GB2460712A

GB2460712A - Solar collection apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2460712A
Application number: GB0810399A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Morris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-09
Filing date: 2008-06-09
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Also published as: GB2460712A8; GB0810399D0

Abstract

A solar collection apparatus comprises a boiler, a panel, a photovoltaic (PV) unit, or a combination of these, mounted at the rim of a circular plane. The plane is mounted to rotate about an axis, where the mount is capable of movement along the axis to inversely follow the movement of the sun relative to the axis situated adjacent to a segment 008 of a mirror faced sphere. Preferably, the circular plane comprises a boiler 001 mounted on a levered bar 002, with an optional counterweight 003, and mounted 004 for rotation and translation 007 along a transverse polar bar 005. The levered bar may also be capable of movement 010 relative to its mounting to allow the circular rotation plane 011 to increase or decrease. The apparatus may be supported on a frame 006. Preferably, the mirrored sphere segment comprises mirror faced planar units having the same spherical centre on the autumnal or spring equinox.

Description

Title: Spherical Solar Collection Apparatus"

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to apparatus associated with solar energy collection using spherical mirror arrays which can be utilised to heat water, collect photovoltaic energy, sterilise equipment and the like.

Throughout this specification the word paraxial has been used to define the focus line of a spherical mirror or array of spherical segments. The word paraxial has specific meaning with regard to ray-tracing performed in the limit of very small ray angles and heights and here should be substituted, where any ambiguity exists, to mean an axis that aligns with both the light source (generally the sun) and the centre of the mirror sphere: The paraxial line referred to herein can be taken to mean the line along this axis that starts at a point on the half radius focal sphere on the side away from the light source and which proceeds away from the light source to meet the mirror surface.

Throughout this specification the word boiler' has been used to define the collection device. This device can be a true boiler or may be a variety of other devices including but not limited to photo voltaic devices, cooking devices, flat plate solar devices, evacuated tubes, autoclaves, sterilization equipment, high pressure steam generators for power generation, high temperature fluid (oil) heat collection devices and the like. Where a boiler device also requires feeds, storage and the like, these are deemed to be included within the description of the word boiler.

Background Art

With the growth of communities and increasing need for energy, there is an increased requirement for renewable sources of energy. One such source of energy is by direct collection of solar rays emitted by the sun.

It has been conventional practice, to use flat plate collectors, Fresnel collectors, evacuated tubes, parabolic mirror arrays, spherical mirror arrays and so on to collect solar radiation. To provide medium to high grade heat, focusing systems are generally required as the intensity of solar emission at the earth's surface is generally below 1200 watts per square metre. Measured outside the atmosphere, the energy output is 1366 watts per square meter fluctuating by about 6.9% during a year and at its highest during the Northern hemisphere winter.

Spherical mirror arrays focus to a line rather than a point. Reflectors of this type were constructed as early as 1878 (Adams, Bombay, India). Commentators such as HP Garg (page 225: Advances in Solar Energy Technology ISBN 90-277-2430) note the difficulty of tracking using a stationary reflector I tracking absorber solar concentrator. A common assumption in all current devices is that the receiver must be moved so that its axis is aligned with the solar rays that pass through a paraxial line passing through the sphere centre and aligned with the originating light source. This is a reasonable assumption: If one is trying to collect line focus radiation as a line then a reasonable assumption would be that the receiver must also be a line to enable the maximum efficiency of collection.

Examples of such proposals developed for fixed mirror spherical solar collection using a central alignment pivot as cited by Garg are US Patent 4,217,147 and US patent 4,170,985.

US Patent 4,368,962 discloses a tracking device to be manoeuvred relative to timing devices. It is noteworthy that whilst this arrangement can track the solar 3 -plane, it cannot be used in conjunction with a spherical collector because the plane of rotation of the solar plane does not (except at mid autumn and mid spring) coincide with a potential collector's orbit about the centre of a sphere.

The Arecibo Observatory, near Arecibo, Puerto Rico uses similar principals to collect stellar radio waves. Originally designed as a line collector, the observatory later used a Gregorian reflector system. This Gregorian system allows a more precise focusing of radio waves but discards a proportion of the line collection commonly captured by current spherical solar collection devices.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to help explain the current invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in the United Kingdom as at the priority date of application.

Background mathematical Art

Not disclosed elsewhere, we here disclose some mathematical correlations that allow some versions of the invention disclosed later to function: The axis of the Earth is at approximately 23.5 degrees to the axis of its orbital plane and the paraxial focus collection line of spherical mirrors thus follows a line track with the line end along the face of a spherical half radius sphere. The track of the line end is a plane parallel to and invertedly mirroring the solar plane relative to an axis parallel with the Earth's axis: These paraxial (inverted solar) planes only pass through the centre of a mirrored sphere twice a year (in Autumn and in Spring). The phrase invertedly is here used to describe a mirroring action where the projected image (as would be seen on the face of the half radius sphere) occurs on the opposite side relative to the source using the sphere centre as an axis and when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the light source.

