Automatic tracking of radiative energy source - focusses received radiation to activate electric, fluidic, or pneumatic control of focussing devices

摘要

A moving optical system tracks a source of radiation, such as the sun, by using double curvature focussing mirrors (1) or lenses to concentrate the radiation onto a particular part of the appts. which is heated directly, or holds the ends of optical fibres which concentrate the radiation on to photoelectric cells. In the former case a fluid is heated by the focused radiation and the appts. includes a piston in a cylinder which is moved by the expanding fluid. The movement of the piston alters the position of the optical system to the position giving max. heating of the fluid. The electrically operated system uses the electricity generated by the photocells to control electric, fluidic, or pneumatic actuation of the optical system.