Abstract: Apparatus for following the sun using the sun's radiant energy to heat a fluid-containing sensor to create a pressure which is used to rotate the apparatus against a spring force provided by an expansion bellows. The sunlight is permitted to strike the sensor only for certain angles of incidence to the apparatus so that the fluid pressure and the spring force rotate the apparatus to a predetermined position relative to the angle of incidence. In one embodiment, sunlight passing through a filter including several parallel plates which allow passage of sunlight having a predetermined angle of incidence relative to the filter is focused on the sensor. A reflector focuses sunlight on the sensor to reposition the apparatus to the desired position when the apparatus is incorrectly positioned because the sun has been obscured by clouds. In two alternative embodiments, a fresnel lens and a parabolic reflector, respectively, focus sunlight having a predetermined angle of incidence onto the sensor.

Abstract: A solar tracking mechanism is used to orient a solar collector to directly face the rays of the sun using a hydraulic actuator and gear motor to both adjust the orientation of the collector and to stabilize it against spurious movement. One or more hydraulic cylinders are connected to act through at least one crank pin to rotate the collector about an axis. Hydraulic fluid is transfered between chambers in the cylinders by means of a low power gear motor. The collector itself is constructed without perforations through an insulating shell, but instead mounting brackets are molded into the shell and are configured to faciliate mounting of the collector.

Abstract: A solar array positioning system includes first light sensor means facing the same direction as the solar array and second light sensor mean facing the opposite direction. A third sensor, this one responsive to gravity, is employed to indicate the direction about a diurnal slew axis that the array is tilted. These sensors are employed to determine the initial array slewing direction to insure that during slewing and subsequent tracking, the array never is rotated through more than a given angle, less than 360.degree., between two fixed limits. This permits connection to the array by hard wiring rather than slip rings. The system includes also fourth sensor means for providing fine tracking signals which assume control of the array position during tracking. A vane structure reduces the sensitivity of various of the sensors to obscuration by foreign particles. A low cost uncorrected lens may be used with the fourth.

Abstract: A solar powered tracking device for controlling radiation exposure of surfaces, wherein solar radiation increases the vapor pressure of a liquid in a sensing device and the vapor pressure acts on opposed pneumatic cylinders to produce mechanical movement of the controlled surface to track the sun with a maximum deviation of not more than 0.5.degree. under normal clear sky radiation conditions.

Abstract: A solar collector system of the type having a movable surface for receiving solar radiation having improved means for rotatably supporting the movable surface and for rotating the collector surface. A support axle for the collector includes a ball at one end which is carried within a cylindrical sleeve in the solar collector to support the weight of the collector. A torque transmitting arm comprising a flexible flat strip is connected at one end to the axle and at the other end to the collector surface. An improved rotational drive mechanism includes a first sprocket wheel carried on the axle and a second sprocket wheel supported on a support pylon with a drive chain engaging both sprockets. A double acting piston also supported by the pylon is coupled to the chain so that the chain may be driven by a hydraulic control system to rotate the collector surfaces as required.

Abstract: Solar tracking apparatus for a solar energy system comprises at least one chamber containing a volatile fluid, a shading arrangement for controlling the degree to which the at least one chamber is exposed to the sun in dependence on the position of the sun so as to control the extent to which the fluid is vaporized due to solar heating of the at least one chamber, and apparatus for coupling the expansive force generated by vaporization of the fluid to a work piece to control the position, orientation, and/or operation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic thermal/hydraulic logic system for continuously positioning a heliostat in alignment with the sun in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Solar radiation is monitored by phials which produce signal pressures of a magnitude that varies with phial exposure to the rays of the sun. The produced signal pressures are directed to thermally controlled valves which are compared with mechanically controlled valves of similar design feature. These control valves are centered so long as hydraulic fluid pressure signals on each end of a control valve are equal, but the valve spool is displaced to the left or to the right if and when a pressure differential is created, (improper alignment). When a specific differential sets in, a mechanical action takes place which moves the heliostat to its proper concentrating position. Movement ceases when the differential disappears (proper alignment).

Abstract: Light energy from the sun is directed by a solar collector device onto the end of a bundle of optical fibers. Means which may comprise a tracking system is provided to maintain the collector device directed toward the sun throughout the day so that a maximum amount of light energy is collected thereby. The optical fiber bundle is run into a building or other place where the light energy is to be utilized where the bundle may be split off to provide light in various areas through various utilization devices, such as lamps, indicator devices, signs, etc.