The Earth rotates around an axis at 23.5 degrees to the axis of solar orbit.

Relative to a sphere, the diameter or a circie at aegrees is approximately 0.917 multiples of the sphere radius. Thus the difference between this radius and the sphere radius is 0.0829. Relative to diameter, this difference is 0.0414 diameters.

Spherical ray tracing using flat mirror plates arranged on a sphere provides ray trace lines for light striking the paraxial line between 0 and 60 degrees from a point one half radius out to a point one half radius plus 0.079 radii. Other light entering at higher angles of entry are further out along the paraxial collection line. If one ignores all other entry light (at higher than 60 degrees relative to the paraxial focus line), an optimum diameter (for approximately 0-60 degree collection) occurs at approximately one half radius plus the dimension of the flat plate mirrors as measured along the mirror surface. The optimum size of any collector arranged perpendicular to the paraxial collection line in spherical 0-60 degree collection is approximately two times the size of the flat mirror plates.

However, the position of the collector plate can be manoeuvred back and forth along this paraxial collection axis by 0.0414 sphere mirror radii, or more, without significant loss of the 0-60 entry waves.

Relative to a half radius collection sphere, a perpendicular rather than axial collector can therefore be moved by 0.0414 diameters or so without significant loss of efficiency providing that one sacrifices, from the point of view of the perpendicular plate collector, all entry light hitting the paraxial axis at an angle greater than sixty degrees or so.

Similar considerations, with similar ratios, apply to other ranges of angular collection using the same considerations.

Statement of invention: (Disclosure of the Invention) Accordingly, the invention resides in a solar collector comprising a boiler, panel, photovoltaic unit or the like or combination thereof, mounted at the rim of a circular plane or part circular plane, said plane being mounted to rotate about an axis approximately parallel to the rotation of the Earth, said mount or mountings being capable of movement along said axis parallel to that of the rotation of the Earth to inversely mirror the movement of the sun relative to the said axis within a sphere or part segment of a mirror faced sphere.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the mirrored sphere composed of mirror faced planar segments.

According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the circular plane composed of a member rotating about a secondary polar member. According to a further preferred feature, the joint formed between the two members fixed with respect to the polar member longitudinal axis. According to a further preferred feature, the joint capable of being locked or clamped onto the polar member to prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis. According to a further alternative or additional preferred feature, the joint to be fixed to a powered driving mechanism. According to a further preferred feature of said drive mechanism, the mechanism to be capable of constantly rotating the joint to simulate the rotation of the solar plane about the Earth. According to a further preferred feature, graduations introduced around the axis of the polar bar to enable a timing mechanism to power the drive at intervals. A further preferred feature enables de-powering and clamping of the joint on passing a graduation so noted. According to a further preferred feature, the member rotating to have a counter weight sited at an extension or elongation of the circular plane member beyond the joint. According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the circular plane member capable of moving longitudinally within the joint.

According to a further preferred feature said movement controlled by a powered device. A further preferred feature is the provision of electronic timing equipment to enable powering of this device with subsequent movement of the bar to extend or distend the length of the circular plane member to suit the season. According to a further preferred feature said polar bar to be fixed rigidly to a framework. According to a further preferred feature said framework to allow modification of the location of the polar bar to suit specific latitudes.

Some of the features of the preceding paragraph may also be relevant to the following paragraph.

According to an alternative preferred feature the circular plane composed of a member moving along a frame. Said member referred to as the cross bar member later in this specification to avoid confusion. According to a further preferred feature said cross bar member to be in the shape of an arc.

According to a further preferred feature said arc to be circular in form.

According to a further preferred feature said arc cross-bar member to have a boiler affixed to it using rollers or the like. According to a further preferred feature said cross-bar member to have fixed graduations to allow timed control of movement of the boiler. According to a further preferred feature said movement to be undertaken using powered apparatus. According to a further preferred feature said powered apparatus to be controlled using timer devices.

According to a further preferred feature said timing devices also allowing daily shut down of the system and a return to a daily start position. According to a further preferred feature said cross-bar member to be composed in the form of a ladder. According to a further preferred feature a powered apparatus to drive the boiler movement using a drive belt. According to a further preferred feature the drive belt to use the rungs of the ladder as a means of positioning and powered drive. According to an alternative preferred feature said powered apparatus to use the rollers described above as a means of frictional drive and for retaining the boiler in place when not moving. According to an alternative preferred feature said powered apparatus to use the graduations described previously as a means of drive, location and for fixing the boiler in place when not moving. According to a further preferred feature said boiler to be capable of movement relative to the rollers at a perpendicular from the face of said arc member. According to an alternative preferred feature said movement to be at an offset angle relative to the perpendicular and this movement also referred to later in this specification as perpendicular movement. According to a further preferred feature said arrangement for perpendicular movement range capable of transferring torsional loadings such as would be induced by wind to the roller arrangement. According to a further preferred feature said perpendicular movement range controlled by a powered device. A further preferred feature is the provision of electronic timing equipment to enable powering of this device with subsequent movement of the boiler to extend or distend its position relative to the cross-bar member to suit the season. According to a further preferred feature said cross-bar member to be located on a frame. According to a further preferred feature said frame to have two members used for support of the cross-bar member. According to a further preferred feature the cross-bar member to be fixed to the frame on rollers or the like. According to a further preferred feature said rollers to be arranged in opposing pairs along the axis of the frame support member(s), or other similar arrangements, to prevent rotational movement of the cross-bar member relative to the frame member(s).

