Abstract: An improved heliostat comprises a focusing reflector having a toroidal configuration. Mounting means for the reflector comprises means defining a first axis parallel to the earth's polar axis, and means defining a declination axis perpendicular to the first axis. The reflector is mounted for rotation about the declination axis. The means defining the declination axis and the reflector are jointly rotatable about the first axis. A field of heliostats in accordance with the present invention may be arranged to reflect solar radiation to a common receiver. A suitable heliostat field arrangement is a field lying in a plane which is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane at the earth's surface. Also disclosed is a deflecting means for each heliostat facilitating rapid focusing of all heliostats in a field upon the receiver, or rapid defocusing of the field.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for direct absorption of solar energy by material being processed whereby it is not necessary to first convert the solar energy to sensible heat in an intermediate heat exchange medium or apparatus. The material to be processed is dispersed downwardly in a chamber, or reaction vessel, in the form of small droplets, or particles, of controlled size. Solar energy entering the vessel through an elongated vertically disposed window impinges directly upon the dispersed material and energy that is not absorbed but is scattered by the dispersed material is generally intercepted by surrounding droplets or particles. Energy not so absorbed by the dispersed droplets or particles is absorbed by the vessel walls and is re-radiated to the dispersed droplets or particles. The vessel is sized so as to absorb the energy whereby the energy is re-radiated from the walls at wave lengths essentially absent from the solar spectrum at sea level due to atmospheric attenuation.

Abstract: A reflector array is disclosed that provides for the collection and concentration of a relatively constant daily total quantity of usable energy for one or more energy receivers through use of a collector array support configuration that provides for the efficient use of collector surface and land. This is accomplished by combining a plurality of collectors with a support structure wherein the collectors are carried by a terraced support surface of the structure and the reflective surfaces of the collectors lie in essentially a common sun facing plane at noon. In a preferred embodiment, the terraced support surface is a terraced east-west extending wall of an enclosure such as comprising a residential, commercial or industrial building.