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.

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 invention belongs to the technical field of solar thermal power generation equipment, and discloses a combined solar thermal power generation system. The system comprises a parabolic trough collector subsystem, a heat exchanger subsystem, a Rankine cycle power generation subsystem and a dish power generation subsystem; the parabolic trough collector subsystem comprises a trough-type mirror field, a pump and a valve; the heat exchanger subsystem comprises a superheater, an evaporator and a preheater; the Rankine cycle power generation subsystem comprises a temperature-decreased pressure reducer, a steam turbine, an electric generator, a condenser, a condensate pump, a deaerator and a feedwater pump; and the dish power generation subsystem comprises a dish-type mirror field and a Stirling engine set. The system utilizes the heat released by the cold chamber of the Stirling engine by condensed fluid of the Rankine cycle. It provides an extra heat source for the Rankine cycle, which increases the power of the steam turbine and improves the solar to electric efficiency of the thermal power generation system.

Two sensible thermal energy storage (STES) systems in multiple chambers containing molten eutectic salts have been devised for use at temperatures above 565 C. For the first type, the thermal energy of low specific heat of an immiscible gaseous heat transfer fluid (HTF) at temperatures above 900 C. is readily converted to dispatchable heat of high specific heat in the molten eutectic salt liquid layers operating at high temperatures, which can again produce a gaseous HTF at a constant temperature of 700 C. or higher for the lower electricity generation capacities. For the second type, the molten eutectic salt liquids are used as a thermal energy storage (TES) medium and also a HTF at temperatures above 700 C. for the higher electricity generation capacities. These STES systems provide an effective cushion against the disturbances of heat supply from the sun.

A thermal engine includes a thermal battery with a thermal mass for storing regenerative wind and solar energy using a solar lens and mechanical friction generated by the rotation of a wind turbine. The thermal engine comprises a thermal battery; a thermal engine; means of charging the thermal battery using natural energy including a solar lens; a wind turbine; and charging by electrical means. The invention further comprises a means of converting stored thermal energy to mechanical power using non-combustible fluids to drive devices such as an electric generator, a water pump; a means of using said thermal energy to directly heat homes and industrial facilities; a means of using said thermal energy for cooling homes and industrial facilities.

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.

A radiation thermal absorber based on characteristic absorption spectrum, a Stirling engine and an operation method thereof. The radiation thermal absorber allows working gas in the Stirling engine to absorb radiation heat quickly, and help the Stirling engine adopt assistant heating to ensure steady operation when solar power is not enough. The radiation thermal absorber includes a heater base, a radiation energy conversion device, heating tubes, a combustion chamber and valves of the heating tubes. The radiation energy conversion device converts the solar energy into radiation energy near a characteristic absorption peak of the working gas, and the working gas absorbs the radiation directly in depth.

Provided is a consumer to industrial scale renewable energy-based quintuple-generation systems and energy storage facility. The present invention has both mobile and stationary embodiments. The present invention includes energy recovery, energy production, energy processing, pyrolysis, byproduct process utilization systems, separation process systems and handling and storage systems, as well as an open architecture for integration and development of additional processes, systems and applications. The system of the present invention primarily uses adaptive metrics, biometrics and thermal imaging sensory analysis (including additional input sensors for analysis) for monitoring and control with the utilization of an integrated artificial intelligence and automation control system, thus providing a balanced, environmentally-friendly ecosystem.

A hybrid power generation system using solar energy and bioenergy, including a solar thermal boiler system, a biomass boiler system, and a turbogenerator system. The solar thermal boiler system includes a trough solar collector, a heat collector, an oil circulating pump, a storage tank for storing heat transfer oil, a solar thermal heater, a solar thermal evaporator, a main pipe transporting saturated steam, and an auxiliary boiler. Heat transfer oil output from a solar light field of the solar thermal boiler system is transmitted through and transfers heat to the solar thermal evaporator and the solar thermal heater, and the heat transfer oil returns to the storage tank for storing heat transfer oil. The heat transfer oil in the storage tank is pumped to the solar light field via the oil circulating pump.

The present invention relates to a low temperature, low frequency Stirling engine. Its special geometry allows for large heat exchanger surfaces and great regenerators in order to reach good Carnoization efficiency factors. Displacer and power piston may be connected with circular polymer based membrane sealings to the cylinder walls. The cold space of the Stirling Engine may cylindrically Surround the outer periphery of the working cylinder, making thermal isolation obsolete. The engine is for instance suited to operate as base power prime mover using thermal solar collectors and may be coupled with hot oil or pressurized water heat storages. In the reverse mode, the Engine works as effective Heat-Pump/Cooling Engine.