Utility module for solar collector system

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include utility modules for use with solar collector systems. In operation, the solar collector generates thermal energy that is used by a heat consuming application, such as electricity generation, heating applications, water desalination, enhanced oil recovery, food processing, chemical production, and mineral processing, adsorption chillers, or any other type of application that consumes heat. The utility module controls the operation of the solar collector, receives thermal energy from the solar collector, and distributes thermal energy to the heat consuming application. Some utility module embodiments include an electrical room and a mechanical room adjacent to the electrical room. In some embodiments, the mechanical room includes a modular Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem, a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem, and Testing subsystem.

Description

UTILITY MODULE FOR SOLAR COLLECTOR SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 701,387 titled “Utility Module for Solar Collector System” filed Sep. 30, 2024, and currently pending. The entire contents of U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 701,387 are incorporated herein by reference.OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY

[0002] Disclosed embodiments include utility modules for use with solar collector systems. In operation, the solar collector system generates thermal energy that is used by a heat consuming application, such as electricity generation, heating applications, water desalination, enhanced oil recovery, food processing, chemical production, and mineral processing, adsorption chillers, or any other type of application that consumes heat. The utility module controls the operation of the solar collector system, receives thermal energy from the solar collector system, and distributes thermal energy to the heat consuming application, among other functions.

[0003] Some utility module embodiments include an electrical room and a mechanical room adjacent to the electrical room.

[0004] In some embodiments, the mechanical room includes a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem, a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem, and an Testing subsystem.

[0005] In some embodiments, the electrical room includes a control system communicatively coupled to (i) the solar collector system and (ii) the mechanical room subsystems, including the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem. In some embodiments, the control system is additionally communicatively coupled to the heat consuming application. In operation, the control system in the electrical room is configured to configure, monitor, and control at least some aspects of the operation of the solar collector system, the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem.

[0006] The control system in the electrical room includes one or more processors, and tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the control system to perform functions relating to the configuration, monitoring, and control of the solar collector system, the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem.

[0007] The utility module, HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem are modularized, which provides relative flexibility and efficiency with manufacturing, shipping and logistics, and operational deployment compared to existing systems.

[0008] For example, a solar collector system installation implementing aspects of the examples described herein might include tens or even hundreds of solar collectors and one or more corresponding utility modules connected thereto. The total number of solar collectors is limited by available geography / land, and in general is primarily dictated by project capacity demand (which might include not only energy / heat needed for the heat consuming application, but also additional capacity and / or thermal energy storage (TES) requirements). The number of utility modules is determined by how the overall system is engineered for integration to meet the required project parameters and specifications, including the parameters and specifications of the heat consuming application(s) and other project requirements.

[0009] One utility module may be sufficient for many solar collector system installations. However, it is possible that a large solar field might need one or more additional utility modules containing pumps to act as a booster station(s), manifold(s), TES subsystems, and / or monitoring / testing station(s) for efficient and effective operation and management of all the solar collectors in the solar collector system. In some configurations, a first utility module may be configured as a primary utility module, and subsequent utility modules may be configured as secondary utility modules. For example, one or more secondary utility modules may be configured to function as a booster station(s), manifold(s), TES subsystems, and / or monitoring / testing station(s).

[0010] Secondary utility modules configured to function as booster station(s), manifold(s), TES subsystems, and / or monitoring / testing station(s) can be advantageous in solar collector system installations where there are large geographic gaps between solar collectors or groups of solar collectors because of geographic restrictions (e.g., harsh terrain that may be impractical for solar collector system installation, land use restrictions, and so on).

[0010] The modularity of the utility module, HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem enable easy customization of different utility modules. For example, the primary utility module may include a HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem. A secondary utility module configured for extra thermal energy storage may include three TES subsystems. Another secondary utility module configured for monitoring a portion of the solar collector system installation may include one or more Testingsubsystems. Another secondary utility module may include two HED subsystems connected to two groups of solar collector systems. Other configurations of utility modules with various combinations of HED subsystems, TES subsystems, and Testing subsystems are possible as well.

[0011] In addition to providing enhanced flexibility during system deployment as described above, the modularity of the utility module, HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem also provide advantages during manufacturing.

[0012] For example, whereas current approaches typically include custom-engineered configurations specially designed for placement in existing facilities, some of the disclosed HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem configurations are standardized, and can thus be manufactured in an efficient fashion, such as an assembly line fashion. These standardized HED subsystems, TES subsystems, and Testing subsystems can be manufactured and stored so that they can be shipped and / or installed into a utility module and shipped when needed.

[0013] For example, and as described further herein, the modularity of the HED subsystems, TES subsystems, and Testing subsystems enable scenarios where, for example, (i) a utility module is provisioned at the factory with an interconnected HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem, and (ii) the provisioned utility module (containing the interconnected HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem) can be shipped from the factory to a location where the utility module is to be deployed as part of the solar collector system installation. In some embodiments, the utility module is the same size as a standard shipping container, thereby providing additional flexibility for shipping and logistical advantages because the utility module can be easily accommodated by standard trucks, train cars, and container ships.

[0014] However, the modularity of the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem also enable scenarios where the utility module, HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem are shipped from the factory to a location where the utility module is to be deployed. And then at the location, the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem can be easily slid into place within the utility module and interconnected to each other, thereby providing further deployment flexibility.

[0015] The modularity of the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem additionally allows for more streamlined maintenance and repair as compared to traditional custom-engineered approaches. For example, if the TES subsystem is experiencing problems, a replacement TES subsystem can be shipped from the factory to theinstallation location. Then, the problematic TES subsystem can be decoupled from the HED subsystem and removed from the utility module, and the replacement TES subsystem can be slid into the utility module and connected to the HED subsystem. The problematic TES subsystem can then be shipped back to the factory for diagnostics and perhaps repair.

[0016] The modularized and standardized configuration of the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem also provides advantages with pre-shipping quality control and testing. For example, and as mentioned above and described further herein, the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem can be installed into the utility module at the factory. Then, the utility module equipped with the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem can be tested and verified at the factory before being shipped to the deployment location. Performing testing and verification at the factory avoids scenarios that arise with typical custom-engineered configurations where a field engineer may not leam until implementation that parts are missing, are the wrong size, or do not otherwise fit or work for the implementation. By avoiding such scenarios, the disclosed utility module embodiments enable faster and more streamlined installation.

[0017] The above-described advantages, and other advantages, are realized through various features and combinations of features of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the combination of movable skids and standardized interfaces for the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem facilitates easy configuration, installation, shipping and logistics, and / or operations and maintenance.

[0018] For instance, in some embodiments, the HED subsystem sits on an HED skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room of the utility module. The HED subsystem includes (i) an interface configured to fluidly connect the HED subsystem to a solar collector interface of the utility module (that connects the utility module to a solar collector system), (ii) an interface configured to fluidly connect the HED subsystem to the TES subsystem, and (iii) an interface configured to fluidly connect the HED subsystem to a switching module arranged to selectively fluidly connect the HED subsystem to one or both of (a) the Testing subsystem or (b) an application interface of the utility module (that connects to a heat consuming application).

[0019] The TES subsystem sits on a TES skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room of the utility module. The TES subsystem includes an interface configured to fluidly connect the TES subsystem to the HED subsystem.

[0020] The Testing subsystem sits on an Testing skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room of the utility module. The Testing subsystem includes (i) one or moreinstrumentation interfaces configured to connect the Testing subsystem with one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operational parameters of heat transfer fluid supplied from the HED module and returned to the HED module, and (ii) an interface configured to connect the Testing subsystem with the switching module.

[0021] As another example of the advantages realized through various features and combinations of features of the disclosed embodiments, the utility module configurations contained herein enable a solar collector system and resource architecture that departs from such architectures implemented in existing solar collector systems. In particular, by implementing the TES subsystem as part of the utility module itself, together with other components and subsystems of the modularized utility module including the HED subsystem, the HED subsystem is enabled to use the TES subsystem as an energy storage resource providing for more reliable distribution of heat to the heat consuming application. Moreover, within examples, the TES subsystem is managed as part of the utility module, in a manner that is partly or entirely opaque from the normal operating considerations of an operator of the heat consuming application. This approach differs from existing approaches insofar as existing approaches may typically integrate a thermal energy storage resource (if any) separate from the solar collector system in such a way that the reliability of the solar collector system (from the perspective of the heat consuming application operator) is relatively low, and in such a way that the heat consuming operator is responsible for management (in whole or in part) of the thermal energy storage resource.

[0022] Certain examples described herein may include none, some, or all of the above described features and / or advantages. Further, additional features and / or advantages may be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art based on reading the figures, descriptions, and claims included hereinBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example solar collector system including a solar collector array and a utility module according to some embodiments

[0025] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example mechanical room of a utility module according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 3A shows an overhead view of an example utility module according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 3B shows a side view of the example utility module of Figure 3 A according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 3C shows a side view of a portion of the mechanical room of the utility module of Figure 3 A according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of an example Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of some components of an example Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of some components of an example Testing subsystem according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which certain example embodiments are shown. The components shown and described with reference to the figures may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. Rather, the example embodiments disclosed herein are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventions contained herein to those skilled in the art.

[0033] When an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present there between. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] Although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section.

[0035] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including,” and “have” and / or “having,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” and “upper” or “top,” and “inner” or “outer,” may be used herein to describe one element’s relationship to other elements as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.I. Example Solar Collector System

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example solar collector system 100 including a solar collector array 102, a utility module 104, an optional secondary utility module 105 according to some embodiments.

[0039] In operation, fluid is sent from the utility module 104 to the solar collector array 102 via supply line 106. The solar collector array may be any type of solar energy collector now known or later developed that is suitable for using solar energy to heat a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas). For example, the solar collector array 102 may be the same as or similar to any of the solar collector arrays disclosed and described in (i) U.S. App. 18 / 543,227 titled “Enclosed Solar Thermal Energy Generation System and Methods of Operation,” fded on Dec. 18, 2023, and currently pending, and / or (ii) U.S. Provisional App. 63 / 667,882 titled “Actuation System for Solar Collector System,” fded on Jul. 5, 2024, and currently pending. Aspects of the disclosed utility module are equally applicable to other types of solar collector systems or other systems configured to heat fluids, such as geothermal systems.

