In one embodiment, a solar heat collecting system includes a heat collector configured to heat a heat medium by a sunray. The system further includes a heater configured to heat a heating target fluid by the heat medium. The system further includes a heat medium pipe configured to circulate the heat medium between the heat collector and the heater. The system further includes a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heat medium flowing from the heat collector toward the heater, at a position located upstream of an initial bent portion of the heat medium pipe in a region where the heat medium pipe extends from the heat collector toward the heater. The system further includes a controller configured to control heating of the heat medium in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium measured by the temperature sensor.

A system in accordance with the invention includes a video display adapter, such as a USB or HDMI dongle, configured to generate a signal when a video display (e.g., a television, projector, etc.) is turned on or off. A controller receives the signal and automatically actuates a motorized window covering in response to the signal. In certain embodiments, the motorized window covering receives the signal directly from the video display adapter without requiring any intervening electronic devices. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

A solar actuator comprises a top coupler, a bottom coupler, and a plurality of fluidic bellows actuators, wherein a fluidic bellows actuator of the plurality of fluidic bellows actuators moves the top coupler relative to the bottom coupler.

A system for detecting an optimal timing for cleaning duty solar panels is provided herein. The system includes: a simulation sensor and a reference sensor which include photovoltaic cells identical to the photovoltaic cells of the duty solar panels, wherein the simulation sensor is configured to generate a simulation electrical signal which simulates electricity signal generated by the duty solar panels; and wherein the reference sensor is configured to generate a reference electrical signal which simulates electricity signal generated by the duty solar panels in a clean condition; and protection means configured to selectively expose the reference sensor for a specified period of time, wherein the system is configured to compare the simulation signal and the reference signal when the reference sensor is uncovered and provide an indication that the duty solar panels should be cleaned if a difference between the simulation and the reference signals exceeds a predefined level.

An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor and comprising an output shaft configured to actuate a window covering. A position encoder, directly driven by the output shaft, is configured to measure at least one of an angular position and a number of rotations of the output shaft. The angular position and number of rotations may be used to calculate an angular position of slats of a window blind and/or an amount a window covering is opened or closed. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

The molten salt solar tower system 100 is provided for controlling molten salt temperature in a solar receiver 130 for effective operation of the system 100 while without degrading physical properties of molten salt. The system 100 includes two circuits, first 140 and second 150. The first circuit 140 is configured to supply relatively cold molten salt in the solar receiver 130 for heating, and the second circuit 150 is configured to supply a predetermined amount of the relatively cold molten salt in the first circuit 140, as and when the temperature of the relatively hot molten salt circulating through the solar receiver 130 exceeds a predetermined set temperature value thereof.

A fixed-type solar generator with minimally controlled reflector includes: solar collector panel facing culmination of sun, first and second reflectors rotatably provided on east and west sides of the solar collector panel, respectively, sensor module and control module. The sensor module includes a first sensor for detecting greater light amount from sun while in a first section from sunrise to culmination than while in a second section from culmination to sunset, and a second sensor for detecting greater light amount from the sun while in the second section from culmination to sunset than while in the first section from sunrise to culmination. The control module controls a rotation angle of at least one of the first and second reflectors based on a first light intensity value detected by first sensor and a second light intensity value detected by second sensor.

A rigid deformable reflector for heating a target, the rigid deformable reflector having a reflective surface capable of being rigidly deformed, a backing surface capable of supporting the reflective surface, and a concave shape. A method of deforming a rigid deformable reflector utilizing a deforming mechanism, wherein the rigid deformable reflector has a reflective surface and the deforming mechanism has a base and an actuator, the method having the steps of: placing a rigid deformable reflector onto the deforming mechanism, and activating the actuator thereby causing a first force to be applied to the rigid deformable reflector and deforming the shape of the rigid deformable reflector beyond its elastic limit.

An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A security device, such as a camera, motion sensor, audio sensor, proximity sensor, impact sensor, or the like, communicates with the controller and is configured to monitor security at a window associated with the window covering. Such a security sensor may, for example, monitor opening and/or closing of the window, breaking of the window, or the like. In certain embodiments, operation of the window covering is triggered in response to conditions sensed by the security device. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

A method for operating a directly heated, solar-thermal steam generator is provided. As per the method, a nominal value {dot over (M)}.sub.s for the supply water mass flow {dot over (M)} is conducted to an apparatus for adjusting the supply water mass flow {dot over (M)} wherein, at the adjustment of the nominal value {dot over (M)}.sub.s for the supply water mass flow {dot over (M)}, account is taken of a correction value K.sub.T, by which the thermal effects of storage or withdrawal of thermal energy in an evaporator are corrected.