The present invention is primarily directed to cost-effective systems for using large reflective elements that track the sun on two axes to concentrate solar energy onto a receiver that can convert the sun's optical energy to a form usable for extensive displacement of combustion of fossil fuels. The structures of the tracker frame, tracking mechanism and tracker supports are co-optimized with the optical elements and the receiver for high efficiency, low cost, and ease of assembly, making moderate and large-scale implementations cost-competitive with fossil fuels for peak power, and. with suitable storage, for base-load power and dispatchable peaking power in sunny locations. Improvement to small-tracker two-axis systems and one-axis tracking systems that focus in two dimensions are also included, as are improvements in systems for space-based solar power.

Systems for cost-effective concentration and utilization of solar energy

In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. In certain example embodiments, a bracket or pad (2204) is bonded to a reflecting panel (2202). The bracket has at least one fastening element (2206) protruding therefrom. The fastening element cooperates with at least a hole formed in a mounting frame (2214) for securing the panel to a frame (2212), e.g., in mounting the panel. In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element comprises two deformable tabs (2208a,2208b). In certain example embodiments, the at least one fastening element is a shoulder screw (2308) that cooperates with a keyhole (2318) and slot (2316) arrangement provided to the mounting frame, with the shoulder screw being held in place by an optional spring clip.

Mounting brackets for mirrors, and associated methods

A solar collector has operably connected reflective panels that can be positioned to substantially form a parabolic trough that concentrates solar radiation onto a tube running along the focal line of the trough. A folding mechanism can be manually or automatically operated to selectively fold and unfold the panels into open and closed positions and into any number of intermediate positions, including the position characterized by formation of a parabolic trough. A rotating mechanism can be manually or automatically operated to selectively rotate the solar collector about an axis parallel to the focus line of the parabolic trough.

Adjustable solar collector and method of use

Laminated articles and layered articles, for example, low alkali glass laminated articles and layered articles useful for, for example, electrochromic devices are described.

Glass laminated articles and layered articles

A solar collector system includes a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib (60a) associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided.

Stiffening members for reflectors used in concentrating solar power apparatus, and method of making same

A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.

Kevin O'connor

Papers

Parabolic trough or dish reflector for use in concentrating solar power apparatus and method of making same