[0040] The optional secondary utility module 105 (sometimes referred to as a booster module) is configured to support the primary utility module 104. The secondary utility module 105 in some examples may be equipped with additional distribution components (such as pumps) to help with fluid circulation, and / or additional testing systems and instrumentation so that the fluid flow can be interrogated out among the solar array(s). Thesecondary utility module 105 in some examples might also include storage / components for use in repairing the solar arrays, etc. The secondary utility module 105 might also include weather station equipment and communication equipment and / or communication link interfaces. Example configurations of secondary (or booster) utility modules are described in Section IV below.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 1, the solar collector array 102 includes a set of buildings 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110c. The outer surface of each building is covered in a material that is transparent or substantially transparent to solar radiation. Each building houses a solar reflector assembly configured to focus solar energy onto a thermal pipe running through the interior of the building. For example, thermal pipe 112a extends through the interior of building 110a, thermal pipe 112b extends through the interior of building 110b, thermal pipe 112c extends through building 110c, and thermal pipe 112d extends through building 1 lOd. In some examples, any one or more (or all) of the buildings 1 lOa-d may also include supplemental Thermal Energy Storage (TES) components. For example, in some configurations, the flooring of a building may include tiles made from thermal storage materials, or the building may contain other thermal energy storage equipment. Various supplemental TES configurations are described in more detail with reference to supplemental TES 226 shown and described with reference to Figure 2.

[0042] The fluid from the utility module 104 is routed from the solar collector supply line 106 through the thermal pipes 112a-d extending through the buildings 1 lOa-d where the fluid is heated by the solar energy reflected onto the thermal pipes 112a-d. The heated fluid is routed from the solar array 102 back to the utility module 104 via the solar collector return line 108. The combination of the solar collector supply line 106 and the solar collector return line 108 (as well as other suitable connecting elements such as thermal pipes 112a-d) is sometimes referred to as the solar collector loop. The example in Figure 1 shows an configuration where the solar arrays are connected in series. In other examples, several solar arrays may be connected in parallel and then combined at one or both of the primary utility module 104 or the secondary utility module 105.

[0043] In some embodiments, a building with a solar reflector assembly enclosed therein may be referred to as a “thermal module.” Examples of thermal modules include the 5kWt thermal unit marketed under the product name Asterix™ and the 50kWt thermal unit marketed under the name Obelix™ available from SolarSteam Inc. of Calgary, Canada.

[0044] Within the utility module 104, thermal energy of the heated fluid is transferred to a heat consuming application 120 via application supply line 116 and returned to the utilitymodule 104 via application return line 118. The combination of the application supply line 116 and the application return line 118 is sometimes referred to as the application loop.

[0045] The heat consuming application 120 may be any type of heat consuming application now known or later developed that can use thermal energy transferred from the heated fluid, including but not limited to electricity generation, heating applications, water desalination, enhanced oil recovery, food processing, chemical production, and mineral processing, absorption chillers, adsorption chillers, or any other type of application that consumes heat.II. Example Mechanical Room Components and Interconnections

[0046] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example mechanical room 200 of a utility module according to some embodiments. The block diagram shows how the various components of the mechanical room 200 connect to other components of the solar collector system, including (i) the electrical room of the utility module, (ii) the solar collector system 201, and (iii) the heat consuming application 203.

[0047] The mechanical room 200 includes (i) a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem 210, (ii) a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem 220, and (iii) an Testing subsystem 240. The subsystems are communicatively coupled to the electrical room of the utility module via the electrical room interface 270. For example, in some embodiments, each of the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and / or the Testing subsystem 240 include sensors and controls to monitor the operation of their constituent components. In the example shown in Figure 2, (i) the sensors and controls of the HED subsystem 210 (e.g., positioned at interfaces 211, 212, or 213, or elsewhere within the HED subsystem 210) are connected to the electrical room interface 270 via communications link 271, (ii) the sensors and controls of the TES subsystem 220 (e.g., positioned at interface 222, interface 225, or elsewhere within the TES subsystem 220) are connected to the electrical room interface 270 via communications link 272, and (iii) the sensors and controls of the Testing subsystem 240 are connected to the electrical room interface 270 via communications link 273. The electrical room interface 270 in turn facilitates communications between the various sensors, controls, and other instrumentation within the subsystems of the mechanical room and the control systems within the electrical room.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 2, the HED subsystem 210 is connected to three fluid loops: (i) an application loop 280, (ii) a TES loop 285, and (iii) a solar collector loop 290. In operation, the HED subsystem 210 is configured to facilitate the transfer ofthermal energy between the solar collector system 201 via the solar collector loop 290 and the heat consuming application 203 via the application loop 280. The HED subsystem 210 in some embodiments is also configured to facilitate both (i) the transfer of thermal energy between the solar collector system 201 via the solar collector loop 290 and the TES subsystem 220 via the TES loop 285 and (ii) the transfer of thermal energy between the TES subsystem 220 via the TES loop 285 and the heat consuming application 203 via the application loop 280.

[0049] The TES subsystem 220 is configured to store thermal energy from the HED subsystem 210 received via the TES loop 285. The TES subsystem 220 in some embodiments is also configured to return stored thermal energy back to the HED subsystem 210 via the TES loop 285. In some configurations, the utility module uses thermal energy returned to the HED subsystem 210 from the TES subsystem 220 to provide thermal energy to the heat consuming application 203 via the application loop 280. In some examples, the TES subsystem 220 is configured to provide thermal energy for “pre-heating” solar collector fluid circulated via the solar collector loop 290 at system startup.

[0050] The Testing subsystem 240 is configured to facilitate testing, calibration, and / or diagnostic activities. For example, in some instances, the Testing subsystem 240 can be configured as a “test load” for the HED subsystem 210 to verify that the HED subsystem can achieve desired operating parameters before connecting the heat consuming application 203 to the application loop 280. In some configurations, the Testing subsystem 240 includes an instrumentation module 248 configured to connect to sensors arranged to monitor operating parameters of the application loop 280 and / or the solar collector loop 290. In some embodiments, the instrumentation module 248 may additionally connect to sensors arranged to monitor operating parameters of the TES loop 285.

[0051] Various features and configurations of the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 are described in the following sections.A. Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) Subsystem

[0052] The HED subsystem 210 includes at least one HED buffer tank 214 configured to hold a fluid, such as a heat transfer fluid. The fluid may be any suitable liquid or gas. Examples include but are not limited to water, a water-glycol mixture, thermal oils, molten salts, gases (e.g., steam, Carbon Dioxide, or other suitable gasses), and / or silicone fluids. In some examples, the HED buffer tank 214 configured to additionally or alternatively hold other thermal storage materials, such as paraffins, fatty acids, inorganic salthydrates, eutectic compounds, phase change materials, or other materials suitable for storing thermal energy.

[0053] In operation, the HED subsystem 210 is configured to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy between and among the solar collector system 201, the heat consuming application 203, and the TES subsystem 220, and the buffering of (i.e., temporary storage of) thermal energy in connection with facilitating the transfer of the thermal energy. In some embodiments, the transfer of thermal energy is accomplished via the circulation of fluids between and among one or more (or all) of the solar collector system 201, the heat consuming application 203, and the TES subsystem 220. In some embodiments, the buffering of thermal energy in connection with facilitating the transfer of the thermal energy includes storing the thermal energy in a fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid) or a solid (e.g., a thermal storage material or a phase change material) within the HED buffer tank 214.

[0054] In some embodiments, the HED subsystem 210 also includes one or more pumps, such as pumps 215 and 216, arranged to facilitate (i) circulation of heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem 210 and the application loop 280 and (ii) circulation of heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem 210 and the solar collector loop 290.

[0055] The HED subsystem 210 in some embodiments also includes (i) interface 211 configured to connect the HED subsystem 210 with the solar collector loop 290, (ii) interface 212 configured to connect the HED subsystem 210 with the Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem 220 (and the TES loop 285), and (iii) interface 213 configured to connect the HED subsystem 210 to the application loop 280.

[0056] And as mentioned above, the HED subsystem 210 is connected to the electrical room interface 270 of the utility module via communications link 271 to enable monitoring and control of the various components of the HED subsystem 210. i. Thermal Energy Transfer Between the Solar Collector Loop and Application Loop

[0057] As mentioned earlier, one function of the HED buffer tank 214 is to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy from the solar collector system 201 to a heat consuming application 203. This transfer of thermal energy from the solar collector system 201 to the heat consuming application 203 via the HED buffer tank 214 can be accomplished via any suitable configuration, including any of several different configurations of the HED buffer tank 214, the application loop 280, and the solar collector loop 290 described herein. Another function of the HED buffer tank 214 is to facilitate both (i) the transfer of thermalenergy between the solar collector system 201 and the TES subsystem 220 and (ii) the transfer of thermal energy between the TES subsystem 220 and the heat consuming application 203.

[0058] In some configurations, “waste heat” harvested from the heat consuming application 203 can be used as an initial “step up” heat contribution applied to the solar collector fluid supplied from the HED buffer tank 214 before the solar collector fluid is routed via line 291a to the solar collector system 20 E In such a configuration, the “waste heat” might be collected via a waste heat recovery unit when it is output from a process of the heat consuming application. Such waste heat might then be routed proximate to line 291a and then transferred to the fluid of line 291a via any suitable heat exchanger.

[0059] In other configurations, “waste heat” harvested from the heat consuming application 203 may be used in other ways additionally or instead. In an example, “waste heat” harvested from the heat consuming application 203 can be used to “step up” a temperature of fluid returning to the HED buffer tank 214 within return link 282a of the application loop 280. In such a configuration, the “waste heat” might be collected via a waste heat recovery unit when it is output from a process of the heat consuming application 203. Such waste heat might then be routed proximate to link 282a and then transferred to the fluid of line 282a via any suitable heat exchanger.

[0060] The following sections describe several alternative configurations of the HED buffer tank 214, the application loop 280, the solar collector loop 290, and the TES loop 285. a. HED Buffer Tank Contains Application Fluid for the Application Loop

[0061] In some example embodiments, the HED buffer tank 214 contains heat transfer fluid (sometimes referred to herein as “fluid”) that is circulated through the application loop 280 between the HED subsystem 210 and the heat consuming application 203. Thus, in this configuration, the HED buffer tank 214 contains “application fluid.”

[0062] In some such embodiments, the solar collector loop 290 includes heat exchanger 219 disposed within the HED buffer tank 214. In some alternative configurations, the heat exchanger 219 may be external to the HED buffer tank 214, and fluid is routed from the HED buffer tank 214 through the external heat exchanger 219. In operation, the solar collector fluid circulating within the solar collector loop 290 is fluidly isolated from (i.e., does not mix with) the application fluid that is contained within the HED buffer tank 214 and circulated through the application loop 280. In this particular configuration, the HED buffertank 214 is effectively part of the application loop 280, and thus, the HED buffer tank 214 does not require (and does not include) heat exchanger 217.