Abstract: A solar array support member is pivotally secured to the upper end of a support post for rotation about a horizontal axis. The support post is driven about a vertical axis. A disc is rotatably secured to the post for rotation about a vertical axis spaced from the post's vertical axis. A link member is secured by respective ball and socket assemblies at one end to the support member and to the rotating disc at the other end. A motor and pulley system drive the rotating disc with respect to the vertical post to set the elevation position of the support member. A second motor and pulley system drive the post about its vertical axis with respect to a base.

Abstract: The invention concerns a guidance, or tracking, arrangement which automatically adjusts the alignment of a radiation responsive system in accordance with the position of a movable radiation source. The arrangement utilizes two bodies able to transmit heat expansion forces into linear movements to rotate a rocker about an axis perpendicular to the path plane of the source. The bodies are partially shaded such that exposure to the radiation source controls the extent to which the bodies rotate the rocker. Resilient support means compensate the arrangement for undue forces arising from expansions of the bodies.

Abstract: This specification discloses an improvement in a solar system having one or more collectors for receiving and using radiant energy from the sun and at least one and preferably a plurality of respective reflector means for reflecting the radiant energy onto the collectors. The improvement is characterized by having towerless collectors and towerless reflectors that are disposed at ground level or substantially the same level, to eliminate the major expense of a collector tower, which is inefficient and nonfunctional in a solar system.Also disclosed is a complete system, or combination, for generating power employing solar energy and the improvement delineated above; as well as structural details of preferred arrangements and equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for rotating a collector of solar energy in such a way as to keep it constantly oriented during the day in the best direction for interception of radiation and for returning it to a position from which it will begin collecting radiation again in the morning. Whereas a previously disclosed device for automatic return to morning position relies upon changing the rate of heat loss from the surfaces of the interconnected canisters which power it, the present invention removes the heat-collecting surfaces whose differential heating by the west-moving sun controls the tilting of the collector from the canisters themselves to plates located below and on sides opposite the canisters served so as to give these surfaces a larger view of the sky and enable them to find the sun from almost any position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical solar tracking device which tracks the position of the sun using paired, partially-shaded bimetallic elements.

Abstract: A solar radiant energy concentrating system for concentrating solar radiation on a radiant to electric power thermionic conversion transducer. The radiated energy concentration system utilizes multiple reflector units that collectively together or selectively less than all reflectors as an intensity control are settable to reflect solar radiation onto a multi-surfaced concentrator down onto a focal area encompassing the target area for reflection from the concentrator to the transducer input. The energy concentration is varied in the ratio range of from 20,000 to 1 up to 250,000 to 1. Reflector units are set to compensate for the constantly varying declination angle of the earth toward the sun, step tracks the sun compensating for daily rotation of the earth West to East on its axis up to a full 360.degree. depending on latitude North or South of the equator.

Abstract: Apparatus for following the sun using the sun's radiant energy to heat a fluid-containing sensor to create a pressure which is used to rotate the apparatus against a spring force provided by an expansion bellows. The sunlight is permitted to strike the sensor only for certain angles of incidence to the apparatus so that the fluid pressure and the spring force rotate the apparatus to a predetermined position relative to the angle of incidence. In one embodiment, sunlight passing through a filter including several parallel plates which allow passage of sunlight having a predetermined angle of incidence relative to the filter is focused on the sensor. A reflector focuses sunlight on the sensor to reposition the apparatus to the desired position when the apparatus is incorrectly positioned because the sun has been obscured by clouds. In two alternative embodiments, a fresnel lens and a parabolic reflector, respectively, focus sunlight having a predetermined angle of incidence onto the sensor.

Abstract: A heliostatic mirror is rotatably mounted in an enclosure which gives the mirror full protection when rotated to a stowed position but yet provides flexibility in aiming the mirror at the sun.

