Apparatus and method for extracting focused solar radiant energy

Patent · Tue Dec 18 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:5208170

Lenz, E

This patent describes an electricity generating system. It comprises: two closed fluid circuits. The first fluid circuit contains a first fluid and comprising solar heat collecting apparatus which comprises a solar collector panel having an operating surface; rotatable support means for rotatably supporting the solar collector panel about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis; drive means for rotating the panel about the two axes; movement limiting control means comprising first limiting means for limiting movement of the panel about the horizontal axis to less than 180{degrees}, such that the operating surface continuously faces skyward; second limiting means for limiting movement of the panel about the vertical axis to less than 270{degrees}; constant speed motor means for continuously rotatably moving the panel about the two axes when the motor is activated; and the programmable control means to set the initial angular position of the panel about the axes each day, and to activate the motor means at a predetermined time of day, such that the resultant movement of the panel about the two axes maintains the operating surface in positions substantially perpendicular to solar radiation during the entire daylight period; heat exchange mans comprising two fluid flow means, one fluid flow means being in recirculating fluid flow relationship to the solar heat collecting apparatus. The second fluid circuit contains a second fluid and comprises the second fluid flow means in the heat exchange means.

• Assignee: NOV; NOV-91-015230; EDB-91-151114
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4977744
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-501548
• OSTI ID: 5208170
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
OPERATION
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT