Abstract: A heliostat enclosure that is particularly well suited for enclosing and protecting a heliostat either flat or parabolic, preferably comprising a light-weight, generally hemispherically shaped, enclosure bubble that is formed of readily assemblable and disassemblable segments, including some transparent segments, and supported by a foundation in the form of a soil filled, plastic ring bag that is mounted in the ground at the heliostat site. The enclosure bubble is inflatable by pressurized air and supportable in operation, such as during windy or inclement weather. A multi-legged, tubular, step frame is mounted within the enclosure bubble and is configured to support the enclosure bubble in nearly fully inflated condition when the bubble is not supported by pressurized air. The frame is electrical conducting and grounded, thereby also serving as a lightning protection means for the heliostat.

Abstract: A solar tracking point concentrator for a solar energy system comprises a light weight reflector in the shape of a paraboloid dish having a rim angle of approximately 109.degree., whereby the center of gravity of the reflector mass is coincident with the focal point of the paraboloid. The reflector is supported on a light weight pipe pedestal assembly and controllably driven by a light weight control-drive means so as to be angularly adjustable in both elevation and azimuth to track the sun and efficiently continuously reflect the sun's rays to a heat receiver disposed at the focal point of the paraboloid preferably in a fixed position. The reflector is mounted for controlled movement to effect such angular adjustments about horizontal and vertical axes which intersect at the focal point of the reflector paraboloid. The 109.degree. paraboloid rim angle provides a paraboloid reflector that inherently has its center of gravity essentially coincident with its focal point.

Abstract: A heliostat reflector assembly for a solar central receiver system comprises a light-weight, readily assemblable frame which supports a sheet of stretchable reflective material and includes mechanism for selectively applying tension to and positioning the sheet to stretch it to optical flatness. The frame is mounted on and supported by a pipe pedestal assembly that, in turn, is installed in the ground. The frame is controllably driven in a predetermined way by a light-weight drive system so as to be angularly adjustable in both elevation and azimuth to track the sun and efficiently continuously reflect the sun's rays to a focal zone, i.e. central receiver, which forms part of a solar energy utilization system, such as a solar energy fueled electrical power generation system. The frame may include a built-in system for testing for optical flatness of the reflector. The preferable geometric configuration of the reflector is octagonal; however, it may be other shapes, such as hexagonal, pentagonal or square.

Abstract: A heliostat for a solar receiver system comprises an improved drive and control system for the heliostat reflector assembly. The heliostat reflector assembly is controllably driven in a predetermined way by a light-weight drive system so as to be angularly adjustable in both elevation and azimuth to track the sun and efficiently continuously reflect the sun's rays to a focal zone, i.e., heat receiver, which forms part of a solar energy utilization system, such as a solar energy fueled electrical power generation system. The improved drive system includes linear stepping motors which comprise low weight, low cost, electronic pulse driven components. One embodiment comprises linear stepping motors controlled by a programmed, electronic microprocessor. Another embodiment comprises a tape driven system controlled by a position control magnetic tape.