A support system for holding solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes a frame for supporting the mirrors. The system includes a rib attached to the frame. The system includes at least a first roller engaged with the rib along which the rib moves as the frame moves. A method for moving a frame supporting solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes the steps of moving the frame on a roller guided by a rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a first position. There is the step of moving the frame on the roller guided by the rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a second position. A roller for engaging with a rib attached to a frame that holds mirrors of a solar trough system. An apparatus for cleaning solar mirrors on a frame of a solar trough system. A method for cleaning mirrors on a framework of a solar trough system. A rib for a frame that holds solar mirrors of a solar trough system which engages with a roller. A support system for mirrors of a solar trough system.

A bearing assembly of a power generation structure including, a rail; and a housing adapted to support the rail; where the housing includes a fixed housing portion attached to a support beam, and an adjustable housing portion attached to rail, where a low friction material is present at an interface between an exterior surface of rail and an interior surface of the adjustable housing portion, where the adjustable housing portion is capable of self-aligning adjustment of at least a portion of the rail out of alignment with a central axis of the support beam.

A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.

A mechanical solar tracking and solar concentrating system having a Fresnel lens, moving frame, track, retaining mechanism, and solar collector. The lens focuses solar energy at the collector; the frame holds the collector and lens, keeping them aligned as the frame rotates; the track guides the frame to maintain a perpendicular orientation to the Sun; the solar collector receives the Sun's rays; and the retaining mechanism releases at established intervals, allowing the frame to rotate to the next location. The cycle repeats, tracking the Sun and concentrating its rays at a focal point, to generate temperatures at the focal point in excess of 500 C. These high temperatures can be exploited in several applications, such as producing drinking water from dirty water; cooking food; disinfecting medical instruments; accelerating fermentation of certain types of flora to produce electricity; generating work for generic purposes; etc.

The invention relates to a device for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising an inflatable concentrator cushion, which comprises a cover film element comprising a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus, by means of which the concentrator cushion can be pivoted, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising a retaining apparatus secured to the pivoting apparatus, for retaining the concentrator cushion, which retaining apparatus comprises an upper longitudinal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion, for suspending the absorber, wherein the upper longitudinal member is arranged on a substantially air-tight closed upper passage opening of the concentrator cushion.

A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame having the steps of placing an aluminum billet having a diameter of less than 13 inches into a die. There is the step of extruding the billet through the die so an extrusion is formed having an elongate portion to which a structural element is attached, and a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the elongate portion, the elongate portion and the fin having a circle diameter of less than 12 inches; and cutting the extrusion to form the node.

A solar tracker including at least one pair of piers configured to be secured in the ground and defining a span between the pair, a bearing supported on the pier, and a torque tube supported in the bearing such that the bearing enables rotation of the torque tube, the torque tube including a double wall thickness area, wherein the double wall thickness area limits deflection of the torque tube along the span.

A single axis slew driving system with integrated sensors and transducers including a housing defining a cavity, a rotor assembly rotatably mounted within the cavity supporting an axle with a gear plate affixed thereto and gear teeth positioned along a periphery thereof, a driving gear rotatably mounted in the housing meshing with the gear teeth, and a drive motor attached to the driving gear for rotation of the driving gear and one of: a thermocouple embedded in the housing to provide an indication of the temperature adjacent the driving gear; an absolute position sensing system including a movement tracking device mounted in the housing and extending into the cavity of the housing; limit switches mounted on the outer periphery of the housing; an integrated accelerometer and communication assembly; and an integrated torque routing solenoid mounted on an outer periphery of the housing.

A load support system includes an elongate support member that includes, toward a first end, a first portion for direct earth burial and further includes, toward a second end, a second portion to which the load can be coupled. A lateral support, mounted about the first portion has a diameter greater than the elongate support member and a length less than the first portion. At least one first helix is formed about the first portion. The load support system may have a load positioning system including a housing that supports attachment of the load. The housing is sized to receive therein a second helix formed about the second portion and includes a follower assembly configured to contact the second helix to impart rotation as the housing is raised and lowered. The load positioning system further includes an actuator configured to telescopically raise and lower the housing.

The solar power generating device according to the present invention comprises: solar cell modules disposed in a plurality of rows and columns; and an inclination control member for controlling the inclination angle of all the solar cell modules at a time, wherein the inclination control member comprises: a support part for supporting the solar cell modules; a control part, disposed on the support part, for controlling the inclination angle of the solar cell modules; and a driving part for driving the control part. In the solar power generating device according to an embodiment, the solar cell modules connected to the support unit can be vertically moved at one time by the inclination control member. In other words, the inclination control member can vertically control the plurality of solar cell modules, which are connected to the inclination control member, at a time according to the altitude of the sun so as to optimize the incident light.