An integrated wind and solar solution is provided, including a solar energy collection assembly (100) and a vertical axis wind turbine (400), combined to provide an integrated power output. In preferred embodiments, the vertical axis wind turbine is positioned above the solar energy collection assembly. Concentrating solar mirror collectors (116) are used to direct sunlight to a heat engine (250), which converts the collected heat energy into rotary motion. Rotary motion from the heat engine and from the vertical axis wind turbine preferably are on the same rotating axis (600), to facilitate load sharing between these two sources. A dual axis azimuth-altitude solar panel alignment tracking system is used in order to boost the energy conversion capability of the solar energy collectors.

The invention described herein provides new devices suitable for effectively converting relatively low temperature differences into useful work (e.g., for generating electrical power), related systems, and methods of using and developing such devices/systems. The devices are characterized in, inter alia, comprising an at least partially enclosed moveable component (e.g., a piston), a closed pressurized gas system comprising sizeable void spaces, and a closed temperature modifying liquid system having portions that obtain temperature characteristics from two sources, which are alternatingly dispensed as droplets into the pressurized gas, creating a pressure/temperature difference in the gas which causes the moveable component to move back and forth along a stroke distance that does not include the void spaces, the pressure of the gas and liquid being at substantially balanced when the device is ready for operation.

An integrated wind and solar solution is provided, including a solar energy collection assembly (100) and a vertical axis wind turbine (400), combined to provide an integrated power output. In preferred embodiments, the vertical axis wind turbine is positioned above the solar energy collection assembly. Concentrating solar mirror collectors (116) are used to direct sunlight to a heat engine (250), which converts the collected heat energy into rotary motion. Rotary motion from the heat engine and from the vertical axis wind turbine preferably are on the same rotating axis (600), to facilitate load sharing between these two sources. A dual axis azimuth-altitude solar panel alignment tracking system is used in order to boost the energy conversion capability of the solar energy collectors.

The present disclosure relates to an engine (100) including a cylinder (102) that is filled with carbon dioxide. A first piston (104) is slidably configured inside the cylinder (102) and being configured to form a first cylinder (108) with a first end (130) of the cylinder (102). A second piston (106) is slidably configured inside the cylinder (102) and being configured to form a second cylinder (110) with a second end (132) of the cylinder (102). A heater (112) is circumferentially disposed around the first cylinder (108) and the first piston (104) is configured to expand a hot carbon dioxide received inside the first cylinder (108) from the heater (112). A cooler (116) is circumferentially disposed around the second cylinder (110) and second piston (104) is configured to compress a cold carbon dioxide received inside the second cylinder (110) from the cooler (116).

The present disclosure relates to an engine (100) including a cylinder (102) that is filled with carbon dioxide. A first piston (104) is slidably configured inside the cylinder (102) and being configured to form a first cylinder (108) with a first end (130) of the cylinder (102). A second piston (106) is slidably configured inside the cylinder (102) and being configured to form a second cylinder (110) with a second end (132) of the cylinder (102). A heater (112) is circumferentially disposed around the first cylinder (108) and the first piston (104) is configured to expand a hot carbon dioxide received inside the first cylinder (108) from the heater (112). A cooler (116) is circumferentially disposed around the second cylinder (110) and second piston (104) is configured to compress a cold carbon dioxide received inside the second cylinder (110) from the cooler (116).

A thermal engine arrangement comprising a first thermal engine having a first free piston; a second thermal engine having a second free piston; wherein operations of the first and second thermal engines are synchronized to balance force the first thermal engine piston produces with opposing force the second thermal engine piston produces.