A method for generating a steam cycle at a pressure around 200 bars and a temperature around 600° C., using an industrial steam generator with a solar receiver admitting an incident solar flux around 600 kW/m.sup.2, includes: generating a water-steam mixture in the evaporator by transferring heat from the incident solar flux onto the evaporator; separating the water-steam mixture into saturated water and saturated steam in the separator drum, the saturated steam having a pressure from 160 to 200 bars and a temperature from 347 to 366° C.; injecting the feed water into the mixing drum, where it is mixed with the saturated water from the separator drum, the mixed water next returning toward the evaporator via the return pipe provided with the circulation pump, such that the temperature of the mixed water entering the evaporator is below the saturated steam temperature, by a value from 5 to 15° C.

A system for desalination of salt water using solar energy. The system includes an inner channel for flow of salt water there through, the inner channel having a cover thereover that is water vapor impermeable yet UV transparent or transmissive. A collection channel for collecting clean water extends along the inner channel. By having the inlet of salt water to the inner channel elevated in relation to the outlet of salt water from the inner channel, the salt water flow naturally through the channel. A solar-powered pump can be used to provide the salt water to the inlet.

A solar chemically recuperated gas turbine system includes an exhaust-gas reformer, a solar reformer and a gas turbine unit with a combustion chamber. The reaction outlet of the exhaust-gas reformer is connected to the inlet of the solar reformer, the flue gas side inlet of the exhaust-gas reformer is connected to the exhaust-gas outlet of the gas turbine. The solar reformer outlet is connected to the combustion chamber inlet. Combustion gas drives the gas turbine after fuel burns in the combustion chamber, and the exhaust gas enters the exhaust-gas reformer. Fuel and steam are mixed and enter the reaction side of the exhaust-gas reformer through a fuel inlet. A reforming reaction between the fuel and steam under heating of the exhaust gas generates syngas. A further reforming reaction occurs by absorbing concentrated solar energy after the syngas enters the solar reformer, and the reactant is provided to combustion chamber.

The present disclosure first uses a pumping device to retrieve water using an internal power source from a water source. Then, in accordance with a wind parameter and a solar parameter, wind-powered and solar-powered pumping devices are selectively engaged to replace the pumping device. The water is stored in the water storage device in a higher place. As the water runs through an inlet pipe, it is pressurized to drive a first hydraulic generation device. Then the water's potential energy is used to drive a second hydraulic generation device as the water is recycled to the water source. The produced electricity is delivered to the pumping device and, if any remaining, then to a light device for illumination.

A turbine (1) with flow diverter (2) comprises a support frame (25) adapted to be anchored to a fixed or movable structure, an impeller (3) rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (R) to the support frame (25) and having a front inlet section for the flow and a plurality of blades (4, 4′, 4″, . . . ) adapted to move continuously upon the rotation produced by the flow between a pushing position and an advancing position in correspondence of the front section, a main flow diverter (2) adapted to be anchored to the support frame (25) and having a peripheral wall (7) adapted to at least partially blind the front section with respect to the flow auxiliary diverter (13) extending from a first section (14) facing one or more blades (4′) in the advancing position to a second section (15) facing one or more blades (4) in pushing position. The auxiliary diverter (13) comprises a plurality of substantially curvilinear conduits (16) in reciprocal side by side position along a substantially radial direction, each conduit (16) having a first opened end (16′) facing the blades (4′) in the advancing position and a second opened. end (16″, 16′″) placed in correspondence of the conveying duet (8).

An inverted funnel-shaped columnar tower (115) includes a window region (120), a heat absorbing surface (130), an air entrance (116) and exit (117). Solar energy passes through the window region and heats the heat absorbing surface. A plurality of fans (145), each connected to a generator (150), are suspended within the tower and extract energy from convectively rising air, generating electricity. A fan (160) outside the tower intercepts wind and turns an internal fan (145′) that aids the convective flow, providing a self-starting feature. A plurality of rotors (100) with wings (705) are connected in groups to generators (725) and all are arranged adjacent the tower. The rotors intercept wind energy and deliver it to the generators for conversion to electricity. The rotors include a flap (800) that predetermines the direction of rotation of the rotor, providing a second self-starting feature. The convection and wind capture functions operate independently.

A method for pressurisation of a working gas in a Stirling engine assembly for use in a thermal energy plant, the Stirling engine assembly including: a Stirling engine including an expansion cylinder and a compression cylinder, wherein the expansion and compression cylinders are configured in a V-arrangement; a regenerator; a cooler and a heater; an accumulator, the accumulator being in fluidic connection with the expansion and/or compression cylinders of the Stirling engine; and a low pressure receptacle including the working gas. The method includes: providing working gas to the accumulator from the low pressure receptacle; providing a pressurisation fluid to the accumulator to reduce the volume for the working gas in the accumulator, thereby increasing the pressure of the working gas in the accumulator; and displacing the pressurised working gas from the accumulator to the expansion and/or compression cylinder.

A method is provided for operating an energy storage device that has a horizontal flywheel (1). The flywheel (1) has a mass ring made of concrete (3) and is at least partially embedded in the soil (4). The method includes operating a motor with energy from a first energy source to drive the flywheel (8) at a specified rotational speed and to store energy in the flywheel (1). The method then includes introducing to the motor (8) energy from a renewable energy source in a sufficient amount so that the energy from the renewable energy source and the energy stored in the flywheel (1) maintain rotation of the flywheel at the specified rotational speed.

A solar thermal power system includes a solar receiver, and a thermal energy storage arrangement having thermal energy storage fluid to be circulated through the solar receiver to store thermal energy. The system includes a multistage steam turbine operable on variable pressure steam generated by a steam generator arrangement, by utilizing the thermal energy storage fluid. The arrangement includes an economizer section, an evaporator section, and a superheater section communicably configured to utilize the heat of the hot thermal energy storage fluid to generate and supply the variable pressure steam to the turbine. The system includes a recirculation line configured around the economizer section to recirculate the heated water to an inlet of the economizer section, increasing pressure range of the variable pressure steam in the arrangement.

A transportable, deployable power system comprising a hybrid power box containing solar panels, wind turbine(s), fuel cells, fuel reformers, and other energy sources. The system could also include waste water and potable water inlet and outlet ports for water treatment. It will also allow for shelf mounted solar and wind turbine installation for disaster recovery, backup power for telecommunication, military power, Homeland Security power, off grid homes and water and wastewater packaging domestically and internationally. The present invention is ideal for any situation requiring immediate power and/or water treatment, such as remote construction sites or in emergency situations. The hybrid power box can be mounted to a standard shipping truck, train, or ship, and transported over land to the desired location.