[0063] In such configurations, heated solar collector fluid received from the solar collector system 201 is routed to the heat exchanger 219, and the heat exchanger 219 transfers the thermal energy of the heated solar collector fluid from the solar collector system 201 to the application fluid contained within the HED buffer tank 214. After the application fluid within the HED buffer tank 214 has been heated, the heated application fluid is pumped from the HED buffer tank 214 and into the application loop 280 via pump 215.

[0064] Although the example configuration shows a single pump 215 arranged to pump the heated application fluid from the HED buffer tank 214 into the application loop 280 via the outlet at interface 213, other example embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a second pump arranged to pump fluid from the application loop 280 into the HED buffer tank 214 via the inlet at interface 213. Some embodiments may include pumps in different locations, and / or additional pumps for circulating the application fluid through the application loop 280.

[0065] Similarly, the example configuration also shows a single pump 216 arranged to pump the solar collector fluid from heat exchanger 219 into the solar collector loop 290 via the outlet at interface 211, other example embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a second pump arranged to pump fluid from the solar collector loop 290 into the heat exchanger 219 via the inlet at interface 213. Some embodiments may include pumps in different locations, and / or additional pumps for circulating the solar collector fluid through the solar collector loop 290. b. HED Buffer Tank Contains Solar Collector Fluid for the Solar Collector Loop

[0066] In some embodiments, the HED buffer tank 214 contains heat transfer fluid (sometimes referred to herein as “fluid” for ease of explanation) that is circulated through the solar collector loop 290 between the HED subsystem 210 and the solar collector system 201. Thus, in this configuration, the HED buffer tank 214 contains “solar collector fluid.”

[0067] In some such embodiments, the application loop 280 includes a heat exchanger 217 disposed within the HED buffer tank 214. In some alternative configurations, the heat exchanger 217 may be external to the HED buffer tank 214, and fluid is routed from the HED buffer tank 214 through the external heat exchanger 217. In operation, the application fluid circulating within the application loop 280 is fluidly isolated from (i.e., does not mix with) the solar collector fluid that is contained within the HED buffer tank 214 andcirculated through the solar collector loop 290. In this particular configuration, the HED buffer tank 214 is effectively part of the solar collector loop 290, and thus, the HED buffer tank 214 does not require (and does not include) heat exchanger 219.

[0068] In such configurations, heated solar collector fluid received from the solar collector system 201 is routed into the HED buffer tank 214, and the heat exchanger 217 transfers the thermal energy of the heated solar collector fluid within the HED buffer tank 214 to the application fluid circulating within the application loop 280. The heated application fluid is pumped from the heat exchanger 217 and into the application loop 280 via pump 215.

[0069] Although the example configuration shows a single pump 215 arranged to pump the heated application fluid from the heat exchanger 217 into the application loop 280 via the outlet at interface 213, other example embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a second pump arranged to pump fluid from the application loop 280 into the heat exchanger 217 via the inlet at interface 213. Some embodiments may include pumps in different locations, and / or additional pumps for circulating the application fluid through the application loop 280.

[0070] Similarly, the example configuration also shows a single pump 216 arranged to pump the solar collector fluid from the HED buffer tank 214 into the solar collector loop 290 via the outlet at interface 211, other example embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a second pump arranged to pump fluid from the solar collector loop 290 into HED buffer tank 214 via the inlet at interface 213. Some embodiments may include pumps in different locations, and / or additional pumps for circulating the solar collector fluid through the solar collector loop 290. c. HED Buffer Tank Fluidly Isolated from the Application and Solar Collector Loops

[0071] In some embodiments, the HED buffer tank 214 contains heat transfer fluid or other suitable heat transfer material that is not circulated through either (i) the solar collector loop 290 between the HED subsystem 210 and the solar collector system 201 or (ii) the application loop 280 between the HED subsystem 210 and the heat consuming application 203.

[0072] In some such embodiments, (i) the application loop 280 includes a heat exchanger 217 disposed within the HED buffer tank 214, and (ii) the solar collector loop 290 includes a heat exchanger 219 disposed within the HED buffer tank 214. In operation, theheat transfer fluid (or other suitable heat transfer material) within the HED buffer tank 214 is fluidly isolated from (i.e., does not mix with) both (i) the application fluid circulating within the application loop 280 (e.g., facilitated at least in part by pump 215) and (ii) the solar collector fluid circulated through the solar collector loop 290 (e.g., facilitated in part by pump 216).

[0073] In such configurations, the heat exchanger 219 transfers thermal energy from the solar collector fluid circulating within the solar collector loop 290 to the heat transfer fluid (or other suitable heat transfer material) held within the HED buffer tank 214, thereby heating the heat transfer fluid (or other suitable heat transfer material) held within the HED buffer tank 214. And the heat exchanger 217 transfers thermal energy from the heat transfer fluid (or other suitable heat transfer material) contained within the HED buffer tank 214 to the application fluid circulating within the application loop 280. ii. Thermal Energy Transfer between the HED Subsystem and TES Subsystem

[0074] The HED subsystem 210 in some embodiments is also configured to facilitate bidirectional transfer of thermal energy between the HED subsystem 210 and the TES subsystem 220. For example, in some embodiments, the HED subsystem 210 is configured to facilitate one or more (or all) of: (i) the transfer of thermal energy from the solar collector system 201 via the solar collector loop 290 to the TES subsystem 220 via the TES loop 285, (ii) the transfer of thermal energy from the TES subsystem 220 via the TES loop 285 to the heat consuming application 203 via the application loop 280, and (iii) the transfer of thermal energy from the heat consuming application 203 via the application loop 280 to the TES subsystem 220 via the TES loop 285. In operation, thermal energy is transferred between the TES subsystem 220 and the HED subsystem 210 via the TES loop 285. The TES loop 285 can be selectively run (or turned off entirely) to store / discharge thermal energy at any given time, depending on what is required to help regulate the temperature of heat that is ultimately supplied to the application loop 280 via the HED subsystem 210. The temperature of the heat supplied to the application loop 280 via the HED subsystem 210 the TES loop 285 can be regulated additionally by controlling the flow rate of the fluid within the TES loop 285.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 2, the TES loop 285 includes heat exchanger 218 disposed within the HED buffer tank 214 and heat exchanger 224 disposed within a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) module 221. In operation, heat transfer fluid is circulated through the TES loop 285 between heat exchanger 224 and heat exchanger 218. The heattransfer fluid circulated through the TES loop 285 is sometimes referred to herein as “TES fluid” for ease of explanation.

[0076] Transferring thermal energy from the HED subsystem 210 to the TES subsystem 220 includes supplying TES fluid from heat exchanger 224 through line 285b (via the interface 222 of the TES subsystem 220 and interface 212 of the HED subsystem 210) to heat exchanger 218 within the HED buffer tank 214. TES fluid within the heat exchanger 218 in the HED buffer tank 214 absorbs thermal energy from the fluid within the HED buffer tank 214. This heated TES fluid is then returned from the heat exchanger 218 through line 285a (via interface 212 of the HED subsystem 210 and interface 222 of the TES subsystem 220) to heat exchanger 224. Heat transfer fluid (or other suitable thermal storage material) within the TES module 221 absorbs the thermal energy from the heated TES fluid within the heat exchanger 224, thereby heating the heat transfer fluid (or other suitable thermal storage material) within the TES module 221. After the heat transfer fluid (or other suitable thermal storage material) within the TES module 221 has absorbed at least some of the thermal energy from TES fluid within the heat exchanger 224, the TES fluid is circulated back through line 285b again (via the interface 222 of the TES subsystem 220 and interface 212 of the HED subsystem 210) to heat exchanger 218 within the HED buffer tank 214 to continue the process.

[0077] In some examples, the other suitable thermal storage material within the HED buffer tank 214 or the TES module 221 may include one or both of a thermal mass and / or a phase change material, where the phase change material can be selected such that it is optimized for storing energy at a temperature that matches a temperature or temperature range suitable for use with the heat consuming application. In some configurations, a “ladder” of thermal energy storage might be used such that the storage material (such as phase change material) includes multiple types of material that are optimized at a ladder of different temperatures. This might be desirable for storing energy for longer periods of time (where thermal material at a relatively higher temperature lasts longer insofar as it can leak temperature over time but still be useful to the application).

[0078] Transferring thermal energy from the TES subsystem 220 to the HED subsystem 210 is similar to transferring thermal energy from the HED subsystem 210 to the TES subsystem but in reverse. Transferring thermal energy from the TES subsystem 220 to the HED subsystem 210 includes supplying TES fluid from heat exchanger 218 through line 285a (via interface 212 of the HED subsystem 210 and interface 222 of the TES subsystem 220) to heat exchanger 224 within the TES module 221. TES fluid within the heat exchanger224 in the TES module 221 absorbs thermal energy from the fluid (or other suitable heat transfer material) within the TES module 221. This heated TES fluid is then returned from the heat exchanger 224 through line 285a (via interface 222 of the TES subsystem 220 and interface 212 of the HED subsystem 210) to heat exchanger 218. Heat transfer fluid within the HED buffer tank 214 absorbs the thermal energy from the heated TES fluid within the heat exchanger 218, thereby heating the fluid within the HED buffer tank 214. After the heat transfer fluid within the HED buffer tank 214 has absorbed at least some of the thermal energy from TES fluid within the heat exchanger 218, the TES fluid is circulated back through line 285a again (via interface 212 of the HED subsystem 210 and interface 222 of the TES subsystem 220) to heat exchanger 224 within the TES module 221 to continue the process.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 2, pump 223 circulates the TES fluid through the TES loop 285. Although the example configuration shows a single pump 223 arranged to pump the TES fluid from the TES module 221 into the TES loop 285, other example embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a second pump arranged to pump TES fluid from the TES loop 285 into the TES module 221. Some embodiments may additionally or alternatively include one or more different pumps in one or more different locations. For example, some embodiments may additionally or alternatively include one or more pumps within the HED subsystem 210 and arranged to pump TES fluid from the TES loop 285 into the into heat exchanger 218 and / or pump TES fluid from heat exchanger 218 into the TES loop 285.

[0080] In some embodiments, the one or more control systems 360 (Figure 3B) in the electrical room 301 (Figures 3A, 3B) are configured to control the bidirectional flow of heat between the HED buffer tank 214 and the TES module 221 based at least in part on monitoring target temperature levels of both the solar collector fluid circulating within the solar collector loop 290 and the TES fluid circulating within the TES loop 285.

