| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20130081394 | SOLAR POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A solar power system includes a solar energy collector that has at least one solar receiver that is operable to carry a working fluid and at least one solar reflector that is operable to direct solar energy towards the at least one solar receiver to heat the working fluid. The working fluid has a maximum predefined operational temperature up to which it can be heated. A first storage unit is connected to receive the working fluid from the at least one solar receiver, and a second storage unit is connected to provide the working fluid to the at least one solar receiver. A power block generates electricity using heat from the heated working fluid. A heater is operable to heat the working fluid to approximately the maximum predefined operational temperature. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081396 | Dual Energy Solar Thermal Power Plant - A solar energy collector comprises a solid body having a substantially planar solar energy absorbing collecting surface. The solid body has a first thickness at a center portion tapering to a second thickness at each of a pair of opposing edge portions defining a width of the body. A bore extends completely through the body along its length and is aligned along an axis at the center portion. A window transparent at most solar radiation in the visible spectrum and near UV to infrared-red solar energy wavelengths is disposed at a distance from the collecting surface, the window sealed around a periphery of the collecting surface to define a sealed vacuum gap between the collecting surface and the bottom surface of the window. The solar energy collector is a major component of a large scale solar thermal power plant. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20080256952 | Solar power for thermochemical production of hydrogen - A solar-powered hydrogen production system includes a thermochemical system and solar heating system. The thermochemical system produces hydrogen. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer medium for providing thermal energy to the thermochemical system. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20120174582 | HYBRID SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR, AND SOLAR POWER PLANT INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE SUCH COLLECTOR - A collector is provided including at least one photovoltaic cell for converting solar energy into electric energy, and at least one heat sink for converting solar energy into heat energy by heating a fluid, arranged so as to receive solar energy through the photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell includes a plurality of vertically adjacent semiconductor junctions having different forbidden energy bands, each semiconductor junction having a forbidden energy band of greater than or equal to 1.2 eV, in particular greater than or equal to 1.4 eV. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20100162700 | Method and device for intermediate superheating in solar direct evaporation in a solar-thermal power plant - A solar-thermal power plant is provided. The solar-thermal power plant includes a working fluid circuit, a solar steam generator based on direct evaporation and a steam turbine for relieving the working fluid on a relief path while the working fluid supplies technical work. The solar-thermal power plant also includes at least one intermediate superheater, which can be heated using the working fluid. The working fluid may be removed from the circuit upstream of the intermediate superheater and superheated using the working fluid thereof, which can be fed downstream of the heating removal using the relief path. A method for operating a solar-thermal power plant is also provided. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20130081395 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER - A system includes a gas turbine system, a thermal energy storage device, and a heat recovery system. The gas turbine system is powered by solar energy to generate a first amount of electric power. The thermal energy storage device is coupled to the gas turbine system. The thermal energy storage device is configured to selectively receive expanded exhaust gas from the gas turbine system and store heat of the expanded exhaust gas. The heat recovery system is coupled to the gas turbine system and the thermal energy storage device. The heat recovery system is selectively powered by at least one of the gas turbine system and the thermal energy storage device to generate a second amount of electric power. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20090158736 | Thermal power plant incorporating subterranean cooling of condenser coolant - A thermal power plant is disclosed that comprises a heating system ( | 06-25-2009 |
| 20100107633 | SOLAR AND WIND HYBRID POWERED AIR-CONDITIONING/REFRIGERATION, SPACE-HEATING, HOT WATER SUPPLY AND ELECTRICITY GENERATION SYSTEM - A system for environmental control includes a hybrid wind and solar energy collection subsystem; a temperature control subsystem having a thermo-mechanical engine; an electrical generating subsystem; a sensor for detecting an environmental condition; and a controller for receiving information representing an environmental condition from the sensor. The controller is programmed to detect a change in an environmental condition, and in response to the change, to selectively connect the hybrid wind and solar energy collection subsystem to one of the temperature control subsystem and the electrical generating subsystem and to selectively disconnect the hybrid wind and solar energy collection subsystem from the other of the temperature control subsystem and the electrical generating subsystem. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20090044533 | Energy Conversion System - This invention will convert solar energy into mechanical or electrical energy. This will be accomplished by creating an environment from the lens arrangement and enclosure ( | 02-19-2009 |
| 20130086904 | Solar Thermal Power Plant - There is disclosed a method of generating superheated steam for use in power generation. The method comprises: (a) preheating feed water to a temperature below its boiling point; (b) boiling the preheated feed water to produce steam; and (c) superheating the steam. The feed water is boiled by heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid which has been heated by heat collected in a first solar radiation absorption device. In addition, one or other or both of the preheating and superheating is carried out by direct heating in a further solar radiation absorption device or devices. The invention also relates to an apparatus for generating superheated steam for use in power generation. The apparatus comprises: (1) a superheated steam generating portion for generating superheated steam, comprising: (a) a preheater zone for preheating a feed water to a temperature below its boiling point; (b) a boiler zone downstream of the preheater zone for boiling the preheated feed water to produce steam; and (c) a superheater zone downstream of the boiler zone, for superheating the steam; and (2) a heat transfer fluid portion comprising a first solar radiation absorption device for heating a heat transfer fluid and being configured to transfer heat from the heated heat transfer fluid to the feed water in the boiler zone. One or other of the preheater zone and the superheater zone comprises a further solar radiation absorption device for direct heating of the feed water or the steam, or wherein each of the preheater zone and the superheater zone comprises a further solar radiation absorption device for direct heating respectively of the feed water and the steam. