Abstract: Elliptical cylinder collector for thermal solar energy comprising a first pipe and a reflector surface, which also comprises a second pipe and a third pipe, wherein the reflector surface has a generatrix which is half an ellipse and wherein the second pipe and the third pipe are located at focal points of the ellipse and the first pipe is located on a minor axis of the ellipse at a greater distance from the reflector surface than the second pipe and the third pipe, the first pipe is also located at the focal point of an imaginary parabola whose vertex is located at the negative end of the minor axis of the ellipse.

Abstract: Technical challenges of efficiently and cost-effectively deriving energy from the sun are addressed using a manifold and an array of evacuated tubes in fluid connection, in a butterfly or other planar arrangement. Tube and manifold fluid guides are plumbed for coaxial flow and/or parallel flow, and thermally protected by sleeves, stainless steel piping, and/or vacuum. Tubes are provided with a selective low emissivity coating and/or internal mirror to reduce thermal loss. The solar absorption surface of evacuated tubes may be five square meters or more, with only low-quality concentration optics, or no concentration optics used. The tubes array tracks the sun with a two-axis motion platform. Fluid operating temperatures range from 150 to 300 degrees centigrade, depending on the sunlight exposure, working fluid, and supplemental heat source if any. Fluid may circulate heat between the manifold and heat engine, cogeneration facility, and/or other module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic intensification system includes a solar array stand, further including a mounting base; a mounting column; a solar array frame, a solar array, solar array lenses or reflectors, a light sensor, an elevation actuator, and a horizontal actuator; and a solar system cart, further including: a cart enclosure, a radiant solar cooker chamber, cart reflectors, and cart wheels. Further included are a vertical tilt ring, a strong-arm rod, a mass pivot rod, an elevation actuating ring, a horizontal tilt ring, and mounting brackets. A power and control system for photovoltaic intensification further includes a battery charger, a battery, an A/C inverter, a solar control unit, a remote control, a thermo electric freezer component, and a heat exchanger. A solar control unit includes a light sensor control circuit and a temperature control circuit, or a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, an actuator controller, and a temperature controller.

Abstract: A solar collector comprises a solar absorbing tube comprising enclosure enclosing an absorbing section, comprising a radiation absorbing plate and a tube, containing a working fluid in thermal contact with the plate. The tube extends out of one end of the tube and connects with a condenser wherein the thermal transfer fluid when in a vapor phase communicates with a fluid to be heated within an end fitting. The condenser of a tube is inserted into a thermal pocket sealingly engaged with a gasket within the pipe receiving portion of the fitting, whereby heat transfer can take place between the condensers of the pipes and a fluid flowing via path in the fitting. The pocket is sealed against ingress of heat exchange fluid flowing through the fitting.

Abstract: An evacuated tube solar thermal collector uses a set of evacuated solar thermal collector tubes in heat exchanging contact with a fluid flowing through a header tube. Two heat pipes are provided in each evacuated thermal collector tube, and the condenser ends of the heat pipes are positioned in the header tube with a spacing that provides improved heat transfer from the heat pipes to the header tube. When 14 mm heat pipes contained in 58 mm collector tubes are used in a header tube having a capacity of about 0.5 gallons with a heat transfer liquid that is flowing at a rate of about 0.3 gpm, the spacing between heat pipes in each collector tube is about 24 mm, center to center, and the spacing between corresponding heat pipes of immediately-adjacent collector tubes is about 80 mm.

Abstract: A heliostat capable of collecting light with high efficiency and having reduced manufacturing and installation costs; and a method of controlling the heliostat. The heliostat includes a reflecting mirror configured to reflect sunlight; and a support mechanism configured to tiltably support the reflecting mirror. The support mechanism has a single supporting column and first and second cylinders. The reflecting mirror is supported at its back surface by a supporting column upper end of the supporting column, a first cylinder upper end of the first cylinder and a second cylinder upper end of the second cylinder in a tiltable manner, which are arranged to form a triangle on the back surface of the reflecting mirror. A gimbal bearing connects the supporting column upper end and the reflecting mirror, the gimbal bearing being configured to be tiltable in two axial directions intersecting with each other.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector is disclosed, comprising: A nested main frame and reflector carriage with vertically folding reflectors in a Fresnel-type array, using a one-piece pre-formed panel. A hand-winch operated cable system provides for a full range of reflector altitude adjustment. A one-piece, pre-formed reflector panels provide for pre-aligned mounting of reflective material. An alignment guide allows assessment of solar tracking alignment without gazing toward the focal area. A flattop receiver for heating smaller flat-bottomed pots and pans or for direct griddle cooking, and an adjustable rack for positioning larger cooking vessels in the focal area for use as direct receivers. Also described is a method for making one-piece, pre-formed reflector panels. One embodiment has a lower frame portion substantially forming a rolling chassis. An additional embodiment describes lower frame structure for a fixed location installation.