[0081] For example, in some embodiments, the one or more control systems 360 cause solar collector fluid to circulate from the HED buffer tank 214 of the utility module to the solar collector system 201 via the solar collector loop 290.

[0082] As described previously, the solar collector system 201 (sometimes referred to herein as “thermal module”) includes one or more buildings covered in a material that is transparent or substantially transparent to solar radiation. Each of the one or more buildings of the solar collector system 201 houses a solar reflector assembly configured to focus solar energy onto a thermal pipe running through the interior of the building.

[0083] In operation, causing the solar collector fluid to circulate from the HED buffer tank 214 of the utility module to the solar collector system 201 via lines 291a and 291b of the solar collector loop 290 includes causing the solar collector fluid to circulate from the HED buffer tank 214 of the utility module through the thermal pipe extending through the interior of the at least one building of the thermal module, whereupon the solar reflector focuses solar energy onto the thermal pipe, thereby heating the solar collector fluid within the thermal pipe. The solar collector fluid that has been heated within the thermal pipe is circulated back to the HED buffer tank 214 via lines 292b and 292a of the solar loop 290.

[0084] While the solar collector fluid is circulating between the HED buffer tank 214 and the solar collector system 201, the one or more control systems 360 (Figure 3B) collect temperature data via one or more sensors disposed within the HED buffer tank 214 (and / or perhaps other or additional sensors) arranged to monitor the temperature of one or more heat transfer materials within the HED buffer tank 214. As mentioned above, the HED buffer tank 214 may include application fluid, solar collector fluid, and / or another heat transfer fluid (or other suitable heat transfer material) depending on the configuration.

[0085] When the one or more control systems 360 (Figure 3B) determine that the temperature of the heat transfer materials does not exceed the target temperature, then the one or more control systems 360 causes the TES module 221 to transfer heat to the HED buffer tank 214, for example, by causing the TES fluid within the TES loop 285 to circulate between the TES module 221 and the HED buffer tank 214 in a manner sufficient to transfer thermal energy stored in the TES module 221 to the HED buffer tank 214, thereby raising the temperature of the one or more heat transfer materials within the HED buffer tank 214.

[0086] And when the one or more control systems 360 (Figure 3B) determine that the temperature of the heat transfer materials exceeds the target temperature, then the one or more control systems 360 causes the HED buffer tank 214 to transfer heat to the TES module 221 for storage, for example, by causing the TES fluid within the TES loop 285 to circulate between the TES module 221 and the HED buffer tank 214 in a manner sufficient to transfer thermal energy from the HED buffer tank 214 to the TES module 221, thereby causing the heat transfer material(s) within the TES module 221 store the thermal energy for future use.B. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Subsystem

[0087] The example TES subsystem 220 in Figure 2 includes (i) a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) module 221, and (ii) an interface 222 configured to connect the TES subsystem 220 with the HED subsystem 210.

[0088] The TES module 221 of the TES subsystem 220 is configured to store thermal energy. In operation, the TES module 221 stores thermal energy received from the HED subsystem 210 via the TES loop 285. The thermal energy stored in the TES module 221 can then be provided back to the HED subsystem 210 when desired.

[0089] In some embodiments, the TES module 221 stores thermal energy in a heat transfer fluid (or other suitable heat transfer material). In some embodiments, the TES module 221 is or comprises a buffer tank similar to the HED buffer tank 214.

[0090] In some examples, the other suitable thermal storage material within the HED buffer tank 214 or the TES module 221 may include one or both of a thermal mass and / or a phase change material, where the phase change material can be selected such that it is optimized for storing energy at a temperature that matches a temperature or temperature range suitable for use with the heat consuming application. In some configurations, a “ladder” of thermal energy storage might be used such that the storage material (such as phase change material) includes multiple types of material that are optimized at a ladder of different temperatures. This might be desirable for storing energy for longer periods of time (where thermal material at a relatively higher temperature lasts longer insofar as it can leak temperature over time but still be useful to the application.

[0091] And as mentioned above, the TES subsystem 220 is connected to the electrical room interface 270 of the utility module via communications link 272 to enable monitoring and control of the various components of the TES subsystem 220.

[0092] In some embodiments, the TES subsystem 220 is additionally connected to a supplemental Thermal Energy Storage (TES) 226 via interface 225.

[0093] For example, in some embodiments, the supplemental TES 226 may include an array of tiles made from suitable heat storing material positioned within the buildings (e.g., buildings 1 lOa-d in Figure 1) of the solar collector system 201. In some embodiments, the supplemental TES 226 may additionally or alternatively include thermal storage material housed within a shipping container that was originally used to ship the utility module to its deployment location. In some embodiments, the supplemental TES 226 may additionally or alternatively implemented in a separate utility module (e.g., and configured as a secondary utility module).

[0094] In still further embodiments, the supplemental TES 226 may additionally or alternatively include or connect to electrical storage, for example, where photovoltaic cells at the solar collector system 201 generate electricity for charging batteries and / or generating heat that can be stored and / or transferred to the supplemental TES 226. In some configurations, the supplemental TES 226 may be buried under the ground to benefit from geothermal energy / insulation and therefore store more heat more efficiently than a similarly- equipped above-ground configuration.

[0095] In embodiments where the TES subsystem 220 is additionally connected to the supplemental TES 226 via interface 225, the TES subsystem 220 is also configured to facilitate bidirectional transfer of thermal energy between the TES subsystem 220 and the supplemental TES 226. For example, in some embodiments, the TES subsystem 220 is configured to facilitate both (i) the transfer of thermal energy from the TES subsystem 220 to the supplemental TES 226 via line 227a of the supplemental TES loop 227 and (ii) the transfer of thermal energy from the supplemental TES 226 to the TES subsystem 220 via line 227b of the supplemental TES loop 227.

[0096] In some embodiments where the heat consuming application 203 comprises an adsorption or absorption chiller, the utility module may additionally include a Cold Thermal Energy Storage (CTES) subsystem (not shown) configured to store cooling capacity generated by the chiller. Similar to the TES subsystem 220, the CTES subsystem may be implemented as a modular component sitting on a CTES skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room 200. In some examples, the CTES subsystem includes cold storage materials such as chilled water, ice, or phase change materials optimized for cooling applications, and interfaces configured to receive chilled thermal fluid from the chiller and provide cooling capacity to other end-user applications. In operation, when the chiller produces excess cooling capacity beyond immediate application demands, the excess cooling can be stored in the CTES subsystem for later use, providing backup cooling capability and load shifting functionality.

[0097] In some embodiments, the TES subsystem 220 additionally includes Heat Transfer Fluid Storage and Distribution (HTFSD) subsystem 230. The example HTFSD subsystem 230 shown in Figure 2 includes two Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) supply assemblies. The first HTF supply assembly provides heat transfer fluid to the TES module 221. The second HTF supply assembly provides heat transfer fluid to the HED subsystem 210.

[0098] Although the example configuration shown in Figure 2 shows the HTFSD subsystem 230 as a component of the TES subsystem 220, in some configurations, the HTFSD subsystem 230 may be separate from the TES subsystem 220. Similarly, although the example configuration in Figure 2 shows the first HTF supply assembly and the second HTF supply assembly together in the HTFSD subsystem 230, in some configurations the HTF supply assemblies may be located separately from each other.

[0099] As mentioned above, the first HTF supply assembly provides heat transfer fluid to the TES module 221. The first HTF supply assembly includes a Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) supply tank 232 (sometimes referred to as an HTF reservoir), an HTF overflow tank 234, and an air and dirt separator 233. Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) Pump 231 is configured to provide heat transfer fluid from the HTF supply tank 232 to the TES module 221. In operation, the volume of the heat transfer fluid can change as the temperature of the heat transfer fluid changes. To address changes in the volume of the heat transfer fluid during operation, the HTF supply tank 232 is additionally configured to receive heat transfer fluid back from the TES module 221, and the HTF overflow tank 234 is configured to receive heat transfer fluid when the volume of the heat transfer fluid exceeds the capacity of the HTF supply tank 232.

[0100] The second HTF supply assembly provides heat transfer fluid to the HED subsystem 210. As described in more detail above, the HED buffer tank 214 can be configured in several different configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the HED buffer tank 214 is configured to hold application fluid (i.e., heat transfer fluid circulated within the application loop 280). In some embodiments, the HED buffer tank 214 is configured to hold solar collector fluid (i.e., heat transfer fluid circulated within the solar collector loop 290). And in some embodiments, the HED buffer tank 214 holds heat transfer fluid that is fluidly isolated from (i.e., does not mix with) the application fluid or the solar collector fluid. Accordingly, depending on the configuration, the second HTF supply assembly is configured to supply heat transfer fluid to any one or more (or all) of (i) the heat exchanger 217 of the application loop 280, (ii) the heat exchanger 219 of the solar collector loop 290, and / or (iii) the HED buffer tank 214.

[0100] Similar to the first HTF supply assembly, the second HTF supply assembly includes a Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) supply tank 236 (sometimes referred to as an HTF reservoir), an HTF overflow tank 238, and an air and dirt separator 237. Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) Pump 235 is configured to provide heat transfer fluid from the HTF supply tank 236 to the HED subsystem 210. In operation, the volume of the heat transfer fluid can change as thetemperature of the heat transfer fluid changes. To address changes in the volume of the heat transfer fluid during operation, the HTF supply tank 236 is additionally configured to receive heat transfer fluid back from the HED subsystem 210, and the HTF overflow tank 238 is configured to receive heat transfer fluid when the volume of the heat transfer fluid exceeds the capacity of the HTF supply tank 236.

[0101] In some examples, one or both of the air and dirt separators 233 and 237 are vortex air and dirt separators. In operation, air can get trapped within the HTF supply assembly when initially filling the HTF supply assembly with heat transfer fluid, during routine equipment maintenance (including pressure upkeep), and due to the use of cooling towers. Vortex air separators create a vortex or whirlpool action that sends the heavier air- free water to the outer portion of the tank, and allows the lighter air-entrained mixture to move into the lower-velocity center. At the center of the vortex, the air is released from the fluid, forms bubbles, and exits through an air vent or compression tank installed above the vortex air separator.C. Testing Subsystem

[0102] The example Testing subsystem 240 in Figure 2 includes (i) a thermal source / sink 244 (which could be a heater or a chiller), (ii) an Testing buffer tank 242, and (iii) an instrumentation module 248. In some embodiments, the switching module 250 is also a component of the Testing subsystem 240, but the switching module 250 may be separate from the Testing subsystem 240 in some configurations.

