Patent ID: 9500184
Filing Date: 2016-11-22
CPC Classification: F03D,F03G,F05B,F24S,H02K,Y02E,Y10S

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for converting solar energy, the apparatus comprising: a heat-capturing element that generates thermal energy when exposed to solar radiation; a canopy arranged about the heat-capturing element and defining a chamber with an intake and an output, the canopy configured for substantially trapping air particles in proximity to the heat-capturing element throughout a pathway from the intake to the output, wherein a portion of the chamber arranged near the output has a decreased cross section; a thermal transfer system configured for creating a positive thermal feedback between a portion of the heat-capturing element near the output and a portion of the heat-capturing element near the intake, the thermal transfer system comprising a conduit configured to circulate heat-absorbing fluid from a portion of the heat-capturing element near the output out of the heat-capturing element and directly to a portion of the heat-capturing element near the intake and into the heat-capturing element so as to increase the temperature of the heat-capturing element near the intake and increase the performance of the system; and at least one horizontal turbine arranged at the output; wherein thermal energy generated by the heat-capturing element causes surrounding air particles within the chamber to thermally expand and rise; wherein the rising air is directed through the portion of the canopy with a decreased cross section and through the output; and wherein the rising air passes across the at least one horizontal turbine as it exits the chamber.