Solar Heater

Abstract

The inventive device provides a means to concentrate solar thermal energy and transmit this energy to the fluid in a tank. This tank may be relatively distant and otherwise inaccessible to sunlight such as a hot water heater in a residence. By supplementing traditional energy sources, the invention could reduce the duty cycle of a conventional hot water heater's energy source and hence increase efficiency and lower operating cost. The device performs these duties via a series of lenses, mirrors and control systems which can be powered by integrated photovoltaic panels. The system can therefore be self-powered.

1 . A solar heater for a conventional water heater comprising:
 A two-lens system to concentrate solar energy into a beam multiple mirrors, actuators and control systems to position said beam into the inside a fluid-filled tank   a heliostatic control system to point the device at the sun   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  where the heliostatic control system uses date, time, compass orientation (e.g. North, South, East, West) and latitude and longitude of the apparatus to determine the location of the sun and orient the apparatus 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  where the heliostatic control system is based on sensors to determine the brightest light source in the sky and use that information to orient the apparatus 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  where the heliostatic control system uses both: date, time, compass orientation (e.g. North, South, East, West) and latitude and longitude of the apparatus for coarse adjustment to determine the location of the sun and orient the apparatus and
 sensors to determine the brightest light source in the sky and use that information for fine adjustment to orient the apparatus   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  where the two-lens system consists of one converging lens and one diverging lens to create a concentrated beam. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  where the two-lens system consists of two converging lenses.