According to a further preferred feature said cross-bar member to be tied to the frame using wires, rope or the like via a pulley system. According to a further preferred feature said pulley system driven by a powered device. According to an alternative preferred feature said cross-bar to be moved along the frame support members using driven powered devices and utilising the frame support members for frictional drive. According to a further preferred feature said framework to allow modification of the angle of the frame support members to suit specific latitudes.

According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the circular plane composed of a member rigidly connected to and rotating about a polar member.

According to a further preferred feature, a plurality of rotating members about the polar member forming an assembly of circular planes. According to a further alternative preferred feature a plurality of polar members form an assembly of circular planes. According to a further alternative preferred feature a plurality of rotating members on a plurality of polar members form an assembly of circular planes. According to a further preferred feature the polar member or members rotate within joints at either end of the polar member(s).

According to an additional further preferred feature additional support joints introduced along the length of the polar member(s) allowing rotation around, and movement along, the axis of the polar member(s). According to a further preferred feature the joints at either end of the polar member(s) allowing rotation around the axis of the polar member(s). According to a further preferred feature the joints at either end of the polar member(s) allowing movement along the axis of the polar member(s). According to a further preferred feature the polar member(s) to be rotationally driven by a powered device. According to a further additional preferred feature the polar members to be interconnected laterally using gearings with belts or similar devices to reduce the number of powered devices relative to the number of polar members. According to a further preferred feature said polar member to have fixed graduations or gearings about its axis to allow timed control of movement of the boiler(s). According to a further preferred feature said graduations to be located on gearings geared to the polar member. According to a further preferred feature said powered apparatus to use the graduations described previously as a means of drive, location and for fixing the boiler in place when not moving. According to an alternative or additional preferred feature said polar bar to have braking clamps installed. According to a further feature on the preceding feature said braking clamps to be controlled by a timing device or the timing device previously described. According to a further preferred feature a powered apparatus introduced along or at the end of the polar bar(s) to allow the polar bar to be moved laterally along its axis. According to a further preferred feature a racking assembly introduced between polar members to allow lateral powered devices to drive a plurality of polar members. According to a further feature of the invention the end joint housings capable of movement along an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the sun's rays striking the Earth at midday on the Spring or Autumnal equinox or thereabouts. According to a further preferred feature this movement to be achieved using a part-sinusoidal guide along the axis of the polar member. According to an alternative preferred feature said solar equinox axis movement to be achieved using powered devices. According to a further feature of the invention, where additional intermediate polar support joints used, said joints also capable of movement along the solar equinox axis. Where moveable joints used in the preceding sentence, a further additional feature is the use of powered devices to drive said movement. Where drive is introduced as in the preceding sentence, a further additional feature is the introduction of a rack frame to allow said movement to be powered from the end joints. According to a further preferred feature of the invention said assemblies, arrays and racks fixed to building or other structures to form part of the faÃ�ade.

The invention and methods described previously allow for collection of light rays at a point, flat area or volume along the focus line of a spherical mirror. This method discards some of the radiation produced by spherical reflectors along the focus line and concentrates on the design of the highest economy of collection at the higher ray density positions, areas or volumes along the line focus relative to the cost of production of the boiler, focusing and mirror apparatus.

The use of circular planes, in particular, allows timing devices to be introduced that, on a daily basis, may rely solely on timing and constant (stepped) velocity of movement to achieve solar tracking. The additional use of movement of those circular plane members allows relatively simple seasonal tracking to be achieved.

One of the simplest forms of collection is a flat plate solar boiler. The disadvantage of flat plates when used in conjunction with spherical collectors is that the strike angle can reflect from most forms of glass with increasing losses resulting from reflection, particularly beyond Brewster's Angle. Thus, with the combined factors of decreasing line ray density away from the half radius focus sphere, higher losses for higher angles of incidence (away from the half radius focus sphere) relative to required flat plate area, increasing operating heat loss with increased flat plate size and increasing losses with increased collector shadow, the selection of the optimum collector size and shape becomes economically relevant. The preceding considerations also apply to some other types of solar boiler.

The invention will be more fully understood in the light of the following

description of several specific embodiments.

