MODULAR SOLAR ENERGY TRANSFER SYSTEM

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a modular solar energy transfer system, the system including a primary reflector including a reflective material and a pass-through; a dual-axis tracking system, structurally connected to the primary reflector, configured to orient the primary reflector normal to a sun; a secondary reflector including a reflective material, wherein the secondary reflector is smaller than the primary reflector, structurally connected to the primary reflector and positioned above the primary reflector, and wherein the secondary reflector receives solar energy reflected by the primary reflector and concentrates the solar energy to the pass-through in the primary reflector; an energy transfer component located below the primary reflector, configured to receive solar energy reflected by the secondary reflector and through the pass-through in the primary reflector; and a working fluid contained within the energy transfer component to receive the solar energy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/922,998, entitled “MODULAR SOLAR ENERGY TRANSFER SYSTEM”, and filed on Jan. 2, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to solar energy transfer systems and methods.

2. Background

Current solar energy collection and distribution systems generally use solar energy solely for generating hot water or electricity and are thus useful only for a single purpose. However, a normal residence or business might wish to use solar energy for generating hot water, generating electricity, or heating and cooling air. Single purpose systems require users to have a separate solar energy system to meet each unique energy demand. Having multiple solar energy systems is expensive and an inefficient use of space.

Other disadvantages of conventional solar energy systems include inefficiency of operation and insufficient capacity to store captured energy. Solar energy can be most efficiently collected when the sun is shining directly on the collector. Though some solar energy collection systems track the sun in order to maximize the solar energy collected, they generally use a light sensor to determine if the collector is facing the sun. Light detectors are relatively fragile and complex increasing the cost of a system and making the system prone to failure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a modular solar energy transfer system for users to attain energy having at least one energy collection module and at least one energy transfer element.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a solar energy collection system that includes: a primary collecting dish configured to collect solar energy; a secondary concentrating dish configured to concentrate solar energy; a dual-axis tracking system to maintain direct normal orientation to the sun; a thermal heat exchanger unit configured to transfer the thermal energy into a liquid whose output and input may be connected in parallel or serial in order to: amplify the heating of the liquid; and increase the volume of heated liquid based on the connection configuration.

In some embodiments, the solar energy system can be used to collect solar energy by; calculating the position of the sun based on GPS coordinates; orienting the primary reflector normal to the sun; collecting and concentrating the solar energy; and transferring the energy into a working fluid. In some embodiments, the solar energy system can have the liquids heated by a system including: a solar photovoltaic array to gather solar radiant energy; a secondary thermal system which generates heat when subjected to electrical current; and a thermal heat exchanger unit configured to transfer the thermal energy into a liquid.

In some embodiments the solar thermal energy is collected using only a primary collecting dish configured to gather solar energy.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a modular solar energy transfer system, the system including a primary reflector including a reflective material and a pass-through; a dual-axis tracking system, structurally connected to the primary reflector, configured to orient the primary reflector normal to a sun; a secondary reflector including a reflective material, wherein the secondary reflector is smaller than the primary reflector, structurally connected to the primary reflector and positioned above the primary reflector, and wherein the secondary reflector receives solar energy reflected by the primary reflector and concentrates the solar energy to the pass-through in the primary reflector; an energy transfer component located below the primary reflector, configured to receive solar energy reflected by the secondary reflector and through the pass-through in the primary reflector; and a working fluid contained within the energy transfer component to receive the solar energy.

In some embodiments, the primary reflector is curved. In some embodiments, the primary reflector has a spherical curvature, a radius of about sixty inches to about 100 inches, a length of about forty inches to about sixty inches, a width of about forty inches to about sixty inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth to about one-half of an inch. In some embodiments, the reflective material of the primary reflector can include metal. In some embodiments, the secondary reflector can be curved. In some embodiments, the secondary reflector can have a spherical curvature has a radius of about twenty to about thirty-five inches, a length of about eight to about fifteen inches, a width of about eight to about fifteen inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth inches to about one inch. In some embodiments, the reflective material of the secondary reflector can be metal polished to a mirrored finish. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be water. In some embodiments, the dual axis tracking system can have an accuracy of about one-hundredth degrees to about one degree. In some embodiments, the energy transfer component can be optical glass. In some embodiments, the energy transfer component can have an output and an input connected in parallel or serial.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of collecting and distributing solar energy from a sun using a modular solar energy transfer system, the method including the steps of determining a position of the sun based on GPS coordinates of the modular solar energy transfer system; aligning a primary reflector normal to the sun, based on the position of the sun; collecting solar energy using the primary reflector; concentrating the collected solar energy using a secondary reflector; and transferring the collected and concentrated solar energy to a working fluid.

