A system and method for collecting and distributing generated and/or solar radiation. A pulsed distribution subsystem combining a generated radiation source with a solar radiation collector is provided. Radiation from the pulsed distribution subsystem is provided to one or more discrete distribution systems; the discrete distributions systems transmit and distribute radiation, such as visible light, to one or more end use points in a facility.

The invention relates to a solar concentrator comprising a solid body consisting of a transparent material that has a light coupling surface and a light decoupling surface, the solid body having a light guide part that tapers towards the light decoupling surface, being located between the light coupling surface and the light decoupling surface and being delimited by a light guide surface between the light coupling surface and the light decoupling surface, the light guide surface merging into the light decoupling surface with a constant first derivation. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a solar concentrator, wherein the transparent material is precision-molded between the molds.

A system for collecting and storing solar energy as heat. In some embodiments, the system includes heat transfer passages for collecting and transferring heat, as well as ways of arranging passages to minimize thermal losses and redistribute heat. In some embodiments, the system includes an all-reflective solar collector with a largely clear aperture, using multiple light transfer conduits that rotate with the collector.

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 light guide apparatus that can redirect light impinging on the apparatus over a wide range of incident angles and can concentrate light without using a tracking system and methods for fabrication.

The disclosure generally relates to concentrating daylight collectors and in particular to a light concentrator alignment system that can detect and correct for misalignment of the solar concentrator. The present disclosure generally relates to concentrating daylight collectors that can be used for illuminating interior spaces of a building with sunlight, and in particular to a light concentrator alignment system that can detect and correct for misalignment of the solar concentrator.

Photovoltaic systems and methods for optimizing the harvesting of solar energy are disclosed. A photovoltaic (PV) system includes: a solar panel module. The solar panel module comprises: a plurality of solar cell arrays, wherein each array comprises a grouping of solar cells; and a tubular panel. The plurality of solar cell arrays are arranged along an inside surface of the panel. At least an upper portion of the panel slopes inward such that the panel has a substantially funnel-shaped geometry. The solar cell arrays are arranged in a C-ring pattern. A first solar cell array is separated from a second solar cell array by a predetermined distance. The area between the solar cell arrays is coated with a reflective material to facilitate optimal reflection of incident sunlight back to the solar cells. Recycling of incident light is facilitated within the tube. The light can be intermittently or continuously recycled.

A photocatalytic reaction system by collecting sunlight, the system including: a light collector, a light conduction device, and a photoreactor. A transparent protective cover is disposed on the top of a housing of the light collector. A light-collecting convex lens group is disposed beneath the protective cover in the transmission direction of the sunlight. The housing of the light collector is provided with a solar radiation measuring device. An azimuthal main shaft and the pitch main shaft are separately provided with the servo motors and are rotatable in relation to each other by tracking the sunlight under the drive of the separate servo motors. The sunlight collected by the light-collecting convex lens group is converged into a convergent light when passing through the light conduction device and the convergent light is directed to the photoreactor. The photoreactor functions to transmit full-spectrum rays of sunlight.

The method is for using solar power in an efficient manner. A solar concentrator is provided in operative engagement with a storage unit. The storage unit has at least one glass rod disposed therein and at least one sheet enclosing the storage unit. The solar concentrator receives solar power as sunrays and conveys the solar power to the glass rod disposed in the storage unit. The solar power is in the glass rod is converted to heat to heat to the storage unit. Gas flows between the storage unit and the sheets. The storage unit heats the gas. The gas flows to a heat exchanger to exchange heat with steam.

Thermal energy storage systems and methods that include near-black body concentrated sunlight receivers disposed in thermal storage media for storing sunlight and extracting thermal energy for multiple end-use applications. The concentrated sunlight receivers are characterized by absorption of sunlight of at least 95%. The thermal energy storage systems are modular and transportable and can be scaled-up in capacity. Solar concentrators may be integrated with the thermal energy storage systems.