Importance

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Abstract

Systems and methods for concentrating solar energy in the high earth atmosphere and transmitting the concentrated solar energy to the earth's surface. A system includes a light weight solar concentrator, supported by a light weight, rigid, buoyant, structure (36). The buoyant structure is suspended high in the earth's atmosphere above clouds and weather. Steerable mirrors, and/or a steerable structure, enable the concentrator to track the sun. In one embodiment, a buoyant light pipe (20) enables the transmission of concentrated solar energy from the high altitude concentrator to the earth's surface for further use. The system provides concentrated solar energy for use at any location on the earth, such use including generation of electricity via thermal or photovoltaic means and, direct and indirect process heat. The uses of process heat include desalination and hydrogen or methanol or other fuel production. A high solar concentration ratio enables high temperature, and hence high efficiency heat engine operation. With the provision of a thermal storage unit a system can provide utility scale continuous electricity generation and process heat at any location on the planet.

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First Claim