Brief description of the Drawings

The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 11 is a schematic three dimensional image of the first embodiment of the invention Figure 1 2 is a schematic elevation of the first embodiment of the invention Figure 1 3 is a schematic elevation of the first embodiment of the invention Figure 14 is a schematic detail along the polar bar at its intersection with the levered bar seen in figures 11, 12 and 13 above Figure 1 5 is a schematic detail along the levered bar at its intersection with the polar bar seen in figure 11, 12 and 13 above Figure 16 is a schematic elevation similar to fig 12 indicating the spheres discussed in the text Figure 21 is a schematic three dimensional image of the second embodiment of the invention Figure 22 is a schematic elevation of the second embodiment of the invention Figure 23 is a schematic elevation of the second embodiment of the invention Figure 31 is a schematic elevation of the third embodiment of the invention Figure 32 is a schematic elevation of the third embodiment of the invention Figure 33 is a schematic plan representation of a possible mirror layout for figures 31 and 32 Figure 34 is an explanatory plan of mirrors and solar collection showing the sweep of collection at an angle explained in the text Figure 35 is a section taken through a driver mechanism referred to in embodiment number 3 Figure 41 is a schematic elevation of the fourth embodiment of the invention Figure 42 is a schematic elevation of the fifth embodiment of the invention Figure 43 is a front' facing schematic elevation of the fourth embodiment of the invention Figure 44 is a rear' facing schematic elevation of the fourth embodiment of the invention Figure 51 is a schematic plan of the sixth embodiment of the invention Figure 52 is a schematic elevation of the sixth embodiment of the invention Figure 53 is a schematic section at right angles to Fig 52 of the sixth embodiment of the invention Figure 54 is an expanded detail on one element of the sixth embodiment of the invention Figure 55 is an expanded detail on one element of the sixth embodiment of the invention Figure 61 is a schematic elevation of the seventh embodiment of the invention Figure 71 is a schematic elevational section of the eighth embodiment of the invention Figure 72 is a schematic elevational section of the ninth embodiment of the invention Figure 73 is a schematic elevational section of the tenth embodiment of the invention Figure 74 is a schematic elevational section of the eleventh embodiment of the invention

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

Each of the embodiments of the invention are directed to means for providing mountings or mount capable of duplicating movement along an axis parallel to that of the rotation of the Earth to inversely mirror the movement of the sun relative to the said axis within a sphere or part segment of a sphere composed of mirror faced planar segments whereby the mounting arrangement allows the system to collect solar radiation from said segments. The invention is not limited to the example embodiments described.

The First embodiment The first embodiment as illustrated at Figure 11 and Figure 12 comprises a boiler 001 or similar device mounted on a levered bar 002 with optional counterweight 003 mounted 004 on a transverse polar bar 005 mounted parallel to the rotation of the Earth on support frames 006. The levered bar capable of rotation at the mount point at a fixed perpendicular angle about the axis of the polar bar.

The levered bar mounting to be capable of movement 007 along the polar bar.

A part spherical plane 008 consisting of mirror reflection plates located in a spherical reflection plane 009 with its centre located mid-way along the centre of the effective movement range of the circular plane of the boiler. This position is usually the centre of the polar bar movement range (007) with occasional variances due to non-symmetric boiler shapes or boilers offset from the centre of the longitudinal axis of the levered bar. The levered bar also optionally capable of movement 010 relative to its mounting to allow the circular rotation planes 011 of the boiler to increase or decrease so as to approximate to reflected spherical solar circular planes sectioning through the sphere 012 (shown on Figure 12 only) generated by the end of the spherical paraxial line focus existing at a radius of one half of the radius of the mirror sphere.

This embodiment shown allows focus spheres to be requested larger than radius of the spherical paraxial line focus sphere and these focus spheres to be approximated to allow for the optimum collection for differing boiler shapes and positioning along the levered bar. The circular paths produced by the requested focus sphere to mirror the movement of the sun's plane so that the product of approximately sin 23.5 degrees multiplied by the diameter of the focus sphere equals the minimum movement (007) along the polar bar..

Figures 12 and 13 indicate alternative elevations. Figure 14 indicates markings on the polar bar showing seasonal movements of the mirrored solar planes of the collection devices. Fig 15 indicates seasonal markings along the levered bar showing seasonal adjustments of the collection radius.

Figures 16 is a conversion of figure 12 which indicates the extent of the spherical reflection plane 009, the sphere 012 generated by the end of the spherical paraxial line focus together with an indicative preferred optimum focus sphere 013.

Alternatives to and options on the first embodiment Optionally, a constant velocity gearing and motor-driven drive may be added to the mounting connection 004 to allow the levered bar to be rotated at a constant rotational velocity. This additional feature allows the machine to be left unattended for periods.

Optionally, a timed cut-off and power down mechanism may be added to the constant velocity gearing above to reverse drive direction and return the mechanism to its daily start position. This option exists in conjunction with a timed power up.

Optionally, a part-sinusoidal drive may be added to the mounting connection 004 to allow the levered bar to be moved longitudinally along the axis of said bar. This motion is part sinusoidal in that it follows or approximates the movement of an absolute sinusoidal wave where said wave was originally generated with a positive and negative component of equal absolute values.

