The disclosed invention relates to solar-thermal receiver tubes for heating high-temperature fluids such as molten salts and oils, such as those used in conjunction with trough reflectors or concentric concentrators. The disclosed invention utilizes fused silica receiver tube assemblies that provide optical absorption by way of optically-absorbing media that is imbedded within the thermal transfer fluid, preferably comprising inorganic dyes that comprise pulverized thin film coatings or dissolved materials that are specifically designed for maximizing optical absorption. Alternatively, the chemistry of the transfer fluid can be modified to increase optical absorption, or the optically absorbing media may comprise fine powders with density preferably similar to the thermal transfer fluid, such as fine graphite powder; or, in another preferred embodiment, absorbing means within the heat transfer fluid comprise a solid absorbing element disposed along the central axis of the receiver tube's interior.

An absorber system solves problems of known absorber systems for use in solar fields in that the absorber tube is suspended on a rail below an absorber cover. The design also makes it possible to move measuring and cleaning robots and the like along the absorber tube more and allows the absorber tube and the secondary reflector to be jointly suspended, whereby an exact mutual alignment between the two components is enabled.

An absorber system solves problems of known absorber systems for use in solar fields in that the absorber tube is suspended on a rail below an absorber cover. The design also makes it possible to move measuring and cleaning robots and the like along the absorber tube more and allows the absorber tube and the secondary reflector to be jointly suspended, whereby an exact mutual alignment between the two components is enabled.

The disclosed invention relates to structures and methods for producing ring, frustum, and cone-shape structural elements for utilized in such applications as aerospace, architecture, and concentrators of electromagnetic radiation. In the preferred embodiments, annular structures are formed from flexible, thin-sheet material, wherein a preferably conical ring-shaped aspects are produced by first forming laser-pre-patterned tubular preforms, which are subsequently separated into specifically shaped core material using laser-cutting operations; and, wherein the separated core material is subsequently formed into the embodied ring-shaped structural element though attachment of a first and second face sheet specifically shaped to mate with the separated core material.

The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required.

A solar panel awning device may include a solar panel having first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing sides extending between the first and second opposing ends, and first and second opposing major surfaces. The first major opposing surface defines a photovoltaic surface. The solar panel awning device may include first and second arms respectively coupled to the first and second opposing ends of the solar panel, and an actuator coupled to one of the first and second arms and configured to switch the solar panel between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the solar panel is flat against a side of a building; in the extended position, the first opposing side is proximal to the side of the building and spaced apart from the side of the building; and the second opposing side is distal to the side of the building.

A structure and support device for photovoltaic arrays is provided. The device provides a structural connection between photovoltaic modules, wind deflectors and similar hardware. The invention provides an advantage of quick and easy installation of hardware components and associated parts, and meets the demand for a single device capable of combining solar energy associated hardware into photovoltaic arrays.

The present disclosure concerns a panel capable of bending under the effect of a load and having a peripheral surface provided with a plurality of pivoting attachment devices; each attachment device comprises: a metal gripping member adhered to the peripheral surface of the panel; and a metal clip cooperating by interlocking with the gripping member and configured to allow the gripping member to pivot when the panel bends.

The present disclosure concerns a panel capable of bending under the effect of a load and having a peripheral surface provided with a plurality of pivoting attachment devices; each attachment device comprises: a metal gripping member adhered to the peripheral surface of the panel; and a metal clip cooperating by interlocking with the gripping member and configured to allow the gripping member to pivot when the panel bends.

The disclosed invention relates to solar-thermal receiver tubes for heating high-temperature fluids such as molten salts and oils, such as those used in conjunction with trough reflectors or concentric concentrators. The disclosed invention utilizes fused silica receiver tube assemblies that provide optical absorption by way of optically-absorbing media that is imbedded within the thermal transfer fluid, preferably comprising inorganic dyes that comprise pulverized thin film coatings or dissolved materials that are specifically designed for maximizing optical absorption. Alternatively, the chemistry of the transfer fluid can be modified to increase optical absorption, or the optically absorbing media may comprise fine powders with density preferably similar to the thermal transfer fluid, such as fine graphite powder; or, in another preferred embodiment, absorbing means within the heat transfer fluid comprise a solid absorbing element disposed along the central axis of the receiver tube's interior.