In some embodiments, the dual axis tracking system can have an accuracy of about one-hundredth degrees to about one degree. In some embodiments, the primary reflector is curved. In some embodiments, the primary reflector has a spherical curvature, a radius of about sixty inches to about 100 inches, a length of about forty inches to about sixty inches, a width of about forty inches to about sixty inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth to about one-half of an inch. In some embodiments, the reflective material of the primary reflector can include metal. In some embodiments, the secondary reflector can be curved. In some embodiments, the secondary reflector can have a spherical curvature has a radius of about twenty to about thirty-five inches, a length of about eight to about fifteen inches, a width of about eight to about fifteen inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth inches to about one inch. In some embodiments, the reflective material of the secondary reflector can be metal polished to a mirrored finish. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are block diagrams of solar energy systems of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a modular energy transfer system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example setup of a modular energy transfer system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a solar energy collector, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example setup of a solar energy collector, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example setup of a solar energy collector dual-axis tracking system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a method of collecting and storing solar energy using a modular solar energy transfer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example setup of a solar energy collector, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example setup of a thermal heat exchanger unit, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a connection to a pre-existing hot water tank (i.e. energy storage), according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an energy transfer system that is designed to collect and concentrate solar energy using a series of reflectors. The use of reflectors increases the amount of solar energy collected and increases system efficiency. The concentrated solar energy is then transferred to a working fluid which can be stored and utilized to meet a variety of energy needs. Use of a working fluid for energy storage allows the system to serve multiple energy needs rather than being devoted to a single purpose. The solar collector is situated atop a dual-axis tracking system which can orient the collector toward the sun, further maximizing the system's efficiency.

In further detail, the present disclosure relates to an energy transfer system that is designed to collect radiant energy from the sun including, but not limited to, the visible and infrared spectrum. The system is designed to be modular in that the system is scalable and configurable for the needs of the user. Applications for the system include, but are not limited to, residential water heating and electricity generation and/or commercial water heating and electricity generation.

The system is comprised of at least one solar collector, at least one energy transfer component, and at least one energy storage component and the aforementioned three components are required for operation. Optional components for the system include, but are not limited to, at least one water heating module, at least one electricity generation module, at least one space heating module, and/or at least one space cooling module. The optional components enable a user to transfer the sun's radiant energy into a form suitable for residential and/or commercial applications.

FIG. 1A depicts a solar photovoltaic electricity generation system 10 having a solar energy collection component or solar photovoltaic panel 12 that collects solar radiation energy which then interacts 20 with the substrate in electricity generation component 14 to generate electricity. The electricity is then transferred from the electricity generation component 14 via an electrical conduit 22 for electricity use 18. The electricity can also be transferred from the electricity generation component 14 via an optional electrical conduit 24 to an electricity storage component 16 and then from the electricity storage component 16 via a second optional electrical conduit 26 for electricity use 18.

FIG. 1B depicts a solar thermal hot water generation system 40 having a solar energy collection component or solar collector 42 that collects solar radiation energy which then is radiative or conductively transferred 44 to the hot water generation component 46. The hot water is then transferred from the hot water generation component 46 via a thermal or liquid conduit 48 to a hot water storage component 50. The hot water is then transferred from the hot water storage component 50 via a secondary thermal or liquid conduit 52 to the system output 54.

In the prior art systems referenced in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the user must either use the photovoltaic electricity generation system 10 to meet only their electricity needs or the solar thermal hot water generation system 40 to meet only their hot water needs and neither system is customizable to meet all the energy needs of the homeowner. Although the photovoltaic electricity generation system 10 and the solar thermal hot water generation system 40 both are designed to transfer the sun's radiant energy into a usable form, the systems have not been designed to be combined to work more efficiently in meeting the user's needs.

