A method of determining pathogen inactivation may include performing an energy balance on a fluid heating system. Performing an energy balance may include calculating temperatures of a fluid at a plurality of locations as the fluid flows through the fluid heating system. The method of determining pathogen inactivation may also include receiving inactivation kinetic data regarding a pathogen present in the fluid and determining pathogen inactivation amounts based on exposure to the temperatures. Performing an energy balance may include receiving a plurality of input parameters relating to the fluid heating system. The plurality of input parameters may relate to a solar collection system and an associated fluid control system. The solar collection system may include a parabolic mirror and the fluid control system may include an elongated flow element arranged along a focal axis of the parabolic mirror.

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, characterized in that it comprises: a solar receiver exposed to concentrated solar radiation, in which heat transfer fluid (liquid or gas) is brought to high temperature; at least one high-temperature chamber in which said high-temperature industrial process is performed; injection means of the heat transfer fluid in the form of a gas jet reproducing a combustion flame in the at least one high-temperature chamber. The present invention also relates to a process for providing volumetric energy reproducing the effect of a combustion flame for this purpose.

A process for the production of an optically selective coating of a receiver substrate of a suitable material for solar receiver devices particularly suitable for operating at high temperatures, more specifically for receiver tubes of linear parabolic trough, which comprises: deposition of a layer reflecting infrared radiation consisting of a high-melting metal on a heated receiver substrate of a suitable material; annealing under the same temperature and pressure conditions as the deposition of the reflecting layer; deposition on the high-melting metal of one or more layers of metal-ceramic composite materials (CERMET), wherein the metal is W and the ceramic matrix is YPSZ (“Yttria-Partially Stabilized Zirconia”); deposition on the cermet of an antireflection layer; annealing under the same temperature and pressure conditions as the depositions of the cermet and antireflection layers.

A central receiver for a solar power facility is provided comprising an arrangement of heat absorber tubes located in a chamber having a window that, in use, is to receive solar radiation reflected by a heliostat field. The heat absorber tubes extend transversely relative to the window and are connected into a working fluid circuit. The window forms an atmospheric air inlet and the chamber has an outlet in a region opposite the window. An air flow promoting fan induces a flow of atmospheric air inwards through the window, past the absorber tubes; and through the outlet. The receiver preferably includes multiple rows of unpressurized louvers or panes having oblique frontal surfaces such that reflected rays travel into the chamber and provide a leading row in which the temperature of the louvers is, under operating conditions, maintained at a level low enough to reduce thermal reflection and radiation losses.

A solar receiver and associated components, systems and methods for use with a concentrated solar power plant. The solar receiver including a heat-absorbing solid body, an optical arrangement configured to direct light on to the heat-absorbing solid body, and a heat exchanger cowl proximate the heat-absorbing solid body arranged to provide a flow of working fluid over the rotor. In use, the light from the optical arrangement heats the heat-absorbing solid body which in turn heats the working fluid proximate the heat-absorbing solid body. The heat-absorbing solid body is movable relative to the optical arrangement from a first position to a second position such that the heat-absorbing solid body does not overheat.

A solar receiver and associated components, systems and methods for use with a concentrated solar power plant. The solar receiver including a heat-absorbing solid body, an optical arrangement configured to direct light on to the heat-absorbing solid body, and a heat exchanger cowl proximate the heat-absorbing solid body arranged to provide a flow of working fluid over the rotor. In use, the light from the optical arrangement heats the heat-absorbing solid body which in turn heats the working fluid proximate the heat-absorbing solid body. The heat-absorbing solid body is movable relative to the optical arrangement from a first position to a second position such that the heat-absorbing solid body does not overheat.

Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described. Low pressure solar receivers are provided that function to convert solar radiation energy to thermal energy of a working fluid, e.g., a working fluid of a power generation or thermal storage system. In some embodiments, low pressure solar receivers are provided herein that are useful in conjunction with gas turbine based power generation systems.

Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described. Low pressure solar receivers are provided that function to convert solar radiation energy to thermal energy of a working fluid, e.g., a working fluid of a power generation or thermal storage system. In some embodiments, low pressure solar receivers are provided herein that are useful in conjunction with gas turbine based power generation systems.

The invention relates to a method and to a steam power plant, wherein solar energy can be very flexibly and very efficiently coupled into the water steam circuit of the steam power plant.

Method for operating a solar installation. The solar installation includes a solar field with direct evaporation accompanied by the generation of superheated live steam, a turbine for expanding the live steam, and a generator driven by the turbine for generating electrical energy. At least one valve is associated with the turbine by which the amount of live steam fed to the turbine is adjusted. The valve, or each valve, through which the amount of live steam fed to the turbine is adjusted such that an actual value of a live steam pressure occurring upstream of the turbine follows a reference value determined depending on a live steam temperature of the live steam upstream of the turbine.