Abstract: This specification discloses an improvement in a solar system having one or more collectors for receiving and using radiant energy from the sun and at least one and preferably a plurality of respective reflector means for reflecting the radiant energy onto the collectors. The improvement is characterized by having each reflector in the form of a heliostat that can be moved to maximize the radiant energy reflected onto its collector, driving motor for so moving each heliostat; firmly anchored support structure carrying each heliostat; and sensor connected by suitable controls with each drive motor for so moving each heliostat; the respective sensor being mounted on the same support structure as the heliostat and aligned in a straight line from the heliostat to its collector. With this construction, the sensor does not require an expensive and firmly anchored separate support structure to prevent receiving small surface movements different from those received by the heliostat.

Abstract: Heliostat apparatus for concentrating solar energy comprising support structure disposed in a first plane and supporting a plurality of mirror units having freedom of substantial universal articulation thereon, each of the plurality of mirror units carrying at an upper portion thereof reflective element trained to receive incident rays of the sun and to focus reflection thereof to a desired focal point, adjustment structure operatively connected to the plurality of mirror units and disposed in a plane generally parallel to the first plane in which the support structure is disposed, the adjustment structure being shiftable to additional planes adjacent and generally parallel thereto to effect conjoint articulation of each of the mirror units at the support structure and thereby conjointly retrain the reflective element of each of the mirror units to receive incident rays of the sun and maintain reflection thereof on the focal point over the course of any day.

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: Apparatus for directing a pointing axis at the position of the sun, and for tracking the relative motion of the sun from an observation point on earth from horizon to horizon with a single, constant speed driving mechanism. The apparatus comprises a first member aligned along the local vertical axis, a second member aligned along an intersecting polar axis, a rotatable shaft member which is pivotal in a horizontal plane about the intersection point of the vertical and polar axes, a number rotatable about the polar axis along a circular path about the intersecting point of the two axes, and a solar pointing member fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft member at the point of intersection of the foregoing two axes and movably attached to the member which is rotatable about the polar axis member, wherein the constant speed drive mechanism is coupled to the polar axis member for rotating said member about the polar axis.

Abstract: A solar collector comprising a focussing reflector rotatable about an axis; an adjusting mechanism for effecting rotation of the reflector about such axis; and a solar-tracking arrangement for actuating the adjusting mechanism, the solar-tracking arrangement including a pair of sun-sensor reservoirs each containing a high-pressure working medium that thermally expands when subjected to solar radiation.

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.

Abstract: A solar collector having a central radiation receiver and a plurality of mirrors mounted on articulated mounting structures arranged over a surface in an array pattern comprised of discrete paths, with the path shapes having certain prescribed symmetry properties. Using mathematical properties of tilt angle components expressed relative to fixed orthogonal axes of resolution for mirrors oriented to reflect solar radiation onto the radiation receiver, mirror control is accomplished by the use of coupling devices which extend along the discrete mirror containing paths. Each coupling device comprises a passive linear series system having an appropriate gradient of component values. The types of linear series coupling devices specifically considered in the disclosure are tensile elastic coupling devices and electrically resistive coupling devices for mirror control in large scale collectors, and torsional elastic coupling devices for mirror control in small scale collectors.

Abstract: A sun tracker including a dual axis support for following diurnal movement of the sun and a drive mechanism for providing motive force about a first axis of the support. Accurate movement of the tracker about a second support axis is caused by a system of cables and a cooperating cable engaging arcuate surface shaped to produce the necessary movement about the second axis to maintain the tracker in appropriate orientation with the sun throughout the day. Seasonal adjustment is effected by adjusting the cable lengths.

Abstract: A prismatic plate is mounted with its flat face exposed to the sun on a reflector panel for use in a solar energy collection system. The plate includes a plurality of triangular prisms with parallel longitudinal axes shaped to provide total internal reflection of incident light rays. Each prism has a cross section forming a right-angled isosceles triangle with the two equal-length, rear faces of the prism oriented at 45 degrees relative to the front face of the plate. The base of each prism forms or is parallel to a front plate surface which receives incident solar light rays. The rays are transmitted through the plate cross section without refraction in the plane of the cross section to be reflected from the two rear faces and back out the front face toward a solar receiver. The prism material has an index of refraction equal to or greater than the square root of two so that there is total internal reflection from the prism faces.

