Patent ID: 8225609

Claim:
A system for producing solar-thermal energy at a desired temperature and pressure range, comprising: a primary energy source operable for use in a Clausius Rankine cycle, including at least one steam storage tank; a plurality of solar collectors operatively connected to and located in close proximity to the steam storage tank, so as to minimize heat dissipation; wherein the at least one steam storage tank feeds an expansion step in the Clausius Rankine cycle, thereby to achieve reliable operation of the solar-thermal power plant during times of insufficient or no solar radiation received by the solar collectors; wherein the plurality of solar collectors are supported on an artificial island, the artificial island being either land based or offshore, the artificial island including an outer ring holding an inner flexible membrane, the membrane being supported by a pressurized fluid contained within a lower volume, the lower volume pressurized by a pump or compressor; and wherein the plurality of solar collectors are located on an offshore island and the at least one steam storage tank is located at least a predetermined distance below sea level, such that the at least one steam storage tank is subject to inwardly directly compression force due to the sea water, and the predetermined distance is selected so as to substantially equalize the inwardly directed compression force on the steam storage tank with an outwardly directed force on the tank due to the storage therein of pressurized steam.