Patent ID: 8132409

Claim:
A solar energy collection and conversion system comprising: a solar energy collector, wherein the solar energy collector transfers solar energy to a first fluid to elevate a temperature of the first fluid; a vaporizer in fluidic communication with the solar energy collector for transferring thermal energy from the first fluid to a second fluid flowing in a closed-loop system to elevate a temperature of the second fluid; an expander in fluidic communication with the vaporizer for converting thermal energy of the second fluid into mechanical energy, the expander comprising a plurality of positive-displacement scroll compressors in serial communication, each scroll compressor being operated in reverse, and at least one scroll compressor being suitable for use in an HVAC system, wherein the second fluid flows serially through each of the positive-displacement scroll compressors; a condenser in fluidic communication with the expander to reduce a temperature of the second fluid; a compressor in fluidic communication with the condenser for pumping the second fluid at least partially through the vaporizer, wherein the second fluid comprises a first state at a location proximate the compressor and a second state at a location proximate the expander; a conduit configured to transport at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid between at least two of the solar energy collector, the vaporizer, the expander, the condenser, and the compressor; a controller for controlling a parameter associated with at least one of the collector, the vaporizer, the expander, the condenser, and the compressor; and a recuperator for transferring thermal energy from the second state of the second fluid to the first state of the second fluid.