is correctly oriented toward the sun during each day of a year and wherein fluid directed through the outer enclosure is heated by energy from the heat sink before being exhausted from the heater to an area to be heated. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140261392 | Solar Collector - A solar collector apparatus includes a parabolic mirror configured to direct solar energy through a double convex lens and towards a linear set of secondary mirrors, each of the secondary mirrors positioned to direct the solar energy towards a solar collection target. The subsequent diversion achieved by the solar collector apparatus allows collection of solar energy several times denser than natural sunlight, and can be captured using a substantially compact system. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140283818 | SOLAR COLLECTOR UNIT AND A METHOD OF PROVIDING SUCH A SOLAR COLLECTOR UNIT - The solar collector unit is adapted for reflecting light onto a receiver, and comprises a reflector element, and a support structure supporting the reflector element. The reflector element is flexible and comprises a reflective surface and a substrate having a predefined length and width. The support structure comprises a predefined number of profiles per length unit connected to the reflector element at a distance from each other to provide a predefined shape of the solar collector unit. The number of profiles per length of substrate may be varied and lies in the interval 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10, most preferred 5 to 8 per 2000 mm of length of the substrate. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140299121 | RADIATION COLLECTION UTILIZING TOTAL INTERNAL REFLECTION AND OTHER TECHNIQUES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISPATCHABLE ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND OTHER USES - A device for collection, concentrating and storing solar energy comprises an optical concentrator in operative connection with a transmission means which is also operatively connected to an energy recovery device. Concentrated solar energy is transmitted from the optical concentrator to the energy recovery device where it is stored until it is deployed as an energy source for generating electricity. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140299122 | Methods and Apparatus for Thermal Energy Storage Control Optimization - Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems and methods are disclosed featuring the use of a solid-liquid phase change heat transfer material (HTM). The systems and methods include a solar receiver configured to receive concentrated solar flux to heat a quantity of the solid HTM and cause a portion of the solid HTM to melt to a liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the solar receiver. The heat exchanger is configured to receive liquid HTM and provide for heat exchange between the liquid HTM and the working fluid of a power generation block. The heat exchanger further provides for the solidification of the liquid HTM. The systems and methods also include a material transport system providing for transportation of the solidified HTM from the heat exchanger to the solar receiver. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140305426 | DIRECT SOLAR STEAM GENERATOR AND METHOD OF SHUTING DOWN A DIRECT SOLAR STEAM GENERATOR - A direct solar steam generator is provided. The direct solar steam generator includes a solar evaporator having an evaporator circuit for circulation of a working fluid, an evaporator inlet pipe for supplying fluid to the evaporator circuit and an evaporator outlet pipe for collecting the working fluid exiting the evaporator circuit, and a solar concentrator for concentrating solar energy towards the evaporator circuit. The direct solar steam generator also includes a fluid arrangement configured to allow forming a static liquid seal in the outlet pipe using the working fluid. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140311479 | CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER SOLIDS-BASED SYSTEM - A solar power system comprises a solar receiver, a heated solids storage tank downstream of the solar receiver, a fluidized bed heat exchanger downstream of the heated solids storage tank, and means for transporting solid particles from the fluidized bed heat exchanger to a cold solids storage tank upstream of the solar receiver. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes a first fluidized bed and a second fluidized bed. Solid particles flow through the fluidized bed heat exchanger and transfer heat energy to heating surfaces in the two fluidized beds. The system permits the solid particles to absorb more energy and permits a constant energy output from the fluidized bed heat exchanger. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140338659 | SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM - A solar tracking system with a plurality of tracking assemblies moved by a single motor. A method and system that prevents overloading the motor or tripping a circuit breaker due to an obstructed or impeded tracker includes sensing movement of the tracker assemblies and entering into obstruction clearing modes. Obstruction clearing mode 1 (OCM1) is a high frequency adjustable mode that prompts movement for an adjustable period of time. If movement commences, the system returns to a normal mode. If there is no movement, the system enters into an obstruction clearing mode 2 (OCM2) with is an adjustable lower frequency series of attempts. If there is no movement, no further attempts are made. Each of these steps are monitored and controlled remotely. There are two types of secure connections for drivelines, torque tubes or affixing driveline linkages for high torque conditions. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140352685 | WEATHERABLE SOLAR REFLECTOR WITH HIGH ABRASION RESISTANCE - Described herein are solar reflectors which provide a low cost reflector construction that has a unique set of attributes: high solar reflectance, abrasion resistance, UV stability, mechanical integrity, and flexibility. The abrasion resistance is enabled through incorporation of an abrasion-resistant coating into a polymer film metal mirror construction. Methods of using the solar reflectors in solar concentrating applications are also provided. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352686 | SOLAR CONCENTRATING SYSTEMS - A solar concentrating system for concentrating sunlight by tracking the sun, including concentrator support structure, an annular track mounted on an upper surface of a base, the center of mass of the concentrator support structure being off-axis relative to curvature center of annular track, enclosures provided at comers and comprising a wheel positioned on the track, the enclosure connected to a piston connected to a guiding element placed on the track; a fastening element that when moved towards the track, the guiding element is fastened to the track, and when the fastening element is moved away from the track, the guiding element is released, when the first piston elongates or contracts, the first guiding element is fastened to the track, the second guiding element is released, the wheels of the enclosures rotate from a first location on the track to a second location, thereby rotating the concentrator support structure. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140360492 | DIRECT FLOW SOLAR COLLECTOR - A direct flow solar collector and solar hot water system are presented wherein high pressure connections are eliminated to lower installation costs while freeze and stagnation protection is provided by a cooling loop and a continuous circulation protocol. A novel fin design and a modular concept deliver manufacturing, shipping and assembly efficiencies while providing flexibility for customizing the collector configuration. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20150013666 | SOLAR COLLECTOR APPARATUS - In various aspects, a solar collector apparatus includes a lens pivotally mounted about an axis thereof and adapted to gather sunlight into a focal point, and a tracking device adapted to track a position of the sun, the tracking device cooperates with the lens to pivot the lens about the axis in correspondence to the position of the sun. Related methods of use of the solar collector apparatus are disclosed herein. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150020795 | INFLATABLE LIGHT WEIGHT SOLAR COOKER - Disclosed are systems and methods to concentrate sunlight with inflatable enclosures to heat substances, including fluids and for cooking, and to provide concentrated sunlight for other uses. The system includes an inflatable sunlight concentrator (upper balloon), an inflatable cooking housing (bottom balloon), and a cooking container. When inflated, the upper balloon has a substantially cone-shape and concentrates sunlight towards the bottom balloon. The bottom balloon may be of various shapes and may concentrate sunlight towards the cooking space. Each balloon is less than two ounces and can be folded into a small pocket-sized package when it is deflated. The cooking space may be a thermal bag, a box, or an insulated space. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150034073 | HOT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - The invention disclosure provides a hot water supply system and method thereof which can control a solar heating unit, a first heat-pump unit, a boiler unit, and an electric heater unit through a control unit to heat water. The control unit operates in a pre-heating period and a heating period after the pre-heating period. In the pre-heating period, the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit preheat water. In the heating period, the boiler unit further heats water coming from the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit to an exit temperature and stores water in the boiler unit and the electric heater unit so as to provide water to an outflow device. The invention integrates many water heaters in one system, so as to improve the efficiency of generation of hot water and achieve the objectives of energy conservation and carbon reduction. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150090251 | DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH LEVEL OF ENERGETIC EFFICIENCY FOR THE STORAGE AND USE OF THERMAL ENERGY OF SOLAR ORIGIN | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150096554 | CENTRAL SOLAR WATER HEATER SYSTEM (CSWHS) FOR A TYPICAL FLOOR IN MULTI-STORES BUILDING - Systems and methods for solar fluid heating in a multi-story building. A system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes solar collectors installed in solar-facing walls of the multi-story building, in which fluid receives thermal energy from the solar collectors. The system also includes fluid storage vessels. The system further includes a circulating pump coupled to the solar collectors to circulate the heated fluid between the solar collectors and the fluid storage vessels on a floor of the multi-story building. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150107583 | CABLE DRIVE SYSTEM FOR SOLAR TRACKING - A cable drive system for solar tracking for solar array systems. The cable drive system employs one or more cables wound around a drive pulley of a drive device and one or more driven pulleys of respective rotatable solar assemblies of the solar array system. The system may use a tension device such as a spring or weight that returns the solar array system to an initial position at the end of the day. The drive device may be an active or passive solar tracker. The disclosed techniques of rotating solar panels are flexible, inexpensive, and reliable. The techniques can apply to any solar technology that benefit from following the sun. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150128931 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOLTEN SALT TEMPERATURE - The molten salt solar tower system | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150144125 | CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER WITH GLASSHOUSES - A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power 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 parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150292772 | SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM - A system comprising a structure ( | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150300689 | Combination Solar and Combustion Heater - Substituting a solar concentrator for a conventional burner for heating is desirable. However, the sun's energy is diurnal and cannot be counted upon even during daylight hours. To ensure heating is available, a backup conventional combustor can be provided. According to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger element of the heater assembly is directly acted upon by solar rays via a solar concentrator and by combustion. The heat exchanger acts as the combustion holder. Fuel provided to the outside of the heat exchanger is adjusted based on the demanded for heating and the amount of insolation achieved via the solar concentrator. The heat exchanger can be part of a conventional heater or a heat pump for heating water. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300692 | METHOD TO CONSTRUCT AND SUPPORT TUBE MODULE ASSEMBLIES FOR SOLID PARTICLE SOLAR RECEIVER - A solar receiver module includes a front tube sheet with light apertures, a back plate cooperating with the front tube sheet to define a sealed gap, and light channeling tubes optically coupled with the light apertures, extending through the gap and connecting with the back plate. A flowing heat transfer medium flows in the gap over exterior surfaces of the light channeling tubes. Slip joint engagements between light apertures and ends of most or all of the light channeling tubes accommodate thermal expansion. Each slip joint may be defined by an inner or outer perimeter of the light aperture receiving the end of the light channeling tube. A sub-set of the light channeling tubes may be welded to light apertures. A module support post may be secured at a center of the back plate and extend away oppositely from the front tube sheet. A welded or stamped tube sheet provides a seal between tubes at the front face of the tube modules. Thermal expansion provides a seal between adjoining modules at the front face and seal strips provide a seal at the back face. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150316288 | Flow Control Systems and Methods for a Phase Change Material Solar Receiver - Disclosed embodiments include concentrating solar power (CSP) systems and solar receivers for CSP systems configured to provide inlet and outlet heat transfer material flow control. The disclosed embodiments feature heat transfer material flowing in and open heat transfer material circuit. Certain embodiments may be implemented with a solid-liquid phase change material as the heat transfer material. Alternative embodiments include methods of heat transfer material flow control in a CSP system and CSP systems configured as described. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150330667 | WATER JACKET FOR SOLID PARTICLE SOLAR RECEIVER - A solar receiver includes: water jacket panels each having a light-receiving side and a back side with a watertight sealed plenum defined in-between; light apertures passing through the watertight sealed plenums to receive light from the light-receiving sides of the water jacket panels; a heat transfer medium gap defined between the back sides of the water jacket panels and a cylindrical back plate; and light channeling tubes optically coupled with the light apertures and extending into the heat transfer medium gap. In some embodiments ends of the light apertures at the light receiving side of the water jacket panel are welded together to define at least a portion of the light-receiving side. A cylindrical solar receiver may be constructed using a plurality of such water jacket panels arranged with their light-receiving sides facing outward. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150338131 | CONTROL OF SOLAR TRACKER DEVICE - The present invention relates to a method for controlling a tracker control unit and, therefore, the tracker device of a solar module of a solar power plant, wherein the tracker device comprises a control unit, an actuator element and a support means for supporting the solar module, comprising the steps of detecting a particular event, interrupting power supply to the control unit of the tracker device for a predetermined time period in reaction to the detection of the particular event, resuming power supply after the predetermined time period and in reaction to the resumed power supply actuating the support means by the actuator element to move the support means into a predetermined position. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150345831 | CARBON DIOXIDE-BASED HEATER - There is provided in a first form of an illustrative embodiment a method. The method includes providing a quantity of carbon dioxide in gaseous form within an interior volume of an vessel and contacting the carbon dioxide gas with a heat exchanger disposed within the interior volume of the vessel. The vessel is exposed to solar radiation, wherein the carbon dioxide absorbs radiation in one or more vibration bands of the carbon dioxide, the absorbed radiation obtained from the solar radiation. Heat within the first quantity of carbon dioxide produced by collisional thermalization of the absorbed radiation is transferred, via the heat exchanger, to a heat transfer medium within the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with an external environment of the vessel. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150362219 | FLUID TEMPERATURE LIMITER - The present invention limits fluid temperature at a point in a fluidic system to below a predetermined temperature by cooling the fluid when needed and without requiring a separate cold fluid source. The present invention “clips” the temperature of the fluid at a point in the system to within a temperature range and prevents overcooling the fluid. When the fluid temperature is below the temperature range, the temperature of the fluid is unchanged as it passes through the apparatus of the present invention. The present invention may operate without external power, can function in any orientation, and works for unpressurized and pressurized systems. The present invention has application in the areas of solar thermal energy systems, fluid tanks, engine oil and coolant systems, transmission fluid systems, hydraulic systems, machining fluid systems, cutting fluid systems, nuclear reactors and chemical reactors, among others. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150377518 | SOLAR TRACKER DRIVE - A sun-tracking solar drive can include hardware and/or be operated in accordance with a method in which angular deviations are compensated for operation including during forward tracking and backtracking. For example, the effects of thermal expansion and mechanical slop associated with certain components can be calculated and used for calculation of target angles that can provide for increased power output and improved shading avoidance. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160033172 | Evacuated Tubes For Solar Thermal Energy Collection - An evacuated tube solar thermal collector uses a set of evacuated solar thermal collector tubes in heat exchanging contact with a fluid flowing through a header tube. Two heat pipes are provided in each evacuated thermal collector tube, and the condenser ends of the heat pipes are positioned in the header tube with a spacing that provides improved heat transfer from the heat pipes to the header tube. When 14 mm heat pipes contained in 58 mm collector tubes are used in a header tube having a capacity of about 0.5 gallons with a heat transfer liquid that is flowing at a rate of about 0.3 gpm, the spacing between heat pipes in each collector tube is about 24 mm, center to center, and the spacing between corresponding heat pipes of immediately-adjacent collector tubes is about 80 mm. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160047555 | INTERIOR SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR WITH FLUID-BASED HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM - An interior solar energy collector system includes an interior heat exchanger unit for mounting on, or integral with, an interior surface of a roof or wall of a building. A heat transfer fluid system transfers collected heat from the interior heat exchanger to heat storage and heat disposal tanks from which the heat can be used or disposed as desired. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160076792 | SYSTEM OF SECONDARY REFLECTORS WITH HIGH LEVEL OF EFFICIENCY FOR STORAGE AND USE OF ENERGY FROM A SOLAR SOURCE - A secondary optical system to increase efficiency in collecting solar radiation concentrated by primary mirrors in “beam-down” plant configurations is described. Such secondary optical system is formed at least by two reflectors—preferably in form of plane mirrors arranged at different heights—oriented to associate to each of them a sub-section of a primary field of heliostats. The secondary reflectors—each one associated to a different primary focus F | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160084530 | HELIOSTAT MECHANICAL STOP AND METHOD OF FINDING HELIOSTAT HOME POSITION - A drive assembly for a heliostat and a method of determining the drive's home position are described. The drive assembly comprises at least one mechanical hard stop for impeding the motion of an output gear of at least one gear transmission driven by a motor. Each hard stop may be built into the housing of a gear transmission or may be made integral with an output gear. The method for determining the drive assembly's home position comprises the steps of iteratively actuating an output gear towards, and then away from, a hard stop feature while monitoring the input torque of the driving motor. When the motor input torque is registered to be higher than a predetermined trip torque, the stepper motor is commanded to stop and the home position of the drive assembly is determined. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160091223 | SOLAR COLLECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus, system, and method of collecting solar energy having a variable position for optimizing sunlight collection and for use in a heating and/or cooling system. The system includes a solar collector apparatus, a collector support frame assembly, a sun position tracking apparatus, a fluid transfer pump, a fluid storage tank, an insulated pipe for connecting the fluid pump to the storage tank and the solar collector, a differential temperature controller, and a safety override relay controller. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160116188 | HEAT STORAGE DEVICES FOR SOLAR STEAM GENERATION, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Heat storage devices suitable for storing solar energy, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a storage housing that contains a working fluid. A working fluid inlet pipe is coupled to the storage housing. A plurality of concrete plates are positioned in the housing, with the adjacent plates at least partially forming individual flow passages. A working fluid outlet pipe is coupled to the housing. A controller maintains a predominantly laminar flow of the working fluid in the flow passages. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be thermal oil having a boiling temperature of 300° C. or higher. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160146507 | SOLID STATE SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY COLLECTOR - A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160161151 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR UTILIZING SOLAR ENERGY, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING AND DESIGNING AN ARRANGEMENT FOR UTILIZING SOLAR ENERGY AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - Prior art solar energy arrangements are typically structurally complex, have a limited concentration factor and temperature, and their dimensions are large. There is provided a solar energy arrangement and corresponding method for utilizing solar energy by directing sunrays or sunbeams with at least one solar concentrator towards at least one application, device or equipment utilizing solar energy, and a corresponding method, system and computer program product for implementing an arrangement for utilizing solar energy. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160169560 | SOLAR COLLECTOR ASSEMBLY | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160201947 | Cavity Receivers for Parabolic Solar Troughs | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160201949 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF GENERATING ENERGY FROM SOLAR RADIATION | 07-14-2016 |
