System for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface with a programmable forcing network of climate control panels

A dynamic controllable system 10 for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface includes a series of panel units 110, 610 mounted above the earth's surface over land and water masses. Each panel unit 110, 610 supports rotatable shafts 112, 612, with panels 100, 600 joined to or integrally formed with the shafts 112, 612. Each panel (forcing) 100, 600 has a radiation reflective surface 102, 602 and a radiation emissive surface 104, 604 opposite the radiation reflective surface 102, 602. The panels 100, 602 are selectively rotated into a predetermined one of a plurality of cardinal positions: reflective, emissive and neutral, or into an intermediate position between two of the cardinal positions. The programmable controller 130 receives various data including top of atmosphere satellite data, air temperature and relative humidity at panel units, weather data, time of day, position of panel units, radiation insolation, and combinations thereof. Responsive to real-time data, both local and regional, the programmable controller directs rotational orientation of panels within the panel units, causing a desired reflection of shortwave and longwave radiation away from the earth's surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a dynamic system to moderate energy absorption and energy emission (both longwave and shortwave) at the earth's surface utilizing a network of programmable climate control panels deployed above the earth's surface (over land and/or water masses).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current climate of the earth is said to be in a state of crisis as evidenced by a continual rise in the average global surface temperature, which is typically referred to as “global warming”. This increasing temperature trend is associated with and blamed upon an increase in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other green house gases (“GHG”) such as methane and nitrous oxide as brought on by human activities that are centered around the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities (that increase methane and nitrous oxide) since the onset of the industrial age. Associated with this temperature rise are a variety of disruptions and problems, including sea level rise, adverse agricultural impacts, and greater numbers of severe weather events (droughts, excessive rainfall, hurricanes and storms).

The consequences of global warming include significant economic impact. An analysis of the Economic Impact of Global Warming has been the subject of many studies, including the Nobel Prize winning study by expert William Nordhaus. Dr. Nordhaus invented the modern economics of climate change, starting with his 1979 book on the subject. He and others developed the Dynamic Integrated Model of Climate and the Economy (“DICE”) and summarized the relative economic impacts of different climate policies. Table 1 reproduces a table from Murphy (2009), p. 211 (https://www.econlib.org/library/Columns/y2018/MurphyNordhaus.html) showing the economic cost associated with global warming as a baseline without remediation, which baseline cost is estimated to be over 22 trillion US dollars. Various potential mediation plans are also estimated to cost trillions of US dollars.

Proposed responses to mitigate the global warming problem and its associated effects fall into two basic categories: (a) CO2mitigation; and (b) geoengineering solutions. Mitigating CO2requires that less fossil fuel be burned, with society forced to use alternate forms of energy, such as wind and solar. This is an indirect attack on the offending cause of global warming, trying to cap or minimize future additions of CO2into earth's atmosphere, without moderating the incoming radiation energy from the sun. Current practice has been to pursue the slowdown of CO2emissions so as not to make further concentration of this greenhouse gas worse. This has resulted in the formation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which issues policy advice that accepts and focuses on reducing human activity. Because of the enormous economic penalties of this solution, it is deemed unacceptable by many.

Geoengineering solutions attempt to moderate the incoming radiation or shortwave surface reflections from the sun. Examples of geoengineering solutions include: (1) introducing aerosol particles into earth's atmosphere to block incoming radiation; (2) planting certain crops that are more reflective; (3) changing the materials used for surfaces of roofs and for pavements in urban areas to be more reflective; and (4) putting reflective spheres into the earth's atmosphere or into outer space just outside the earth's atmosphere.

Table 2 below compares anticipated effectiveness of geoengineering proposals (identified as ALBEDO modification proposals) with carbon dioxide reduction proposals. Geoengineering solutions have been deemed unacceptable to date, and as a result, none have been pursued.