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20090308072 | Solar Energy Conversion Using Brayton Cycle System - A modified Brayton Cycle Engine employs solar radiation to heat a metal hydride material in a storage unit. Hydrogen driven from the metal hydride material is recombined with the material at a controlled rate in an exothermic reaction for heating a compressible Brayton working fluid for driving a turbine to which an electric generator is coupled for converting solar radiation to electricity. A compressor, also coupled to the turbine, compresses the Brayton working fluid before it is heated by the solar radiation. Heat from a solar MHD generator may also be used to heat the Brayton working fluid. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090107145 | Jet-type steam engine - A steam engine of this invention is simply constituted and efficiently obtains mechanical energy not only from a heat source of a high temperature but also from the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine and various kinds of heat sources of a low-temperature state such as the solar heat. In the engine, a rotor ( | 04-30-2009 |
| 20120216536 | SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE POWER CYCLE CONFIGURATION FOR USE IN CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS - Methods and solar power generation systems including a working fluid circuit providing for the flow of supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120216535 | COOLING SYSTEM FOR A SOLAR THERMAL RANKINE CYCLE - A cooling system for solar thermal Rankine cycle is provided. The cooling system includes a fluid reservoir filled with a cooling fluid. Moreover, at least one condenser with a reservoir side and a steam side, which is in thermal connection to the solar steam turbine to cool and condense the steam from the solar steam turbine, is provided. A respective solar steam turbine including a cooling system as well as a method for cooling and condensing steam from a solar steam turbine are also provided. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20100269502 | External combustion engine - In the “External Combustion Engine” fluid stored in a compressed fluid tank is released, and then heated by a synchronized heat exchanger. Heat is added at constant volume in a series of heaters and pre-heaters. The last heater is immediately above the power piston while the power piston is at the top of its stroke. Adiabatic expansion takes place and produces power output. Energy from the compressed fluid tank produces power output. Adiabatic expansion again takes place, and produces power output all the way to complete expansion. The spent fluid is exhausted through the heat exchanger, cooled, compressed, and stored in the compressed fluid tank. The pre-heaters heat all the fluid in the pre-heaters at constant volume and any number of pre-heaters can be used thereby providing unlimited time to transfer heat into the engine. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20130091842 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR OPERATING A SOLAR THERMAL ELECTRICITY GENERATING SYSTEM - In a startup period for a solar thermal electricity generating system, a non-solar source of steam heats a downstream receiver (for example, a superheating receiver) prior to insolation being available. Insolation, once available, heats an upstream receiver (for example, an evaporator). The upstream receiver can be arranged in a recirculation loop with a steam separation drum, which may be bypassed during the initial heating of the upstream receiver by insolation. Once sufficient temperature and pressure have been reached, steam from the upstream receiver is directed to the downstream receiver by way of the steam separation drum to replace the non-solar source of steam. Heating of the downstream receiver using steam from the upstream receiver continues until a threshold temperature and pressure are reached. Insolation is then directed at both the upstream and downstream receivers to generate steam for electricity production by a turbine. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130118167 | Thermo-Electric Engine - A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy, such as an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine can have an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20110277470 | Solar Thermal Power Plant and Dual-Purpose Pipe for Use Therewith - A solar thermal power plant is provided. The solar thermal power plant includes a thermal-electric power plant and a solar collection system in communication therewith to provide heat thereto for driving its operation and being designed to facilitate capture of thermal energy of incident solar radiation by a thermal transfer fluid flowing therethrough for providing the heat. The solar collection system includes one or more solar collectors configured for the capture. The solar collection system further includes at least one dual-purpose pipe configured for carrying heated thermal transfer fluid to the thermal-electric power plant, the dual-purpose pipe including a supply chamber for carrying the thermal transfer fluid therethrough, and at least one storage element in thermal communication with and in fluid isolation from the supply chamber, and being configured for storing thermal energy for providing heat for driving operation of the thermal-electric power plant. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110277469 | Solar thermal power plant - A solar thermal power plant is provided. The plant includes a steam-electric power plant associated with a steam generation system operationally connected thereto for providing heat to drive its operation, a solar collection system designed to heat thermal fluid and is in communication with the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto for driving its operation, and a non-solar power plant including a power generation unit and a waste heat recovery unit. The solar thermal power plant further includes a controller configured to selectively operationally connect the solar collection system and the waste heat recovery unit to the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20120186250 | Systems and Methods For Generating Electric Current From Hyperthermal Chemical Reaction - An electric generator is disclosed that includes a duct configured to direct hyperthermal air molecules toward a source of exothermic fuel, a fuel dispenser configured to dispense fuel into a flow of the hyperthermal air molecules to cause a hyperthermic chemical reaction between the fuel and the hyperthermal air molecules that produces highly internally excited air molecules. The excited molecules amplify a seed current. Power harvesting cells are configured to capture and convert the amplified current to electricity. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20110289921 | FLAG-SHAPED HEAT EXCHANGER - The present invention relates to a heat exchanger configured to capture energy by radiation, comprising at least one flag-shaped basic exchanger ( | 12-01-2011 |