Abstract: A radiation concentration system for reflecting incident radiation rays from a displaceable source to a fixedly positioned focus. The concentration system includes a positioning mechanism for maintaining a mirror element plane normal to a bisecting line of an incident and a reflected angle of radiation impinging on and being reflected from the mirror plane. The radiation concentrating system provides for a displacement mechanism which drives the mirror element about mutually perpendicular axis lines. The displacement mechanism drives the mirror element about a first axis line extending in a direction from the displacement mechanism to the focus and further drives the mirror element about a second axis line normal to the first axis line. In this manner, the mirror element is maintained in a predetermined positional relation for reflection of the incident radiation to the fixed focus.

Abstract: A system of mirrors which focuses solar radiation onto a receiver by means of controlled flexural deformations of supporting beams using controls which tilt the mirrors with respect to the beams. This combination of flexure and tilt causes the mirrors to track the sun using an inexpensive system of controls. The use of cables, of parts which can have shorter ranges of operation and of fewer controls than conventional heliostats all contribute to cost reductions.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for collecting solar radiation rays and for converting the radiation rays into a concentrated beam of parallel rays having a fixed orientation. The apparatus includes an optical system for collecting and concentrating the solar radiation rays and for converting the rays into concentrated beam of parallel rays. A system of mirrors is utilized to provide a concentrated beam of parallel rays which remain fixed in orientation as the optical system is rotated around a tracking axis. The concentrated beam of fixed orientation is then utilized for supplying thermal energy to a stationary solar appliance.

Abstract: A heliostat comprises a tubular chassis having a triangular base mounted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis and provided with an oblique support mounted at a point of the triangular base in order to pivot about a horizontal axis. A reflecting panel is pivoted on the base and is slidably attached to an oblique bar in order to fix the panel to the base and orientate the latter as regards altitude. Wheels are provided on the base to unable the chassis to travel on a circular track for orientation as regards azimuth. An application for the heliostat is the recovery of solar energy.

Abstract: Heliostat apparatus for concentrating solar energy comprising support structure disposed in a first plane and supporting a plurality of mirror units having freedom of substantial universal articulation thereon, each of the plurality of mirror units carrying at an upper portion thereof reflective element trained to receive incident rays of the sun and to focus reflection thereof to a desired focal point, adjustment structure operatively connected to the plurality of mirror units and disposed in a plane generally parallel to the first plane in which the support structure is disposed, the adjustment structure being shiftable to additional planes adjacent and generally parallel thereto to effect conjoint articulation of each of the mirror units at the support structure and thereby conjointly retrain the reflective element of each of the mirror units to receive incident rays of the sun and maintain reflection thereof on the focal point over the course of any day.

Abstract: The servo tracker of the instant invention comprises an apparatus for positioning of a major reflector to compensate for relative movement between the Earth and Sun. A base member supports a movable major reflector and a fixedly positioned minor reflector. The major reflector is movable in both a north/south and east/west direction. When correctly positioned, the major reflector directs the light rays of the Sun toward a major target where useful energy is produced. When correctly positioned, a portion of the reflected light rays from the major reflector are reflected by the minor reflector toward a minor target positioned adjacent a pair of sensors. When the major reflector is improperly positioned due to relative movement between the Sun and Earth, the reflected light rays from the minor reflector are directed toward one of the sensors depending at which axis the major reflector is improperly positioned and the direction required for repositioning to a correct position.

Abstract: Multiple mirrored apparatus utilizing solar energy can be utilized to direct the rays of the sun in a concentrated and steadily directed fashion to one spot during the whole of the period of sunshine. Such apparatus can be termed a heliostat.As disclosed, the heliostat includes a plurality of mirrors which are arranged in an array of rows and columns, wherein each mirror has a reflective surface and a rear surface and a central axis through each surface. Each elongated rod of a like plurality is coupled at one end thereof to the rear surface of the corresponding mirror and oriented along the central axis thereof. Means are provided for pivoting each rod near the one end with respect to a plurality of support structures.

Abstract: Improved assembly for use in an inertially stabilized heliostat device, wherein the vertical stabilized-body-azimuth axis about which the elevation gimbal supporting the inertially stabilized body moves angularly in azimuth coincides with the vertical stabilizing-mirror-azimuth axis about which half-angle movement of the input stabilizing mirror takes place, both of these azimuth axes in turn lie in a plane that is common to that in which the horizontal elevation axis for such elevation gimbal lies, and the mass of the stabilized body lies both fore and aft of such elevation axis.