TABLE 2Overview of General Differences between Carbon Dioxide Removal Proposals and SolarRadiation ManagementCarbon dioxide removal proposals . . .Albedo modification proposals . . .. . . address the cause of human-induced. . . do not address cause of human-inducedclimate change (high atmospheric GHGclimate change (high atmospheric GHGconcentrations).concentrations).. . . do not introduce novel global risks.. . . introduce novel global risks.. . . are currently expensive (or comparable to. . . are inexpensive to deploy (relative to costthe cost of emission reduction).of emissions reduction).. . . may produce only modest climate effects. . . can produce substantial climate effectswithin decades.within years.. . . raise fewer and less difficult issues with. . . raise difficult issues with respect to globalrespect to global governance.governance.. . . will be judged largely on questions related. . . will be judged largely on questions relatedto cost.to risk.. . . may be implemented incrementally with. . . could be implemented suddenly, withlimited effects as society becomes morelarge-scale impacts before enough research isserious about reducing GHG concentrationsavailable to understand the risks relative toor slowing their growth.inaction.. . . require cooperation by major carbon. . . could be done unilaterally.emitters to have a significant effect.. . . for likely future emissions scenarios, if. . . for likely future emissions scenarios, ifabruptly terminated would have limitedabruptly terminated would produceconsequences.significant consequences.Note:GHG stands for greenhouse gases released by human activities and natural processes and includes carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and others. The committee intends to limit discussion to proposals that raise the fewest problematic issues, thus excluding ocean iron fertilization from the CDR list. Each statement may not be true of some proposals within each category.

Table 2 shows that there are significant positives to geoengineering solutions. They are less expensive to implement and can produce results within years. They can be implemented quickly and unilaterally, and could produce large impacts. Notwithstanding these positives, geoengineering solutions are presumed to introduce novel global risks, such as potential to change global weather patterns. Moreover, some geoengineering proposals, such as painting roofs white or planting reflective crops, lack the efficacy needed to compensate for global warming at current CO2and other GHG levels.

What is needed is a solution to mitigate global warming at current GHG or increased GHG levels with sufficient efficacy combined with low or no risk to changing earth's weather patterns, which can be accomplished at a lower economic cost and impact than the high-priced GHG reduction plans which are current being pursued by the IPCC and the Paris Climate Agreement.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface has multiple panel units each configured to support at least one rotatable shaft. A panel is joined to or integrally formed with each shaft. Each panel has a radiation reflective surface and a radiation emissive surface opposite the radiation reflective surface.

The system further has means for rotating the shaft to place the panel selectively into each of a plurality of predetermined cardinal positions selected from the group consisting of: reflective orientation, emissive orientation and neutral orientation. The radiation reflective surface may be one of a number of reflective materials, such as but not limited to, aluminum, gold, silver or engineered films that have reflectivity of about 95% or higher. The radiation reflective surfaces of the panels reflect shortwave radiation and longwave radiation.

The emissive surface may be formed of a material or have applied thereto a material that is radiation absorptive, such as but not limited to, carbon black, soot, platinum black and carborundum. The radiation emissive surfaces of the panels absorb shortwave and longwave radiation, and have emissivities that are greater than about 95% over the full black body spectrum.

One such means comprises a step motor or other motor suitable for engagement with a rotatable shaft. The motor shall control the angle of the panels based on rotary position feedback. A local programmable controller can provide standard day time functionality, such as sun tracking and nighttime horizontal positioning. This controller can also receive downline loads from the remote Global Command Center. The Global Command Center algorithms are based on various climate data, such as top of atmosphere satellite data, air temperature at panel unit, relative humidity at panel unit, weather data, time of day, position of panel unit, radiation insolation, and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, each panel unit has a frame to which the rotatable shafts are attached. The panel unit is mounted spaced a distance of at least 1 meter above a ground surface, or at least one meter above a water surface (such as the ocean or a lake). The frame defines air passageways to direct air below the panel. Optimally, the panel units are positioned at predetermined mid-latitude locations on the earth, such as at the equator or in regions that are within a range of latitude between 40° N and 40° S.

In another preferred embodiment, each panel unit has a series of pairs of support posts, with each pair spaced apart from one another by a length to accommodate a panel. Bearing units associated with the support posts receive the shaft to which the panel is joined. The shafts of multiple panels may be supported by different pairs of support posts, arranged to form a grid or collection of panels that comprise the panel unit. The shafts of the panels may be rotated by dedicated individual motors or by a motor coupled to a linkage so as to rotate multiple shafts in coordination with one another as dictated by the programmable controller. The pairs of support posts may be installed without a surrounding frame.