| 20120096860 | Solar energy from the daily natural change in ambient temperature - Water tends to expand in volume when heated up and contract in volume when heat is taken out of it. This invention relates to systems where solar energy causes pressure changes in water occupying fully a rigid closed container. Pressure energy is allowed to escape the container in a controlled way to operate a reaction turbine and shafted D.C. generator to produce electrical energy. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096859 | AIR- AND STEAM-TECHNOLOGY COMBINED SOLAR PLANT - Air- and steam-technology combined solar plant for use in the fields of electricity production, process heat, and solar fuels, as well as thermo-chemical processes, produced from the combination of a non-pressurised-air solar receptor, a saturated-steam solar receptor and a heat exchanger separate from the solar input that is used to produce overheated steam. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096858 | HEATER HEAD FOR ENERGY CONVERTER - In part, the invention relates to a heater head that includes a heat absorber plate that forms a substantially concave surface and a manifold comprising a headwall for engaging a heat engine, the manifold forming a concave depression for receiving the heat absorber plate. In various embodiments, the manifold forming a plurality of fluid channels to carry fluid between the heat absorber plate and the heat engine. The heater is suitable for use with energy converting devices, such as Sterling engines. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120023942 | METHOD FOR INCREASING THE NET ELECTRIC POWER OF SOLAR THERMAL POWER STATIONS - The present invention allows increasing the net electric power supplied to the network by the solar thermal power plants of the cylindrical parabolic collector type by using the solar field in a more efficient manner, generating steam to drive the main ancillaries by means of steam turbines (turbo pumps), reducing electric consumption of the ancillary services and therefore increasing the net electric power of the plant. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023941 | Turbo boosted thermal flex blanket solar electric generator - The solar heated gas vapor (A) from the collector blanket ( | 02-02-2012 |
| 20100077751 | MOVABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR AN ENERGY RECOVERY DEVICE - The present invention relates to a movable support system comprising a fixed part, intended to be fixed for example to the frame of a roof, and a moving part that opens completely downwards and towards the interior of the building, and able to be completely removed towards the interior of the building so as to make it easier to fit it or replace it should this be necessary, serving for various energy recovery devices such as a wind turbine, a solar water heater or a photovoltaic solar cell, making it possible, by an assembly means, to fit and maintain it via the interior of the building, and to a concept for a wind turbine, solar water heater or photovoltaic solar cell which is fitted to this support system. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100077752 | METHODS AND/OR SYSTEMS FOR REMOVING CARBON DIOXIDE AND/OR GENERATING POWER - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for generation of power that does not generate carbon dioxide in a harmful manner, and/or removes and/or captures carbon dioxide that may otherwise be expelled into the atmosphere. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20110167820 | Heating system for a turbine - A turbine for converting thermal energy into mechanical work. The turbine includes a heating system, wherein the heating system is adapted for heating the turbine in a power off state and/or a start-up phase of the turbine. The heating system may include an electrical heating device and/or a steam heating device. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20100275598 | THERMAL AIR ENGINE - A thermal air engine for the production of electricity which uses collector exchanger means to transport heat into an updraft tract to impart heat into the air in the tract such that it rises in the tract causing a partial vacuum above a turbine means located below the exchanger means in the tract; the turbine means adapted to extract work from the air passing through it such that it drives a generating means for the production of electrical energy. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20080289334 | SOLAR COLLECTION AND CONVERSION SYSTEM AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL THEREOF - Systems and methods for collecting solar energy and converting it to heat, mechanical work, or electricity on a small scale and utilizing one or more system components originally adapted for use in a non-solar-power-generation application are described. Solar energy is used to heat a fluid that is part of a solar energy collector. This fluid transfers heat to the working fluid of thermodynamic engine, which converts some of the heat into mechanical work or electricity. One or more system parameters are monitored and controlled to enable improved efficiency under variable environmental conditions. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080256953 | Solar Energy Trap and Turbine - A solar energy turbine includes solar energy trap ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20100300096 | Systems and Method for Producing Mechanical Energy - A system is provided for producing mechanical energy. The system may include a solar collector configured to receive solar energy and an external heater configured to provide secondary thermal energy. Furthermore, the system may include an engine disposed in communication with the solar collector and the external heater. To this end, the engine may be operable to receive the solar energy from the solar collector, receive the secondary thermal energy from the external heater, and convert the solar energy and the secondary thermal energy to mechanical energy. Additionally, the system may include a controller in communication with the solar collector, the engine, and the external heater. The controller may be configured to control an amount of solar energy and an amount of secondary thermal energy received by the engine. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20090211249 | INSTALLATION FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM SOLAR ENERGY - An installation for generating electrical energy from solar energy, includes:
| 08-27-2009 |
| 20090260359 | SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT - A solar thermal power plant | 10-22-2009 |
| 20100205962 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY INTO MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER - The present invention discloses systems and methods for converting heat from external heat source streams or from solar energy derived from a solar collector subsystem. The systems and methods comprise a thermodynamic cycle including three internal subcycles. Two of the subcycles combine to power a higher pressures turbine and third or main cycle powers a lower pressure turbine. One of the cycles increases the flow rate of a richer working solution stream powering the lower pressure turbine. Another one of the cycles is a leaner working solution cycle, which provides increased flow rate for leaner working solution stream going into the higher pressure turbine. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100223925 | SOLAR THERMAL RECEIVER AND SOLAR THERMAL POWER GENERATION FACILITY - A solar thermal receiver capable of improving the power generation efficiency in solar thermal power generation, reducing the production cost, and enhancing the thermal shock resistance and a solar thermal power generation facility using the solar thermal receiver are provided. The solar thermal receiver that receives solar radiation to heat fluid includes a heat-receiving section that is made of metal and that constitutes a flow path in which at least the fluid flows; and a coating layer that is disposed on at least a surface of an area of the heat-receiving section irradiated with the sunlight, that absorbs energy of the sunlight, and that has heat resistance. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100212317 | SOLAR PANEL MOTOR OIL HEATING SYSTEM, PRODUCT AND METHOD - A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100236239 | SOLAR RECEIVER - A method for generating steam for a turbine electric power plant uses solar radiation. Solar radiation is directed onto a solar receiver. The solar receiver includes a first section, which receives feedwater input and is arranged to heat the feedwater input to generate steam using the directed solar radiation. Feedwater flows through a feedwater vessel to serve as feedwater input to an inlet of the first section of the receiver. Water is separated from the steam in steam separation vessel, which is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first section of the receiver. The feedwater input may be selectively preheated by a source of preheat other than solar energy in response to system operating conditions, predicted insolation schedule, or an electrical energy tariff schedule. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20110232283 | CRANKED ROD PUMP APPARATUS AND METHOD - An improved apparatus and method are provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20090113892 | Steam solar thermal collector generation system using solar power as a heating source - A liquid solar thermal collector generation system has a liquid unit, a solar vaporizer, a turbine generator, a cooling and condensing unit, and a main control unit. The solar vaporizer heats a liquid from the liquid unit and converts the liquid to steam as a rotating power resource. As such result, the turbine generator is driven and then generates an electric power source. The steam passing through the turbine generator is re-converted to the liquid through the cooling and condensing unit, so the liquid unit from the cooling and condensing unit is recycled by the liquid unit. Therefore, the gaseous coolant solar thermal collector generation system utilizes the solar power to heat the coolant and further drive the steam generator, so the stream solar thermal collector generation system effectively utilizes the nature resource to generate the electric power source. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20100287933 | THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE APPARATUS - A thermal energy storage apparatus capable of storing large quantities of heat uses a plurality of energy storage zones having essentially the same thermal energy storage capacity per zone. The flow of a fluid into each zone is separately and independently controlled thereby creating a modular system that is capable of responding to rapid changes in the supply of and/or demand for thermal energy. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100300097 | HEAT ENGINE - A heat engine includes a boiler, an injector for injecting working fluid into the boiler, a retainer for releasing the hydraulic fluid for movement away from a start position once working fluid vapour pressure in the boiler reaches a predetermined level, a returner for returning the hydraulic fluid to its start position following expansion of working fluid vapour in the boiler, resulting in reciprocating hydraulic fluid motion, and an exhaust valve to release expanded working fluid vapour from the boiler. The vapour pressure increase in the boiler causes a change of state from liquid to gas of a least a portion of the injected working fluid, followed by a substantially constant pressure heating of the working fluid, giving rise to a change of state from liquid to gas of substantially all of the remaining injected working fluid. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110011087 | SOLAR COLLECTOR AND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A solar collector system includes sheets that are disposed to cover portions of channels within a terrain to thereby form air flow passageways bounded by at least the sheet and the sides and bottom of the respective channels. The sheet enables transmission of solar radiation into the channels to heat portions of the sides and bottoms of the channels so that air in the passageways can be heated by absorbing heat from the heated portions of the sides and bottoms of the channels. A heat accumulation system is coupled to the passageways for accumulating heat from the heated air. A stream of heated air is drawn from the solar collector and/or the heat accumulation system by an upwardly sloping tunnel through a turbine of an electrical energy producing system. The air stream rotates the turbine to cause electrical energy to be generated. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20090064680 | Device for the storage of heat energy for subsequent conversion into electrical energy - The invention relates to a device for the conversion of heat energy into another energy form provided with at least one heat input and pressure reservoir module, each comprising a heat-input transmitting device and a pressure reservoir, whereby said device and pressure reservoir are connected to each other for the exchange of fluid and an energy conversion device, connected to the pressure reservoir of the heat input and pressure reservoir module for the exchange of fluid, by means of which the energy built up in the form of fluid pressure in the heat input and pressure reservoir module may be converted into said other energy form. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20110041501 | Power generation directly from compressed air for exploiting wind and solar power - This invention relates to a Compressed Air Turbine-Generator, or CAT-G that will enable the ability to manage energy gathered from ecologically friendly sources, such as solar and wind power. Compressed Air Energy Storage, (C.A.E.S.), is a promising mode of clean energy storage. A major challenge facing this technology is the need to efficiently convert the compressed air energy into electricity. Conventionally, high-pressure air is used only to improve the efficiency of a conventional jet powered turbine generator. The focus herein is on a new technology that efficiently converts the energy stored in compressed air directly into electrical power without producing greenhouse byproduct gases or other pollutants. This new capability will add important flexibility to the optimization of ecologically friendly energy systems. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20100058760 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING MECHANICAL ENERGY - The invention relates to a method for generating mechanical energy, characterised by a gas or a liquid which drives an expansion machine designed therefor even at a low pressure, i.e. economically. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100126171 | Method and apparatus for generating electricity - A method of converting energy into electricity using a gaseous working fluid and an evaporative fluid comprises pressuring the working fluid ( | 05-27-2010 |