[0103] The Testing subsystem 240 in some embodiments also includes (i) interface 241 configured to fluidly connect the Testing subsystem 240 with the application loop 280, (ii) interface 247a configured to connect the sensors 256, 257 to the instrumentation module 248, and (iii) interface 247b configured to connect the sensors 258, 259 to the instrumentation module 248.

[0104] In operation, the thermal source / sink 244 and the Testing buffer tank 242 can be configured to operate as a “test load” for the HED subsystem 210. Using the thermal source / sink 244 and the Testing buffer tank 242 as a test load for the HED subsystem 210 is advantageous (i) during initial setup to verify the configuration and operating parameters of the HED subsystem 210 before connecting the HED subsystem 210 to the heat consuming application 203, (ii) during system maintenance, for example to keep the HED subsystem 210 operating while the heat consuming application 203 is disconnected from the utility module,and / or (iii) during system reconfigurations to confirm updated configuration and operating parameters of the HED subsystem 210, among other advantages.

[0105] To use the thermal source / sink 244 and the Testing buffer tank 242 as a “test load” for the HED subsystem 210, the switching module 250 fluidly connects the HED subsystem 210 to the Testing subsystem 240 by (i) fluidly connecting line 281a of the application loop 280 to line 281b of the ingress to the Testing subsystem 240 via switch 251 and (ii) fluidly connecting line 282a of the application loop 280 to line 282b of the egress from the Testing subsystem 240 via switch 252. After fluidly connecting the HED subsystem 210 to the Testing subsystem 240 in this manner, (i) the utility module is fluidly disconnected from the heat consuming application and (ii) the thermal source / sink 244 and the Testing buffer tank 242 appear as a load to the HED subsystem 210.

[0106] The HED subsystem 210 can then be configured to supply heated application fluid to the Testing buffer tank 242. The heat exchanger 243 in the Testing buffer tank 242 is configured to transfer thermal energy from the heated application fluid within the Testing buffer tank 242 via Testing loop 249. For example, if the thermal source / sink 244 is a chiller, then pump 245 supplies chilled heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger 243 within the Testing buffer tank 242. The chilled heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger 243 absorbs the thermal energy within the heated application fluid received from the HED subsystem 210, and heat transfer fluid is then routed back to the thermal source / sink 244 via the return line of the Testing loop 249. In operation, the heat transfer fluid within the Testing loop 249 is fluidly isolated from (i.e., does not mix with) the application fluid contained in the Testing buffer tank 242.

[0107] After the chilled heat transfer fluid within the Testing loop 249 has absorbed at least some of the thermal energy from the heated application fluid received from the HED subsystem 210, pump 246 supplies the cooled down application fluid back to the HED subsystem 210 via lines 282b and 282a of the application loop 280. In operation, the Testing subsystem 240 can be configured to provide the same temperature and / or pressure difference (or range of temperature and / or pressure differences) between the application fluid supplied from the HED subsystem 210 via line 281a and the application fluid returned to the HED subsystem 210 via line 282a as the heat consuming application 203, for example, by controlling both (i) the amount of thermal energy that the heat exchanger 243 extracts from the application fluid supplied from the HED subsystem 210 and / or (ii) the pressure at which pump 246 returns application to the HED subsystem 210.

[0108] While the Testing subsystem 240 is operating as a test load, the instrumentation module 248 collects operational data regarding both (i) the temperature and / or pressure (and perhaps other operational metrics) of the application fluid supplied from the HED subsystem 210 via sensor(s) 257 arranged to measure operational parameters of the application fluid supplied from the HED subsystem 210 via line 281a of the application loop 280, and (ii) the temperature and / or pressure (and perhaps other operational metrics) of the application fluid returned to the HED subsystem 210 via sensor(s) 256 arranged to measure operational parameters of line 282a of the application loop 280.

[0109] In some embodiments, the instrumentation module 248 additionally or alternatively collects operational data while the heat consuming application 203 is connected to the HED subsystem 210 via the application loop 280. In operation, the switching module 250 connects the HED subsystem 210 to the heat consuming application 203 by (i) fluidly connecting line 281a of the application loop 280 to line 281c via switch 251, which connects to supply line 28 Id to provide application fluid to the heat consuming application 203 and (ii) fluidly connecting line 282a of the application loop 280 to line 282c via switch 252, which connects to return link 282d from the heat consuming application 203. After fluidly connecting the HED subsystem 210 to the heat consuming application 203 in this manner, (i) the HED subsystem 210 is fluidly disconnected from the Testing subsystem 240 and (ii) the heat consuming application 203 appears as a load to the HED subsystem 210.

[0110] After fluidly connecting the heat consuming application 203 to the HED subsystem 210 of the utility module, the instrumentation module 248 collects operational data regarding, for example, both (i) the temperature, flow rate, and / or pressure (and perhaps other operational metrics) of the application fluid supplied to the heat consuming application 203 from the HED subsystem 210 via sensor(s) 257 arranged to measure operational parameters of line 281a of the application loop 280, and (ii) the temperature, flow rate, and / or pressure (and perhaps other operational metrics) of the application fluid returned from the heat consuming application 203 to the HED subsystem 210 via sensor(s) 256 arranged to measure operational parameters of line 282a of the application loop 280. In some examples, the instrumentation module 248 may additionally or alternatively collect other operational metrics from other sensors, including but not limited to chemicals contained within the application fluid, particulates contained within the application fluid, viscosity of the application fluid, and / or other fluid characteristics.

[0111] In some embodiments, the instrumentation module 248 additionally or alternatively collects operational data regarding the solar collector loop 290 while the solarcollector system 201 is connected to the HED subsystem 210 via the solar collector loop 290. For example, in some such embodiments, the instrumentation module 248 collects operational data regarding both (i) the temperature, flow rate, and / or pressure (and perhaps other operational metrics) of the solar collector fluid supplied to the solar collector system 201 from the HED subsystem 210 via sensor(s) 258 arranged to measure operational parameters of line 291a of the solar collector loop 290, and (ii) the temperature, flow rate, and / or pressure (and perhaps other operational metrics) of the solar collector fluid returned from the solar collector system 201 to the HED subsystem 210 via sensor(s) 259 arranged to measure operational parameters of line 292a of the solar collector loop 290. In some examples, the instrumentation module 248 may additionally or alternatively collect other operational metrics from other sensors, including but not limited to chemicals contained within the solar collector fluid, particulates contained within the solar collector fluid, viscosity of the solar collector fluid, and / or other fluid characteristics.

[0112] And as mentioned above, the instrumentation module 248 and any other sensors and / or controls of the Testing subsystem 240 are connected to the electrical room interface 270 of the utility module via communications link 273 to enable monitoring and control of the various components of the Testing subsystem 240.III. Modular Design Features

[0113] As mentioned previously and described in more detail herein, the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 are sufficiently modular to enable: (i) the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 to be installed within the utility module at a first location (e.g., a manufacturing or shipping facility), and (ii) the utility module containing the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 to be shipped to a second location (e.g., a deployment location) and connected to (a) the solar collector system 201 via a solar collector interface 202 to lines 291b and 292b and (b) a heat consuming application 203 via an application interface 204 to lines 28 Id and 282d.

[0114] The HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 are also sufficiently modular to enable the utility module, the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 to be shipped to a destination location (e.g., a deployment location) individually. Once at the destination location, the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 can be installed into the utility module, and the utility module can be connected to (a) the solar collector system201 via a solar collector interface 202 and (b) a heat consuming application 203 via an application interface 204.

[0115] One of the features of the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 that enables the modularity described above includes the interfaces on each of the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 that facilitate quick connection and disconnection between among each other and the solar collector interface 202 and the application interface 204. The functions of the various interfaces are described in detail above.

[0116] From a modularity standpoint, the interfaces are arranged and positioned to enable easy connection and disconnection to piping, hoses, and / or other interfaces, preferably without soldering, welding, or other complicated plumbing tasks where feasible. In operation, the fluid interfaces comprise one or more pipe union fittings, pipe couplings, camlock fittings, and / or other suitable junctions designed for quick connection and disconnection. By using pipe union fittings, pipe couplings, camlock fittings, and / or other suitable junctions designed for quick connection and disconnection, one subsystem (e.g., the HED subsystem 210, TES subsystem 220, or Testing subsystem 240) can be quickly and easily connected to or disconnected from a neighboring subsystem.

[0117] Similarly, the electrical / control interfaces comprise pluggable interfaces (e.g., preconfigured wire harnesses) for quick connection and disconnection, preferably without having to cut, strip, or connectorize cables.

[0118] Another feature that enables modularity includes the placement of the HED subsystem 210, the TES subsystem 220, and the Testing subsystem 240 on corresponding skids that can be slid into and out of position within the mechanical room of the utility module. For example, the HED subsystem 210 sits on an HED skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room, the TES subsystem 220 sits on a TES skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room, and the Testing subsystem 240 sits on an Testing skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room.

[0119] Within examples, at least some and / or all of the components of a given subsystem are substantially contained on its respective skid. That is, where each edge of the skid conceptually defines a vertical plane, no component of the subsystem extends from a position that is above the skid to substantially through and / or beyond any such vertical plane. Correspondingly, the various interfaces for connecting the respective components of a first module to a second module may be placed at the point of such a vertical plane that separates the first module from the second module. Put another way, the various interfaces may beplaced above the adjacent edges of the first module and the second module. Because the components of each subsystem are largely confined to the space directly above the skid upon which the subsystem sits, an individual skid can be easily moved without disturbing an adjacent skid (or at least with at most nominal disturbance of the adjacent skid) after the individual skid has been disconnected from any adjacent skid(s).

[0120] Also within examples, some components of a given subsystem may extend beyond the subsystem’s respective skid, and various interfaces for connecting components of various modules may be placed above a given skid and / or entirely “off’ a given skid, thereby facilitating interconnection between the subsystems on adjacent skids.

