Convergent solar energy collector - presents planes of reflectors constantly at right angles to incident solar radiation

摘要

A convergent device for collecting and using solar energy comprises an arrangement of mirrors, fixed in its geometry, but capable of being oriented in all directions. The mirrors are stabilised according to angles calculated to give a convergence of the incident solar radiation. The device precisely follows the apparent motion of the sun and presentsits surface place constantly at right angles to the solar radiation. The stable position of each reflector is calculated to receive the radiation in such a way that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence. The reflected radiation becomes incidental radiation on the surface of a counter-reflector which reflects it towards the focus of convergence at a point beneath the base of the device, around a point on the axis perpendicular to its plane. The stable arrangement of the reflectors and the counter-reflectors is the same on all the secant planes. The geometrical arrangement of the plan of the device is arbitrary and may be a polygon or a circle. Appts. gives a yield, relatively to the amt. of surface exposed, much higher than those of existing devices. The only limiting factor is the amount of sunshine of the locality and the device can be installed anywhere provided there is sufficient sunshine, whether there is wind or not and irrespective of the terrain or location (on roof, etc).