The invention relates to a passive tracking device for tracking the position of the sun, which comprises a hollow parallelepiped casing through which the solar radiation entering through a first lens located at the upper end of the parallelepiped casing passes towards a discriminating reflector arranged at the lower end of the same casing; the tracking device redirects as much incoming radiation as possible towards side chambers for absorbing radiation, heating a working fluid contained in the side chamber; producing a volumetric expansion in the working fluid that, communicating with shafts for the rotation of the tracking device, allows the orientation with the normal/perpendicular position with respect to the position of the sun, and to guide the alignment direction of other tracking devices for collecting energy in devices for collecting photovoltaic and/or thermal energy that are mechanically connected to the tracking device.

The invention provides a light-concentrating anti-frost anti-heave heat gathering device and subgrade thereof. The device comprises a light concentrator mounted outside a subgrade; and a heat gathering tube comprising a heat absorption section and a heat release section in communication, the heat absorption section is inserted inside the light concentrator for transferring absorbed heat to the heat release section, the heat release section is inserted inside the subgrade for heating the subgrade, the light concentrator is configured to focus sunlight to and heat the heat absorption section. The heat gathering device herein takes advantage of solar energy resources, by smoothly heating the ground temperature field of the subgrade, and regulating the frost-heaving portions of the subgrade, balanced and smooth heating of the subgrade can be achieved and engineering diseases such as frost heave and uneven fluctuation of the subgrade in the seasonally frozen ground region can be effectively avoided.

The invention provides a light-concentrating anti-frost anti-heave heat gathering device and subgrade thereof. The device comprises a light concentrator mounted outside a subgrade; and a heat gathering tube comprising a heat absorption section and a heat release section in communication, the heat absorption section is inserted inside the light concentrator for transferring absorbed heat to the heat release section, the heat release section is inserted inside the subgrade for heating the subgrade, the light concentrator is configured to focus sunlight to and heat the heat absorption section. The heat gathering device herein takes advantage of solar energy resources, by smoothly heating the ground temperature field of the subgrade, and regulating the frost-heaving portions of the subgrade, balanced and smooth heating of the subgrade can be achieved and engineering diseases such as frost heave and uneven fluctuation of the subgrade in the seasonally frozen ground region can be effectively avoided.

A modular two axis solar tracking system contemplates a first fixed base and a slidable/rotatable arm fixed to the first fixed base. The fixed base includes a primary linear actuator and a first movable element movable along a fixed axis. A second linear actuator is fixed at one end of the first movable element and an inverted J-shaped element is movable along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. A second fixed base is disposed in an open area surrounded by an open area defined by a U-shaped lower portion of the inverted J-shaped element. A slidable rotatable arm includes a projection coupled to the inverted J-shaped element that together with the first and second actuator move collection at the ends of the slidable/rotatable arm or arms to track the sun.

A process for enhancing boiling to generate steam and superheated-steam by using renewable energy from Concentrated Solar Power. Steam can generate electricity, heating and cooling, sterilization, and other processes and products. The embodiment is made of a light weight small assembly and rotates on the X and Y axis to align with the solar radiation. The assembly has a steam generation unit (28) with Fresnel lenses affixed to concentrate the solar radiation and generate heat. The focal point of the radiation being concentrated is directed to the inner side of a glass tube (30) covered with nanoparticles. The surface area being heated by the solar radiation is increased by the use of nano articles. Water atomization/aerosol unit (60) creates reduced size water droplets that are channeled to glass tube (30) and put into contact with the heated nanoparticles. The atomized/aerosol water droplets help reduce heat dissipation.

A novel method is described for water heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored solar heat can then be used to heat water in a storage tank by extracting the solar heat using an antifreeze liquid which in turn heat cold water in the water tank. Water temperature in the storage tank is controlled by a thermostat. When the water temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating pump turns on and pump the cold water until it reaches the desired set temperature. Once it reaches the set point in the thermostat, the water circulation pump turns off.

A system for collecting light energy through smaller photovoltaic cells (PV cell) such that the length of the PV cell is much greater than the width. The PV cells may be linear strung together and placed within a recess of a frame or pan that is part of a PV module. The PV module includes a lens and waveguide which provide advantages for focusing and concentrating the light energy by positioning a waveguide over the smaller PV cell and engaging the PV cell with a lens such that the lens is held by the frame.

A novel method is described for room heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored heat can then be extracted by air circulation for room heating. The temperature of the room air is controlled by a thermostat. When the room temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating air pump turns on and extract the solar heat until the room temperature air reaches the desired set temperature. Once room temperature reaches the set point in the thermostat, the air circulation pump turns off.

A novel method is described for room heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored heat can then be extracted by air circulation for room heating. The temperature of the room air is controlled by a thermostat. When the room temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating air pump turns on and extract the solar heat until the room temperature air reaches the desired set temperature. Once room temperature reaches the set point in the thermostat, the air circulation pump turns off.

A reactor for steam-methane reforming is adapted to be received in a tube on a focal axis of a parabolic trough. The reactor may comprise an array of micro-reactors interconnected by a water manifold, a gas manifold, a syngas manifold, and at least one steam-methane reforming chamber configured for reforming steam and methane into syngases, the micro-reactors having a vaporization portion for producing steam. Radiation plates may extend on sides of the array of micro-reactors Glazing may face and be spaced apart from a portion of the array of micro-reactors including at least one steam-methane reforming chamber, the glazing being conductively connected to the radiation plates for heat transfer therebetween, the at least one glazing allowing light from the parabolic trough to pass therethrough to reach the array of micro-reactors.