A particle suppressor can be used in a particle receiver to reduce the particle loss rate. The receiver can include a rotating drum with an inliner. The particle suppressor can include a retaining surface. The retaining surface can be spaced away from and extend concentrically with the inline. A spacing gap between the inliner and the retaining surface can dampen the motion of bouncing particles. The spacing gap can be between 15 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, the particle suppressor can include a support ring with a plurality of suppressor segments disposed circumferentially around the support ring. The particle suppressor can include a plurality of suppressor segments coupled directly to the inliner. A heat shield can be coupled to the particle suppressor. A support bracket can suspend the particle suppressor within the receiver.

Embodiments of the invention comprises a truss assembly and a method for assembling the truss assembly. The truss assembly includes V-shaped longitudinal supports forming corners of an elongated truss located at each angle of a polygonal axial cross-section. Open webs are fixedly attached between each adjacent V-shaped longitudinal supports extending the length of the elongated truss. The open webs have a plurality of bends in a same plane, and the plurality of bends are welded to a portion of the inner surface of adjacent V-shaped longitudinal members without having to place jigs or bracing to form the open web or to secure the open web to the two V-shaped longitudinal members. The elongated support truss may have a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, or the like.

A device is disclosed for the storage and transfer of solar thermal energy which includes a casing having a irradiation opening for the entry of incident solar radiation in a irradiation region of the casing. a bed of fluidizable solid particles received within the casing, and a plurality of reflecting and radiating surfaces arranged within the irradiation region and configured to convey the solar radiation entering through the irradiation opening, after multiple reflections, on the bed of particles.

In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by rotating its base around a threaded connection until it locks in place so that a solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus is offered to support a rail-less pivot mount as well.

A measuring device for determining a distribution of a heat transfer medium on an inner wall of a shaftless container which rotates when used to heat the heat transfer medium with concentrated solar radiation in a solar thermal power plant or as a rotary kiln includes a distance measuring device for determining a thickness of a film of the heat transfer medium on the inner wall of the container. The distance measuring device includes at least one optical device for detecting at least one height profile along at least one measurement line projected onto the inner wall and at least one position transducer for determining a current rotational position of the respective measurement line on the inner wall. A method for determining a distribution of a heat transfer medium on an inner wall of a shaftless container is also provided.

The invention relates to a system for airflow energy conversion as an attachment integration in solar plants (1) for additional supply of electrical current. The invention relates to the concept of integrating or attaching an airflow energy system directly to existing or newly designed solar plants (1). The airflow energy system uses any airflows acting on the installation site. Wind, heat absorption energy of the utilised solar plant and airflows resulting from thermals in the immediate surroundings are optimally used for this purpose. In this way, additional electrical energy is generated and added to the electrical energy already obtained from solar energy. With this invention, the energy yield at solar plants is increased. The direct combination of the airflow system with a solar plant (1) forms an overall system which requires no additional investment in site area, while using only one system controller.

A heat collector includes a body including a hollow portion extending from a first end to a second end of the body and being a metal-extruded body having a light-receiving surface to receive sunlight, a pair of lids adjacent to the first end and the second end and covering the hollow portion, an inlet located in one of the pair of lids to allow a heating medium to enter the hollow portion, and an outlet located in one of the pair of lids to allow the heating medium to exit the hollow portion.

The element on which solar radiation is concentrated, specifically, a vacuum tube, remain static at all times with respect to the movements that a parabolic reflective surface may make according to the direction of solar radiation, such that inlet and outlet pipes of the vacuum tube do not need to be articulated, which facilitates the installation and insulation thereof and reduces production costs. The parabolic reflective surface can pivot 360 with respect to the vacuum tube without interfering with the pipes, allowing an active safety system for protecting against strong winds and preventing overheating to be produced, in addition to allowing the surfaces to be cleaned by means of nozzles spray pressurized water. The collector also includes passive safety means against strong winds.

A method for fabricating a heat exchange construct is provided.

Due to its ability to deliver direct-from-solar thermal energy without conversion, and the low-temperature nature of technology, Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) technology is less complex, less expensive, and therefore most suitable among Solar Thermal Energy (STE) technologies for residential and small business heating, hot water, and other thermal energy applications. The presently disclosed technology is focused on systems and methods for successfully scaling CST technology, including novel and inventive construction techniques, arrangements, and materials. Scaling CST technology allows for it to be more affordable, easy to install, easy to maintain, and easy to operate, even in smaller-scale installations, such as at a residence or small business.