FIG. 2 depicts a modular solar energy transfer system 70 which can be used to efficiently meet a variety of household or commercial energy needs with a single system by collecting and transferring the sun's energy into a working fluid. The modular solar energy transfer system 70 has at least one solar energy collector 72 that collects solar radiation energy which then is radiative or conductively transferred 74 to the energy transfer component 76. The energy transfer component 76 then converts the solar energy into a working fluid, which can be, but is not limited to, water or glycol that is transferred via a fluid conduit 78 to the energy storage component 80. The working fluid is then transferred from the energy storage component 80 via an optional primary thermal or fluid conduit 82a to a hot water generation component 84 that transfers the energy into water which is then delivered via an optional primary fluid output conduit 92a to the system output of energy use 94. The working fluid can also be transferred from the energy storage component 80 via an optional secondary fluid conduit 82b to an electricity generation component 86 that transfers the energy into electricity which is then delivered via an optional secondary electrical output conduit 92b to the system output of energy use 94. The working fluid can also be transferred from the energy storage component 80 via an optional tertiary fluid conduit 82c to a cooling generation component 88 that transfers the energy into cooling potential which is then delivered via an optional tertiary thermal output conduit 92c to the system output of energy use 94. The working fluid can also be transferred from the energy storage component 80 via an optional quaternary fluid conduit 82d to a heat generation component 90 that transfers the energy into heating potential which is then delivered via an optional quaternary thermal output conduit 92d to the system output of energy use 94.

In further detail, still referring to the present disclosure of FIG. 2, the modular solar energy transfer system 70 is sufficiently sized to deliver the energy use required by the user. The solar energy collection component 72 is sufficiently large for collecting solar energy for residential or commercial purposes, such as about a projected area of about 0.5 to about 2.0 square meters. The energy that is radiative or conductively transferred can be performed at efficiency greater than 50%, the energy transfer component 76 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%, and the transfer via a thermal or fluid conduit 78 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The optional conduits 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d can operate at efficiency greater than 50% and the optional output conduits 92a, 92b, 92c, 92d can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The hot water generation component 84 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%, the electricity generation component 86 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%, the cooling generation component 88 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%, and the heat generation component 90 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The system output of energy use 94 can be less than the energy collected by the solar energy collection component 72.

The construction details of the present disclosure as shown in FIG. 2 is that the modular solar energy transfer system 70 may be made of metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. Further the various components of the modular solar energy transfer system 70 can be made of different materials.

FIG. 3 is an example set up of a modular solar energy transfer system 150 demonstrating how, as a result of the system's modular nature, it can be configured to meet the unique needs of a particular user. In FIG. 3 there is shown a modular solar energy transfer system 150 having three solar energy collection components 72 that collect solar radiation energy which then in triplicate is radiative or conductively transferred 74 to the energy transfer component 76. Any number of solar energy collection components 72 can be used to meet the user's need. The energy transfer component 76 then converts the solar energy into the working fluid that is transferred via a thermal or fluid conduit 78 to the energy storage component 80. The working fluid is then transferred from the energy storage component 80 via an optional primary thermal or fluid conduit 82a to a hot water generation component 84 that transfers the energy into water which is then delivered via an optional primary thermal or fluid output conduit 92a to the system output of energy use 94. The working fluid can also be transferred from the energy storage component 80 via an optional secondary thermal or fluid conduit 82b to an electricity generation component 86 that transfers the energy into electricity which is then delivered via an optional secondary electrical output conduit 92b to the system output of energy use 94. The working fluid can also be transferred from the energy storage component 80 via an optional quaternary thermal or fluid conduit 82d to a heat generation component 90 that transfers the energy into heating potential which is then delivered via an optional quaternary thermal or fluid output conduit 92d to the system output of energy use 94. Because of the system's modular nature, any combination of optional energy output systems can be employed to meet the user's specific energy needs.

In further detail, still referring to the present disclosure of FIG. 3, the modular solar energy transfer system 150 is sufficiently sized to deliver the energy use required by the user. The three solar energy collection components 72 are sufficiently large for collecting solar energy, such as about a cumulative projected area of 1.5 to 6.0 square meters. The energy that is radiative or conductively transferred 74 can be performed at efficiency greater than 50%, the energy transfer component 76 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%, and the transfer via a thermal or fluid conduit 78 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The optional conduits 82a, 82b, 82d can operate at efficiency greater than 50% and the optional output conduits 92a, 92b, 92d can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The hot water generation component 84 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%, the electricity generation component 86 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%, and the heat generation component 90 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The system output of energy use 94 can be less than the energy collected by the solar energy collection component 72.

