Heliostat assembly
US4459972A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/47
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved heliostat comprises a focusing reflector having a toroidal configuration. Mounting means for the reflector comprises means defining a first axis parallel to the earth's polar axis, and means defining a declination axis perpendicular to the first axis. The reflector is mounted for rotation about the declination axis. The means defining the declination axis and the reflector are jointly rotatable about the first axis. A field of heliostats in accordance with the present invention may be arranged to reflect solar radiation to a common receiver. A suitable heliostat field arrangement is a field lying in a plane which is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane at the earth's surface. Also disclosed is a deflecting means for each heliostat facilitating rapid focusing of all heliostats in a field upon the receiver, or rapid defocusing of the field.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.