Engineering description of the first embodiment

This embodiment is intended as a low-tech' solution to the provision of hot water, power generation, cooking equipment and sterilization of equipment using autoclaves and the like.

The embodiment contains a levered pole mounted on a right-angled connection of the type generally used to brace tubular temporary works of construction sites. The levered pole itself is likely to be of a material commonly used as tubular bracing. The right-angled connection joint allows rotation about the polar' pole to which it is connected either by way of ball bearings, slip materials or similar together with a collar joint either side.

The polar pole is mounted on a frame so that its axis is parallel to that of the rotation of the earth. This feature allows objects moving in a circular path around this axis to mirror the movement of the sun at the autumnal or spring equinox.

The frame allows the circular paths to be moved along the polar axis.

Spherical mirrors align to a line, known as a paraxial line, from the face of the mirror to a point one half of the radius. The concentration of rays is greatest at the one half radius point closest to the centre of the mirror sphere. This paraxial line trace, along the face of the half-radius focus sphere, follows a path that invertedly mirrors the sun's movement relative to the earth where the earth is treated as a stationary body and simulated by the point at the centre of the sphere. The circular path of the levered pole can thus be moved sinusoidally along the polar bar to coincide with the invertedly mirrored solar plane. The boundaries of these sinusoidal movements represent the invertedly mirrored winter and summer solstices.

Treating the earth's orbit as approximating to a true sphere (actually +1-3% or so deviation), the rotation of an object at the end of the levered pole thus mirrors and coincides with a tubular path projection of the spherical paraxial trace (the half radius). To modify the tubular path to a pure spherical path, a part sinusoidal drive may be added to extend the levered bar or may be simulated by hand using graduated marks along the levered bar manually adjusted for the season. Note however that, for simple devices such as cooking pots and so on, this is unlikely to necessary.

The Second embodiment The second embodiment as illustrated at Figure 21 comprises a boiler 101 or similar device mounted on rollers 102 or similar on a partial circle support bar or bars 103 mounted on a cross-bar or pair of polar cross-bars 104 mounted parallel to the rotation of the Earth and fixed to support frames 105. The boiler support arrangements allowing rotation of the boiler about the moveable centre 1 06 of the partial circle formed by the partial circle support bar or bars. 16 -

The part circle support bar mounting to the polar cross-bars to be capable of movement 107 along the polar cross-bar. A part spherical plane 108 consisting of mirror reflection plates located in a spherical reflection plane 1 09 with its centre 110 located mid-way along the centre of the effective movement range of the circular plane of the boiler. This position is usually the centre of the polar support bar movement range (107) with occasional variances due to non-symmetric boiler shapes or boilers offset from the centre of the longitudinal axis of the levered bar.

Optionally, the boiler capable of movement 111 relative to its mounting to allow the circular rotation planes of the boiler to increase or decrease so as to approximate to expanded reflected spherical solar circular planes 112 relative to sections through the sphere 113 generated by the end of the spherical paraxial line focus existing at a radius of one half of the radius of the mirror sphere.

Optionally this optional adjustment achieved using a secondary circular guide bar mounted along the polar bar with push-pull rollers fixed to the circular support arrangement via linkages held in near-vertical alignment relative to the polar bar by rollers fixed to the polar bar thus allowing the whole part-circle support assembly to move in a half-sinusoidal pattern relative to the polar bar.

This embodiment shown allows focus spheres to be requested larger than radius of the spherical paraxial line focus sphere and these focus spheres to be approximated to allow for the optimum collection for differing boiler shapes and positioning along the levered bar. The circular paths produced by the requested focus sphere to mirror the movement of the sun's plane so that the product of approximately sin 23.5 degrees multiplied by the diameter of the focus sphere equals the minimum movement (107) along the polar bar.

Figures 22 and 23 indicate alternative elevations.

Markings on the polar bar would duplicate in principle those of the first embodiment. Seasonal markings of the boiler position also duplicate those of the first embodiment.

Alternatives to and options on the embodiment Optionally, a constant velocity gearing and motor-driven drive may be added to the boiler mounting to allow the boiler to be rotated at a constant rotational velocity. This additional feature allows the machine to be left unattended for periods. A timed cut-off and power down mechanism may optionally be added to the constant velocity gearing above to reverse drive direction and return the mechanism to its daily start position. This option exists in conjunction with a timed power up.

Optionally, a part-sinusoidal drive may be added to the boiler mounting to allow the boiler bar to be moved at a perpendicular to the tangent of the part-circular support frames. This motion is part sinusoidal and described in the first embodiment.

Engineering description of the embodiment

This embodiment is intended as a low tech' solution to the provision of hot water, power generation, cooking equipment and sterilization of equipment using autoclaves and the like. This embodiment is suited to solar collection in the equatorial region.

