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.

Provided are a heat-absorbing material having high heat resistance and high wavelength selectivity, and a process for producing the same. The heat-absorbing material includes: a heat-resistant metal having the substantially same periodic structure in the light incidence plane as the wavelength of sunlight having a specific wavelength in the wavelength regions of visible light and near-infrared rays; and a cermet formed on the light incidence plane of the heat-resistant metal. Thus, there can be achieved desirable absorption and radiation characteristics being such that absorption is performed in the visible light region meanwhile reflection is performed in the infrared region. Furthermore, the cermet does not need complicated film-formation control, and therefore, the high heat resistance can be maintained.

A novel method is described for water heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored solar heat can then be used to heat water in a storage tank by extracting the solar heat using an antifreeze liquid which in turn heat cold water in the water tank. Water temperature in the storage tank is controlled by a thermostat. When the water temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating pump turns on and pump the cold water until it reaches the desired set temperature. Once it reaches the set point in the thermostat, the water circulation pump turns off.

A novel method is described for water heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored solar heat can then be used to heat water in a storage tank by extracting the solar heat using an antifreeze liquid which in turn heat cold water in the water tank. Water temperature in the storage tank is controlled by a thermostat. When the water temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating pump turns on and pump the cold water until it reaches the desired set temperature. Once it reaches the set point in the thermostat, the water circulation pump turns off.

A novel method is described for room heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored heat can then be extracted by air circulation for room heating. The temperature of the room air is controlled by a thermostat. When the room temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating air pump turns on and extract the solar heat until the room temperature air reaches the desired set temperature. Once room temperature reaches the set point in the thermostat, the air circulation pump turns off.

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.

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.

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.

A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have inlet and outlet fluid lines in fluid communication via manifolds with a cold fluid supply line and a warm fluid return line, respectively. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell matrix affixed thereto to face the sun. The plates have dividers or partitions that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.

A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have inlet and outlet fluid lines in fluid communication via manifolds with a cold fluid supply line and a warm fluid return line, respectively. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell matrix affixed thereto to face the sun. The plates have dividers or partitions that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.