[0121] Another feature that enables modularity includes one or more tracks 365 (Figure 3B) along the flooring of the utility module. For example, in some embodiments, the utility module includes one or more tracks 365 arranged to facilitate (i) sliding of the HED skid, the TES skid, and the Testing skid along the one or more tracks 365, (ii) alignment of (a) the interface 213 on the HED subsystem 210 configured to connect the HED subsystem 210 to the switching module 250 with (b) the switching module 250 (or at least to lines 281a and 282a connecting to the switching module 250), (iii) alignment of (a) the interface 212 on the HED subsystem 210 configured to connect the HED subsystem 210 to the TES subsystem 220 (or at least to lines 286, 285a, and 285b connecting to interface 222) with (b) the interface 222 on the TES subsystem 220 configured to connect the TES subsystem 220 to the HED subsystem 210, and (iv) alignment of (a) the interface 241 on the Testing subsystem 240 configured to connect the Testing subsystem 240 to the switching module 250 (or at least lines 281a and 282b connecting to the switching module 250) with (b) the switching module 250.

[0122] Figure 3A shows an overhead view of an example utility module 300 according to some embodiments, Figure 3B shows a side view of the example utility module 300 of Figure 3 A according to some embodiments, and Figure 3C shows a side view of a portion of the mechanical room of the utility module of Figure 3 A according to some embodiments. Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show one way that the modular HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem can be provisioned within the mechanical room of a utility module.

[0123] The utility module 300 includes (i) an electrical room 301 and (ii) a mechanical room 302 adjacent to the electrical room 301. In some embodiments, the utility module 300 has dimensions of (i) about 8 feet wide, (ii) about 8.6 feet tall, and (iii) about 20 feet long. In some embodiments, the utility module 300 has dimensions of (i) about 8 feetwide, (ii) about 8.6 feet tall, and (iii) about 40 feet long. In some embodiments, the utility module 300 has dimensions of (i) between about 8 feet wide, (ii) between about 8.6 feet to about 9.6 feet tall, and (iii) between about 10 feet to about 40 feet long. However, the dimensions of the utility module 300 may be different in other examples.

[0124] In the example depicted in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C the electrical room 301 is 5 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet, and the mechanical room 302 is 15 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft. However, the dimensions of the electrical room 301 and the mechanical room 302 may be different according to other examples.

[0125] In some embodiments, the utility module may be formed from metal studs with sheet metal outer walls, plywood interior walls (e.g., for mounting rails and racks), with insulation (e.g., spray foam insulation) between the inner and outer walls. In some embodiments, the interior walls of the utility module may be covered with a PVC skin (e.g., PVC panels) for a desirable aesthetic. The utility module may have other features required to comply with building codes.

[0126] The utility module 300 also includes an equipment door 303 (e.g., an insulated door) at one end of the mechanical room 302 opposite the electrical room 301. The mechanical room 302 is separated from the electrical room 301 by a partition wall 304. The equipment door 303 is sufficiently large to accommodate insertion and removal of the HED skid 311, the TES skid 321, and the Testing skid 341 to and from the mechanical room 302. In some configurations, the equipment door 303 may be a double-ended door. The utility module 300 also includes a service door 305 (e.g., an insulated door) configured to facilitate ingress and egress by a person into a service area 306 of the mechanical room 302.

[0127] Figure 3C shows a side view of a portion of the mechanical room 302 of the utility module 300 of Figure 3 A, including several aspects of the HED subsystem 210 and the TES subsystem 220.

[0128] In the example configuration shown in Figure 3C, the HED subsystem 310 includes an HED buffer tank 314 (similar to HED buffer tank 214 in Figure 2) and a main system pump 317 (similar to pump 215 and / or 216 in Figure 2). The HED buffer tank 314 includes, among other components, (i) a vacuum relief valve and overflow drain 312, (ii) a buffer tank level sensor 313, (iii) a buffer tank upper temperature sensor 315, (iv) a buffer tank heating element 316, (v) a buffer tank lower temperature sensor 318, and (vi) an automatic drain valve 319.

[0129] In the example configuration shown in Figure 3C, the TES subsystem 320 includes, among other components (i) a TES circulation pump, 322 (ii) a TES inlettemperature sensor 323 (which may be positioned on tine 285a and / or at interface 222 in Figure 2), (iii) air and dirt separators 324 (similar to air and dirt separators 233 and 237 in Figure 2), (iv) TES outlet temperature sensor 325 (which may be positioned on line 285b and / or at interface 222 in Figure 2), (v) expansion tanks 326 (similar to HTF overflow tanks 234 and 238 in Figure 2), (vi) fan coil circulation pump 327 (which may be similar to pump 223 in Figure 2), (vii) thermal energy storage module 328 (which may be similar to TES module 221 in Figure 2), and (viii) glycol feeder tanks 329 (which may be similar to HTF supply tanks 232 and 236 in Figure 2).

[0130] Returning to Figure 3A, in some embodiments, the utility module 300 additionally includes one or more (or all) of: (i) a temperature-controlled exhaust fan 350 configured to exhaust hot air from inside of the mechanical room 302; (ii) an overhead light 351 arranged to illuminate the service area 306, and the HED subsystem 310, TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340; (iii) a baseboard heater 352 configured to heat the service area 306 of the mechanical room 302 and / or the interior work area 353 of the electrical room 301, which can be advantageous when the utility module is deployed in colder climates; (iv) an overhead light 354 arranged to illuminate the interior work area 353 of the electrical room 301; (v) a temperature-controlled exhaust fan 355 configured to exhaust hot air from inside of the interior work area 353 of the electrical room 301; and (iv) a transfer air vent 356 arranged to facilitate circulation of air between the electrical room 301 and the mechanical room 302. The utility module 300 additionally includes at least one of (i) an interior door 357 configured to facilitate ingress and egress by a person from the service area 306 of the mechanical room 302 to the interior work area 353 of the electrical room 301 or (ii) a exterior door 358 configured to facilitate ingress and egress by a person to the interior work area 353 of the electrical room 301. In some embodiments, the utility module may additionally include other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units and components to control the working environment within one or both of the electrical room 301 and / or mechanical room 302 of the utility module 300.

[0131] In some configurations, the electrical room 301 might be substantially environmentally isolated from the mechanical room 302, thereby reducing the likelihood the computing systems, communications systems, and other electronics within the electrical room 301 are damaged or otherwise affected by high temperatures, humidity, or other environmental conditions within the mechanical room 302 that may be undesirable for the electrical room 301.

[0132] The electrical room 301 includes one or more control systems 360 communicatively coupled to one or more (or all) of the solar collector system 201 (Figure 2), the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340. In some embodiments, the one or more control systems 360 in the electrical room 301 are communicatively coupled to electrical room interface 370 (Figure 3B) (which may be similar to electrical room interface 270 in Figure 2) within the mechanical room 302. In operation, the one or more control systems 360 include one or more processors and tangible, non- transitory computer-readable media (e.g., computer memory) storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more control systems 360 to perform functions associated with controlling and monitoring the operation of the solar collector system 201 (Figure 2), the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340.

[0133] In some embodiments, the one or more control systems 360 may be additionally communicatively coupled to a weather station 307 (Figure 3B), which may be positioned (in an example) on the top of the utility module 300. The weather station 307 is configured to (i) track the position of the sun or otherwise collect / receive data about the position of the sun and / or (ii) collect or receive other weather-related information from one or more weather sensors. In operation, the one or more control systems 360 use weather information from the weather station 307 to control operational aspects of the solar collector system. In other examples, the weather station 307, or at least some components thereof, may be positioned separate from the utility module 300, such as adjacent to a solar collector system that the utility module 300 is connected to.

[0134] In some embodiments, the one or more control systems 360 may be additionally communicatively coupled to a communications module 309, which may be positioned (in an example) on the top of the utility module 300. In other examples, the communications module 309, or at least some components thereof, may be positioned separate from the utility module 300. The communications module 309 is configured to provide network connectivity for the utility module 300, thereby facilitating remote monitoring and control, among other benefits. The communications module 309 may include any type of communications interface now known or later developed that is suitable for providing networked functionality to the utility module 300, including but not limited to one or more satellite transceivers (e.g., Starlink or similar), one or more 4G, LTE, and / or 5G transceivers, and / or one more point-to-point microwave transceivers.

[0135] The mechanical room 302 includes (i) the HED subsystem 310 on the HED skid 311, (ii) the TES subsystem 320 on the TES skid 321, and (iii) the Testing subsystem 340 on the Testing skid 341. As mentioned previously, the utility module 300 can be provisioned with the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340 at a manufacturing location, and then the fully -provisioned utility module 300 can be shipped to a deployment location for connection to a solar collector system 201 (Figure 2) and a heat consuming application 203 (Figure 2).

[0136] Alternatively, the utility module 300, the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340 can be shipped from a manufacturing location to a deployment location. And at the deployment location, the utility module 300 can be provisioned with the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340.

[0137] In some embodiments, regardless of whether the utility module 300 is provisioned at a manufacturing facility or at a deployment location, provisioning the utility module 300 includes: (i) for the HED subsystem 310 sitting on the HED skid 311, moving the HED skid 311 into the mechanical room 302 (e.g., via the one or more tracks 365); (ii) for the TES subsystem 320 sitting on the TES skid 321, moving the TES skid 321 into the mechanical room 302 to a position adjacent to the HED skid 311; (iii) for the Testing subsystem 340 sitting on the Testing skid 341, moving the Testing skid 341 into the mechanical room 302 to a position adjacent to the TES skid 321. In some configurations, the one or more tracks 365 may additionally include skids that can be extended from the bottom of the utility module 300 below the equipment door 303 and arranged to facilitate sliding the skids into and out of the mechanical room 302 of the utility module 300.

[0138] Provisioning the utility module 300 also includes connecting the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340 with each other. In some examples, connecting the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340 within the mechanical room 302 includes: (i) fluidly connecting an interface (e.g., interface 213 in Figure 2) on the HED subsystem 310 to a switching module (e.g., switching module 250 in Figure 2) arranged to selectively fluidly connect the HED subsystem 310 to one of (a) the Testing subsystem 340 or (b) an application interface of the utility module 300 (e.g., application interface 204 in Figure 2) that is configured to fluidly connect the utility module 300 to the heat consuming application 203 (Figure 2); (ii) fluidly connecting an interface (e.g., interface 212 in Figure 2) on the HED subsystem 310 to a corresponding interface (e.g., interface 222 in Figure 2) on the TES subsystem 320; (iii)fluidly connecting an interface (e.g., interface 241 in Figure 2) on the Testing subsystem 340 to the switching module (e.g., switching module 250 in Figure 2); and (iv) fluidly connecting an interface (e.g., interface 211 in Figure 2) on the HED subsystem 310 to a solar collector interface of the utility module 300 (e.g., solar collector interface 202 in Figure 2) that is configured to fluidly connect the utility module 300 to the solar collector system 201 (Figure 2).

