A thermally insulating curtain for windows and rooms provided with glass or transparent material. The curtain has an outer solar-energy-absorbing surface outside a thermally insulating layer. A space is disposed between the solar-energy-absorbing surface and a transparent layer situated outside the solar-energy-absorbing layer and/or between the solar-energy-absorbing surface and the thermally insulating layer. The curtain includes a structure that transports air through the space, and a fastener for arranging the curtain on the inside of a window, so that absorbed solar energy is supplied to the room behind the curtain.

A thermally insulating curtain for windows and rooms provided with glass or transparent material. The curtain has an outer solar-energy-absorbing surface outside a thermally insulating layer. A space is disposed between the solar-energy-absorbing surface and a transparent layer situated outside the solar-energy-absorbing layer and/or between the solar-energy-absorbing surface and the thermally insulating layer. The curtain includes a structure that transports air through the space, and a fastener for arranging the curtain on the inside of a window, so that absorbed solar energy is supplied to the room behind the curtain.

There is provided a solar energy collector capable of effectively collecting solar energy. The solar energy collector includes a solar energy collection pipe having an absorption medium flow path for allowing an energy absorption medium to flow therethrough, and at least one lens configured to concentrate solar energy on the solar energy collection pipe.

A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.

A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.

A layered insulation system comprising one or more layers. A variety of types of layers can be used in conjunction with one another to deliver a range of desired Low-E and/or Low-U insulation properties and/or venting choices. Some types of layers can be foam layers with foam that inhibits heat conjunction interspersed with microparticles and/or nanoparticles that reflect, scatter, abate, and/or negate infrared radiation (IR) wavelengths, including dampening Ideal Model Matrix vibrations to inhibit heat flux through an IR opaque system. Other layers can be Low-E layers, Low-U layers, primarily empty layers, and/or other types of layers.

A layered insulation system comprising one or more layers. A variety of types of layers can be used in conjunction with one another to deliver a range of desired Low-E and/or Low-U insulation properties and/or venting choices. Some types of layers can be foam layers with foam that inhibits heat conjunction interspersed with microparticles and/or nanoparticles that reflect, scatter, abate, and/or negate infrared radiation (IR) wavelengths, including dampening Ideal Model Matrix vibrations to inhibit heat flux through an IR opaque system. Other layers can be Low-E layers, Low-U layers, primarily empty layers, and/or other types of layers.

A design for a micro-lens (i.e., a lens on the scale of micrometers) incorporates existing nanofabrication techniques and can be incorporated into High Concentrating Photovoltaic (HCPV), solar thermal collectors, and traditional flat PV systems. Using the theory of wave optics, the design is able to achieve a high numerical aperture, i.e., it can receive light over a wider range of angles. The design also reduces the distance the focal point shifts as the light source shifts; this eliminates the need for a tracking system in CPV and PV applications. Reducing the lens size also facilitates smaller, lightweight CPV systems, which makes CPV attractive for additional applications. Finally, these concentrators reduce the exchanging area of a typical flat solar thermal system where heat is received, which improves the overall system's efficiency and allows its use also during rigid winter time.

A retaining device for absorber tubes that have a metal tube and a glass cladding tube is provided. The retaining device includes a tube clamp made of two tube clamp halves, which have a main part with a retaining feature. The tube clamp surrounds the metal tube in the mounted state, and the retaining feature rests against the exterior of the metal tube. A thermal radiation shield is arranged on the interior of the main part of the tube clamp in order to reduce the loss of heat at the ends of the metal tube of the absorber tube.

A retaining device for absorber tubes that have a metal tube and a glass cladding tube is provided. The retaining device includes a tube clamp made of two tube clamp halves, which have a main part with a retaining feature. The tube clamp surrounds the metal tube in the mounted state, and the retaining feature rests against the exterior of the metal tube. A thermal radiation shield is arranged on the interior of the main part of the tube clamp in order to reduce the loss of heat at the ends of the metal tube of the absorber tube.