A. L. Korr Associates, Inc.

Bernard T Svihel

Evan Harris Walker

Abraham L Korr

Solar energy is collected by an array of parallel trough-like reflectors of paraboloidal cross-section, and concentrated upon radiation-absorbent pipes positioned along the lines of focus of the reflectors. The array is mounted on a boat which floats on an irrigation pond of a farm and is rotated by a clock-like drive mechanism so as to follow or track the daily east-west motion of the sun, thereby maintaining the concentration of solar radiation upon the pipes. The flotation of the array by means of the boat permits the use of very low drive power for rotating it to track the sun, and also shields the underlying water from the air and sun so as to reduce evaporation thereof. A central column stabilizes the position of the boat with respect to lateral drift or angular tilt, while permitting vertical motion of the boat in response to changes in pond level; the array may therefor be protected from heavy wind by dropping the pond level so that the array is protected by the sidewalls of the pond at such times. A rotating joint arrangement permits circulation of a heat-absorbent fluid such as water (steam) between the radiation-absorbent pipes and a location adjacent the pond where the developed heat is utilized.

Growing community of inventors

Laverock, PA, United States of America

Bernard T Svihel