Abstract: A solar tracking system is disclosed. The tracking system includes a tube rotatable around its end-to-end axis. A first support is coupled to the tube at a first location of the tube, and is coupled with a first base. A second support is coupled to the tube at a second location of the tube, and is coupled with a second base. A translation mechanism is coupled with the tube and provided to change the position of the first support relative to the second support.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in orientable solar panel array systems of the type of solar panel arrays comprising a plurality of panels (1) for capturing solar radiation, arranged on a bearing structure pivotally assembled with respect to a horizontal tube (3), which in turn is rotatably assembled on the end of a support column (2), the structure bearing the panels (1) comprising two parallel trusses (4) on which trusses a series of longitudinal profiles with a C-shaped cross-section are transversely arranged, on which longitudinal profiles sliding profiles (6) with a square cross-section having an open groove in the upper part are perpendicularly arranged, on which sliding profiles the panels (1) are fastened.

Abstract: Modular solar collector, comprising a first supporting stand, the first supporting stand having at its upper end a first pivot bearing point defining a pivotal axis, a second supporting stand, having at its upper end a second pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, an intermediate supporting stand having at its upper end an intermediate pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, a first solar collector unit comprising at least one solar collector panel and a first unit frame being pivotally mounted to the first pivot bearing point and an intermediate pivot bearing point, and a second solar collector unit comprising at least one solar collector panel and a second unit frame being pivotally mounted to the second pivot bearing point and an intermediate pivot bearing point, a pivotal drive assembly comprising an x-drive unit and an x-coupling wherein each unit frame is, mechanically coupled to its adjacent unit frame.

Abstract: A structure for supporting an array of solar panels above a surface comprises finned poles, a horizontal spline, and a number of movable yokes coupling each of the solar panels to the spline, such that the solar panels may be secured to the spline, and later repositioned along the spline and re-secured to the spline. A pole includes one or more fins in a central portion, to stabilize the pole when set into the ground. The cross-section of the spline may take a variety of shapes, including quadrilateral shapes and conic sections. Constructing a solar array involves using commonplace, readily accessible materials, and construction equipment and methods with low-environmental-impact, all to produce an attractive, easy to construct environmentally friendly installation.

Abstract: Melting metals using the sun's energy is not new, but is new is making the technology ergonomic, and easy to use. Invented is a half-circular-planar-reflector with a cut-a-way-triangle, hinged and attached a half-shell-parabolic-reflector. When the sun is overhead, the sun's energy reflects off the flat half-circular-planar-reflector to a half-shell-parabolic-dish-reflector, which redirects the sun's energy to a crucible for smelting metals, which is also the focus of the sun's energy. The entire assembly rotates on top of a turntable, which can be steel wheel, floating on compressed air, bicycle wheels, or other suitable methods. The entire assembly rotates about a crucible located at the focal of the sun's energy. A smaller version of the smelter can be used for solar cooking.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to solar energy are provided. A system includes a solar array supported to be angularly repositionable. A shuttle and linkage arrangement is coupled to the solar array. Thermally activated actuators sequentially control the linear translation of the shuttle such that the solar array is incrementally angularly repositioned over the course of a daylight period. Concentrated solar energy is used to heat the actuators in their sequential order. Systems for generating electrical and/or thermal energy, embodied as panels or other form-factors, are contemplated.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system may includes a gimbal with a rim that supports a solar radiation concentrator or collector assembly passing through the plane of the rim, and foundation structures that support and anchor the gimbal, allowing it to both rotate and be raised or lowered. One flexible structural member may support the gimbal rim and a second flexible structural device both anchors the rim and enables the gimbal-collector assembly to rotate around an axis parallel to the earth's polar axis providing the desired primary tracking motion following the daily apparent motion of the sun. Motion between the gimbal and the solar radiation collector assembly allows the assembly to follow the apparent seasonal motion of the sun, among other tasks.

