Parabolic solar energy collector apparatus
AssigneeD & D Manufacturing
InventorsDALE E. POLK, SR., Dale E. Polk, JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solar energy collector apparatus includes a solar collector panel having a parabolic shape, and a base comprising a pair of spaced apart support frames. Each support frame has a parabolic shape corresponding to the parabolic shape of the solar collector panel. Spaced apart rollers are positioned along an upper surface of each support frame to support the solar collector panel. A drive mechanism is coupled to the solar collector panel for rotation thereof. The solar collector panel includes a pair of spaced apart guide channels on an underside thereof for contacting the spaced apart rollers to insure that the solar collector panel rotates squarely with respect to the base.
Claims27
A solar energy collector apparatus comprising:
- a solar collector panel having a parabolic shape;
- a base comprising a pair of spaced apart support frames, each support frame having a parabolic shape corresponding to the parabolic shape of said solar collector panel;
- a plurality of spaced apart rollers positioned along an upper surface of each support frame to support said solar collector panel;
- a drive mechanism coupled to said solar collector panel for rotation thereof;
- and
- said solar collector panel including a pair of spaced apart guide channels on an underside thereof for contacting said plurality of spaced apart rollers to insure that said solar collector panel rotates squarely with respect to said base.
A solar energy collector apparatus comprising:
- a solar collector panel having a parabolic shape;
- a base comprising a pair of spaced apart support frames, each support frame having a parabolic shape corresponding to the parabolic shape of said solar collector panel, each support frame comprises a center section, and spaced apart forward and rear upper sections rotatably coupled to said center section;
- a drive mechanism coupled to said solar collector panel for rotation thereof;
- at least one position sensor for determining position of said solar collector panel;
- and
- said forward and rear upper sections of each support frame being rotatable between an up position and a down position so as to not block sunlight in response to said at least one position sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.