The present disclosure is directed to a solar receiver having improved heliostat field control. The solar receiver includes a plurality of receiver panels arranged adjacent to one another. Each receiver panel includes a plurality of receiver tubes aligned tangentially to one another. Further, each of the plurality of receiver tubes includes an inlet and an outlet. In addition, at least one of the inlets or outlets of the plurality of receiver tubes are arranged at a center of the receiver panel along a height thereof.

A solar collector has an opaque cover heated by solar energy. Heat flows from the opaque cover by conduction, convection, and infrared emittance across a gap within an at least substantially airtight enclosure to an absorber containing a working fluid. The exterior surface of the opaque cover has high solar energy absorptance and the interior surface has high infrared emittance. The exterior surface preferably has low infrared emittance. In one embodiment, fully wetted surface geometry permits direct and reflected infrared absorption by the absorber. The opaque cover eliminates the weight, cost and other shortcomings of glass. A hollow continuous side wall with rounded corners provides an embodiment that is robust yet economical, that is easy to manufacture and seal, that permits a reduced thickness of the opaque cover and mitigates the destructive potential of severe winds, and that can withstand the compressive forces experienced by an evacuated solar collector.

A system comprising a structure (1) defining a volume for containing or receiving a body of water. The system further comprises a solar energy system for heating a body of water. The system comprises a solar radiation receiving unit (2) configured to receive solar radiation and configured to convert said solar radiation into heat energy. The system also comprises a barrier means (3) of varying solar radiation transmittance arranged over said solar radiation receiving unit (2). The barrier means (3) is configured to varyingly control the solar radiation receivable by said solar radiation receiving unit (2).

A solar collector housing that is opened and closed without tools includes structure for accommodating temperature-related expansion and contraction of a polymer absorber housed within the collector. The housing includes a transparent cover, a frame for holding the transparent cover, and a base. The cover, frame and base collectively define a hollow interior within which the polymer absorber is positioned. A plurality of latches is secured to an exterior of the frame. The frame and base are pivotally connected to one another when the latches are open so that the collector housing can be opened. The housing cannot be opened when the latches are closed. A pair of variable gate closure components are positioned in slots formed in a second end of the collector and enable the polymer absorber to expand and contract without placing stress on the absorber tubes.

The present invention relates to a solar system for providing volumetric energy reproducing the effect of a combustion flame for a high-temperature industrial process, characterized in that it comprises: a solar receiver exposed to concentrated solar radiation, in which heat transfer fluid (liquid or gas) is brought to high temperature; at least one high-temperature chamber in which said high-temperature industrial process is performed; injection means of the heat transfer fluid in the form of a gas jet reproducing a combustion flame in the at least one high-temperature chamber. The present invention also relates to a process for providing volumetric energy reproducing the effect of a combustion flame for this purpose.

A central receiver for a solar power facility is provided comprising an arrangement of heat absorber tubes located in a chamber having a window that, in use, is to receive solar radiation reflected by a heliostat field. The heat absorber tubes extend transversely relative to the window and are connected into a working fluid circuit. The window forms an atmospheric air inlet and the chamber has an outlet in a region opposite the window. An air flow promoting fan induces a flow of atmospheric air inwards through the window, past the absorber tubes; and through the outlet. The receiver preferably includes multiple rows of unpressurized louvers or panes having oblique frontal surfaces such that reflected rays travel into the chamber and provide a leading row in which the temperature of the louvers is, under operating conditions, maintained at a level low enough to reduce thermal reflection and radiation losses.

The present invention limits fluid temperature at a point in a fluidic system to below a predetermined temperature by cooling the fluid when needed and without requiring a separate cold fluid source. The present invention “clips” the temperature of the fluid at a point in the system to within a temperature range and prevents overcooling the fluid. When the fluid temperature is below the temperature range, the temperature of the fluid is unchanged as it passes through the apparatus of the present invention. The present invention may operate without external power, can function in any orientation, and works for unpressurized and pressurized systems. The present invention has application in the areas of solar thermal energy systems, fluid tanks, engine oil and coolant systems, transmission fluid systems, hydraulic systems, machining fluid systems, cutting fluid systems, nuclear reactors and chemical reactors, among others.

A heat receiver tube having first, second, and further partial heat receiver tube surfaces for absorbing and transferring solar energy to heat transfer fluid is presented. The first and further partial heat receiver tube surfaces are formed by solar absorptive coatings deposited on partial surfaces of core tube. The second partial heat receiver tube surface is formed by emission radiation inhibiting coating deposited on second core tube surface for inhibiting emissivity for infrared radiation. The further partial heat receiver tube surface is arranged in radiation window of second partial heat receiver tube surface such that direct sunlight impinges further partial heat receiver tube surface. The heat receiver tube is arranged in focal line of parabolic mirror of parabolic trough collector. The first partial heat receiver tube surface and sunlight reflecting surface is arranged face to face, second and further partial heat receiver tube surfaces are averted to reflecting surface.

A solar receiver configuration (receiver) adapted to include a plurality of receiver heat transfer passes. Each pass includes a plurality of panels. Further, each panel includes a plurality of tubes, tangentially arranged, vertically extending between horizontally placed lower and upper headers. The headers, which are pipe assemblies with closed ends, of adjacent panels are horizontally and vertically offset one to another to form a substantially continuous tube surface. Such continuous tube surface enables solar heating of the fluid flow therefrom in at least a parallel flow arrangement and a serpentine flow arrangement.

A solar radiation panel that has inlet and outlet collectors and a series of conduits that run from the inlet collector to the outlet collector. A working fluid that is heated by solar radiation flows inside the conduits. The panel is a single piece and includes an upper layer, at least one intermediate layer, and a lower layer. The upper layer receives the solar radiation. The at least one intermediate layer is located under the upper layer, and contains the conduits through which the working fluid flows. The lower layer is located under the intermediate layer, and the working fluid inlet and outlet collectors are coupled in said lower layer. The working fluid that is heated in the panel subsequently proceeds to a combustion engine that produces electricity by means of an alternator.