Abstract: A collapsible light collection and/or transmission device having an axis of symmetry. The device includes opposing first and second body portions each having a curved inner reflective surface and an outer surface. The first body portion is pivotally coupled to the second body portion along the axis of symmetry. The present invention further includes a collapsible solar collector for collecting solar rays. The collector includes first and second body portions each having an inner reflective surface, an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The collector is positionable between at least a first operative position, wherein the distal ends of the first and second body portions are separated, and a second substantially closed position, wherein the distal ends of the first and second body portions are positioned substantially adjacent to one another and the first and second body portions substantially face one another.

Abstract: A solar oven that includes a multiple zone concentrator and a diffuse focal zone is disclosed. The solar oven may include at least one element of symmetry. In such a case, the diffuse focal zone substantially aligns with the oven symmetry element. The diffuse focal zone may include a central region and a peripheral region. The multiple zone concentrator has at least one reflective member for directing radiation to a plurality of portions of the diffuse reflective zone. The reflective member has a first reflective zone and a second reflective zone. The first reflective zone may include at least one of zonal element of symmetry offset from the oven symmetry element. Also, the first reflective zone has a profile that captures and directs radiation to at least a portion of the peripheral region of the diffuse focal zone.

Abstract: A geodome tower reflector for a beam down optics solar power system has three equidistantly spaced tower assemblies. A geodome reflector assembly is movably mounted to the plurality of tower assemblies for vertical movement along the plurality of tower assemblies. The geodome reflector assembly has a facet support structure. The facet support has a plurality of rigid frames to which facets are mounted. Each facet has a downwardly facing mirror for reflecting light from a heliostat to a receiver of the beam down optics solar power system.

Abstract: An improved solar collector pipe that directly conveys fluid to be heated and collects and transfers solar energy efficiently and directly to the internal fluid, thereby maximizing both the amount of energy transmitted to the internal fluid and the peak temperature attainable by that fluid. The solar collector pipe includes a transparent portion for admitting solar energy into the solar collector pipe. Internal to the solar collector pipe is an absorbing portion for absorbing solar energy. A conduit portion is also included and comprises a reflecting surface thereon for reflecting solar energy received through the transparent portion onto the absorbing portion. The transparent portion, the conduit portion, and the absorbing portion together define at least one fluid passageway for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: A solar oven that includes a multiple zone concentrator and a diffuse focal zone is disclosed. The solar oven may include at least one element of symmetry. In such a case, the diffuse focal zone substantially aligns with the oven symmetry element. The diffuse focal zone may include a central region and a peripheral region. The multiple zone concentrator has at least one reflective member for directing radiation to a plurality of portions of the diffuse reflective zone. The reflective member has a first reflective zone and a second reflective zone. The first reflective zone may include at least one of zonal element of symmetry offset from the oven symmetry element. Also, the first reflective zone has a profile that captures and directs radiation to at least a portion of the peripheral region of the diffuse focal zone.

Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.

Abstract: A matrix solar dish concentrator with flexed glass mirrors is patterned from orthogonal planes parallel to the axis of symmetry of a paraboloid and intersecting the paraboloid, this pattern making all parabolic trusses uniform. Parabolic trusses are made by flexing linear truss members with lateral forces creating accurate parabolic member curves, restraining the flexed members with rigid webbing to form an orthogonal paraboloid frame. Parabolic glass mirrors are made by flexing slender flat glass mirrors with lateral forces creating accurate parabolic mirror curves, restraining the flexed mirrors with tension buttons connected to the orthogonal paraboloid frame to form a solar dish. Glass mirror structural substrates are not used. The solar dish tracks the solar azimuth with a bicycle wheel and tracks the solar zenith with a television satellite dish actuator. A solar receiver is supported with a low shade structure outside a cone of concentrated sunlight.

Abstract: In a heat collector comprising a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid a reflector having a reflecting surface partly surrounding the heat collector member and a heat insulating member provided in association with the reflector. The insulating member is typically directly attached to the reflector. The heat insulating member improves the thermal efficiency of the heat collector.

Abstract: In a radiation heat collector, comprising: a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid and a reflector having a reflecting surface partly surrounding the heat collector member, the reflector is rotatably supported around the heat collector member so that the angular position can be changed at will so as to optimize the orientation of the reflector for the given location, inclination of the solar collector, time of the year and time of the day.

Abstract: The present invention offers a low cost, modular structure with a continuous, horizontal, rotatable spine supported on posts fixed to the ground, providing one axis of rotation for pointing solar collectors in the North-South direction and vertical roll axis bars mounted orthogonally to the spine providing an additional axis of rotation in the East-West direction. Push rods provide linear motion for control of any number of solar collector modules, with the linear motion being translated to rotary motion by pulleys and cables attached to wheels or arc segments mounted to the spine and roll axis bars. Thus, a whole array of solar collector modules can be driven by a single solar tracking device and two drive devices. Additionally, when arrayed in multiple rows of the number of solar collector modules controlled can be multiplied so that a “solar farm” covering a large area could be controlled by the single solar tracking device and a minimal number of drive devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing solar radiation of tracking type including a matrix array of a number of light receptors is disclosed. A first set of four shafts are disposed parallel to each other and parallel to a floor surface on which the apparatus is installed. A second set of four shafts are mounted on each shaft in the first set, and four light receptors per one shaft in the second set including 4×4 equal to 16 shafts are supported, thus providing a total of 64 light receptors. Each light receptor internally contains a mirror having four sections, and four parabolic mirrors of a reduced diameter which reflect light reflected by respective sections to the center of each section. Where the light receptors constitute a light collector which condenses and projects solar radiation into optical fibers, a conical opening having a reflecting surface is defined centrally in each section, with a light receiving end face of an optical fiber disposed at the bottom thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable reflector having a first plate made of substantially transparent material, a second plate positioned substantially parallel to the first plate, and a reflector element rotatably mounted between the first plate and the second plate. The reflector element is at least partially transparent and has a substantially spherical shape and a reflective surface. In addition, at least one of the plates is movable relative to the other while maintaining the distance between the first plate and the second plate. Preferably, a plurality of reflector elements is rotatably mounted between the first plate and the second plate, each reflector element being two hemispheres with a reflective surface positioned on an equatorial plane. Driving devices may also be provided for moving at least one of the plates.

Abstract: According to the proposed invention, this technical result is achieved so that many-facet concentrator of a solar setup for exposure of objects, placed in a target plane, to the action of solar radiation containing a supporting frame and facets differing by that the facets of the concentrator are chosen with spherical focusing reflective surfaces of equal focal lengths and with selective coatings reflecting a desired spectral fraction of solar radiation, and are arranged on the supporting frame symmetrically with respect to the common axis of the concentrator, their optical axes being directed to the single point on the optical axis of the concentrator located before the nominal focus point of the concentrator and determining the position of arranging the target plane.

Abstract: Radiant energy collecting apparatus (11) which includes a platform assembly (13) floating on a body of liquid, the top side of which supports reflectors (16) of a solar concentrator and the underside of which is provided with a series of compartments (31) which are open on their lowermost sides and which contain air to provide buoyant lift to maintain the reflectors (16) above the level of liquid. Air may be supplied to the compartments (31) through an air duct (33) beneath the platform assembly (13), the duct (33) having a number of openings (35) through which the air passes.

Abstract: A device for directing a defined light beam onto a photosensitive area, for testing the performance of a photovoltaic module including said photosensitive area, comprising a support structure (1) which can be turned about a vertical central axis (4) in accordance with the actual azimuthal sun position. Housing (7) receives the photovoltaic module with the photosensitive area (6) of said module in a horizontal position, the housing being located in the lower portion of the support structure. A first mirror (2) which can be tilted about a horizontal axis (3) in order adapt its position continuously to the sun elevation position and to optimize the sun light impact thereon, and a second mirror (5) is fixed to the support structure (1) vertically above the photosensitive area (6) of the module and receives the light beam from the first mirror (2) for reflexion towards said area (6).

Abstract: A heat gathering device 1 is provided with a reflection plate assembly 2 and a heat gathering tube 3 with a glass tube 4 surrounding the reflection plate assembly 2 and the heat gathering tube 3. The reflection plate assembly 2 is designed to provide a structure which is capable of maintaining the accuracy of a compound paraboloid in a heat gathering device having a compound paraboloid. The reflection plate assembly 2 is an assembly for gathering light having a compound paraboloid, which is formed by combining two paraboloids 21a and 21b. The reflection plate assembly 2 includes a reflection plate 21 and a plurality of brackets 22. The reflection plate 21 is formed by specularizing and forming a compound paraboloid surface through a bending process on a side where light is gathered. The brackets 22 are installed on the reflection plate 21 on an opposite side of the side where light is gathered.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for producing usable power as heat and/or electricity uses a self-steering heliostat 1502 to concentrate solar radiation 1509 onto an absorbing surface such as, or including, a solar cell array 1511 capable of absorbing power from the radiation, meanwhile removing heat (such as from long-wave infra-red radiation or resistive losses) from the surface with fluid heat transfer means 1503, 1504, then making effective use of that low-grade heat. Thus the solar cell array is kept relatively cool and a larger proportion of the solar energy incident on the reflector unit is used. The invention uses electricity 1506 from the solar cells to move a transporting fluid through a heat exchanger 1504. Excess electricity may be available for local storage or use 1510, or feeding 1512 to the power distribution grid. Applications include warming swimming pools 1501, heating hot-water supplies using excess electricity, or warming, lighting and ventilating open spaces.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collecting and concentrating solar radiation for the generation of electrical power, the apparatus comprising a rotatable reflector dish which is pivoted to one side so as to be positioned between a vertical position or lowered to a horizontal position. When horizontal, the dish is protected by a surrounding weathershield for protection against high winds. The reflector dish is preferably parabolic and mounted so as to concentrate and reflect the solar radiation into a receiver.

Abstract: A concentrator for focusing solar radiation onto an elongate absorber, comprising a plurality of transverse supports arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, stabilizing the concentrator in the transverse direction and defining the shape of the concentrator profile, and a thin-walled support structure resting on said transverse supports and having a plurality of adjacent longitudinally extending ribs stabilizing the concentrator in the longitudinal direction. In the transverse direction, the support structure adapts to the curved profile of the transverse supports and forms a light-weight and strong bearing for a reflector plate.

Abstract: A solar insolation concentrator fabricated from a rigid lightweight (slab-like substrate and a plurality of reflectors. Inclined surfaces are formed in the face surface of the substrate, such as by impressing a heated plate portion of a fabrication tool into the substrate material. The fabrication tool is then used to position the reflectors as they are adhered to the inclined surfaces to assure that the reflectors are aligned with respect to a common focal point. An embodiment of the solar insolation concentrator comprising a plurality of identical square flat back-silvered glass mirrors mounted within recesses within a block of high density cellular polystyrene and a tool and process used to fabricate this concentrator are disclosed. The solar insolation concentrator is also suited for use as a reflector of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths outside the solar energy spectrum.

Abstract: A trough-type parabolic concentrator (1) for a solar thermal power plant comprises a reflector plate (3) bent in trough shape and a support structure (4) for supporting the reflector plate (3) and comprising a plurality of wooden segments (2) arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the trough. Each segment (2) is assembled from a plurality of wooden frames (5). Using wooden frames (5) as the basic element of the supporting structure (4) allows for a lightweight, simple and low-cost structure of the trough-type parabolic concentrator (1).

Abstract: A concentrating solar array consisting of a roll of reflective film which is stretched between tension wires strung between a pair of wire stays. There is a roll of film and a take up roll such that the film can be unrolled from the storage roll and pulled toward the take-up roll to replace degraded film. A pair of extension arms holds a solar cell at a fixed position relative to the solar concentrator film surface to receive concentrated sunlight. The roll of reflective film ensures the life requirements of the solar concentrator can be met in space, by replacing exposed concentrator film as it degrades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system having a novel focal collection zone. In general, the system comprises a moveable solar energy collector supported above a cylindrically arcuate solar energy concentrating reflector. Instead of positioning the collector to rotate about the center of curvature of the reflector and to extend down halfway between the center of curvature and the reflector, in the present invention, the solar energy collector extends further down according to a particular algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a solar collector unit comprises a pair of spaced carriers, and a support net for supporting a solar collector unit thereon. The support net includes a set of longitudinal wires extending between the carriers, and a set of transverse wires extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal wires and welded thereto. A pair of tension mechanisms are mounted to the carriers to adjust the tension of the longitudinal wires. The tension mechanisms include holders for holding opposite ends of the longitudinal wires between the carriers, and fasteners operatively associated with the holders to adjust the tension of the longitudinal wires so that the longitudinal wires are aligned in a transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system and to a preferred novel focal collection zone for such a system. In general, the system comprises a moveable solar energy collector supported above a cylindrically arcuate solar energy concentrating reflector. The solar energy collector has a compound parabolic non-imaging shape. In a preferred embodiment, instead of positioning the collector to rotate about the center of curvature of the reflector and to extend down halfway between the center of curvature and the reflector, in the present invention, the solar energy collector extends further down according to a particular algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy concentrating system that uses a combination of a circular arcuate primary reflector and a linear compound parabolic secondary collector. The secondary collector can track by swinging in a circular are above the primary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof module having an integral solar energy concentrator. The present modules can be combined to form a weathertight roof with an integral solar concentrator. Radiant solar energy can be collected from this modular roof using reflected solar energy collectors, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements. The present invention results in a lower weight and easier to install system for placing solar energy concentrators atop a structure, and thus, lower the cost collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof having an integral solar energy concentrating system. A combination of solar energy concentrating reflectors and reflected solar energy collectors is used, among other solar energy concentrating or energy transferring elements, to gather radiant solar energy from a roof atop a building or roofed structure. The reflectors or reflector backing panels are integrated into other roof structure elements so as to form a weathertight roof. Thus, the present invention results in a lower weight and lower cost way of collecting radiant solar energy from atop a building or roofed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system incorporating replaceable solar energy concentrating reflectors. Prior systems typically required a structurally stable solar energy concentrating panel. The present invention uses a combination of structurally stable backing panels and flexible solar energy concentrating reflectors to significantly reduce the ease and cost of replacing reflectors.

Abstract: A concentric receiver tube for passing water to be disinfected twice before the aperture path of a concentric solar reflector. The novel receiver tube uses the water that is heated by the reflector to additionally pre-heat fresh incoming water to maximize the heat transfer exchange rate. The novel concentric tube receiver to preheat and disinfect water when the source of heat are combustion gases or catalyst beds. The maximum disinfecting temperature needs only be 90 C in order to create an instantaneous disinfection condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a family of apparatus using a balloon supported reflective surface for reflecting light from the Sun. A basic embodiment of such an apparatus is a light weight, low cost heliostat using a balloon supported reflective surface. Another embodiment is a solar power concentration apparatus using multiple heliostats with balloon supported reflective surfaces. Yet another embodiment is a solar electric power apparatus, also using multiple heliostats with balloon supported reflective surfaces. Variant embodiments of these apparatus can be sited on land or water surfaces or in the air or in space.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator assembly comprises flexible polymeric sheet which carries an integral optical element in the form of a Fresnel lens for concentrating a substantial amount of incoming solar radiation on a desired location on the earth's surface. Lofting elements such as propeller driven wings is attached to the sheet for providing aerodynamic lift thereto to maintain the optical element a predetermined distance above the surface of the earth. The propulsion system is powered electrically with energy derived from sunlight.