The construction details of the present disclosure as shown in FIG. 3 is that the modular solar energy transfer system 150 may be made of metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. The liquid transfer conduit 74 may be constructed of metal or any other sufficiently strong and rated material for liquid transference at high temperature, such as high strength plastic. The liquid transfer conduit 74 may be constructed of a single pipe or may be constructed of multiple pipes connected using standard pipe fittings such that the heated liquid from all connected solar energy collection units 72 is collectively provided to the energy transfer component 76. The solar energy collection units 72 may be connected in serial (pictured) or parallel (not pictured) resulting in an increase of liquid temperature or of liquid volume respectively provided to the energy transfer component 76. Further the various components of the modular solar energy transfer system 150 can be made of different materials.

FIG. 4 depicts a solar energy collector 200 having at least one primary reflector 216 that reflects solar energy 202 passing through the earth's atmosphere 204. The solar energy 202 is reflected from the primary reflector 216 through air 218 to the secondary reflector 208 that transfers the solar energy 202 via air 220 to the energy transfer component 224 referenced previously in FIG. 2. The energy transfer component 224 transfers the solar energy via an electrical or fluid conduit 222 to the energy storage component 226. The support structure 210 supports 212 the energy transfer component 224, supports 214 the primary reflector 216, and supports 206 the secondary reflector 208. The dual-axis tracking system 228 rotationally moves 230 the support structure 210 into direct normal alignment with the solar energy 202.

In further detail, still referring to the FIG. 4, the modular solar energy transfer system 200 is sufficiently sized to deliver the energy use required by the user. The solar energy collection component 216 is sufficiently large for collecting solar energy, such as about a projected area of 0.5 to 2.0 square meters. The energy that is radiative or conductively transferred 218 to the secondary reflector 208 can be performed at efficiency greater than 50%, the energy that is radiative or conductively transferred 220 can be performed at efficiency greater than 50%, the energy transfer component 224 can be performed at efficiency greater than 50%, and the transfer via a thermal or fluid conduit 222 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The support structure 210 can sufficiently support 212 the energy transfer component 224, sufficiently support 214 the primary reflector 216, and sufficiently support 206 the secondary reflector 208. The dual-axis tracking system 228 can rotationally move 230 the support structure 210 to within ±2 degrees of direct normal solar orientation.

The construction details of the system as shown in FIG. 4 is that the modular solar energy transfer system 200 may be made of metal or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. Further the various components of the modular solar energy transfer system 224 can be made of different materials.

FIG. 5 depicts an example configuration of a solar collector 250 having a primary reflector 258 and a secondary reflector 262 which are used to collect and concentrate the solar energy and increase system efficiency. The primary reflector 258 can have curvature or can be flat and the secondary reflector 262 can have curvature or be flat. The spherical curvature can have a radius of about sixty inches to about 100 inches, e.g., about eighty inches for the primary reflector 258 with a length of about forty inches to about sixty inches, e.g., about forty inches, a width of about forty inches to about sixty inches, e.g., about forty inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth to about one-half of an inch, e.g., about one-quarter of an inch made from plastic with a reflective mylar sheet (or other suitable reflective material) adhered to the surface. The primary reflector may also be made from metal that is reflective through a reflective polishing process or a process of the like. The spherical curvature of the secondary reflector 262 can have a radius of about twenty to about thirty-five inches, e.g., about twenty eight inches with a length of about eight to about fifteen inches, e.g., about eleven and one-half inches, a width of about eight to about fifteen inches, e.g., about eleven and one-half inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth inches to about one inch, e.g., about one-quarter inches made from metal that has been polished on the curvature to a mirrored finish.

The primary reflector 258 and the secondary reflector 262 may be connected by a support structure 260 or the primary reflector 258 and the secondary reflector may be connected to a support structure separately (not depicted in FIG. 5). The center of the secondary reflector 262 can be located about twenty to about forty inches, e.g., about thirty inches away from the center of the primary reflector 258 and the normal vector of mass for the secondary reflector 262 can be oriented parallel to the normal vector of mass for the primary reflector 258. There may be an energy pass through 251 which can be, but is not limited to, a cutout of circular or rectangular geometry or a window of circular or rectangular geometry in the primary reflector 258 that enables the solar energy from the secondary reflector 262 to be transferred to the energy transfer component 254.

