Method and apparatus for use in harnessing solar energy to provide initial acceleration and propulsion of devices
The present invention relates to a method of providing thrust and added lift to a vehicle by accelerating fluid heated by solar energy. The present invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method of providing initial acceleration and propulsion or enhancing the initial acceleration and propulsion of a vehicle in an environment having at least some fluid, the vehicle being of the type having at least one member, at least a portion of which is treated for absorbing solar radiation for heating fluid adjacent the member for use in propelling the vehicle through the environment. By use of direct and/or focused solar radiation, fluid is heated, accelerated and deflected away from a vehicle by natural or forced convection to provide thrust and lift of the vehicle.
- Assignee:
- EDB-84-027788
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4403755
- OSTI ID:
- 5449139
- Resource Relation:
- Patent Priority Date: Priority date 14 Feb 1980, Canada; Other Information: PAT-APPL-121493
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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