A solar heat collecting element for use in solar troughs and solar power systems. The solar heat collecting element includes a conduit for carrying a heat transfer fluid; a light transparent envelope disposed about the conduit; and an edge welded metal bellows assembly coupling a first end of the conduit with a first end of the envelope.

The present invention refers to a cleaning drone (1), a corresponding docking station (2) configured to operate with the cleaning drone (1), a system comprising at least one cleaning drone (1) and at least one docking station (2) and a cleaning method using at least one cleaning drone (1). The cleaning drone (1) comprises a cleaning device (1.11) configured to operate on surfaces such as glass or photovoltaic panels.

The invention relates to a device for heat transfer, comprising a low temperature heat exchanger (3) and a high temperature heat exchanger (5), the heat exchangers (3, 5) being connected to one another by means of a connecting line such that a heat transfer medium flows through the high temperature heat exchanger (5) and through the low temperature heat exchanger (3) in succession, at least one dwell time tank (19) being arranged in the connecting line.

Linear fresnel solar power system which is transportable in a goods container which comprises a number of rows of reflective mirrors (6), an automatic cleaning system (10), a linear receiver (18) and a support structure designed to be assembled on a commercial goods container (1). In turn, the support structure comprises two foldable lateral platforms (2) capable of adopting two fixed positions, a vertical position, wherein all the elements on the platform remain inside the volume of the structure of the container, thereby allowing for the latter to be transported and/or stored using conventional methods, and a horizontal position that allows for the system to operate as a conventional linear fresnel solar collector. The rows of reflective mirrors (6), mounted on mirror-carrying banks (7), and at least two ballast tanks (11), used as excess weight in order to reduce the necessary foundations, are placed on the foldable lateral platforms (2). The automatic cleaning system (10) comprises movement rails (12), along which central stiffeners (16) move. At least one cleaning unit (15) for each row of mirrors (6) is joined to these central stiffeners (16). In turn, the cleaning units (15) comprise an element manufactured with absorbent materials (13), an upper cover (14) and a water supply system. The linear receiver (18) comprises an external casing (4), end supports (3) and intermediate supports (5). In turn, the external casing (4) comprises a transparent cover (23), insulating means (21), a secondary reflective surface (22) and at least one tubular receiver (9).

A heating and power generating apparatus comprises: a frame installed on the roof of a building and having a predetermined area; a plurality of power generating units arranged inside the frame to collect sunlight and generate electricity; and a hot water supply unit buried inside of the frame to absorb sunlight and perform heating and hot water supply. According to the present invention, hot water can be generated by sunlight in the winter to supply hot water and heat a house, and power can be generated by sunlight in the summer to supply power for cooling a room and thus conserve the electrical energy used in a cooler, thus promoting energy saving and environmental protection.

Provided herein is a floating photovoltaic solar device designed to reduce the effect of wind forces without the use of external control or power. The device includes a floating anchored frame with a means for connecting an internal corded lattice; a corded lattice suspended within the floating frame and forming a set of polygonal cells in which independently floating solar photovoltaic modules are positioned. Access for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance may be provided by a floating service gantry. The system is modular and several devices may be connected in a honeycomb-like structure.

A solar pod system, comprising of an oval transparent enclosure. The oval transparent enclosure encapsulates a circular paraboloidal reflector mounted on solar cell. The solar cell extends over the circular parabolic reflector to place the focus of the paraboloidal reflector on the solar cell, whereby the solar cell receives light reflected by the circular parabolic reflector.

An automatic over-temperature control system for a solar collection is provided in which a light sensor in combination with an electronic solenoid valve is used to prevent entry of cold water into a thermosiphon solar collector during daylight intervals. By delaying entry of water until dusk (low light), the solar tubes have cooled sufficiently so water can be safely introduced into an empty or depleted solar collector without damaging the collector tubes.

Cleaning system (100) including a brush assembly (102) for cleaning solar panels (106). The brush assembly has at least one rotatable brush (403) having a rotational axis. The rotatable brush includes a plurality of sets of bristles (2004), each extending outwardly from a core (2008). A shaft (2005) extends through the core of the brush. The shaft is a telescoping shaft, which is configured to retract and expand to create an elongated brush assembly. An apparatus, system, and method for conveying an assembly along a track. A rail (401) includes a first planar side, a second planar side, and a third planar side. The first, second, and third planar sides are arranged to form at least two acute angles ranging between 50 degrees and 80 degrees. A carriage assembly (300) includes a drive wheel (301) and at least two rollers (302). The drive wheel is configured to contact the second planar side and is configured to translate the assembly along the rail. The two rollers are configured to contact the two other sides to maintain the carriage in contact with the rail.

The efficiency of solar power collection is increased by adding a thermal energy storage stage to a sunlight concentrator and thermodynamic power generator system. The thermal energy storage includes tubes or capsules made of a phase change material that stores thermal energy in different temperature stages through a working fluid. The stored thermal energy is directed to the thermodynamic generator during off-sun periods.