Abstract: A sun tracking system includes a reduction device of a servo motor, multiple shafts, multiple couplers, and at least two rows of cylinders and each row having at least two cylinders, a solar panel, multiple pivotal connection units and multiple sliding units. The reduction device of a servo motor drives the cylinders of the first and second rows of cylinders which drive other cylinders. The cylinders of the first row of cylinders are pivotably connected to the solar panel and the cylinders of the second row of cylinders are movably connected to the solar panel. By the cylinders of the same row moving upward or downward while the cylinders of the other row moving downward or upward, the panel is controlled to aim the sun.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and aiming various solar devices. Includes a cradle assembly (70) with two tilt pivots (59) located on opposite sides for vertical adjustment, and a turntable (46) for horizontal adjustment. Both adjustments, required for aiming the device toward the sun, are accomplished simultaneously and instantly by steering a biaxial control arm (74) while sighting an aiming instrument (88). The instrument can be used for aiming the solar device either in a direct line or by using the novel aim-ahead indicia (101). An optional utility cart (140) is used for mobility. The cradle assembly locks in either a direct-fit solar device (226) or an adaptor box (110) that, in turn, latches to a standardizing interchange mount (122). The mount, along with a device mounting kit (FIG. 16D), converts various solar devices (FIGS. 2, 12B, 13, and 16E) from different manufacturers, to be utilized by the apparatus. A second embodiment (FIGS.

Abstract: A tracking solar collector assembly includes solar collector support structure, with at least one solar collector mounted thereto and first and second spaced apart pivotal support points defining a tilt axis, Southside supports, with first pivot connectors, and North side supports, with a base, a second pivot connector, and one or two support elements connected to the base and to the second pivot connector at the ends thereof. The first and second support points are pivotally connected to and supported by the first pivot connectors and by the North side supports, respectively. The assembly also includes a tilting assembly causing the solar collectors therewith to tilt in unison.

Abstract: A modular shade system with solar tracking panels includes a series of generally North-South oriented, spaced apart torque tubes, each torque tube having an axis, a series of panels mounted to at least some of the torque tubes to create spaced-apart rows of panels along the torque tubes, at least some of the panels being solar collector panels. The system also includes a shade structure, positioned at a selected location between selected ones of the torque tubes and above the support surface so to provide an enhanced shaded region thereunder, and a support structure. The support structure includes a first mounting assembly mounting each torque tube above the support surface for rotation about the axis of each torque tube and a second mounting assembly supporting the shade structure at the selected location. The system further comprises a tilting assembly selectively rotating each torque tube about its axis.

Abstract: A solar power unit having the following features: It can rotate on an axle to face the sun The solar collectors are arranged in a stepped shape. It has mirrors that can fold out to increase the area over which sunlight is collected. There is a protective bonnet that can cover the solar collectors during inclement weather. The invention has a semi-cylindrical main body that rests on a stand, supported by an axle on which it can pivot to track the sun. The stepped solar collectors are on the upper half of the main body and are covered by the mirrors when they fold in. A first embodiment has a battery that stores electricity generated by sunlight and an inverter for converting direct current from the battery to alternating current. A second embodiment has parabolic collectors that heat water to create high pressure steam that is used to generate electricity.

Abstract: A mounting system for photovoltaic solar panels providing support for different sized panels, and/or panels having mounting holes located in different locations. A universal panel clamp includes at least one elongated hole or slot to attach to a mounting hole on a solar panel frame. A clamp is attached to an upper hole, and a second clamp is attached to a lower mounting hole. The upper clamps are attached to an upper lateral support member, and the lower clamps are attached to a lower lateral support member. This assembly may be supported by A-shaped support members having adjustable tilt arms, or posts with specially configured brackets.

Abstract: A solar array mounting system having unique installation and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having mounting holes located in different locations. The solar array mounting system includes tilt brackets and longitudinal links forming columns. A tilt bracket includes a tilt arm for supporting an upper spar of one row, and a pivot block for supporting a lower spar of a next row. The spars may be made from extruded aluminum or from steel, wherein the steel spars include an exposed metal channel to provide a common electrical equipment ground. Panel clamps are used to clamp the solar panel frames to the spars, allowing for variations in mounting hole locations.

