Method for changing solar energy distribution
OwnerRobert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilkinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a method for concentrating solar energy waveform energy is directed to a predetermined region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. The directing of the energy is controlled so as to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in the region. The distribution of solar radiation is modified as it passes through the atmospheric region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location.
Claims33
A method for concentrating solar energy, comprising the steps of:
- generating waveform energy;
- directing said energy to a predetermined region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth;
- controlling said step of directing to modulate an index of refraction of air in said predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in said region;
- and
- modifying a distribution of solar radiation passing through said region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location.
A method for shading a predetermined area from the effects of solar radiation, comprising the steps of:
- generating waveform energy;
- directing said energy to a predetermined region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth;
- controlling said step of directing to modulate an index of refraction of air in said predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in said region;
- and
- modifying a distribution of solar radiation passing through said region to thereby divert at least a portion of the incoming solar radiation from falling within a predetermined area.
A method for concentrating solar energy, comprising the steps of:
- generating waveform energy;
- guiding liquid to flow in a plane along a preestablished path;
- directing said energy to a predetermined region of said pre-established path;
- controlling said step of directing to modulate an index of refraction of said liquid in said predetermined region of said pre-established flow path to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern of said liquid in said region;
- and
- modifying the distribution of solar radiation passing through said region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.