Importance

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Abstract

Described herein are linear receivers for use in concentrating solar collection applications. For example, linear receivers incorporating a volume displacement element within an internal volume of a linear solar radiation absorbing element are provided. The volume displacement element provides, for example, enhanced heat transfer characteristics between the absorber element and the heat transfer fluid, efficiency improvements associated with maintaining a position of the linear receiver at an optimal location for absorbing concentrated solar radiation and/or the ability to recover the linear receiver from a freeze event. Also provided are methods for making a linear receiver, methods for collecting concentrated solar radiation, methods for recovering a linear receiver from a freeze event, methods for improving overall receiver efficiency, such as by reducing bowing/sagging of the receiver element, and methods for reducing a circumferential temperature distribution of the absorber element.

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First Claim