The various embodiments described herein include devices and systems for thermal energy storage. A single-temperature-thermal-energy storage (SITTES) system for desalinating seawater and/or producing electrical power is described. The SITTES system includes insulated tanks, a molten eutectic salt media arranged within the insulated tanks, heat exchangers arranged within the insulated tanks, and an outlet. In the SITTES system the heat exchangers are coupled to one another and configured to transfer heat between the salt media and a seawater media, and the outlet is configured to output a steam portion of the seawater media, thereby providing desalination of the portion of the seawater media and steam for electrical power generation.

The various embodiments described herein include devices and systems for thermal energy storage. A single-temperature-thermal-energy storage (SITTES) system for desalinating seawater and/or producing electrical power is described. The SITTES system includes insulated tanks, a molten eutectic salt media arranged within the insulated tanks, heat exchangers arranged within the insulated tanks, and an outlet. In the SITTES system the heat exchangers are coupled to one another and configured to transfer heat between the salt media and a seawater media, and the outlet is configured to output a steam portion of the seawater media, thereby providing desalination of the portion of the seawater media and steam for electrical power generation.

A solar energy system for use with tufted geosynthetics on sloping ground without the use of a traditional racking system. A frame attaches to the tufted geosynthetic cover to provide a flap and a solar panel secures to the flap directly or through a polymeric layer that attaches to the frame positioned between the flap and the tufted geosynthetic land cover with the solar panel adhesively attached to the polymeric layer. The solar panel being attached to the tufted geosynthetic land cover generates energy upon exposure to light. A method of securing a solar panel to a tufted geosynthetic land cover system for generation of energy is disclosed.

A solar energy system for use with tufted geosynthetics on sloping ground without the use of a traditional racking system. A frame attaches to the tufted geosynthetic cover to provide a flap and a solar panel secures to the flap directly or through a polymeric layer that attaches to the frame positioned between the flap and the tufted geosynthetic land cover with the solar panel adhesively attached to the polymeric layer. The solar panel being attached to the tufted geosynthetic land cover generates energy upon exposure to light. A method of securing a solar panel to a tufted geosynthetic land cover system for generation of energy is disclosed.

Technologies are disclosed herein for a thin heat exchanger through which coolant may be pumped. The heat exchanger may include an envelope and a heat conduction layer provided over the envelope. The envelope may include one or more channels formed therein. The channels formed between the envelope and the conduction layer may extend the length of the heat exchange layer and be configured to carry coolant therethrough. The heat exchange layer may include an inlet manifold on a first end and an outlet manifold on another end opposing the first end. The inlet manifold may allow the flow of coolant into the heat exchange layer and the outlet manifold may allow the removal of the coolant from the heat exchange layer. Coolant flow may be controlled by a suction pump operating under computer control based at least in part on sensor data.

An integral collector storage solar water heat collecting apparatus comprises an integral solar heat collecting and storage apparatus having one or more solar ray and ambient temperature heat absorbing and storage material(s) which hold said energy within an enclosure, said enclosure having within it one or more heat exchange coils with pressurized water to be heated for the end-user or client from said heat storage. Said heat collector is combined with other system components to provide heated water to users.

Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for solarizing soil using a moveable optical focusing array. In one example, an apparatus to solarize soil from a moveable platform includes a vehicle, an array of mirrors located on the exterior of the vehicle, in which the mirrors are steerable to control the orientation of the mirrors to direct sunlight to a spot on soil that generates heat to a solarize the soil, and a sensor coupled to the vehicle to measure the temperature of the soil, in which the orientation of the mirrors is determined based at least in part on the measured temperature to control the temperature of the soil.

Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for solarizing soil using a moveable optical focusing array. In one example, an apparatus to solarize soil from a moveable platform includes a vehicle, an array of mirrors located on the exterior of the vehicle, in which the mirrors are steerable to control the orientation of the mirrors to direct sunlight to a spot on soil that generates heat to a solarize the soil, and a sensor coupled to the vehicle to measure the temperature of the soil, in which the orientation of the mirrors is determined based at least in part on the measured temperature to control the temperature of the soil.

Photovoltaic solar panels are a know means of generate electricity from ultra-violet and solar power. Known problems associated with photovoltaic solar panels include poor efficiency and a short apparatus lifespan; alongside an inability to be easily integrated into architectural surroundings. Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic solar panel, designed to be attached to the front face of a roof tile, which generates electricity with an improved efficiency, has increased longevity and can be incorporated into a variety of architectural surroundings.

This invention relates to a solar shading module (1) for shading direct sunlight, wherein maximum shading is combined with a high unobstructed view factor by providing an array of mn shading panels (5) which are moved by a solar tracking system (7) in order to follow the sun. The invention further relates to a glazed structure and a building provided with one or more solar shading modules (1) according to the invention, for instance as part of a fagade or roof of the building. The invention also relates to a method for operating a solar shading module (1) according to the invention, comprising the step of controlling the position of the shading panels (5) such that the normal of the shading panels (5) points towards the sun.