The energy transfer component 254 can be about one inch to about five inches, e.g., about three inches wide, about one inch to about five inches, e.g., about three inches long, and about one-half inches to five inches, e.g., about one and one-half inches thick with two about three-quarter inch connection points, e.g., female national pipe taper (NPT) points directly across from one another. The energy transfer component 254 can have about a one-half inches to about three inches, e.g., one inch diameter circular cutout that is perpendicular to the previously mentioned connection points and mounted in the one inch cutout can be about a one inch window which can be made of, but not limited to, optical glass. The energy transfer component 254 can be connected to the output of the energy storage component 256 and is connected to the input of the energy storage component 252.

In further detail, still referring to FIG. 5, the modular solar energy transfer system 250 may be sufficiently sized to deliver the energy use required by the user and in this example embodiment the total dimensions of the modular solar energy transfer system can be forty-eight inches wide, forty-eight inches long, and thirty-six inches high with a weight of less than one hundred pounds (not including the required conduit to connect the energy transfer component 254 to the energy storage component 256). The solar energy collection component 258 can be sufficiently large for collecting solar energy, such as about a projected area of 0.5 to 2.0 square meters. The pass through 251 in the primary reflector 258 may be sufficiently large to allow for the transfer of thermal energy into the energy transfer component 254 and in some embodiments, the pass through 251 may be anywhere from about one-half square inches to about sixteen square inches which may be, but is not limited to, in a circular or rectangular geometry. The support structure 260 can sufficiently support the secondary reflector 262.

In another embodiment of the solar energy transfer system 250 the solar energy collection component 258 can be the secondary reflector 262 and can be arranged off-axis from the solar energy collection component 258. The energy transfer component 254 can be moved from under the solar energy collection component 258 to a location where the secondary reflector 262 can have line of sight. The resulting configuration can be similar to an off-axis parabolic reflector found in a satellite television dish.

The modular solar energy transfer system 250 may be made of metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. Further the various components of the modular solar energy transfer system 254 can be made of different materials.

FIG. 6 depicts an example setup of a solar energy collector dual-axis tracking system 400. In some embodiments, the dual-axis tracking system 400 can be used to orient the primary reflector 402 normal to the sun. The dual-axis tracking system consists of an azimuth tracking subsystem 408 and an elevation tracking subsystem 407. The azimuth tracking subsystem 408 can be used to rotate the solar collector as the sun moves across the sky. The elevation tracking subsystem 407 is used to adjust the angle of the primary reflector 402 so that it remains normal to the sun. By maintaining the primary reflector 402 in a position normal to the sun the system can more efficiently capture solar energy.

In some embodiments, the dual-axis tracking system has an adapter mounting plate 406 which can be, but is not limited to, a plate that is rectangular and flat or cylindrical in geometry made from metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like that is structurally connected to the desired mounting surface (not depicted in FIG. 6). The adapter mounting plate is structurally connected to an azimuth tracking subsystem 408.

In some embodiments, the azimuth tracking subsystem 408 has an outer geometry which can be, but is not limited to, rectangular or circular and can be made from metal or any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. The outer geometry can have a radius of about two inches to about twenty inches, e.g., about nine inches, a height of about two inches to about twelve inches, e.g., about six inches and a thickness of about one-eighth inches to about two inches, e.g., about three-quarter inches. The azimuth tracking subsystem 408 can contain, but is not limited to, an electric motor, an electrical limit switch, an electrical encoder, a mounting bracket, a rotational load bearing element, and a rotating element and can have an angular accuracy of about one-hundredth degrees to about one degree, e.g., about twenty-hundredth degrees.

In some embodiments, the azimuth tracking subsystem 408 and an elevation tracking subsystem 407 may be connected by a support structure 404 or the azimuth tracking subsystem 408 and an elevation tracking subsystem 407 may be connected by a separate support structure (not depicted in FIG. 6). The elevation tracking subsystem 407 can be, but is not limited to, rectangular or circular in geometry and can made from metal or of any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. The outer geometry can have a width of about one-half inches to about six inches, e.g., about two inches, a height of about four inches to about twenty-four inches, e.g., about fourteen inches, and a thickness of about two inches to about eight inches, e.g., about five inches. The elevation tracking subsystem 407 can contain, but is not limited to, an electric motor, an electrical limit switch, an electrical encoder, a mounting bracket, a rotational load bearing element, and a rotating element and can have an angular accuracy of about one-hundredth degrees to about one degree, e.g., about twenty-hundredth degrees.

