Solar heating unit

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus for collecting the heat from solar energy for use in heating applications such as swimming pools. The apparatus is comprised of a panel having three separately movable structures, each rotatably independent of each other in order to provide a maximum amount of rotation in a relatively compact area. The apparatus is constructed of a plurality of rotatable carriers and frames mounted on vertical legs or posts which are supported on a movable base. A main frame or carriage is rotatably supported on axles attached to the vertical legs. A pair of smaller frames are rotatably supported on each end of the main carriage. The two rotatable frames have a plurality of conduits or pipes for circulating a fluid each at the focal point of a magnifying lens to collect the heat energy of the sun. These frames or panels are maintained parallel to each other and perpendicular to the sun by the output of electronic circuitry which operates a motor to rotate the main carriage which in turn causes the smaller frames having the fluid circulating conduits to simultaneously rotate. A pair of photocells which are attached to the lens structure detect the direction of the sun' s rays and cause the main carriage to rotate whenever the illumination from the sun is greater on one photocell than the other. A third photocell energizes the system when the early sunlight exceeds a predetermined minimum causing the system to seek and track the sun during the day and to turn the system off in the evening when the sun's rays fall below the predetermined minimum and return the structure to the morning position ready for sunrise.

Inventors

• 👤 Leo Bourdon
• 👤 Richard K. Burley
• 👤 Clifford F. Kennedy

Bibliographic Details