The invention relates to a parabolic trough collector comprising a parabolic, trough-shaped main reflector, preferably as a steel girder construction running holding device with a plurality of support arms for holding of the main reflector, an absorber tube, which extends along the focal line of the Main reflector extends and in which a heat transfer medium is heated, and a foundation, wherein the holding device on the foundation by a vertical axis is rotatably mounted.

A hybrid solar window comprises: at least one glazing; a wave-length-selective solar mirror positioned to reflect IR toward an IR absorbing element. The IR absorbing elements comprises a conduit having a respective fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and an IR absorbing compound, wherein the IR absorbing compound is in thermal communication with the conduit. The wavelength-selective solar mirror has an average visible light transmittance of at least 50 percent and an average IR reflectance of at least 50 percent over the wavelength range of 850 to 1150 nanometers, inclusive. The IR absorbing element is configured to transfer thermal energy to a heat transfer fluid circulating through the conduit, wherein the IR absorbing element has an average visible light transmittance of at least 30 percent, and wherein each IR absorbing element has an average IR absorptance of at least 50 percent over the wavelength range 850 to 1150 nanometers, inclusive. Certain IR absorbing elements are also disclosed.

A system and method for the removal of volatile components from a liquid or a slurry containing solids and liquids and using a screw conveyor or auger systems that transfers solid/liquid slurries through an elongated tube heated by solar energy from a parabolic solar trough. The system flashes off the volatile component then counter-currently flows that vapor back into the hollow pipe inside of the augur creating a Multi-effect or Multi Flash device which greatly improves the overall efficiency of removal of the volatile material.

A secondary reflector for receiving light from a plurality of primary reflectors that includes a reflecting surface having a length aligned along a first axis (z), where a cross-section of the reflecting surface in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (z) forms a curve comprising a concave section positioned between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, at least a portion of the concave section is accurately approximated by a polynomial equation, an aperture is formed by a straight line connecting the first endpoint to the second endpoint, and the concave section is configured to focus a plurality of beams of light passing through the aperture onto a focal point.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a reflecting surface having a length aligned along a first axis (z), where a cross-section of the reflecting surface in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (z) forms a curve comprising a concave section positioned between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, at least a portion of the concave section is accurately approximated by a polynomial equation, an aperture is formed by a straight line connecting the first endpoint to the second endpoint, and the concave section is configured to focus a plurality of beams of light passing through the aperture onto a focal point.

A protective transparent enclosure, such as a greenhouse, encloses a concentrated solar power system having line-focus solar energy concentrators. The line-focus solar energy concentrators have a reflective front layer, a core layer, and a rear layer. The core and the rear layers, when bonded with the reflective front layer, enable the line-focus solar energy concentrator, in some embodiments, to retain a particular form without additional strengthening elements. In some embodiments, the core layer and/or the rear layer are formed by removing material from a single piece of material.

A receiver system for a Fresnel solar plant is provided that includes an absorber tube defining a longitudinal direction, a mirror array that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction and is used for concentrating light beams onto the absorber tube, and a support frame for the absorber tube and the mirror array. A first suspension for holding the absorber tube and a second suspension for holding the mirror array or at least parts of the mirror array are independently mounted on the support frame. The first suspension has first compensation device while the second suspension has second compensation device. The first and second compensation devices allow for different expansions of the absorber tube and the mirror array or at least parts of the mirror array in the longitudinal direction.

Solar energy is collected and used for various industrial processes, such as oilfield applications, e.g. generating steam that is injected downhole, enabling enhanced oil recovery. Solar energy is indirectly collected using a heat transfer fluid in a solar collector, delivering heat to a heat exchanger that in turn delivers heat into oilfield feedwater, producing hotter water or steam. Solar energy is directly collected by directly generating steam with solar collectors, and then injecting the steam downhole. Solar energy is collected to preheat water that is then fed into fuel-fired steam generators that in turn produce steam for downhole injection. Solar energy is collected to produce electricity via a Rankine cycle turbine generator, and rejected heat warms feedwater for fuel-fired steam generators. Solar energy is collected (directly or indirectly) to deliver heat to a heater-treater, with optional fuel-fired additional heat generation.

A double line focusing solar energy collection apparatus of the present invention includes a heat collector, a secondary concentrator, and a bracket. The heat collector includes a primary concentrator and a heat collection tube, in which the primary concentrator has a focus line. The secondary concentrator has a focus line. The bracket supports the primary concentrator, the heat collection tube, and the secondary concentrator. The heat collection tube is located between the primary and secondary concentrators and located on the focus lines of the secondary and primary concentrators. The primary concentrator is a paraboloid reflector or Fresnel reflector. The secondary concentrator is a paraboloid reflector or Fresnel reflector. By adding the secondary concentrator, it achieves low light loss and high heat collection efficiency, and erosion of the heat collection tube by sand, rain, and snow can be effectively prevented, thereby extending the lifetime of the heat collection tube effectively.

A double-line focusing solar energy collection apparatus, comprising: a heat collector (1) which comprises a primary concentrator (11) and a heat collection tube (12), the primary concentrator (11) having a focus line; a secondary concentrator (3), having a focus line; and a support (2), for supporting the primary concentrator (11), the heat collection tube (12), and the secondary concentrator (3). The heat collection tube (12) is located between the secondary concentrator (3) and the primary concentrator (11), and is located on the focus lines of the primary concentrator (11) and the secondary concentrator (3).