In some embodiments, the support structure 404 can be structurally connected to the primary reflector 402 by, but not limited to, a reflector support 411. The support structure 404 and the reflector support 411 anchor the primary reflector to the dual-axis tracking system. The primary reflector 402, the energy pass through 409, the secondary reflector 401, and support structure 405 can be the same as the primary reflector 258, the secondary reflector 262, the energy pass through 251, and the support structure 260 described in FIG. 5 previously mentioned. The transfer backplate 403 is used to support the energy transfer unit. The transfer backplate 403 can be about one sixteenth to about two inches thick, e.g., about one quarter inches, about ten inches to about forty inches wide, e.g., about twenty four inches, and about ten inches to about forty inches long, e.g. about twenty four inches and can be made from metal or of any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like and can be structurally connected to the primary reflector 402 by the support structure 410. The solar energy collector dual-axis tracking system 400 can be assembled without the transfer backplate 403 and the support structure 410 (not depicted in FIG. 6).

In further detail, still referring to FIG. 6, the solar energy collector dual axis-tracking system 400 may be sufficiently sized to deliver the energy use required by the user and in this example embodiment the total dimensions of the modular solar energy transfer system can be fifty-two inches wide, sixty inches high, and forty inches deep with a weight of less than 80 pounds (not including the required conduit to connect the system 400 to a storage component). The solar energy collection component 402 can be sufficiently large for collecting solar energy, such as about a projected area of 0.5 to 2.0 square meters. The pass through 409 in the primary reflector 402 may be sufficiently large to allow for the transfer of energy into the energy transfer component (not depicted in FIG. 6) and in some embodiments, the pass through 409 may be anywhere from about one-half square inches to about sixteen square inches which may be, but is not limited to, in a circular or rectangular geometry. The support structure 405 can sufficiently support the secondary reflector 401 to maintain parallel alignment and appropriately specified separation distance. The modular solar energy transfer system 400 may be made of metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a method of collecting and storing solar energy using a modular solar energy transfer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure 700. In some embodiments, the method includes the following steps: determine the position of the sun based on GPS coordinates 701; align the primary reflector normal to the sun 702; collect solar energy using the primary reflector 703; use a secondary reflector to concentrate the solar energy toward an energy transfer element 704; step five, transfer the solar energy to a working fluid 705.

The first step in the method of collecting and storing solar energy using a modular solar energy transfer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can involve determining the position of the sun based on GPS coordinates 701. A solar collector is most efficient when it is in a position normal to the sun. Because the sun moves through the sky, ascertaining its exact position at a given time is critical to efficiently collecting solar energy. In this step, a computer is used to calculate the position of the sun based on the location of the modular solar energy transfer system and the date and time. This information is used to control movements of the dual-axis tracking system.

In some embodiments, the second step in the method of collecting and storing solar energy using a modular solar energy transfer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is to align the primary reflector normal to the sun 702. Using the position of the sun the dual-axis tracking system places the primary reflector in a position normal to the sun, as calculated in the previous step. The azimuth tracking subsystem can be used to alter the rotational position of the primary reflector and the elevation tracking subsystem can be used to adjust the angle of the primary reflector such that that primary reflector is normal to the sun. A computer can be used to track the movements of the motors in the azimuth tracking subsystem and an elevation tracking subsystem. When the motors have moved a sufficient distance to place the primary reflector in a position normal to the sun the system stops moving the primary reflector.

The third step in the method of collecting and storing solar energy using a modular solar energy transfer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is to collect solar energy using the primary reflector 703. Energy collection is accomplished by reflecting the radiation that impinges on the primary reflector and directing it toward the secondary reflector which is located above the primary reflector.

The fourth step in the method of collecting and storing solar energy using a modular solar energy transfer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can involve using a secondary reflector to concentrate the solar energy toward an energy transfer element 704. The secondary reflector is smaller than the primary reflector, thus, when it receives the energy reflected toward it from the larger primary reflector and directs that energy toward the energy transfer element, the energy becomes more concentrated.

The fifth and final step in the method of collecting and storing solar energy using a modular solar energy transfer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be to transfer the solar energy to a working fluid 705. Solar energy incident on the energy transfer unit is radiantly and/or conductively transferred into the working fluid.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an example setup of a solar energy collector 500. The solar energy collector 500 has a primary reflector 402 which collects solar radiation and directs it toward a secondary reflector 401. The secondary reflector 401 can be centrally aligned with the primary reflector 402 and can be separated by about twenty inches to about fifty inches, e.g. about thirty inches by the support structure 405. The convex surface of the secondary reflector 401 can be, but is not limited to, facing the concave surface of the primary reflector. The transfer backplate 403 can be structurally connected to the primary reflector 402 by, but not limited to, multiple support structures 410. The support structures 410 can be, but are not limited to, rectangular or circular geometry and can be made from metal or any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. The support structure 410 can have a width of about one-eighth inches to about two inches wide, e.g., about one half inches, a depth of about one-eighth inches to about two inches, e.g., about one half inches, and a length of about five inches to about twenty inches, e.g., about ten inches.

The transfer backplate 403 can be structurally connected to the thermal heat exchanger unit 415. The thermal heat exchanger unit 415 can be about five inches from the concave front surface of the primary reflector 402 to about twenty inches from the convex back surface of the primary reflector 402. The thermal heat exchanger unit 415, the primary reflector 402, and the secondary reflector 401 can be aligned along each components center line in the vertical and the horizontal directions.

In another embodiment of a solar energy collector 500 the convex surface of the secondary reflector 401 can be facing away from the concave surface of the primary reflector 402 or the secondary reflector 401 can be flat and facing either toward or away from the concave surface of the primary reflector 402. The thermal heat exchanger unit 415 can be structurally connected to the primary reflector 402 and the transfer backplate 403 and support structure 410 can be removed while maintaining the center line alignment between the thermal heat exchanger unit 415, the primary reflector 402, and the secondary reflector 401. The thermal heat exchanger unit 415 can be arranged off-axis from the primary reflector 402 or the secondary reflector 401 and moved from behind the primary reflector 402 to a location where the secondary reflector 401 can have line of sight. The resulting configuration can be similar to an off-axis parabolic reflector found in a satellite television dish.

FIG. 9 is example setup of a thermal heat exchanger unit 600 (referenced as the dotted line box 415 in FIG. 8) containing at least, but not limited to, a piece of optical glass 426, a retaining mount 425, and a transfer body 427. Optional components of the thermal heat exchanger unit 600 can be, but not limited to, an input conduit adapter 422, an output conduit adapter 424, and an energy protecting sheath 421 and the optional components can be made from metal or of any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. The transfer body 427 can be structurally connected to the transfer backplate and the transfer body 427 can be about one half inches to about four inches wide, e.g., about one inches, about one half inches to about four inches long, e.g., about three inches and about one half inches to about four inches thick, e.g., about one inches with two about one-quarter inches to about three-quarter inches connection points, e.g., one half inches female national pipe taper (NPT) points directly across from one another. The transfer body 427 can have a about one-quarter inches to about three inches, e.g., one inch diameter circular or rectangular cutout that is perpendicular to the previously mentioned connection points and can be made from metal or of any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. The optical glass 426 can be structurally connected to the transfer body 427 by a retaining mount 425 and can be, but not limited to, a rectangular or circular geometry about one-quarter inches to about three inches in diameter, e.g., about one inches, and about one-sixteenth inches to about one inches thick, e.g., about one-quarter inches. The retaining mount 425 can be, but not limited to, a rectangular or circular geometry about one-quarter inches to about three inches in diameter, e.g., about one inches, and about one-sixteenth inches to about three inches high, e.g., about one inches and can be made from metal or of any sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like.

In another embodiment of a thermal heat exchanger unit 600 the transfer backplate 403, the energy protecting sheath 421, the input conduit adapter 422, and the output conduit adapter 424 can be removed and the transfer body 427 can be structurally connected to the primary reflector 402 by the retaining mount 425 or other structural support (not depicted in FIG. 9). The transfer body 427 can be located in the center of the energy pass through 409 to maintain center axis alignment between the thermal heat exchanger unit 600, the primary reflector 402 and the secondary reflector (not depicted in FIG. 9).

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of an example connection to an existing hot water heater 300 having a tank drain valve 326 that is structurally connected 324 to a hot water heater 322 which has a hot water out component 318 that is structurally connected 320 to the hot water heater 322. In this embodiment, the solar energy collector 344 is coupled to the hot water heater via pipe couplings 336, 314. The pump 330 is structurally connected 328 to the tank drain valve and is connected to an energy transfer component 340 via a fluid conduit 332. As mentioned in FIG. 2, the energy transfer component 340 converts the solar energy harnessed from the solar energy collection component 344 via a thermal or fluid conduit 342. A pipe coupling 336 is structurally connected 334 to the energy transfer component 340 and is structurally connected 338 to the flow diverter 310. The cold water in component 302 is structurally connected 304 to the pipe coupling 306 that is structurally connected 308 to a flow diverter 310. The flow diverter 310 is structurally connected 312 to the pipe coupling 314 that is structurally connected 316 to the hot water heater 322.

