Solar-energy-powered sun tracker

Abstract

An apparatus for causing a solar energy collector to constantly follow the sun using the sun's radiant energy reflected from an arrangement of mirrors to differentially heat fluid-containing reservoirs to create a differential pressure which is utilized to rotate the apparatus and the collector.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for aiming a rotatable solar energy collector constantly towards the sun comprising: a housing open on one side;   a central divider mounted inside said housing so as to divide said housing into two compartments each open on said side;   a first mirror, in the first of said two compartments, mounted on said housing so as to face said divider;   a second mirror, in the second of said two compartments mounted on said housing so as to face said divider;   a first fluid containing reservoir mounted on one side of said divider and facing said first mirror;   a second fluid-containing reservoir mounted on the second side of said divider and facing said second mirror;   means for translating vapor pressure of said first and second reservoirs into movement of said apparatus and said collector whereby the vapor pressure provides the motive force for the movement; and   means for shading one of said two compartments from the sun when said central divider is not boresighted towards the sun.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for shading comprises a double-sided reflector extending from and coplanar with said divider.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each fluid-containing reservoir is a flat, spiralled coil. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said translating means comprises a piston driven by differential pressure from each of said fluids. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of said fluids is ammonia. .Iadd. 
     
     
       6.  Apparatus for tracking a moving radient energy source such as the sun, comprising: at least one radient energy sensing means mounted so as to rotate on at least one axis with respect to said source so as to be able to track said source;   said energy sensing means each comprising at least a first and second energy collector/convertor means mounted in spaced relation to each other;   means situate between said first and second collector/convertor means effective to create a difference in the amount of radiation received by said first and second collector/convertor means respectively when said apparatus is pointed toward said source at other than boresight;   each said collector/convertor means including a fluid containing reservoir wherein a vapor pressure is created when said reservoir is receiving radient energy and said pressure created is in proportion to the radient energy received; and   fluid motor means connected to said reservoirs translating vapor pressure of said reservoirs respectively into movement of said apparatus when a vapor pressure differential exists between said reservoirs;   whereby the apparatus will tend to move toward boresight position with respect to said source. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       7.  Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said fluid motor means includes a piston driven by differential pressure from each of said fluid containing reservoirs. .Iaddend. .Iadd.8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein each of said reservoirs comprise parallel rods. .Iaddend. .Iadd.9. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said reservoirs comprise parallel 
     
     
        rods. .Iaddend. .Iadd.10.  Apparatus for tracking a radient energy source such as the sun, comprising; at least one radient energy sensing means mounted so as to rotate on at least one axis with respect to said source so as to be able to track said source;   said energy sensing means each comprising at least a first and second energy collector/convertor means mounted in spaced relation to each other;   means associated with said first and second collector/convertor means effective to create a difference in the amount of radiation received by said first and second collector/convertor means respectively when said apparatus is pointed toward said source at other than boresight;   each said collector/convertor means including a fluid containing reservoir wherein a vapor pressure is created when said reservoir is receiving radient energy and said pressure created is in proportion to the radient energy received; and   fluid motor means connected to said reservoirs translating vapor pressure of said reservoirs respectively into movement of said apparatus when a vapor pressure differential exists between said reservoirs;   whereby the apparatus will tend to move toward boresight position with   
     
     
        respect to said source. .Iaddend. .Iadd.11.  Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein each said reservoir comprise parallel rods. .Iaddend. .Iadd.12. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said reservoirs comprise parallel rods. .Iaddend.