In one embodiment, a thermodynamic system includes multiple types of thermodynamic cycles and multiple types of solar thermal fields that provide thermal energy to the thermodynamic cycles.

Disclosed is a solar power station, comprising a first light-receiving device having a substantially planar first working surface, a second light-receiving device having a second working surface substantially perpendicular to the first working surface, and a first drive mechanism. The first and second working surfaces are configured so that sunlight (SS) strikes the first working surface after passing through the second working surface or passes through the first working surface and then strikes the second working surface. The second light-receiving device is fixed on the first drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism is used to drive the second working surface to move or rotate relative to the first working surface according to the movement of the sun.

A method of pumping a heat transfer fluid in a thermal energy storage system comprising a first thermal energy storage tank connected to a second thermal energy storage tank via a bi-directional flow member. The first and second thermal energy storage tanks are associated with a pressure vessel system comprising a first and second pressure vessel each pressure vessel being partially fillable with an actuating liquid, wherein, the method for pumping comprises: displacing the actuating liquid from the first pressure vessel to the second pressure vessel, thereby creating a pressure difference in the first thermal energy storage tank with respect to the second thermal energy storage tank, and therein displacing the heat transfer fluid via the bi-directional flow member.

A system and a process for producing gas and generating power is disclosed herein. The system may be configured to include a produced gas, a production pipe, an indirect heat exchange system, a heat exchange medium, a concentrated solar power system, an energy conversion device, and a heat exchange circulation system. The process may include producing a gas from a reservoir that has a first temperature, heating the produced, via indirect heat exchange with a heat exchange medium, to a second temperature. This indirect heat exchange may produce a cooled heat exchange medium that may be heated again via concentrated solar power. The heated produced gas may be then expanded across an energy conversion device to produce electricity.

An articulating solar energy and wind power harvesting apparatus optimizes harnessing of solar energy and wind power by rotatably and pivotally articulating a solar thermal collector plate to track the sun, and air foils to follow the changing direction of the wind. The air foils also directionally funnel wind to cool a heat exchange system and the solar thermal collector plate. The solar thermal collector plate captures solar radiation for conversion to electricity. A solar lens directs the solar radiation towards the solar thermal collector plate. Air foils are disposed in a radial, spaced-apart relationship around the solar thermal collector plate, pivoting up to 90 to optimize capture of wind. The solar thermal collector plate and the air foils are controllably articulated up to 360 about a vertical plane, and up to 180 about a horizontal plane to optimize capture of solar radiation and wind.

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.

Implementations of a system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator are provided. In some implementations, the system may be configured to focus radiant energy striking a plurality of concentric, conical ring-like reflective elements of the non-imaging concentrator onto a receiver positioned thereunder and to rotate and/or pivot the receiver so that at least a portion thereof is always kept within the focal point (or area) of the non-imaging concentrator. Wherein the center of the focal point (or area) is fixed with respect to the ground. In some implementations, the system for collecting radiant energy with a non-imaging solar concentrator may comprise a tracking apparatus configured to support the non-imaging concentrator and position it so that the sun is normal thereto, and a piping system that is configured to transfer concentrated solar energy from the receiver to an absorbing system where the energy is finally utilized.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising heating a strontium-containing compound using radiation in a first reactor; decomposing the strontium-containing compound into an oxide and carbon dioxide as a result of heat generated by the exposure to the radiation; reacting the oxide and the carbon dioxide in a second reactor; where the oxide and carbon dioxide react to produce heat; heating a working fluid using the heat produced in the second reactor; and driving a turbine with the heated working fluid to generate energy. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising strontium carbonate; and strontium zirconate; where the mass ratio of strontium carbonate to strontium zirconate 2:8 to 8:2.

The present invention is a renewable energy utilization engine power plant comprising; a solar radiant energy collecting system, wherein the solar radiant heat collecting system comprises; a focusing apparatus for collecting solar radiant energy, and a light guide for guiding the solar radiant energy collected by the focusing apparatus to a heating chamber; a biomass processing system, wherein the biomass processing system generates thermal energy from the conversion of biomass material; a combustible fluid processing system, wherein the combustible fluid processing system generates thermal energy from the combustion of the combustible fluid within the heating chamber; and a closed-cycle thermodynamic based engine driven by the collection of the solar radiant energy and thermal energy, wherein the mechanical power generated by the closed-cycle thermodynamic based engine is converted to electrical energy.

System for storage of electricity in the form of thermal energy, and release of thermal energy during times of demand. The system includes a unit for containing at least one electrically conducting phase change material and electrical circuitry for driving electrical current through the phase change material to heat the phase change material into a molten state, or at least one electrical heater used to convert electricity into heat stored in the phase change material. Structure is provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a working fluid such as steam or gas for electricity generation in a steam turbine or gas turbine, capable of generating supercritical fluids. Structure is also provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a thermal energy to electrical energy conversion device. A suitable phase change material is elemental silicon or an aluminum-silicon alloy.