The embodiment contains a frame with two transverse support bars arranged so that their axes align with that of the earth's rotation. On these two support bars a roller mechanism, capable of transferring torsional load to the support bars! axes carries a bar deformed to the shape of a part arc of a circle.

This part arc circle can move along the support bars allows objects moving in a circular path along the support bars to mirror the movement of the sun at the autumnal or spring equinox. At the centre of the circle formed by the part circular arc a path is formed and at the centre of this path, a mirrored sphere is arranged. This mirrored sphere reflects light from the sun.

The frame allows the circular paths to be moved along the polar axis.

Treating the earth's orbit as approximating to a true sphere (actually +1-3% or so deviation), the rotation of an object moving along the par arcs thus mirrors and coincides with a tubular path projection of the spherical paraxial trace (the half radius). To modify the tubular path to a pure spherical path, a part sinusoidal drive with single axis movement capable of transferring moment forces about axes other than the drive direction may be added to extend or retract the boiler relative to the arc.

The third embodiment The third embodiment as illustrated at Figure 31 and 32 comprises all the features of the second embodiment including a boiler 201, rollers 202, partial circle support bar or bars shown in this embodiment as a ladder frame 203 fixed in this embodiment using rollers 212 to a polar cross-bars, shown in this embodiment as a frame 204, support frames 205, a moveable centre 206 of the partial circle formed by the partial circle support bar, a movement range 207 along the polar cross-bar, A part spherical mirror plane 208, a spherical reflection plane 209 with centre 210, Optional boiler movement perpendicular to the ladder and within the boiler fixing 211 allowing expanded reflected spherical solar circular planes and so on as the second embodiment.

This optional adjustment also optionally achieved using a secondary circular guide bar mounted along the polar bar with push-pull rollers fixed to the circular support arrangement via linkages held in near-vertical alignment relative to the polar bar by rollers fixed to the polar bar thus allowing the whole part-circle support assembly to move in a half-sinusoidal pattern relative to the polar bar.

The embodiment shown allows focus spheres to be requested larger than radius of the spherical paraxial line focus sphere as described in the second embodiment.

Figure 33 indicates a possible mirror layout viewed from above the apparatus.

To aid understanding of this layout, Figure 34 shows the capture lines for the embodiment position shown at figure 31 with light captured within a sixty degree arc taken from the boiler and with arc angles relative to the paraxial capture line extending to the mirror planes: These capture lines pass over the mirror plane as the boiler rotates around its path along the circular supports.

Alternatives to and options on the embodiment Fig 35 indicates an optional a constant velocity geared drive belt 221 and motor-driven drive 222 which may be added to the boiler mounting 223 to allow the boiler 220 to be rotated at a constant rotational velocity. The belt shown in this optional embodiment locks onto the rungs1 224 of the ladder 225. This optional drive embodiment is common to all embodiments containing a ladder part -arc.

Also indicated on this embodiment are a belt locking device 226 and belt movement sensor 227. Movement of the boiler relative to the circular arc can also be achieved using timed devices and notches or graduations along the circular arc of the ladder support.

This additional feature allows the machine to be left unattended for periods. A timed cut-off and power down mechanism may optionally be added to the constant velocity gearing above to reverse drive direction and return the mechanism to its daily start position. This option exists in conjunction with a timed power up.

Optionally, motor driven devices may also be added to drive the roller assembly connecting the support ladder arc to the polar support frame allowing controlled seasonal movement. This option is common to all embodiments or additional features of embodiments using circular part arc supports.

Engineering description of the embodiment

This embodiment is intended as a solution to the provision of hot water, power generation and so on for local communities primarily within the equatorial belt.

The embodiment is similar in description to the second embodiment but contains added features such as a part arc support and roller attachments which can be used to automate the process of locating the boiler along a preferred paraxial collection sphere. An important feature of this collection process is the use of the rungs of the circular arc support bar or graduations installed otherwise to allow simple timing devices to move the boiler using powered drive mechanisms at a constant stepped velocity along the support bar.

The fourth and fifth embodiments The fourth embodiment as illustrated at Figure 41 and the fifth at Figure 42 comprises features from the second and third embodiments including a boiler 301, rollers 302, partial circle support bar or bars shown in this embodiment as a ladder frame 303 fixed in this embodiment using rollers 304 to a polar cross-bars, shown in the fourth embodiment as an angled frame 305 and in the fifth as a single structural polar member 325. The moving centre, spherical mirror segments, other optional and additional features and so on are as described in earlier embodiments. In the Figures shown, the adjustment of the seasonal position of the circular support ladder is undertaken using a rope and pulley system 306/326. Figure 41 also indicates a local hot water storage unit 307.

Figures 43 and 44 indicate front' and rear' elevations. The water storage facility described above together with feed leads are not shown on Figure 44 for clarity.

Engineering description of the embodiment

These embodiments are intended as a solution to the provision of hot water, power generation and so on for individual houses at high latitudes (Fig 41) and very high latitudes (fig 42). This embodiment can also be used at rooftops.