| 20110100004 | ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF A CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER-ENABLED POWER PLANT - A solar-fossil-fuel hybrid power plant is controlled using thermal energy processing component thermal inertia characteristic data and atmospheric condition prediction information to adjust plant operations at a point in time that enables the plant to operate within a predetermined requirement when the plant experiences the predicted atmospheric condition. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100005 | WATER RECLAMATION IN A CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER-ENABLED POWER PLANT - Water reclamation from gas turbine combustion exhaust flow presents an opportunity to provide water for use in a solar-fossil-fuel hybrid power plant, particularly in arid environments. Cooled feedwater is fed through condensing pipes disposed in a water reclamation exchange that is adapted to facilitate condensing the gas combustion exhaust vapor passing through the exchange. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20090313994 | Self-pressurizing stirling engine - A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A heat engine, such as a Stirling engine, is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller. The heat engine has a thermal battery in thermal contact with it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090126364 | CONVECTIVE/RADIATIVE COOLING OF CONDENSER COOLANT - A system for effecting cooling of a coolant fluid is provided, the system comprising: a solar energy collector system; and fluid channels for the coolant fluid that are at least partially above ground level and are at least partially shaded by the solar energy collector system. The system may comprise a system for cooling a condenser coolant fluid in a thermal power plant incorporating a solar energy collector system, the system comprising: one or more solar energy reflectors; and fluid channels for the coolant fluid that are at least partially above ground level and are at least partially shaded by one or more of the solar energy reflectors. Solar energy reflector carrier arrangements for use in said system, and methods and thermal power plants utilizing said system are further provided. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20120144830 | FEED WATER DEGASIFIER FOR A SOLAR THERMAL POWER STATION - The invention relates to a feed water degasifier comprising a degasifier ( | 06-14-2012 |
| 20100199668 | AIR POWER GENERATOR TOWER - The invention relates to continuously mass-producing electric power with a low cost, without pollution, greenhouse gas emission, consumption of limited natural resources, wastes and independently of irregularity of wind conditions. The invention is embodied in the form of a hollow tower-shaped structure flared at the base thereof, surrounded by a greenhouse area and is optimised in order to combine the four following natural forces and effects: a chimney effect, greenhouse effect, Coriolis force and a Venturi effect. The inventive plant comprises, in particular curved structures for activating an artificial and self-sustaining vertex, peripheral flap shutters for involving a wind quantity and pools optimised for storing calories supplied by sun and optionally by effluents of nuclear power plants, different industrial activities or geothermal waters. The production capacity of the inventive power plant is of several hundreds of MW and the production cost of one KW/hour could be substantially low. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20110185727 | POWER SYSTEMS DESIGNED FOR THE UTILIZATION OF HEAT GENERATED BY SOLAR-THERMAL COLLECTORS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Embodiments of the present invention disclose systems and methods for the efficient conversion of solar energy into a useable form of energy using a solar collector subsystem and a heat conversion subsystem. The systems and methods transfer solar energy directly to an intermediate solution and a working solution and indirectly to and between a basic rich solution, a condensing solution, a lean solution and a rich vapor solution. The systems and methods also include condensing the basic rich solution using an external coolant. The systems and methods support a closed thermodynamic cycle. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20100031654 | Reaction Solar Turbine - The invention relates to an installation for obtaining mechanical energy from solar thermal energy, combining a conventional solar thermal installation connected to heat exchangers housed inside an externally-insulated vertical shell having an upwardly decreasing cross-section, in which an ascending air flow is generated in order to move a turbine housed at the upper end of the shell. In order to make better use of the wind at the installation a retractable orientable screen can also be installed at the point of the nozzle at which the external air current enters the shell, said screen being automatically oriented, by means of sensors, so as to maximise the flow of air entering the system using the natural currents. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100024421 | SUPERCRITICAL CO2 TURBINE FOR USE IN SOLAR POWER PLANTS - A solar-powered supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system includes a supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system and a solar heating system. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer fluid for providing thermal energy to the supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100024422 | Floating solar energy conversion and storage apparatus - A solar energy conversion and storage apparatus floats on a body of water and confines and stores a large quantity of solar-heated water for producing electricity with a closed-cycle heat engine. An expansive horizontal structure parallel to the surface of the water confines one or more horizontal layers of water, a distributed array of heat transfer structures gathers solar energy and imparts it to the confined water, and one or more heat engines produce electricity utilizing the temperature differential between the confined water and ambient water. The heat transfer structures can be configured to transfer solar energy to the confined water using a convective process; and some or all of the heat transfer structures can be configured to transfer solar energy to the stored water using a distillation process that optionally produces distilled water as a by-product. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100018205 | SOLAR POWER GENERATOR - A solar power generator includes a support, a base, a light-transmitting plate and a generator set. The base is connected to the support. The bottom of the base is provided with a plurality of air holes. The light-transmitting plate is connected to the base to form an accommodating space. The light-transmitting plate is provided with an air outlet in communication with the accommodating space. The generator set is provided in the air outlet and has an impeller and a generator connected to the impeller. When gas enters from the air holes and flows outside via the air outlet, the gas drives the impeller to rotate and then the rotation energy is converted into outputted electricity via the generator. Via this arrangement, the amount of heat exchange between internal gases and external gases and the flowing speed of gas can be increased, so that the generation performance of the generator can be improved. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100307153 | Steam Storage System For Artificial Solar Island | 12-09-2010 |
