Solar energy focusing assembly and storage unit

Patent · Tue Mar 28 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6071166

Vrolyk, J J; Kudija, Jr, C T

This patent describes an integrated solar absorber-thermal storage assembly and a solar energy focusing unit in which the storage assembly consists of a housing of a generally oval configuration comprising: an outer composite insulation layer; an inner thermal energy storage layer conforming to the configuration of the housing and outer insulation layer, the inner storage layer further comprising a network of fluid conduits retained within the inner thermal storage layer and positioned radially and circumferentially in conformity with the shape of the energy storage layer; an inner cavity formed by an inner wall surface of the inner thermal energy storage layer; a solar radiation admitting circulate aperture formed within one end of the housing; and a shaped fluid conduit assembly contained within the inner cavity and aperture. The solar energy focusing unit includes a truss support structure, reflective parabolic mirrors and surfaces for focusing sun rays attached to the support structure, and a functional iris mirror surface cover assembly for covering the mirrors and surfaces comprising flexible, impermeable functionally interconnected pie-shaped extensible and retractable inflatable wedges for selectively controlling the collection and concentration of solar radiation at the thermal storage assembly.

• Assignee: Rockwell International Corp., El Segundo, CA
• Patent Number(s): US 4815443
• OSTI ID: 6071166
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 10 Sep 1986
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
FOCUSING
HEAT STORAGE
MIRRORS
SOLAR ABSORBERS
THERMAL INSULATION
ENERGY STORAGE
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
HEATING SYSTEMS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
STORAGE
140901* - Solar Thermal Utilization- Space Heating & Cooling
142000 - Solar Energy- Heat Storage- (1980-)