The modular solar energy transfer system 300 can be sufficiently sized to deliver the energy use required by the user. The solar energy collection component 344 can be sufficiently large for collecting solar energy, such as about a projected area of 0.5 to 2.0 square meters. The energy that is radiative or conductively transferred 342 can be performed at efficiency greater than 50%, and the energy transfer component 340 can operate at efficiency greater than 50%. The hot water heater 322 can be of sufficient size to store water as required by the user. The pump 330 can provide sufficient flow to move the water from the hot water heater 322 through the energy transfer component 340 and return through the flow diverter 310 into the hot water heater 322.

The pipe coupling 306, pipe coupling 314, and pipe coupling 336 may be made of sufficiently rigid and strong material such as copper, plastic, PVC, and the like. The modular solar energy transfer system 340 may be made of metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. Further, the various components of the modular solar energy transfer system 340 can be made of different materials.

The advantages of the present disclosure include, without limitation, that it is modular and easy to configure based on the user requirements. It is easy to install these devices onto a structure or open space because the system is capable of being decomposed into smaller modular components. Moving such systems typically requires a single person, and typically at most two persons when installing the components in difficult to access areas. Further, the system may be connected in various configurations depending on the requirements of the user.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is at least one solar energy collector connected to an energy transfer component, an energy storage component, and at least one energy generation component that work in concert to meet the user energy use requirement.

While the foregoing written description of the present disclosure enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The present disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A modular solar energy transfer system comprising:

a primary reflector comprising a reflective material and a pass-through;

a dual-axis tracking system, structurally connected to the primary reflector and configured to orient the primary reflector normal to a sun;

a secondary reflector comprising a reflective material, wherein the secondary reflector is smaller than the primary reflector, structurally connected to the primary reflector and positioned above the primary reflector, and wherein the secondary reflector receives solar energy reflected by the primary reflector and concentrates the solar energy to the pass-through in the primary reflector;

an energy transfer component located below the primary reflector, configured to receive solar energy reflected by the secondary reflector and through the pass-through in the primary reflector; and

a working fluid contained within the energy transfer component to receive the solar energy from the energy transfer component.

2. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the primary reflector is curved.

3. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 2, wherein the primary reflector comprises a spherical curvature, a radius of about sixty inches to about 100 inches, a length of about forty inches to about sixty inches, a width of about forty inches to about sixty inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth to about one-half of an inch.

4. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 2, wherein the reflective material of the primary reflector comprises metal.

5. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the secondary reflector is curved.

6. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 5, wherein the secondary reflector comprises a spherical curvature, a radius of about twenty to about thirty-five inches, a length of about eight to about fifteen inches, a width of about eight to about fifteen inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth inches to about one inch.

7. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 5, wherein the reflective material of the secondary reflector comprises metal polished to a mirrored finish.

8. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the working fluid comprises water.

9. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the dual axis tracking system has an accuracy of about one-hundredth degrees to about one degree.

10. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the energy transfer component comprises optical glass.

11. The modular solar energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the energy transfer component comprises an output and an input connected in parallel or serial.

12. A method of collecting and distributing solar energy from a sun using a modular solar energy transfer system comprising;

determining a position of the sun based on GPS coordinates of the modular solar energy transfer system;

aligning a primary reflector normal to the sun, based on the position of the sun;

collecting solar energy using the primary reflector;

concentrating the collected solar energy using a secondary reflector; and

transferring the collected and concentrated solar energy to a working fluid.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the primary reflector is oriented with a rotational accuracy of about one-hundredth degree to about one degree.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the primary reflector is curved.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the primary reflector comprises a spherical curvature, a radius of about sixty inches to about 100 inches, a length of about forty inches to about sixty inches, a width of about forty inches to about sixty inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth to about one-half of an inch.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the reflective material of the primary reflector comprises metal.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the secondary reflector is curved.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the secondary reflector comprises a spherical curvature has a radius of about twenty to about thirty-five inches, a length of about eight to about fifteen inches, a width of about eight to about fifteen inches, and a thickness of about one-sixteenth inches to about one inch.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the reflective material of the secondary reflector comprises metal polished to a mirrored finish.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the working fluid comprises water.