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.

An electromagnetic radiation collecting device is presented, which is particularly useful for the collection of solar radiation, providing optimal radiation collection throughout the daytime, and throughout yearly seasonal changes. The collector entails a redundant number of static collectors arranged in such a manner as to provide maximal and chronologically evened collection outline.

A device for storage and exchange of thermal energy of solar origin, which device is configured to receive a concentrated solar radiation using an optical system of beam down type, which device comprises:a containment casing which defines an internal compartment and has an upper opening configured to allow entry of the concentrated solar radiation, which opening puts in direct communication the internal compartment with the external environment having no closure or screen means;a bed of fluidizable solid particles, received within the internal compartment, which bed has an irradiated operative region directly exposed, in use, to the concentrated solar radiation that enters through said opening and a heat accumulation region adjacent to said operative region;fluidization elements of the bed of particles, configured to feed fluidization air within the compartment, which fluidization means is configured to determine different fluid-dynamic regimens in the operative region and in the accumulation region, based upon different fluidization speeds, wherein, in use, the particles of the operative region absorb thermal energy from the solar radiation and they give it to the particles of the accumulation region.

A solar power plant includes central receiver modules arranged in a regular pattern. Each central receiver module includes a tower, a central receiver mounted on the tower, and a heliostat array bounded by a polygon. The heliostat array includes heliostats with mirrors for reflecting sunlight to the central receiver. The heliostats are grouped in linear rows and each of the rows is parallel to another row. The locations of the heliostats are staggered between adjacent rows. The power plant also includes a power block for aggregating power from the central receivers and power conduits for transferring power from the central receivers to the power block.

A system and method for collecting solar energy wherein the system comprising a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and a plurality of solar panels secured to an outside periphery of the tower. The method comprises providing a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and securing a plurality of solar panels to and around an outside periphery of the tower.

A drone deployable modular system for remote solar energy generation utilizes remote-controlled multi-rotor drones configured to deliver and maintain modular heliostat units for assembly into heliostat fields in remote locations. The drone deployable modular heliostat unit may include a frame that supports at least one deployable, mirrored surface controlled by a heliostat driver. In one embodiment, the deployable, mirrored surface is a MYLAR film tensioned over a mirror frame portion supported and controlled by the heliostat driver to orient a working face of the mirrored surface in various positions. The drone deployable modular heliostat unit may include a deployable stand arrangement and/or an anchor system. The modular heliostat units may be configured to be deployed in heliostat fields in a generally peripheral arrangement to provide reflected solar energy to a centrally located concentrating solar collector/energy utilization system.

Described herein are embodiments directed to a heat recovery arrangement for collecting vaporized gas trapped in regolith. The heat recovery arrangement generally comprising a rover that carries heat recovery elements that cooperate with a primary heat source. The heat recovery elements include a preheat contact element that preheats a region of regolith before the region is brought to high heat by the primary heat source. As the rover moves forward, the preheat contact element receives heat collected from the high heat region via a heat recovery sled that moves in contact with the high heat region. Heat is transferred between the heat recovery sled and the preheat contact element via a heat transfer medium that circulates through the heat recovery sled and preheat contact element.

A drone deployable modular system for remote solar energy generation utilizes remote-controlled multi-rotor drones configured to deliver and maintain modular heliostat units for assembly into heliostat fields in remote locations. The drone deployable modular heliostat unit may include a frame that supports at least one deployable, mirrored surface controlled by a heliostat driver. In one embodiment, the deployable, mirrored surface is a Mylar film tensioned over a mirror frame portion supported and controlled by the heliostat driver to orient a working face of the mirrored surface in various positions. The drone deployable modular heliostat unit may include a deployable stand arrangement and/or an anchor system. The modular heliostat units May be configured to be deployed in heliostat fields in a generally peripheral arrangement to provide reflected solar energy to a centrally located concentrating solar collector/energy utilization system.

Described herein are embodiments directed to a heat recovery arrangement for collecting vaporized gas trapped in regolith. The heat recovery arrangement generally comprising a rover that carries heat recovery elements that cooperate with a primary heat source. The heat recovery elements include a preheat contact element that preheats a region of regolith before the region is brought to high heat by the primary heat source. As the rover moves forward, the preheat contact element receives heat collected from the high heat region via a heat recovery sled that moves in contact with the high heat region. Heat is transferred between the heat recovery sled and the preheat contact element via a heat transfer medium that circulates through the heat recovery sled and preheat contact element.