Abstract: A modular shade system with solar tracking panels includes a series of generally North-South oriented, spaced apart torque tubes, each torque tube having an axis, a series of panels mounted to at least some of the torque tubes to create spaced-apart rows of panels along the torque tubes, at least some of the panels being solar collector panels. The system also includes a shade structure, positioned at a selected location between selected ones of the torque tubes and above the support surface so to provide an enhanced shaded region thereunder, and a support structure. The support structure includes a first mounting assembly mounting each torque tube above the support surface for rotation about the axis of each torque tube and a second mounting assembly supporting the shade structure at the selected location. The system further comprises a tilting assembly selectively rotating each torque tube about its axis.

Abstract: A tracking solar collector assembly includes Southside supports, North side supports and support structures. Each support structure has pivotal support points defining a tilt axis and supports at least one solar collector. First support points of first and second support structures are pivotally connected to first and second Southside supports. A second support point of the first support structure is pivotally connected to first and second North side supports. A second support point of the second support structure is pivotally connected to second and third North side supports. A tilting assembly causes the solar collector support structures and the solar collectors tilt in unison. A tracking solar collector may comprise a torsion tube rotatable about a torsion tube axis; with the solar panels secured to the torsion tube at an angle with the solar panels located entirely above the torsion tube at noontime.

Abstract: A solar tracking system is disclosed. The tracking system includes a tube rotatable around its end-to-end axis. A first support is coupled to the tube at a first location of the tube, and is coupled with a first base. A second support is coupled to the tube at a second location of the tube, and is coupled with a second base. A translation mechanism is coupled with the tube and provided to change the position of the first support relative to the second support.

Abstract: A nonrotating adjustable solar panel for optimizing cell charging of a portable message sign, comprising a movable frame, a message sign, a solar panel, a support post attached to the underside of the solar panel by a universal joint, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle and position of the solar panel comprising a pair of outwardly extending arms, a pair of threaded support rods, each rod extending through an aperture in the arm, and a handle for turning the rod. Each rod is coupled to the underside of the solar panel by a ball or universal joint. As each rod is turned, it raises or lowers a portion of the solar panel, providing tilting and pivoting, but not rotating motion for adjustment of the solar panel angle.

Abstract: A portable concave reflector assembly having a hub member, a plurality of blade members radiating from the hub member, hub interlocking means for holding each of the blade members in selectively locked and secured relation with respect to the hub member, and blade interlocking means for holding each of the blade members in selectively locked and secured relation with respect to each adjacent one of the blade members. Each one of the blade members is identical in size and shape to each other one of the blade members. Together, the hub member and the blade members of the portable concave reflector assembly form a continuous reflective front face in three hundred and sixty degrees about the hub member. The reflector assembly has a concave, dish-shaped profile that is capable of directing incident radiant and electromagnetic energy to a focal area and has utility as a portable cooking apparatus.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of multiple parallel rows of solar panels, each said row being made of one or more building blocks with an east-west oriented torsion tube defining an east-west axis for the row, an array of flat generally rectangular solar panels, and a set of panel rails and rail claims attaching the panels onto the torsion tube. A row of piers aligned on the east-west axis each have a footing that is supported in the earth, and a pier cap affixed onto a top end of the pier. The pier cap holds the torsion tube non-rotationally such that the torsion tube and panels are held at a preset elevation angle. The torsion tube may serve as a conduit for power conductors from the panels.

Abstract: A portable solar module cart is provided which comprises a platform, a pair of wheels attached to opposite sides of the platform, a pair of support struts attached to opposite sides of the platform and movable relative to the platform between a first retracted position in which they lie substantially parallel to the platform and a second erected position in which they extend at a selected angle to the platform so that a DC power source can be disposed on and supported by the platform, a solar panel pivotally mounted to the struts, the solar panel being movable on its pivot when the struts are in their erected position so as to be in a perpendicular relationship with an imaginary line connecting the sun and the solar panel, whereby to maximize the solar energy collected by the panel, and means for locking the solar panel in any selected position on its pivot.

