Solar system for energy production

An energy generation system, comprising:

• a solar energy collection arrangement configured and operable for collecting and reflecting concentrated sunlight radiation;
• a solar energy receiver configured for receiving the concentrated sunlight radiation from said solar energy collection arrangement and converting said concentrated sunlight radiation to thermal energy in a first working fluid;
• a thermal energy storage unit comprising at least one thermal energy storage module being configured and operable for storing thermal energy;
• a charging piping arrangement connecting between said solar receiver to said thermal energy storage unit and being configured and operable for carrying a first working fluid transferring heat from said solar receiver to said at least one thermal energy storage module, to thereby enable charging said at least one thermal energy storage module with thermal energy, and carrying said first working fluid back to said solar receiver, after said first working fluid exits said thermal energy storage unit;
• a power conversion unit configured and operable for accommodating a second working fluid and converting heat delivered by said second working fluid to electricity;
• a heat discharging piping arrangement connecting between said thermal energy storage unit to said power conversion unit and being configured and operable for carrying said second working fluid for transferring heat from said at least one thermal energy storage module to said power conversion unit, and carrying said second working fluid back to said at least one thermal energy storage module, after said second working fluid exits said power conversion unit;
• at least one of one or more heat exchangers and one or more additional thermal energy storage modules being in fluid communication with said thermal energy storage unit and said power conversion unit, and being configured for receiving heat from said thermal energy storage unit and for supplying heat to said power conversion unit;
• and
• an intermediate arrangement of pipes connecting between at least two of the following components:
• said thermal energy storage unit, said one or more heat exchangers and said additional thermal energy storage modules;
• wherein said intermediate arrangement of pipes is configured for accommodating at least one intermediate working fluid being at an intermediate pressure between the pressure of the thermal energy storage unit and that of the power conversion unit.

An energy generation system, comprising:

• a solar energy collection arrangement configured and operable for collecting and reflecting concentrated sunlight radiation;
• a solar energy receiver configured for receiving the concentrated sunlight radiation from said solar energy collection arrangement and converting said concentrated sunlight radiation to thermal energy in a first working fluid;
• a thermal energy storage unit comprising at least one thermal energy storage module being configured and operable for storing thermal energy;
• a charging piping arrangement connecting between said solar receiver to said thermal energy storage unit and being configured and operable for carrying a first working fluid transferring heat from said solar receiver to said at least one thermal energy storage module, to thereby enable charging said at least one thermal energy storage module with thermal energy, and carrying said first working fluid back to said solar receiver, after said first working fluid exits said thermal energy storage unit;
• a power conversion unit configured and operable for accommodating a second working fluid and converting heat delivered by said second working fluid to electricity;
• a heat discharging piping arrangement connecting between said thermal energy storage unit to said power conversion unit and being configured and operable for carrying said second working fluid for transferring heat from said at least one thermal energy storage module to said power conversion unit, and carrying said second working fluid back to said at least one thermal energy storage module, after said second working fluid exits said power conversion unit;
• a chemical reactor in electrical communication with said power conversion unit and/or in fluid communication with said thermal energy storage unit;
• said chemical reactor being configured and operable for converting reactants to products by chemical reactions and by utilizing either one or both, heat from said thermal energy storage unit, and said electricity generated by said power conversion unit;
• wherein said chemical reactor is configured for using at least some of said electricity generated by said power conversion unit;
• and
• a switch connection configured for alternating between electricity production and fuel production and for controlling their respective quantities.