초록 ▼

An improved heliostat comprises a focusing reflector having a toroidal configuration. Mounting means for the reflector comprises means defining a first axis parallel to the earth\s polar axis, and means defining a declination axis perpendicular to the first axis. The reflector is mounted for rotatio

An improved heliostat comprises a focusing reflector having a toroidal configuration. Mounting means for the reflector comprises means defining a first axis parallel to the earth\s polar axis, and means defining a declination axis perpendicular to the first axis. The reflector is mounted for rotation about the declination axis. The means defining the declination axis and the reflector are jointly rotatable about the first axis. A field of heliostats in accordance with the present invention may be arranged to reflect solar radiation to a common receiver. A suitable heliostat field arrangement is a field lying in a plane which is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane at the earth\s surface. Also disclosed is a deflecting means for each heliostat facilitating rapid focusing of all heliostats in a field upon the receiver, or rapid defocusing of the field.

대표청구항 ▼

A heliostat comprising: a concave focusing reflector formed as a section of a toroid defined by two unequal radii of curvature in mutually perpendicular planes; means for defining a first axis parallel to the earth\s polar axis; means for defining a declination axis perpendicular thereto, said means

A heliostat comprising: a concave focusing reflector formed as a section of a toroid defined by two unequal radii of curvature in mutually perpendicular planes; means for defining a first axis parallel to the earth\s polar axis; means for defining a declination axis perpendicular thereto, said means defining said declination axis being fixed to said means defining said first axis; mounting means for mounting said reflector for rotation about said declination axis and about said first axis; and means for driving said reflector in rotation at variable speed about both said axes. A method for directing solar energy to a fixed position comprising: positioning a focusing reflector to receive solar energy and to reflect such energy to said position, said reflector formed as a section of a toroid defined by two unequal radii of curvature in mutually perpendicular planes; rotating said reflector about a first axis parallel to the earth\s polar axis at a first rate; rotating said reflector about a second axis intersecting and perpendicular to said first axis at a second rate, rotation of said reflector about said second axis being independent of rotation of said reflector about said first axis; and simultaneously rotating said second axis about said first axis at said first rate.