Abstract: A solar cooker which has at least one biconvex lens which can concentrate solar rays onto an item to be cooked. In addition, the solar cooker utilizes a series of pulleys to rotate the lens from an angle of 45.degree. on each side of the sun's zenith in order to effectively collect the sun's rays at different times of the day.

Abstract: The solar tracking system maintains a solar collector with its responsive surface normal to the sun rays. It includes a shaft supported for rotation about an axis parallel to the north-south axis of the earth, a stepper motor for intermittent rotation of the shaft at a mean rate equal to the earth's rate of rotation. A solar collector securing assembly is located on one side of the shaft and includes a bracket, collars securing the bracket to the shaft, a support for fixing a solar collector pivoted to the bracket about a pivotal axis transverse to the shaft to vary the inclination of the support relative to the shaft and stays between the support and the bracket to maintain the support at an adjusted inclination. A counter-balancing system includes an arm secured to the shaft and extending normal thereto and away from the assembly and a weight adjustably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and adjusting a solar oven with respect to the sun, the apparatus having a horizontally disposed main frame and a pair of vertical, spaced apart supports mounted to the main frame, the solar oven being pivotally mounted to the vertical supports; with means to lock the solar oven in a variety of positions with respect to the sun.

Abstract: A solar panel control apparatus for varying the position of a solar panel mounted upon a roof comprising a solar panel support frame having a horizontal pivot rod mounted there beneath; a vertically receptacle collar having a clevis at its upper end rotatively receiving the pivot rod of the support frame and having a recess extending upwardly from its lower end with internal threads at its lower extent and a cylindrical cavity between the threads and the upper end; a rotatable shaft having a threaded upper end cooperatively secured with the threads of the collar and a handle whereby rotation of the shaft through the handle will act to raise and lower the collar and pivot with the support frame; a turret having a downwardly extending cavity having surfaces adapted to receive the collar; and a turret support plate with a upper face to support the turret, the turret plate having a wheel within the modular home to effect rotation of the plate and the turret whereby rotation of the handle will vary the angular ori

Abstract: A solar collector assembly comprised of a solar collector unit, which includes a solar collector panel disposed within a housing thereof, an elevation adjustment unit mounted around the housing and controlled to tilt the housing in the longitudinal axis for adjusting the angle of elevation of the housing, and a focusing adjustment unit fastened to the collector panel and controlled to oscillate the collector panel sideways for adjusting the angle of inclination of the collector panel.

Abstract: A solar heater includes a pair of tracks disposed longitudinally on the side portions, a container including a pair of wheels rotatably engaged in the tracks, a number of orifices formed in each of the tracks, and a pair of supports having one end engageable with either of the orifices so as to support the solar heater and the container in a slope.

Abstract: The solar concentrator includes a carriage movable along an inclined, ground anchored ramp. A first weight at the end of a pulley carried first cable, biases the carriage upwardly of the ramp slope. A number of mirrors are pivotally carried by the carraige, and reflect sunrays toward a heat sink absorber. A second weight biases the mirrors to pivot in one direction, while a third weight biases the mirrors in an opposite direction. The operator can put into operation the second or third weight as he chooses. Gravity induced up or down carriage displacement allows sun tracking adjustments on an incremental, day to day basis. Gravity induced mirrors pivotal motion allow sun tracking adjustments on a continuous basis during each daylight period. Hence, all year long, solar rays reflected by the mirrors remain convergent toward the absorber.

Abstract: An improved affordable, rugged, but light-weight box-oven-type solar cooker with the ability to overcome the recognized prior art limitations, such as: difficulty in achieving cooking temperatures in morning, evening and winter; restriction in reflector adjustment; heat loss through glazier cover; the inability to produce high temperatures in a short period of time and, more importantly, the inability of heat storage to continue cooking after sundown. The cooker assembly comprises a revolutionary round or hemispherical shaped cooking chamber (16) allowing the maximum amount of sunlight to cover its inner surface, creating a higher and more even heat distribution for cooking; an unhinged reflector frame (30) is pivotally mounted by arms (38R; 38L) to the housing (10) and can adjust through a 360.degree. angle. With this unlimited mobility the sun's rays can be focused into the cooking chamber (16) substantially at any angle of the sun's position regardless of time of day, or geographic location.