[0139] Some embodiments include shipping the utility module 300 to a deployment location after installing and connecting the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340 with each other inside of the utility module 300. Other embodiments include shipping the utility module 300 to a deployment location after installing (but not fully connecting) the HED subsystem 310, the TES subsystem 320, and the Testing subsystem 340 with each other inside of the utility module 300, and then connecting the subsystems together once on location.

[0140] At the deployment location, provisioning the utility module 300 next includes (i) connecting the utility module 300 to the solar collector system (e.g., solar collector system 201 in Figure 2) via the solar collector interface (e.g., solar collector interface 202) configured to connect the utility module 300 to the solar collector system, and (ii) connecting the utility module 300 to the heat consuming application (e.g., heat consuming application 203 in Figure 2) via the application interface (e.g., application interface 204) configured to connect the utility module 300 to the heat consuming application.

[0141] In some embodiments, regardless of whether the utility module 300 is provisioned at a manufacturing facility or at a deployment location, an installation “kit” (sometimes referred to herein as an “installation module”) is additionally provided with the utility module to provide supplies and / or tools that may be required for installation. For example, the installation kit may include pipe connections, extra piping (including predefined pipe lengths), portable skids, pipe insulation, cable trays, wire harnesses, extension cables, and / or other items that may be necessary (or at least helpful) when performing additional connections between subsystems within the utility module, connections between the utility module and the solar collector system, and / or connections between the utility module and the heat generating application.

[0142] In some scenarios, in addition to the utility module and its associated subsystems, a solar reflector “kit” can also be shipped to the deployment location for implementation. A solar reflector kit shipped with the utility modules described herein may be similar to or the same as the solar collector kits disclosed and described in U.S. App.18 / 685,231, titled “Kit for Reflector Structure,” filed on Feb. 21, 2024, and currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0143] In some instances, a utility module (with one or more corresponding subsystems) and a solar collector (e.g., including the components of a solar reflector kit) may be shipped together as a kit for a solar collector system implementation, referred to as “solar collector system kit” for ease of explanation.

[0144] In some examples, a solar collector system kit includes (i) a utility module (e.g., utility module 104 or 300) with one or more of (or all) of a skid-mounted HED subsystem (e.g., HED subsystem 210, 310, or 400), TES subsystem (e.g., TES subsystem 220, 320, or 500), and Testing subsystem (e.g., Testing subsystem 240, 340, or 600), (ii) one or more thermal modules, where an individual thermal module includes a solar collector array (e.g., solar collector array 102), thermal piping configured for implementation with the solar collector array (e.g., piping 112a-d), and (optionally) a building (e.g., buildings 1 lOa-d) for housing the solar collector array, and (iii) an installation module with piping and piping connections (e.g., lines 106 and 108) sufficient to connect the utility module to the thermal module.

[0145] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of some components of an example Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem 400 according to some embodiments. HED subsystem 400 is the same as or similar to HED subsystem 210 (Figure 2) and HED subsystem 310 (Figures 3A-C), and / or at least has some of the same components.

[0146] The example HED subsystem 400 sits on HED skid 401 and includes, among other components: (i) HED buffer tank 402 (similar to HED buffer tank 214 in Figure 2); (ii) circulator pump 403; (iii) main system centrifugal pump 404 (similar to pump 215 and / or 216 in Figure 2); and (iv) system safety automatic drain valve 405.

[0147] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of some components of an example Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem 500 according to some embodiments. TES subsystem 500 is the same as or similar to TES subsystem 220 (Figure 2) and TES subsystem 320 (Figures 3A-C), and / or at least has some of the same components.

[0148] The example TES subsystem 500 sits on TES skid 501 and includes, among other components: (i) air and dirt separator 502 (similar to air and dirt separators 233 and 237 in Figure 2); (ii) expansion tanks 503 (similar to HTF overflow tanks 234 and 238 in Figure 2); (iii) thermal energy storage (TES) circulator pump 504 (similar to pump 223 in Figure 2); (iv) glycol fill station 505 (similar to HTF supply tanks 232 and 236 in Figure 2); and (v) thermal energy storage (TES) unit 506 (similar to TES module 221 in Figure 2).

[0149] Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of some components of an example Testing subsystem 600 according to some embodiments. Testing subsystem 600 is the same as or similar to Testing subsystem 240 (Figure 2) and Testing subsystem 320 (Figures 3A-C), and / or at least has some of the same components.

[0150] The example Testing subsystem 600 sites on Testing skid 601 and , among other components: (i) flow instrumentation 602 (similar to sensors 256 and 257 in Figure 2); (ii) heat exchanger from chiller 603, (iii) expansion tank 604 (similar to Testing buffer tank 242 in Figure 2), (iii) temperature and pressure instrumentation 605 (similar to sensors 256 and 257 in Figure 2), (iv) heater 606 (similar to thermal source / sink 244 in Figure 2); and (iv) auxiliary main system pump 607 (similar to pump 246 in Figure 2).IV. Alternative Module Configurations

[0151] In addition to the example configurations depicted in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C with the HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem, a utility module in some embodiments may instead be configured with different internal components and structures to perform different functions in the solar collector system installation. In some instances, a solar collector system implementation may include (i) at least one primary utility module configured with HED subsystem, TES subsystem, and Testing subsystem, and (ii) one or more secondary utility modules with one or more different configuration.

[0152] For example, a secondary utility module may be configured as an energy storage module that includes one or more thermal batteries, electric batteries, and / or hybrid batteries. In operation, a energy storage module configured with thermal batteries can be coupled to the primary utility module that provides thermal energy to the energy storage module. In some examples, the energy storage module may include stacks of thermal energy storage (TES) tiles or phase change materials. In some configurations, the TES tiles or phase change material may consume all (or substantially all) of the internal volume of the energy storage module. In other examples, the energy storage module may additionally or alternatively include electrical batteries. In some examples, the energy storage module may be arranged to obtain and store electricity from photovoltaic components that convert solar energy to electricity that can be used to power the primary utility module 300, the solar collector system, or perhaps to provide supplemental power to components of the heat consuming application.

[0153] In another example, a secondary utility module may be configured as a water storage module that can store water to help meet demands for water at the solar collectorsystem installation site. For example, because the tops of the buildings (e.g., buildings 110a- d) enclosing the solar reflector arrays are slanted, rain water or snow that falls on the buildings can be diverted to the water storage module via gutters, pipes, and / or similar components. This harvested water can be used for a variety of purposes, including (i) pairing with water treatment, (ii) use in some instances as potable water, (iii) use in some instances as “gray water”, (iv) use in industrial applications, such as steam generation, industrial make up water, (v) use with cooling applications, such as adsorption chillers, (vi) use with irrigation, and / or (vii) use with hydrogen production (e.g., in an electrolysis process).

[0154] In another example, a secondary utility module may be configured as a robotics module to house robots that clean and monitor the solar collector system installation. For instance, the solar collector system installation in some embodiments may include rails disposed alongside the buildings (e.g., buildings HOa-d) via which cleaning robots travel back and forth to clean the exterior surface of the buildings. The cleaning robots may be housed in the robotics module when not in use. For cleaning, the robots exit the robotics module along the rails (which may extend into the interior of the robotics module and travel along the rails while cleaning the exterior of the buildings. In another scenario, the robots could be used to transport materials (e.g., spare parts, tools, etc.) along the rails from one building to another building. In other scenarios, the robots could be used for monitoring and security.

[0155] In another example, the secondary utility module may be configured as a testing / pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) / monitoring module. In some configurations, a testing / PIG / monitoring module includes a sample port and perhaps a lab bench to perform specimen testing. In operation, a test element may be injected into a pipeline at one location within the system, and then retrieved at a different location within the system. Once retrieved, the test element can be evaluated for sedimentation, glycol percentage, chemical analysis, and so on.

[0156] In another example, the secondary utility module may be configured as a steam separation and distribution module that includes an accumulator or steam drum, condensate, and a steam trap return. Some configurations may also include a sampling and testing section for performing chemical testing of water and / or steam. Some configurations may additionally include a heat exchanger.

[0157] In another example, the secondary utility module may be configured as a communications module. For example, some remote locations may require microwave radio communication links with larger transceivers to facilitate long transmission hops. In suchscenarios, the microwave transceivers may be housed in the communications module along with other communications equipment. Some communications modules may additionally or alternatively include satellite transceivers or other communications equipment that can be housed in the communications module.

[0158] In another example, the secondary utility module may be configured as a personnel module for people working at the solar collector system installation site. For example, the personnel module may be configured as (i) a cafeteria with dry storage, refrigerator / freezers, and cooktops, (ii) a bunk house with closets and beds, (iii) a rest station / break room with tables, chairs, televisions, or other leisure items.

[0159] In another example, the secondary utility module may be configured as a storage module for spare components. In operation, the storage module may be equipped with racks, shelves, closets, and other suitable structures for storing and organizing spare parts for easy inventory and access.V. Conclusions

[0160] The illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0161] Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention. Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims described below

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A utility module for a solar collector system, the utility module comprising: an electrical room; and a mechanical room adjacent to the electrical room, wherein the mechanical room is configured to accommodate (i) a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem, (ii) a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem, and (iii) an Testing subsystem, and wherein: the HED subsystem sits on an HED skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room, and wherein the HED subsystem comprises (i) an interface configured to connect the HED subsystem to a solar collector system, (ii) an interface configured to connect the HED subsystem to the TES subsystem, and (iii) an interface configured to connect the HED subsystem to a switching module arranged to selectively connect the HED subsystem to one or both of (a) the Testing subsystem or (b) a heat consuming application; the TES subsystem sits on a TES skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room, and wherein the TES subsystem comprises an interface configured to connect the TES subsystem to the HED subsystem; and the Testing subsystem sits on an Testing skid that can be moved into or out of the mechanical room, and wherein the Testing subsystem comprises (i) one or more instrumentation interfaces configured to connect the Testing subsystem with one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operational parameters of heat transfer fluid supplied from the HED module and returned to the HED module, and (ii) an interface configured to connect the Testing subsystem with the switching module.

2. The utility module of claim 1, wherein the HED subsystem further comprises: at least one HED buffer tank configured to hold heat transfer fluid; and at least one of (i) a pump configured to facilitate circulation of the heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem and the solar collector system and (ii) a pump configured to facilitate circulation of heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem and the heat consuming application.

3. The utility module of claim 2, wherein the HED buffer tank comprises:a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the HED buffer tank and a thermal energy storage module within the TES subsystem; and at least one of (i) a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the HED buffer tank and the solar collector system and (ii) a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the HED buffer tank and the heat consuming application.

