Patent · US Expired

Turret mounted solar concentrator with boom mounted secondary mirror or collector

US4408595A · kind A · utility

34Cited by
13References
18Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 5, 1978
Grant dateOct 11, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 5, 1998

Classification

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

Abstract

A solar energy concentrator/collector assembly employing an altitude-azimuth dual axis scanning mounting assembly including a base with a circular track for mounting the assembly for rotation about a vertical axis. The assembly includes a turret defining second pivotable axis normal to the vertical axis and intersecting the same. A boom, a concentrator and a collector act as a single rotational assembly during solar collection and fold together during non-operating periods to minimize the profile and wind loading. In one preferred embodiment the solar energy collector is fixed and located at the intersection of the two axes and a boom carries a secondary mirror reflecting solar energy from said primary mirror to the solar energy collector which may be a Stirling cycle engine or other heat engine. In an alternate embodiment the solar energy collector is located on the boom at the focus region of the solar concentrator.

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