Abstract: The solar concentrator arrangement has a concentrating mirror (2) consisting of a metallised plastic shell to reflect parallel incident light. The concentrating mirror ( 2 ) forms part of a foil tube (1) and co-operates with a secondary concentrator (5) which deflects the parallel incident light beams (3,4) from the concentrating mirror concentrically on a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger (7) is placed on the focal line of the secondary concentrator (5) are rigidly secured together and can be automatically moved in relation to the heat exchanger (7) according to the position of the sun.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system includes a curved rim, a collector assembly including a plurality of solar radiation transducer elements passing through the plane of and connected to the curved rim, and a plurality of relatively small diameter tension members connected in distributed manner between the curved rim and the collector assembly and forming a stiff, lightweight, bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure. The support structure is rotatably supported from the ground in a manner to allow for three dimensionally stable support and rotation of at least ninety degrees with respect to the ground. Rotation of the bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure provides for a desired primary tracking motion to adjust for the apparent motion of the sun, and movement of the transducer elements provides for a second dimension adjustment for the apparent motion of the sun.

Abstract: A cooking panel member formed of a plurality of individual panel reflector plates includes first and second inner rows of individual panel plates hingedly mounted together, with first and second outer rows of panel plates interconnected to the inner rows of plates to provide a completed arcuate member having a concave surface to reflect heat to a cooking vessel.

Abstract: The water- and air-cooled reflection mirror of this invention, which can be applied to light projector, sterilizing lamp and development device, cools with water and air the reflection mirror that is heated by intense heat of the light source. The water flowing into the water passages formed in the reflection, mirror base body cools the base body to cool the air present in the opening in the base body, thereby preventing overheating of the reflection mirror by the circulating water and cooling air.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting apparatus including a fluid reservoir, a platform floating on said fluid reservoir, a drive structure for moving the platform on the reservoir, radiant energy collectors supported on the platform, reflectors for concentrating radiant energy on the radiant energy collectors, and means for selectively submerging the concentrating means beneath fluid from the reservoir for protection against inclement weather conditions. Fluid feed impellers are supported beneath the platform within the reservoir and communicate with ports through the platform for pumping fluid onto the platform and reflectors. Opposing fluid impellers are associated with each fluid feed impeller, the opposing impellers being operable with the feed impellers to force fluid in an opposing direction to the feed impellers, with deflectors being disposed between the feed impellers and the opposing impellers.

Abstract: A heat intensifier for directing radiant heat from a campfire toward a camper situated on the ground adjacent the campfire to enhance the warmth provided by the campfire to the camper includes a collapsible screen having a heat-reflective surface and a frame for attachment to the screen to deploy the screen in a concave-convex configuration in which the heat-reflective surface is located in a position relative to the camper and the campfire to reflect radiated heat from the campfire toward the camper, and anchoring devices for anchoring the attached screen and frame to the ground in that position.

Abstract: A solar thermal collector incorporates an extended reflector surface constructed to concentrate radiation from a radiation source along a focal line. The reflector surface is oriented in a generally upward facing direction relative to the earth with the focal line above the reflector surface. A tracking system supports the extended reflector surface for double axis tracking of the sun by relative motion of the reflector surface to different tracking positions for optimizing concentrated radiation at the focal line. The tracking system is constructed to maintain the focal line of the extended reflector surface in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the earth during tracking. An elongate absorber is positioned substantially at the focal line for absorbing and converting radiation to heat energy. An elongate absorber housing is coupled to the extended reflector surface and is constructed for positioning the elongate absorber substantially along the focal line.

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.