4. The utility module of claim 1, wherein the TES subsystem further comprises: a thermal energy storage module; and a pump configured to facilitate circulation of heat transfer fluid between the thermal energy storage module and the HED subsystem.

5. The utility module of claim 4, wherein the TES subsystem further comprises a heat transfer fluid supply system, wherein the heat transfer fluid supply system comprises: a first heat transfer fluid supply subassembly comprising (i) a first heat transfer fluid reservoir, (ii) a first heat transfer fluid pump configured to supply heat transfer fluid from the first heat transfer fluid reservoir to the HED subsystem, (iii) a first heat transfer fluid expansion tank connected to the first heat transfer fluid reservoir, and (iv) first air and dirt separator; and a second heat transfer fluid supply subassembly comprising (i) a second heat transfer fluid reservoir, (ii) a second heat transfer fluid pump configured to supply heat transfer fluid from the second heat transfer fluid reservoir to the thermal energy storage module, (iii) a second heat transfer fluid expansion tank connected to the second heat transfer fluid reservoir, and (iv) second air and dirt separator.

6. The utility module of claim 4, wherein the TES subsystem further comprises at least one of: an interface configured to connect the TES subsystem to a supplemental thermal energy storage system; a thermal mass; or a phase change material.

7. The utility module of claim 1, wherein the Testing subsystem further comprises: at least one Testing buffer tank configured to hold heat transfer fluid;at least one pump configured to facilitate circulation of the heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem and the Testing subsystem; and an instrumentation system configured to collect data from the one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operational parameters of heat transfer fluid supplied from the HED subsystem and returned to the HED subsystem.

8. The utility module of claim 7, wherein the Testing subsystem further comprises: a temperature source comprising at least one of a heat source or a cooling source, wherein the temperature source is configured to control a temperature of heat transfer fluid within the Testing buffer tank.

9. The utility module of claim 1, further comprising: a solar collector interface configured to connect the utility module to the solar collector system; and an application interface configured to connect the utility module to the heat consuming application.

10. The utility module of claim 9, wherein the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem are sufficiently modular to enable: (i) the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem to be installed within the utility module at a first location, and (ii) the utility module containing the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem to be shipped to a second location and connected to (a) the solar collector system via the solar collector interface and (b) the heat consuming application via the application interface.

11. The utility module of claim 9, wherein the utility module, the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem are sufficiently modular to enable: (i) the utility module, the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem to be shipped to a location individually, (ii) the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem to be installed into the utility module at the location.

12. The utility module of claim 1, wherein the mechanical room further comprises:an equipment door at one end of the mechanical room opposite the electrical room, wherein the equipment door is configured to accommodate removal of the HED skid, the TES skid, and the Testing skid from the mechanical room; and a service door configured to facilitate ingress and egress by a person into a service area of the mechanical room.

13. The utility module of claim 1, wherein the electrical room further comprises: a control system communicatively coupled to the solar collector system, the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem, wherein the control system is configured to control operation of the solar collector system, the HED subsystem, the TES subsystem, and the Testing subsystem.

14. The utility module of claim 1, further comprising one or more tracks, wherein the tracks are arranged to facilitate (i) sliding of the HED skid, the TES skid, and the Testing skid along the one or more tracks, (ii) alignment of (a) the interface on the HED subsystem configured to connect the HED subsystem to the switching module with (b) the switching module, (iii) alignment of (a) the interface on the HED subsystem configured to connect the HED subsystem to the TES subsystem with (b) the interface on the TES subsystem configured to connect the TES subsystem to the HED subsystem, and (iv) alignment of (a) the interface on the Testing subsystem configured to connect the Testing subsystem to the switching module with (b) the switching module.

15. The utility module of claim 1, wherein at least one of: the utility module has dimensions of (i) about 8 feet wide, (ii) about 8.6 feet tall, and (iii) about 20 feet long; the utility module has dimensions of (i) about 8 feet wide, (ii) about 8.6 feet tall, and (iii) about 40 feet long; and the utility module has dimensions of (i) between about 8 feet wide, (ii) between about 8.6 feet to about 9.6 feet tall, and (iii) between about 10 feet to about 40 feet long.

16. A method of provisioning a utility module for use with a solar collector system and a heat consuming application, wherein the utility module comprises an electrical room and a mechanical room adjacent to the electrical room, wherein the method comprises:for a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem sitting on an HED skid, moving the HED skid into the mechanical room; for a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem sitting on a TES skid, moving the TES skid into the mechanical room to a position adjacent to the HED skid; for an Testing subsystem sitting on an Testing skid, moving the Testing skid into the mechanical room to a position adjacent to the TES subsystem; connecting a first interface on the HED subsystem to a second interface on a switching module arranged to selectively connect the HED subsystem to one of (a) the Testing subsystem or (b) a heat consuming application; connecting a third interface on the HED subsystem to a fourth interface on the TES subsystem; and connecting a fifth interface on the Testing subsystem to a sixth interface on the switching module.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: facilitating shipment of the utility module to a location; and installing the utility module at the location, wherein installing the utility module at the location comprises: (i) connecting the HED subsystem to the solar collector system via a solar collector interface configured to connect the utility module to the solar collector system, and (ii) connecting the switching module to the heat consuming application via an application interface configured to connect the utility module to the heat consuming application.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the HED subsystem comprises: (A) at least one of (i) a pump configured to facilitate circulation of heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem and the solar collector system and (ii) a pump configured to facilitate circulation of heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem and the heat consuming application; and (B) at least one HED buffer tank configured to hold heat transfer fluid, wherein the HED buffer tank comprises (i) a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the HED buffer tank and a thermal energy storage module within the TES subsystem, and (ii) at least one of (a) a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the HED buffer tank and the solar collector system and (b) a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the HED buffer tank and the heat consuming application.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the TES subsystem comprises: (A) a thermal energy storage module; (B) a pump configured to facilitate circulation of heat transfer fluid between the thermal energy storage module and the HED subsystem; and (C) a heat transfer fluid supply system, wherein the heat transfer fluid supply system comprises: (i) a first heat transfer fluid supply subassembly comprising (a) a first heat transfer fluid reservoir, (b) a first heat transfer fluid pump configured to supply heat transfer fluid from the first heat transfer fluid reservoir to the HED subsystem, (c) a first heat transfer fluid expansion tank connected to the first heat transfer fluid reservoir, and (d) first vortex air and dirt separator; and (ii) a second heat transfer fluid supply subassembly comprising (a) a second heat transfer fluid reservoir, (b) a second heat transfer fluid pump configured to supply heat transfer fluid from the second heat transfer fluid reservoir to the thermal energy storage module, (c) a second heat transfer fluid expansion tank connected to the second heat transfer fluid reservoir, and (d) second vortex air and dirt separator.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the Testing subsystem comprises: (A) at least one Testing buffer tank configured to hold heat transfer fluid; (B) at least one pump configured to facilitate circulation of heat transfer fluid between the HED subsystem and the Testing subsystem; (C) an instrumentation system configured to collect data from one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operational parameters of heat transfer fluid supplied from the HED module and returned to the HED module; and (D) a temperature source comprising at least one of a heat source or a cooling source, wherein the temperature source is configured to control a temperature of heat transfer fluid within the Testing buffer tank.

21. A kit comprising modules capable of being assembled within a utility module, the kit further comprising: a first module comprising a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem sitting on an HED skid, the HED subsystem comprising an HED buffer tank; a second module comprising a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem sitting on a TES skid, the TES subsystem comprising a thermal energy storage module; a third module comprising an Testing subsystem sitting on an Testing skid, the Testing subsystem comprising an instrumentation system; wherein the utility module comprises (i) an outer housing and (ii) one or more tracks within the outer housing, wherein the tracks are arranged to facilitate, during assembly,sliding of the HED skid, the TES skid, and the Testing skid along the one or more tracks such that, when assembled, an interface on the HED subsystem is aligned with and connected to (i) an interface of the TES subsystem and (ii) an interface of the Testing subsystem.

22. A kit comprising modules capable of being assembled into a solar collector system, the kit further comprising: a utility module comprising: a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem sitting on an HED skid and configured to circulate a thermal fluid, the HED subsystem comprising an HED buffer tank; a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem sitting on a TES skid, the TES subsystem comprising a thermal energy storage module; and an Testing subsystem sitting on an Testing skid, the Testing subsystem comprising an instrumentation system; a thermal module comprising: a solar reflector; and a thermal pipe configured to contain the circulated thermal fluid; and an installation module comprising: at least one pipe; and at least one piping connection, wherein, when assembled, the at least one pipe and the at least one piping connection are configured to connect the utility module to the thermal module.

23. A method of provisioning a solar collector system, the solar collector system comprising a utility module and a thermal module, wherein the method comprises: using at least one pipe and at least one piping connection to connect the utility module to the thermal module such that a thermal fluid can be circulated between the utility module and the thermal module, wherein the utility module comprises: a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem sitting on an HED skid and configured to circulate the thermal fluid, the HED subsystem comprising an HED buffer tank; a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem sitting on a TES skid, theTES subsystem comprising a thermal energy storage module; andan Testing subsystem siting on an Testing skid, the Testing subsystem comprising an instrumentation system; and wherein the thermal module comprises: a solar reflector; and a thermal pipe configured to contain the circulated thermal fluid.

24. A method of operating a solar collector system, the solar collector system comprising a utility module and a thermal module, wherein the utility module comprises: a Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem siting on an HED skid, the HED subsystem comprising an HED buffer tank; a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem siting on a TES skid, the TES subsystem comprising a thermal energy storage module, wherein the thermal energy storage module is connected to the HED buffer tank via a fluid loop; and wherein the thermal module comprises: a solar reflector; and a thermal pipe; and wherein the method comprises: causing, via the HED, a first thermal fluid to circulate from the HED buffer tank of the utility module through the thermal pipe of the thermal module; while the first thermal fluid circulates, determining whether a temperature of the first thermal fluid exceeds a target temperature; if it is determined that the temperature of the first thermal fluid does not exceed the target temperature, then causing a second thermal fluid to circulate within the fluid loop from the thermal energy storage module to the HED buffer tank such that heat is transferred from the thermal energy storage module to the HED buffer tank; and if it is determined that the temperature of the first thermal fluid does exceed the target temperature, then causing the second thermal fluid to circulate within the fluid loop from the HED buffer tank to the thermal energy storage module such that heat is transferred from the HED buffer tank to the thermal energy storage module.

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