A device for accumulation and exchange of thermal energy of solar origin is provided. The device includes: a casing which defines an internal compartment and has an irradiation opening configured to allow the entry of concentrated solar radiation, the opening puts in direct communication the inner compartment with the external environment being devoid, in use, of closure or screen means; a bed of fluidizable solid particles, received within the inner compartment of the casing, the bed has an operative region directly exposed to the concentrated solar radiation that enters through the opening, in such a way that the particles of the operative region absorb thermal energy from solar radiation; and fluidization means of the bed of particles, configured to adduce a fluidizing gas into the compartment at the operative region.

A device for accumulation and exchange of thermal energy of solar origin is provided. The device includes: a casing which defines an internal compartment and has an irradiation opening configured to allow the entry of concentrated solar radiation, the opening puts in direct communication the inner compartment with the external environment being devoid, in use, of closure or screen means; a bed of fluidizable solid particles, received within the inner compartment of the casing, the bed has an operative region directly exposed to the concentrated solar radiation that enters through the opening, in such a way that the particles of the operative region absorb thermal energy from solar radiation; and fluidization means of the bed of particles, configured to adduce a fluidizing gas into the compartment at the operative region.

The invention, in some embodiments, relates to solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to liquid-air transpired solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to thermal energy transfer systems that comprise solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of constructing solar energy collectors are provided.

The invention, in some embodiments, relates to solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to liquid-air transpired solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to thermal energy transfer systems that comprise solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of constructing solar energy collectors are provided.

A turbine with flow diverter comprises a support frame adapted to be anchored to a fixed or movable structure, an impeller rotatably mounted about a rotation axis to the support frame and having a front inlet section for receiving the flow and adapted to move continuously upon the rotation produced by the flow between a pushing position and an advancing position in correspondence of the front section, a main flow diverter adapted to be anchored to the support frame and having a peripheral wall adapted to at least partially blind the front section with respect to the flow auxiliary diverter extending from a first section facing one or more blades in the advancing position to a second section facing one or more blades in pushing position. The auxiliary diverter comprises curvilinear conduits in reciprocal side by side position along a radial direction.

An example of conversion of solar energy into other forms of useful energy is taking heat from an area below a roof and using the heat to generate mechanical energy or electrical power. An air duct opening is placed in a hottest area under the roof. An air fan is placed in the air duct to draw the heated air from the area below the roof. A heat exchanger coil is placed inside the air duct. A return air duct is routed back to the area below the roof. The heat exchanger coil is coupled to a turbine through a closed loop line. A heat transfer medium pump, a first valve and a second valve are retained in the closed loop line. The first valve, second valve and pump are used regulate heat transfer medium into and out of the turbine. An electrical generator may be connected to the turbine.

An example of conversion of solar energy into other forms of useful energy is taking heat from an area below a roof and using the heat to generate mechanical energy or electrical power. An air duct opening is placed in a hottest area under the roof. An air fan is placed in the air duct to draw the heated air from the area below the roof. A heat exchanger coil is placed inside the air duct. A return air duct is routed back to the area below the roof. The heat exchanger coil is coupled to a turbine through a closed loop line. A heat transfer medium pump, a first valve and a second valve are retained in the closed loop line. The first valve, second valve and pump are used regulate heat transfer medium into and out of the turbine. An electrical generator may be connected to the turbine.

Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery. A representative system includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet. The system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the water flow network and programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct at least one portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a first sequence, and direct the at least one portion or a different portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a second sequence different than the first sequence.

Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery. A representative system includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet. The system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the water flow network and programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct at least one portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a first sequence, and direct the at least one portion or a different portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a second sequence different than the first sequence.

A method for improving the efficiency of a solar heating system based on absorbing heat from solar radiation into the outer surface of a concrete wall. The heat transfer device makes use of a fluid in a tube system to transfer heat from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall. The inside wall is then used to heat air that is passed over it, and that air is then used to heat up a heat storage system.