Patent US3905352A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3905352A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System for collecting and transferring usable solar heat
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-08-31
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Granted: 1975-09-16
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Expires: 1993-08-31
Abstract
Abstract A system and apparatus for collecting, concentrating, transferring and storing for use solar radiant heat energy is disclosed in this application. The system employs ''''suntracking'''' mirror apparatus moved through a predetermined orbit and comprising preferably a plurality of circumferentially spaced mirror units. Each mirror unit comprises preferably a multiplicity of individually adjustable mirrors arranged in banks which reflect in orbit solar rays advantageously to a concentrated heat-absorbing area of a novel vaporizer or boiler utilizing preferably mercury and mercury vapor as heat-absorbing, conducting and transferring medium. The multibank flat reflector units are mounted on a turntable or track to revolve in timed sequence with the sun travel and the novel vaporizer or boiler is axially mounted of the revolving apparatus and preferably is stationary with an insulating shutter arrangement revolving in orbit with the mirror reflector units and exposing through control, the concentrated heat-absorption area at the upper portion of the vaporizer. In orbit, tilting of the individual flat mirror reflectors of the multi-bank units is controlled in highly efficient manner by mechanical and/or electro-mechanical media responsive in the orbiting of the said banks of mirrors by now available and successive sun sensors. Preferably applicant employs one commercial sun sensor which is used to orient a 360* table to the sun in azimuth and a second sun sensor which is used to orient an elevation mechanism from -10* to +40* or more in elevation. The commercially available sensors include the necessary controls and drive mechanisms for individually adjusting the flat mirrors in orbit to effectively reflect sun rays to the critical vaporizer area. Preferably the invention also includes in combination with the aforesaid apparatus and system, a new storage cell medium employing variable admixtures of comminuted copper metal and particles of salt whereby the rate of transmission of heat energy inwardly to the core thereof, as well as outward and external flow of heat from the storage medium, may be controlled.
Inventors
- 👤 Arnold Jahn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:18
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/785; G01S3/786; G01S3/7861; F; F24; F24S; F24S20/00; F24S20/20; F24S23/00; F24S23/70; F24S23/77; F24S30/00; F24S30/40; F24S30/45; F24S30/452; F24S2030/10; F24S2030/13; F24S2030/131; F24S2030/14; F24S2030/145; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
263 words
In a system for collecting and transferring solar heat energy which employs a reflector unit-supporting device moved in orbital travel through a curvilinear path: a multi-reflector unit comprising a multiplicity of individual reflector elements predeterminately arranged in a group area, an upstanding mounting frame wherein said multiplicity of reflector elements are supported for variable angular tilting functions during cyclical operation of said system, means for mounting said frame on said unit-supporting device with freedom for tilting oscillation on a horizontal axis disposed centrally of said reflector group area, reversible driving means controlled by a sun sensor for tilting said frame in synchronism with elevational variance of the sun in a daily cycle, a solar ray absorbing generator having an exposure area disposed axially of the orbit of said supporting device, the reflector elements of said group area being arranged and mounted in a series of generally horizontally extending rows and in a series of transversely extending rows, each of said series having a centrally disposed row, means for mounting said individual reflectors for freedom of oscillatory tilting on horizontal axes and also on axes extending perpendicularly to said horizontal axes, and actuator driving means connected between said tilting frame and all of said individual reflector elements, with the exception of those elements extending in said central rows, for variably tilting and oscillating said non-excepted reflector elements on both horizontal and transverse axes to cause all of said nonexcepted reflectors during cyclical operation of said system in response to tilting movements of said frame to constantly focus upon said exposure area of the generator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
263 words
In a system for collecting and transferring solar heat energy which employs a reflector unit-supporting device moved in orbital travel through a curvilinear path: a multi-reflector unit comprising a multiplicity of individual reflector elements predeterminately arranged in a group area, an upstanding mounting frame wherein said multiplicity of reflector elements are supported for variable angular tilting functions during cyclical operation of said system, means for mounting said frame on said unit-supporting device with freedom for tilting oscillation on a horizontal axis disposed centrally of said reflector group area, reversible driving means controlled by a sun sensor for tilting said frame in synchronism with elevational variance of the sun in a daily cycle, a solar ray absorbing generator having an exposure area disposed axially of the orbit of said supporting device, the reflector elements of said group area being arranged and mounted in a series of generally horizontally extending rows and in a series of transversely extending rows, each of said series having a centrally disposed row, means for mounting said individual reflectors for freedom of oscillatory tilting on horizontal axes and also on axes extending perpendicularly to said horizontal axes, and actuator driving means connected between said tilting frame and all of said individual reflector elements, with the exception of those elements extending in said central rows, for variably tilting and oscillating said non-excepted reflector elements on both horizontal and transverse axes to cause all of said nonexcepted reflectors during cyclical operation of said system in response to tilting movements of said frame to constantly focus upon said exposure area of the generator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system and combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said actuator driving means includes a substantially horizontal rock shaft oscillated by movement of said tilting mounting frame, and rocker arm linkage between said rock shaft and said individual reflectors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The structure and combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said horizontally extending rows of reflectors are successively disposeD one above the other and above said unit supporting device and wherein the positional relationship of the exposure surface of said generator and the focus center line of said reflector unit, when the upper periphery of said unit is in uppermost position, extends substantially axially through the center of said exposure area.