초록 ▼

Solar energy is collected by an array of parallel trough-like reflectors of paraboloidal cross-section, and concentrated upon radiation-absorbent pipes positioned along the lines of focus of the reflectors. The array is mounted on a boat which floats on an irrigation pond of a farm and is rotated by

Solar energy is collected by an array of parallel trough-like reflectors of paraboloidal cross-section, and concentrated upon radiation-absorbent pipes positioned along the lines of focus of the reflectors. The array is mounted on a boat which floats on an irrigation pond of a farm and is rotated by a clock-like drive mechanism so as to follow or track the daily east-west motion of the sun, thereby maintaining the concentration of solar radiation upon the pipes. The flotation of the array by means of the boat permits the use of very low drive power for rotating it to track the sun, and also shields the underlying water from the air and sun so as to reduce evaporation thereof. A central column stabilizes the position of the boat with respect to lateral drift or angular tilt, while permitting vertical motion of the boat in response to changes in pond level; the array may therefor be protected from heavy wind by dropping the pond level so that the array is protected by the sidewalls of the pond at such times. A rotating joint arrangement permits circulation of a heat-absorbent fluid such as water (steam) between the radiation-absorbent pipes and a location adjacent the pond where the developed heat is utilized.

대표청구항 ▼

In combination with a farm irrigation system comprising pump means for pumping irrigation water and water reservoir means for storing irrigation water, and an energy source for operating said pump means, the improvement wherein said energy source comprises at least one array of solar radiation refle

In combination with a farm irrigation system comprising pump means for pumping irrigation water and water reservoir means for storing irrigation water, and an energy source for operating said pump means, the improvement wherein said energy source comprises at least one array of solar radiation reflectors for focusing solar radiations in the region of the foci of said reflectors, radiation-absorbent means positioned at said foci for developing thermal energy in response to said focused solar radiations, common platform means supporting said reflectors and said radiation-absorbent means, means for rotating said platform means about a substantially vertical axis to cause said reflectors to track the apparent daytime motion of the sun and maintain said solar radiations focused on said radiation-absorbent means, energy conversion means responsive to thermal energy of high temperature for producing useful work, and means for conveying to said energy conversion means said thermal energy developed by said radiation-absorbent means; wherein said platform means comprises a toroidal boat floating upon water in said reservoir means, said energy source also comprising column means extending from the earth to said platform means for stabilizing it against tilt and against lateral motion, said column means extending slidably into the opening in the center of said boat, whereby said boat can rise and fall in accordance with the changes in the level of said reservoir water.