System for collecting and utilizing solar energy

Abstract

A novel and simplified system and apparatus is disclosed herein for efficiently collecting and utilizing solar energy. Fundamentally the invention employs a reflector-supporting medium or frame which is mounted for orbital travel through a circular path extending transversely (preferably horizontally) to the vertical. A large substantially parabolic reflector unit is mounted on said supporting medium for swinging or oscillation, during travel of said support, on an axis extending at least close to the horizontal. A stationary boiler or generator is immovably supported on an upstanding rigid post or tower and has a spherical, exterior, heat-absorptive surface so positioned with relation to the orbital travel of the reflector-supporting medium, and also the up and down swinging of the reflector unit, that all reflected solar rays will be focused and strike against some spherical segment of the absorptive surface throughout the sun's varying trajectory from sunrise to sunset. Preferably, a heat-insulated shield member is employed, surrounding most of the exterior of the spherical boiler and rigidly supported from the reflector unit. This shield has a circular exposure recess which constantly varies its position relative to the boiler exterior during full-day operation of the system. The shield is mounted for free sliding and oscillatory movement relative to the spherical boiler. Sun-sensor tracking media actuates the up and down swinging of the reflector unit in synchronism with the varying elevation of the sun in its daily trajectory.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.