This inventor holds 1 USPTO granted patent. Top assignee: Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation. Active years: 1982.
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1982
Title: Innovations of Douglas B. Osborn in Solar Power Technology.
Introduction
Douglas B. Osborn is an accomplished inventor based in Mission Viejo, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of solar energy, particularly through his innovative designs and patents. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency of solar power systems, making them more applicable for various uses.
Latest Patents
One of Osborn's notable patents is a solar power converter with a pool boiling receiver. This invention is particularly applicable at the focal point of a parabolic concentrator. The converter absorbs solar thermal radiation in a cavity-type receiver and transports the heat via a secondary fluid to a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger contains a primary fluid used for process heating or to power a heat engine employing thermodynamic cycles such as Stirling, Rankine, or Brayton. The secondary fluid is boiled within the receiver by the trapped solar radiation, and the released vapor rises along an elevated path to the heat exchanger. The vapor condenses on the surfaces of the heat exchanger, thereby transferring heat to the engine working fluid. The condensed liquid then flows back to the solar receiver by means of gravity. The walls of the cavity receiver are typically comprised of two concentric cylinders joined at one end in a half toroid and at the other end in concentric half spheres. Osborn's patent highlights the optimum primary and secondary fluids, which may differ for various applications.
Career Highlights
Douglas B. Osborn has worked with Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation, where he has been able to apply his innovative ideas in a corporate setting. His experience in the aerospace and communications sectors has allowed him to develop technologies that bridge the gap between solar energy and practical applications.
Collaborations
Osborn has collaborated with Robert L. Pons, a fellow innovator, to further enhance the development of solar technologies. Their partnership has contributed to advancements in the field, showcasing the importance of teamwork in innovation.
Conclusion
Douglas B. Osborn's contributions to solar power technology exemplify the potential of innovative thinking in addressing energy challenges. His patent on the solar power converter demonstrates a significant step forward in harnessing solar energy efficiently.