Optics: image projectors – Heliostats
Patent
1976-06-15
1977-11-01
Stephan, Steven L.
Optics: image projectors
Heliostats
126270, 237 1A, 350299, G03B 2100, F24J 302, G02B 508
Patent
active
040563138
ABSTRACT:
Multiple mirrored apparatus utilizing solar energy can be utilized to direct the rays of the sun in a concentrated and steadily directed fashion to one spot during the whole of the period of sunshine. Such apparatus can be termed a heliostat.
As disclosed, the heliostat includes a plurality of mirrors which are arranged in an array of rows and columns, wherein each mirror has a reflective surface and a rear surface and a central axis through each surface. Each elongated rod of a like plurality is coupled at one end thereof to the rear surface of the corresponding mirror and oriented along the central axis thereof. Means are provided for pivoting each rod near the one end with respect to a plurality of support structures. First guide rails are coupled to the support structures, each pair being spaced apart to form a track therebetween for receiving depending portions of the rods so that the rods traverse pivotable paths within the tracks, within planes each perpendicular to a first common fixed plane, such as a north-south plane. Each of a plurality of pairs of second guide rails, each pair being spaced apart to form a track therebetween, receive depending portions of the rods near their opposite ends so that the rods traverse pivotable paths within the tracks within planes each perpendicular to a second common fixed plane, such as, for example, the east-west plane. The second common fixed plane is perpendicular to the first fixed plane. A plurality of arms couple the second guide rails to a frame so that the arms are pivotable with respect to the frame. First means are provided for pivoting all of the first guide rails along loci parallel to the first fixed plane, and second means are provided for pivoting all of the second guide rails along loci parallel to the second fixed plane.
One of the pivoting means can be reciprocated relative to the apparent east-west movement of the sun, whereas the other reciprocating means can be pivoted relative to the apparent north-south movement of the sun.
In one form, the heliostat can include a mirror, means for pivoting the mirror about an east-west direction on a daily cycle and means for continuously (not intermittently) pivoting the mirror about a north-south direction on an annual cycle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 509390 (1893-11-01), Paine
patent: 1111239 (1914-09-01), Smelser
patent: 2471954 (1949-05-01), Harvey
patent: 3466119 (1969-09-01), Francia
Fisher Fred
Stephan Steven L.
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