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system and combination set forth in claim 1 wherein, a fluid conduit medium is mounted within and constitutes a part of said generator and includes a discharge connectible with a heat-storage or heatutilizing system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
The system and combination set forth in claim 1, and additional driving means between said tilting frame and the individual reflector elements of said central transversely arranged row of elements for variably tilting said elements only on axes disposed transversely of the horizontal to cause such reflectors, responsive to tilting of said frame, to constantly focus upon exposure area of the generator during cyclical operation of said system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system and combination set forth in claim 1, wherein no tilting driving means are supplied for the central row of reflector elements extending horizontally but wherein said elements are successively permanently set on different angulations relative to the general plane defined by said frame to constantly focus upon the exposure area of the generator due entirely to the elevational tilting of said frame in cyclical operation of said system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
81 words
The system and combination set forth in claim 1, wherein the elevational tilting of said frame and the mirrors contained therein respond to approximately one-half of the elevational variance of the sun during the day between sunrise and sunset and wherein the variable tilting of the individual reflector elements with the exception of those elements extending in said central row through said actuator driving connections respond to the other half of the variation in elevation of the sun during the day.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system and combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said solar ray-absorbing generator is stationary and is disposed at a level above the lowermost marginal area of said frame in all swinging movements thereof and below the uppermost positioning of said frame in all swinging movements thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
82 words
The system and combination of preceding claim 8 wherein said generator has a generally partial spherical surface at the upper portion thereof, a shroud and shielding member constructed of heat-insulating material covering most of said exposure area of said heat generator and having an exposure window area through which reflected solar rays may pass, and means interconnecting said shielding member with said reflector supporting device for causing said shielding member to revolve about said generator during orbital travel of said supporting device.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
162 words
A system for collecting and using solar energy having in combination: a reflector-supporting device powered for orbital travel through a substantially circular path defining generally a horizontal plane, a reflector unit mounted on said supporting device for swinging oscillation on a substantially horizontal axis, upwardly and downwardly, controlled means for propelling said supporting device through said orbital path, a stationary solar heat generator having an upstanding stationary external exposure surface disposed axially of the travel orbit of said supporting device and having a symmetrical shape which is circular in horizontal cross section, a shroud and shielding member of shell shape complemental to said exposure surface constructed of heat-insulating material and movably overlying and covering said exposure area of said heat generator and having an exposure window area through which reflected solar rays may pass, and means interconnecting said shielding member with said reflector supporting device for causing said shielding member to revolve about said generator during orbital travel of said supporting deVice.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
162 words
A system for collecting and using solar energy having in combination: a reflector-supporting device powered for orbital travel through a substantially circular path defining generally a horizontal plane, a reflector unit mounted on said supporting device for swinging oscillation on a substantially horizontal axis, upwardly and downwardly, controlled means for propelling said supporting device through said orbital path, a stationary solar heat generator having an upstanding stationary external exposure surface disposed axially of the travel orbit of said supporting device and having a symmetrical shape which is circular in horizontal cross section, a shroud and shielding member of shell shape complemental to said exposure surface constructed of heat-insulating material and movably overlying and covering said exposure area of said heat generator and having an exposure window area through which reflected solar rays may pass, and means interconnecting said shielding member with said reflector supporting device for causing said shielding member to revolve about said generator during orbital travel of said supporting deVice.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure and combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said external exposure surface of said generator is substantially spherical and wherein said shroud and shielding member is substantially semi-spherical.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-15 | 1979-03-17 | 1979-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-15 | 1983-03-17 | 1983-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-15 | 1987-03-17 | 1987-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |