Patent · US Expired

Low cost solar energy collection system

US4065053A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
5References
17Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 24, 1975
Grant dateDec 27, 1977
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 24, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/47
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector having an extended curved-sawtooth contoured surface covered with a metallized polymeric reflecting material, reflects solar energy to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary. The primary reflector may be constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery. The solar energy absorber is preferably a fluid-transporting pipe. Efficient utilization leading to high temperatures from the reflected solar energy is obtained by cylindrical shaped secondary reflectors that direct off-angle energy to the absorber pipe. To obtain higher temperature levels, refocusing secondary reflectors, that cause a series of discrete spots of highly concentrated solar energy to fall on the fluid-transporting pipe, are utilized. A seriatim arrangement of cylindrical secondary reflector stages and spot-forming reflector stages produces a high temperature solar energy collection system of greater efficiency.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.