Solar energy apparatus and method
US3998056A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1975 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/46
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for converting solar energy to mechanical or electrical energy includes an enclosed fluid containing field of pipes and a reservoir in fluid communication therewith. During the daylight hours, solar produced heat impinges upon the field causing the fluid therewithin to expand. The expanding fluid escapes from the field via a pipe through which it is conducted to the reservoir through a fluid turbine to produce rotational mechanical energy. During the nighttime, the volume of the fluid contracts, reversing the process. The fluid at night returns from the reservoir to the field, again being conducted through the turbine to produce mechanical rotational energy in the process. Throughout the entire process, the fluid remains in a substantially incompressible state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.