A tracker drive system is provided for rotatably driving one or more objects, for example solar panels or other equipment. The system comprises a torque element mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, wherein the torque element can support one or more objects for rotation therewith about the generally horizontal axis; a lever arm connected with the torque element, the lever arm being movable to rotate the torque element; a movable drive member that is drivable by a drive mechanism; and a dynamic coupler coupling the drive member with the lever arm such that the lever arm is drivable by the drive member to rotate the torque element.

Tracker drive system and solar energy collection system

A dynamic system for the utilization of solar energy which is most of the time in the ideal position in relation to the sun. Said device comprises at least one unit consisting of a solar collector and a stand carrying said collector, means for rotating the solar collector around its horizontal axis and means for rotating the solar collector and/or the stand around the vertical axis; means for simultaneous or independent actuation of the rotation means, means for the tracking control of said actuation means; and means for the transfer of the energy obtained.

System for the utilization of solar energy

A trough-shaped collector for solar radiation for steam generation. A trough-shaped mirror extending in a longitudinal direction receives and reflects radiation onto an absorber line enclosing within its interior a steam generator tube. Heat is transferred transversely from the absorber line to the steam generator tube by a heat pipe structure.

Trough-shaped collector

Apparatus for collecting solar energy comprises one or more solar energy collectors attached to a frame which floats on a pool of water, and means for orienting the frame relative to the azimuthal direction of the sun. The solar energy collectors are horizontal elongate parabolic reflectors which also float on the pool of water and which can be rotated about their longitudinal axes to orient them relative to the elevation of the sun. Solar rays reflected by such reflectors are absorbed by elongate absorption devices placed at the focal points of the parabolic reflectors. The absorption devices are preferably of a novel design which provides for removal of the energy of the absorbed rays by means of a working fluid which passes through the device. The parabolic reflectors preferably have body portions composed of a novel constructional material which comprises a plurality of hollow glass bodies which are connected together through randomly coalesced wall portions.

Collection of solar energy

Simple flat plate reflectors, preferably compound of a panel with a reflector surface layer laminated thereto, are pivoted to move with the position of the sun and concentrate additional energy on a solar energy collector panel. The array can take a tented or triangular end view shape for closing to protect reflective surfaces from hail or sandstorm, etc. Also the surfaces are provided with a periodically operable surface cleaner to assure long term efficiency even when remotely positioned as on roof top. Low cost present day computers are programmed to track the sun over its seasonal variations by means of simple mechanisms pivoting the reflector plates. The system is self-energizing by means of batteries charged by solar panels accompanying the system. Solar energy is storable in a self-contained water tank for use at night, etc. and efficient energy conversion is attained by means of a stainless steel pipe length extending into the stored water and thermally coupled outside the tank to a solar heated higher than 100° C. silicon oil circulated through the solar collector. Thus, vaporization is avoided and an effective low-cost simplified thermal energy conversion is effected.

Solar energy collector system

An apparatus employing cylindrical focusing parabolic mirrors (parabolic troughs) of an optimized configuration capable of being manufactured by techniques of mass production to focus sunlight onto a specifically designed heat pipe which is to carry water or other heat transfer fluid. Focused sunlight energy is absorbed by the pipe, converted to thermal energy and transferred to heat the fluid in the pipe. Groups of mirrors are sequentially arranged so that the fluid in the pipes progressively absorbs more heat as it travels through the heat pipe. At some point in the fluid movement, depending upon the intensity of the specular sunlight the fluid, if liquid, may be converted to vapor. Transfer liquids other than water with higher boiling points may be used within the heat pipe and exit from the heat pipe in the liquid state. In either case, the steam, hot gas or superheated liquid is transmitted to a collector system which is then transported by standard steam pipes enclosed within a silvered glass envelope to a central thermal/electrical generating station. Collector mirror arrays are mounted to permit a single tracking motor to steer a large number of mirrors. All components are optimized for low maintenance and low cost to manufacture.

John H. Carroll

Papers

Focusing solar energy apparatus