The embodiments are similar in description to the second and third embodiments.

The Sixth embodiment The sixth embodiment as illustrated at Figure 52 and a section in Figure 53 with a plan indicated on figure 51. The sixth comprises a series of boilers 401 or similar device mounted on a levered bar 402 with optional counterweight 403 mounted 404 on a transverse polar bar, or series or polar bars, 405 mounted parallel to the rotation of the Earth. The assembly above capable of rotation at the mount points 407 & 408 on support frames 409 and end housings 410.

Drive motors within the housings to rotate 411 the polar bars and with secondary motor assemblies to control lateral movement 412 for seasonal adjustment.

A part spherical plane 413 consisting of mirror reflection plates located in a spherical reflection plane with its centre located mid-way along the centre of the effective movement range of the circular plane of the boiler(s). This position is usually the centre of the polar bar movement range with occasional variances due to non-symmetric boiler shapes or boilers offset from the centre of the longitudinal axis of the levered bar.

The polar bar also optionally capable of movement relative to its mounting to allow the circular rotation planes of the boiler to increase or decrease so as to approximate to reflected spherical solar circular planes sectioning through the sphere generated by the end of the spherical paraxial line focus existing at a radius of one half of the radius of the mirror sphere.

This embodiment description should also be read in conjunction with previous embodiments for other common features Figures 54 and 55 indicate details on individual solar assemblies.: Figure 54 is a detail enlarged from Figure 53 and Figure 55 is a detail enlarged from Figure 52.

Alternatives to and options on this embodiment Optionally, a timed cut-off and power down mechanism may be added to the constant velocity gearing above to reverse drive direction and return the mechanism to its daily start position. This option exists in conjunction with a timed power up.

Optionally, a part-sinusoidal drive may be added to the mounting connections to allow the polar bar to be moved vertically or near-vertically. This motion is described in the first embodiment

Engineering description of the first embodiment

This embodiment is intended, but not limited to, a high-tech solution to the generation of steam for power production using turbines and similar applications.

The embodiment contains a series of poles aligned with the earth's axis of rotation. Along these poles are mounted a series of collection arms with boilers, feeds and so on.

All of these boilers rotate in unison and are seasonally adjusted longitudinally to collect solar rays from the mirrored part spheres located below.

The Seventh embodiment The seventh embodiment as illustrated at Figure 61 is a variant on the sixth embodiment designed for zones just outside the equatorial zone where the surface of the earth is unlikely to provide an opportunity to install polar bars as shown in the sixth embodiment. The invention should be read in conjunction with the sixth embodiment.

This embodiment contains the features of the sixth embodiment together with partially buried housings 501 and sections of remoulded soil 502.

The Eighth embodiment The eighth embodiment as illustrated at Figure 71 is a variant on the sixth embodiment designed to be situated on the face of structures in high latitude zones.

The Ninth embodiment The eighth embodiment as illustrated at Figure 72 is a variant on the sixth embodiment designed to be situated on the face of structures in medium to low latitude zones.

The Tenth embodiment The tenth embodiment as illustrated at Figure 73 is a variant on the eighth embodiment designed to be situated on the face of structures in high latitude zones.

The Eleventh embodiment The eleventh embodiment as illustrated at Figure 74 is a variant on the tenth embodiment designed to be situated on the face of structures in high latitude zones.

