Solar Thermal Energy Antenna

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the collection and concentration of solar thermal energy and the exchanging of this concentrated solar thermal energy into transportable and usable heat energy in a medium such as water, oil or molten salts.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A solar thermal energy antenna, comprising: a dual reflector with autonomous tracking capability that collects solar thermal energy, concentrates the collected thermal energy, and exchanges the concentrated solar thermal energy to heat energy in a medium such as water, oil, or molten salts. 
     
     
         2 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes a pedestal that may have penetrations for conduits and ports for accessing the inside of the pedestal and has flanges at the top and bottom that may be internal or external to the pedestal. 
     
     
         3 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 2 , wherein the bottom flange of the pedestal may be attached to a foundation set in the ground or a platform. 
     
     
         4 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes a bearing with an inner and outer races. 
     
     
         5 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 4 , wherein one of the races of the bearing is attached to the top flange of the pedestal. 
     
     
         6 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes a ring gear attached to the bearing. 
     
     
         7 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes a turning head. 
     
     
         8 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 7 , wherein the turning head is attached to the remaining race of the bearing. 
     
     
         9 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 7 , wherein a drive motor, gearboxes, and a spur gear or gears that mesh with the ring gear are located upon the turning head allowing the turning head to be driven and rotate about the azimuth axis of the solar thermal energy antenna. 
     
     
         10 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes a dual reflector assembly which collects and concentrates solar thermal energy. 
     
     
         11 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 10 , wherein includes a hub that attaches to the turning head. 
     
     
         12 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 11 , wherein includes a heat exchanger mounted within the hub which converts concentrated solar thermal energy to stored and transportable heat energy in a medium such as water, oil, or molten salts. 
     
     
         13 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 10 , wherein includes a primary reflector mounted to the hub either or both directly to the hub or by trusses that may include cross bracing and collects and concentrates solar thermal energy. 
     
     
         14 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 10 , wherein includes a secondary reflector suspended in front of the primary reflector by struts attached to the primary reflector and redirects concentrated solar thermal energy from the primary reflector to the heat exchanger. 
     
     
         15 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes an elevation drive jack. 
     
     
         16 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 15 , wherein the elevation drive jack includes a drive motor and gearboxes and is attached to the turning head and reflector assembly and allows the reflector assembly to be driven and rotate about the elevation axis of the solar thermal energy antenna. 
     
     
         17 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes plumbing, piping and fixtures for the transportation of fluids or molten slats to and from external sources and the heat exchanger located within the solar thermal energy antenna. 
     
     
         18 . The solar thermal energy antenna of  claim 1 , wherein includes a control system which provides autonomous and directed pointing and tracking of the solar thermal energy antenna to a target located in space and also provides for autonomous or directed safe pointing of the solar thermal energy antenna.