| 20090107146 | SOLAR ENERGY POWER GENERATOR - A solar energy power generator comprises a solar energy heating device for absorbing solar energy for heating medium flowing therethrough; a secondary heating device for further heating medium flowing through the solar energy heating device so as to generate air convection; and a power generator for generating electric power by air convection for driving a load. The solar energy heating device and the secondary heating device heat air so that air convection generates in the hot air convection space so as to drive the power generator to generate electric power for driving a load. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20110302921 | Hybrid Power Plant - A hybrid power plant is described in which a pressurized water nuclear reactor or a biomass-fueled power plant, which have a relatively low operating temperature, such as, is combined with a coal or other fossil fuel power plant having a higher operating temperature. Steam from the first plant is superheated in the second power plant to provide a hybrid plant with improved efficiencies and lower emissions. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110113777 | TANK FOR CONTAINING LIQUIDS - The present invention relates to a tank for the containment of a liquid, preferably a molten salt, said tank being associable to an aspiration pump of said liquid, wherein said tank comprises a bottom from which a lateral wall raises and wherein said aspiration pump requires a minimum level of liquid in said tank for operating, characterized in that it comprises at least an element occupying a volume and placeable inside said tank with at least a portion of said volume arranged at a height, with respect to said bottom, which is lower than said minimum level. The improved tanks of the present invention are suitable as storage tanks for liquids at elevated temperature such as molten salts to be used in heat storage systems in connection with solar power plants. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20120144831 | METHOD OF GENERATING SUPERHEATED STEAM IN A SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT AND SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT - A method of generating superheated steam in a solar thermal power plant is provided, in which in a flow section for heat transfer medium steam is generated by solar energy in an evaporator zone and the steam is superheated by solar energy in a superheater zone. An evaporation end point of the evaporator zone is fixed in position in a control method, in which a spatial temperature gradient in the superheater zone and a temperature in the evaporator zone are determined and the mass flow of heat transfer medium in the flow section is adjusted in dependence upon the temperature gradient and the measured temperature in the evaporator zone. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20100199669 | Thermal Energy Store - A method for alternate storage and outputting of the thermal energy which is obtained in the primary circuit of a solar-thermal power station, using a heat carrier medium, which can be partially fed between a plurality of storage tanks, in each case flowing through a heat transmission apparatus which is operatively connected to the primary circuit and/or to the steam/water circuit, which heat carrier medium can be heated to a higher temperature or can be cooled to a lower temperature, the aim is to provide a solution which makes it possible, with a storage capacity which is the same as that of installations known from the prior art, to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular with a smaller space requirement and occupying a smaller installation area. This is achieved in that at least one of the plurality of storage tanks is alternately used for storage of a respectively partially fed volume of the heat carrier medium in the state of its higher temperature and for storage of a respectively partially fed volume of the heat carrier medium in the state of its lower temperature. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20090313995 | POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A power generation system comprising: at least one solar collector arranged to heat deliver energy to a fluid so as to boil the fluid to form a vapour at least one prime mover arranged to receive the vapour and to be driven thereby so as to drive a load, and a condenser for returning the vapour to a liquid phase, and a compressor for compressing/pressurising the fluid, the power generation system further including a gas pressure reduction station for reducing the pressure of natural gas, and wherein the cold generated at the gas pressure reduction station is supplied to the condenser. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20110314812 | THERMAL STORAGE SYSTEM - A thermal storage system includes a first tank and a second tank thermally interfaced with the first tank. A pump is connected between the first tank and the second tank to move a fluid from the first tank to the second tank. A first heat exchanger includes a heat-exchanging portion that is located within the first tank. A second heat exchanger includes another heat-exchanging portion that is located within the second tank. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110314813 | SOLAR RECEIVER SYSTEM - A solar receiver is provided. The solar receiver may include a receiver housing with front and rear ends. The solar receiver may also include a window configured to allow radiation to pass therethrough. The window may be mounted at the front end and project within the housing. The solar receiver may also include a receiver chamber defined between the housing and the window. The receiver chamber may include a working fluid inlet for ingress of working fluid to be heated therewithin, and a working fluid outlet for egress therethrough of the heated working fluid. The solar receiver may also include a solar radiation absorber configured for absorbing the radiation and heating the working fluid thereby. The absorber may be located within the receiver chamber and may surround at least a portion of the window. The solar radiation absorber may be formed with projections. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120000199 | POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT ROTARY VANE ENGINE - The present invention is an engine, which includes a positive displacement compression process, a variably fueled, continuous combustor and/or heat exchanger, and a positive displacement, work-producing expander. This arrangement avoids the traditional stochiometric mixture requirements utilized in spark-ignition based engines and the emission problems associated with diesel engines. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120111005 | STEAM POWER PLANT WITH A COOLING SYSTEM - In a steam power plant, a first cooling circuit includes a condenser for condensing steam and a first pump for pumping a first cooling fluid through the condenser in order to cool the condenser. A third cooling circuit is a closed cycle cooling circuit that utilizes a second cooling fluid for cooling down at least one component that is different from the condenser. A second cooling circuit includes a heat exchanger that thermally couples the first cooling fluid and the second cooling fluid and utilizes the first cooling fluid in the heat exchanger for cooling down the second fluid and further includes a second pump for pumping the first cooling fluid through the second cooling circuit independently from an operation of the first pump. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120055157 | FUEL HEATING SYSTEM - A system may include an insulated water tank configured to store a first heated water from a first plant component during operation of a plant, and a fuel heater comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the first heated water to a fuel for a gas turbine engine during startup of the plant. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120204564 | SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATOR - A solar electric generator is disclosed that includes a sealed cylindrical casing having a depression in the cylindrical wall, the casing being made of a material that allows the energy of sunlight therethrough, a magnetic wire coiled in the depression, a strut positioned within the casing along a center axis, and a plurality of magnetized vanes configured to rotate (with low friction) on the strut proximate the depression, the vanes having a black side and a white side, an outer portion of the vane being shaped to correspond to the depression in the casing. Other embodiments and methods of generating an alternating current are also disclosed. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120060500 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY - A solar thermal panel is disclosed. An example evacuated flat solar thermal panel includes a first evacuated cavity enclosed between first and second layers of material. A second evacuated cavity is enclosed between third and fourth layers of material. A high temperature working fluid cavity is enclosed between the second and third layers of material. A plurality of pillars are disposed between the first and second layers of material, and disposed between the third and fourth layers of material. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120102949 | APPARATUS FOR THE UTILISATION OF THERMAL RADIATION - Apparatus for the utilisation of thermal radiation having a thermosensitive member, a Fresnel lens for selectively directing thermal radiation onto the thermosensitive member, and a generator means for converting the resulting expansion and contraction of the thermosensitive member into electrical power. The thermosensitive member may be a hollow elongate rod through which fluid may be channelled. The fluid may be salt water and the thermal radiation may be used to transform the water into steam to thereby desalinate the water. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20110088396 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SOLAR STEAM SYSTEM - Methods, apparatus and systems for operating a solar steam system in response to a detected or predicted reduced or impending reduced insolation event are disclosed herein. Examples of transient reduced insolation events include but are not limited to cloud-induced reduction in insolation, dust-induced reduction in insolation, and insolation events caused by solar eclipses. In some embodiments, in response to the detecting or predicting, steam flow is regulated within the solar steam system to reduce a flow rate into a steam turbine. Alternatively or additionally, one or more heliostats may be responsively redirected onto a steam superheater or steam re-heater. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20120124999 | SOLAR COLLECTOR, AND AN ELEXTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION PLANT INCLUDING SUCH SOLAR COLECTORS - A solar collector ( | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120131915 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCUMULATING STEAM IN TANKS FOR SOLAR USE - System and method for accumulating steam in tanks for solar use made up of two sets of Ruths tanks ( | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120247102 | SOLAR HEAT COLLECTING APPARATUS AND SOLAR POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, a solar heat collecting apparatus comprises a first heat exchanging unit and a second heat exchanging unit. The first heat exchanging unit includes a first pipe through which a heat medium flows and a first heat receiving face which receives heat of sunlight reflected by a plurality of reflecting units. The first heat exchanging unit heats the heat medium flowing through the first pipe by using heat of the first heat receiving face. A second heat exchanging unit includes a second pipe through which the heat medium heated by the first heat exchanging unit flows, a second heat receiving face which receives heat of the sunlight reflected by a plurality of reflecting units, and a nozzle provided to the second pipe to discharge the heat medium flowing through the second pipe toward a back face of the second heat receiving face. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20110179789 | VERTICAL AXIS SOLAR POWERED GENERATOR - An electrical power generation system comprises a vertical axis solar powered generator having a bottom side grounded and a top side connected to a vertical rotor shaft, a central rotating hub having a center connected to the vertical rotor shaft, a solar energy collecting and converting unit enclosed in a transparent dome mounted on a top side of the central rotating hub, and a plurality of rotating arms having a proximal end secured to the central rotating hub and a distal end connected to a dual-V roller bearing. The system further comprises an electric motor with a propeller mounted proximate to the distal end of rotating arms, a shroud attached to ground, and a pair of hollow tubes attached to the shroud. Solar energy collecting and converting unit provides electric energy to electric motor which turns the propeller and rotates the rotating arms thereby causing electric energy generation by generator. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20120255300 | SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANT - A solar thermal power plant including a solar collector steam generator unit for generating steam, a solar collector steam superheater unit for superheating the steam, and a steam turbine is provided. The solar thermal power plant includes an intermediate storage which is connected to the steam conduit system in a first high-temperature storage connecting point interposed between the solar thermal steam superheater unit and the steam turbine to remove steam superheated in a storage mode from the steam conduit and which includes a heat reservoir in which thermal energy is drained from the steam fed into during the storage mode and is accumulated and the stored thermal energy is given off to the steam in an extraction mode, steam being fed to the steam conduit system from the intermediate storage. The intermediate storage is connected to a condenser and/or a relaxation device of the plant in a low-temperature storage connecting point. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120260656 | PHASE-CHANGE HEAT-STORAGE THERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A phase-change heat-storage thermal power generation system includes a solar receiver having a first entrance and a first exit; a working fluid for flowing into and then out of the solar receiver; a valve for controllably closing or opening the first exit; a first storage tank communicating with the first exit; a first thermal tank accommodating the first storage tank; a first phase-change material filled between the first thermal tank and the first storage tank; a thermal power generation device having a second entrance and a second exit; the working fluid can flow into the thermal power generation device from the second entrance and flow out of the second exit.; and a second storage tank communicating with the second exit and the first entrance; the working fluid can flow out of the second exit to enter the second storage tank and then flow back to the first entrance. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20110259006 | VERSATILE THERMAL SOLAR SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING HOT WATER UP TO HIGH TEMPERATURES - The present invention refers to a versatile thermal solar system for producing hot water up to high temperatures. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20120317981 | HEAT RECOVERY STEAM GENERATOR, METHOD FOR RETROFITTING A HEAT RECOVERY STEAM GENERATOR AND RELATED PROCESS FOR GENERATING POWER - A solar receiver ( | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120085094 | Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) System for Desalination - A photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) system and a method of cooling photovoltaic (PV) cells in the system is described herein. Energy from an excitation source such as the sun hits the PV cells in the PV-T system causing heating that reduces PV efficiency. The PV cells are cooled by fluid in an intact heat-transfer system making a heated water byproduct while the PV cells release a form of energy. In addition, the PV-T system can be implemented in a desalination plant to harvest energy and heat for desalination processes. The present invention also includes methods for transferring heat from PV cells to the earth to improve PV performance and reduce thermal shock to the PV cells. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085093 | HYBRID RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM HAVING UNDERGROUND HEAT STORAGE APPARATUS - Disclosed herein is a hybrid renewable energy system having an underground heat storage apparatus. A solar collector is provided on or around a building structure and collects solar heat to heat a heat medium. A transfer pipe transfers the heat medium, heated by the solar collector, into the underground. The heat storage apparatus stores heat received from the heat medium and heats, using the stored heat, both cold water supplied from the building structure through a supply pipe and air supplied from an inlet duct. A return pipe returns the heat medium from the heat storage apparatus to the solar collector. An inlet pipe supplies hot water produced by the heat storage apparatus to the building structure. A connection duct supplies air heated by the heat storage apparatus into the building structure to heat the room of the building structure. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20110308248 | PRESSURIZED-GAS POWERED COMPRESSOR AND SYSTEM COMPRISING SAME - The present invention provides a compressor powered by a pressurized gas, whether steam or another working fluid, and a system for extracting work using such as compressor. The pressurized gas may comprise a heated working fluid in a gaseous state, to displace a piston in an input circuit, which in turn displaces a piston in an output circuit, thereby compressing a compressible fluid or displacing an incompressible fluid. A purpose of the compressor is to convert waste heat, heat generated by the combustion of biomass or other fuels, or heat resulting from the concentration of solar energy into useful power, whether configured to produce compressed air or pump water, which can displace the electricity otherwise used for this purpose, or to produce electricity or motive force directly, through a hydraulic circuit. The system for extracting work does so by an output fluid which is compressed or pumped by a pressurized gas powered compressor. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120137683 | RUN-UP METHOD FOR A SOLAR STEAM POWER PLANT - A run-up method for a solar steam power plant is proposed. In the run-up method an auxiliary steam is used to generate seal steam for a steam-turbine of the power plant. The auxiliary steam is produced by a heat-exchanger-system that is to provide, during a subsequent power-mode, overheated steam for driving the steam-turbine. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20130008163 | TUBULAR SOLAR RECEIVERS AND SYSTEMS USING THE SAME - A solar receiver including at least more than one tubular array, each tubular array including a tube operative to be heated by solar radiation impinging thereon, an inlet for allowing a working fluid to flow into the tube so as to be heated therein, and an outlet for allowing the heated working fluid to flow out of the tube, each tubular array being in fluid communication with a thermal energy consumption system so as to provide the working fluid to the thermal energy consumption system. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130008164 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RENEWABLE ELECTRICAL POWER PRODUCTION USING WAVE ENERGY - Wave energy conversion to produce electricity uses wave-engaging articulated, forward and after barges connected to a center inertial barge. A damper plate attached to the central barge minimizes heaving to increase stability. The barges use composite materials, steel or other materials that can withstand the impact and wear caused by a corrosive weather environment. A movable ballast weight in each barge adjusts the mass moment of inertia, and changes the natural pitching frequency. Electrical energy is generated from the motions of the barges and the movement of the movable ballast weights being converted by linear induction motor/generators and/or Pelton Wheel hydraulic systems connected to electrical generators. A dynamic computer control system controls the energy generating system to keep the forward/after barges and the movable ballast moving in phase with the wave excitation force. During dangerous wave action, the system is submerged and then re-surfaced when the waves have subsided. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130014507 | Floating Type Solar Energy Collection/Power DeviceAANM Tai; Chang-HsienAACI Neipu HsiangAACO TWAAGP Tai; Chang-Hsien Neipu Hsiang TWAANM Miao; Jr-MingAACI Neipu HsiangAACO TWAAGP Miao; Jr-Ming Neipu Hsiang TWAANM Ho; Ming-HuiAACI Neipu HsiangAACO TWAAGP Ho; Ming-Hui Neipu Hsiang TWAANM Hsu; Uzu-KueiAACI Neipu HsiangAACO TWAAGP Hsu; Uzu-Kuei Neipu Hsiang TW - A floating type solar energy collection/power device includes a base having a compartment receiving a working fluid. A heat collecting assembly is mounted to an opening of the compartment to seal the compartment. A heat conducting assembly is mounted in the compartment and includes a heat conducting tube and a pump. The heat conducting tube includes a first end in communication with the compartment and a second end connected to the pump. The pump draws the first working fluid into the second end of the heat conducting tube via an inlet of the pump. A heat machine includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a gas turbine. The compressor, the heat exchanger, and the gas turbine are connected to each other by a plurality of pipes. The gas turbine is connected to a generator. The heat exchanger and the working fluid undergo heat exchange. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130019598 | STEAM GENERATOR AND ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEM USING THE SAME - The present invention provides a steam generator capable of greatly improving energy efficiency, and an energy supply system that uses the steam generator. The steam generator of the present invention includes a high-temperature chamber to which heat of 250° C. to 800° C. is supplied; a low-temperature chamber arranged adjacent to the high-temperature chamber and configured to produce low-temperature steam of 50° C. to 185° C. from water using the heat of the high-temperature chamber; and at least one thermoelectric element arranged between the high-temperature chamber and the low-temperature chamber. | 01-24-2013 |