Claims

Claims 1. A solar collection apparatus comprising a boiler, panel, photovoltaic unit or the like or combination thereof, mounted at the rim of a circular plane or part circular plane, said plane being mounted to rotate about an axis approximately parallel to the rotation of the Earth, said mount or mountings being capable of movement along said axis parallel to that of the rotation of the Earth to inversely mirror the movement of the sun relative to the said axis adjacent to a segment of a mirror faced sphere.
2. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 1 in which the mirrored sphere composed of mirror faced planar segments having the same spherical centre as that of the apparatus claimed in claim 1 on the autumnal or spring equinox.
3. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 1 in which the circular plane composed of a member rotating about a secondary polar member.
4. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 1 in which the circular plane composed of a cross-bar member moving along a frame.
5. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 1 in which the circular plane composed of a member rigidly connected to and rotating about a polar member.
6. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 3 in which the joint formed between the two members is fixed with respect to the polar member longitudinal axis.
7. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 3 in which the joint is capable of being locked or clamped onto the polar member to prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis.
8. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 3 in which the joint to be fixed to a powered driving mechanism.
9. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 8 in which said drive mechanism, the mechanism to be capable of constantly rotating the joint to simulate the rotation of the solar plane about the Earth.
10. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 3 in which graduations introduced around the axis of the polar bar to enable a timing mechanism to power the drive at intervals.
11. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 6 in which de-powering and clamping of the joint on passing a graduation so noted is enabled.
12. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 3 in which the member rotating to have a counter weight sited at an extension or elongation of the circular plane member beyond the joint.
1 3. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 3 in which the circular plane member capable of moving longitudinally within the joint.
14. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 13 in which said movement controlled by a powered device.
15. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 14 in which provision of electronic timing equipment to enable powering of this device with subsequent movement of the bar to extend or distend the length of the circular plane member to suit the season.
16. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 3 in which said polar bar to be fixed rigidly to a framework.
17. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 16 in which said framework to allow modification of the location of the polar bar to suit specific latitudes.
1 8. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which said cross bar member to be in the shape of an arc.
19. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which said arc to be circular in form.
20. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which cross-bar member to have a boiler affixed to it using rollers or the like.
21. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which said cross-bar member to have fixed graduations to allow timed control of movement of the boiler.
22. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 21 in which said movement to be undertaken using powered apparatus.
23. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 22 in which said powered apparatus to be controlled using timer devices.
24. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 23 in which said timing devices also allowing daily shut down of the system and a return to a daily start position.
25. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which said cross-bar member to be composed in the form of a ladder.
26. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which a powered apparatus drives boiler movement using a drive belt.
27. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which the drive belt utilises the rungs of the ladder as a means of positioning and powered drive.
28. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 26 in which said powered apparatus to use the rollers described above as a means of frictional drive and for retaining the boiler in place when not required to move.
29. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 26 in which said powered apparatus to use the graduations described previously as a means of drive, location and for fixing the boiler in place when not required to move.
30. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which said boiler to be capable of movement relative to the rollers at a perpendicular from the face of said arc member.
31. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 30 in which said movement to be at an offset angle relative to the perpendicular and this movement also referred to later in this specification as perpendicular movement.
32. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 30 in which said arrangement for perpendicular movement range capable of transferring torsional loadings such as would be induced by wind to the roller arrangement.
33. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 30 in which said perpendicular movement range controlled by a powered device.
34. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 33 in which electronic timing equipment is provided to enable powering of this device with subsequent movement of the boiler to extend or distend its position relative to the cross-bar member to suit the season.
35. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 4 in which said cross-bar member to be located on a frame.
36. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 35 in which said frame to have two members used for support of the cross-bar member.
37. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 35 in which the cross-bar member to be fixed to the frame on rollers or the like.
38. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 37 in which rollers to be arranged in opposing pairs along the axis of the frame support member(s), or other similar arrangements, to prevent rotational movement of the cross-bar member relative to the frame member(s).
39. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 35 in which said cross-bar member to be tied to the frame using wires, rope or the like via a pulley system.
40. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 39 in which said pulley system driven by a powered device.
41. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 35 in which said cross-bar to be moved along the frame support members using driven powered devices and utilising the frame support members for frictional drive.
42. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 35 in which the framework allows modification of the angle of the frame support members to suit specific latitudes.
43. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which a plurality of rotating members about the polar member forming an assembly of circular planes.
44. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which a plurality of polar members form an assembly of circular planes.
45. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which a plurality of rotating members on a plurality of polar members form an assembly of circular planes.
46. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which the polar member or members rotating within joints at either end of the polar member(s).
47. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which support joints introduced along the length of the polar member(s) allowing rotation around, and movement along, the axis of the polar member(s).
48. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 46 in which the joints at either end of the polar member(s) allowing rotation around the axis of the polar member(s).
49. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 46 in which the joints at either end of the polar member(s) allowing movement along the axis of the polar member(s).
50. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which the polar member(s) to be rotationally driven about the polar member's axis or members' axes by a powered device.
51. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 50 in which the polar members to be interconnected laterally using gearings with belts or similar devices to reduce the number of powered devices relative to the number of polar members.
52. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which said polar member to have fixed graduations or gearings about its axis to allow timed control of movement of the boiler(s).
53. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 52 in which said graduations to be located on gearings geared to the polar member.
54. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 53 in which said powered apparatus to use the graduations described previously as a means of drive, location and for fixing the boiler in place when not moving.
55. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which said polar bar to have braking clamps installed.
56. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 55 in which said braking clamps to be controlled by a timing device or the timing device previously described.
57. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which a powered apparatus introduced along or at the end of the polar bar(s) to allow the polar bar to be moved laterally along its axis.
58. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 57 in which a racking assembly introduced between polar members to allow lateral powered devices to drive a plurality of polar members along their axes.
59. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 in which the end joint housings capable of movement along an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the sun's rays striking the Earth during the Spring or Autumnal equinox at midday or thereabouts.
60. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 59 in which this movement to be achieved using a part-sinusoidal guide along the axis of the polar member.
61. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 59 in which said solar equinox axis movement to be achieved using powered devices.
62. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 47 in which where additional intermediate polar support joints used, said joints also capable of movement along the solar equinox axis described in claim 59.
63. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 62 in which moveable joints utilise powered devices to drive said movement.
64. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 62 in which a rack frame installed to allow said movement to be powered at the location of the end joints.
65. A solar collector apparatus according to claim 5 and claims subsequent to claims 43 in which said assemblies, arrays and racks fixed to building or other structures to form part of the faÃ�ade.