In one embodiment, some of the panel units may be maintained in a fixed bias in which all or substantially all panels therein have panel surfaces maintained in one of the cardinal positions, such as the reflective orientation or the emissive orientation.

A second aspect of the invention is a method for reducing radiation energy absorption at the earth's surface by installing a plurality of the inventive systems above the earth's surface at predetermined distribution locations and selectively rotating the shafts of the panels in the panel units with the means for rotating the shafts controlled by a programmable controller.

The panel units are installed over land masses and water masses. For highest heat reduction, it is optimum to install at the equator or in regions that are considered mid-latitude or within a range of latitude between 40° N and 40° S. This preferred region is also coincident with the major desert climates which are prime target areas.

The panels within a panel unit may be variously rotated to place the panels at a predetermined one of each of the cardinal positions as well as to a predetermined rotational position that is between two of the cardinal positions. Most often, the panels within one panel unit will be rotated to a same rotational orientation, and at a given time, the panels within different panel units will be rotatable to different rotational orientations. The rotational orientation of the panels of each panel unit of a multiplicity of panel units shall be dynamically controlled by the programmable controller. It is further envisioned that in some regions, fixed bias panel units will be installed, in which all or substantially all panels therein have panel surfaces maintained in one of the cardinal positions, either in the reflective orientation or in the emissive orientation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

The present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s). The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims.

It should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order in which they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in which they are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step or component provides the basis for claims where the absent feature or component is excluded by way of a proviso or similar claim language.

FIG.1illustrates the earth's annual and global mean energy balance, showing incoming and outgoing solar radiation. The average top of the atmosphere (TOA) incoming solar radiation (longwave and shortwave) is 342 Watts per square meter (Wm−2) in a given year. That heat is returned to the atmosphere as sensible heat, as evapotranspiration (latent heat), and as thermal infrared radiation (longwave radiation). Most of this radiation is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere, which in turn emits radiation both up and down.

Referring toFIG.1, the insolation of the earth at the top of the atmosphere is on average estimated at 342 Wm−2. The radiation that escapes from the top of the atmosphere is characterized as shortwave107and longwave235components. The shortwave107is called off at 107 Wm−2and the longwave235is called off at 235 Wm−2, which gives a total 342 Wm−2, equaling the insolation. If the shortwave radiation107and/or the longwave radiation235that escapes the atmosphere can be increased, then the earth overall will experience cooling. Conversely, if there is a reduction in the amount of radiation that escapes the atmosphere, the earth overall will experience a temperature increase. In the case of greenhouse gases, increasing the amount of GHG in the earth's atmosphere makes it more difficult for longwave radiation to escape, and the temperature of the earth increases.

Referring next toFIG.2, a spectral graph of shortwave and longwave (clear sky) radiation is shown. This spectral graph may be downloaded at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pms/articles/PMC6174548/. A primary goal is to influence the radiation energy budget experienced at the earth's surface. As can be seen, opportunities to moderate energy heavily depend on radiation wavelength.FIG.2can be broken into three major regions: (1) the magnitude and wavelength associated with down-going radiation from the sun to the earth—see top left portion ofFIG.2(labelled Solar-energy-absorbing gases); (2) the magnitude and wavelength of up-going radiation from the earth that escapes the atmosphere—see top right portion ofFIG.2(labelled Greenhouse gases); and (3) individual and cumulative attenuation of the atmospheric gases as a function of wavelength, which in turn, serve to block down-going and up-going radiation—see bottom portion ofFIG.2(labelled Transitions—including the dotted line). Atmospheric “windows” are regions of the spectrum where radiation can pass through atmospheric gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) relatively unobstructed, thereby generating less atmospheric heat (less greenhouse effects). The two major windows are the shortwave window, which serves passage of sunlight to the earth, and the longwave window (10 to 14 microns), which provides the best passage for thermal longwave emissions. As shown inFIG.2, carbon dioxide and other GHG in the atmosphere is offending in the longwave window.

It should be noted that the “clear sky” gaseous phenomena depicted inFIG.2become second order effects in the presence of cloud cover as manifested through the presence of water droplets or ice crystals. Cloud effects far outweigh gaseous effects for both incoming and outgoing radiation.

According to the invention, as shown inFIG.3, a geoengineering solution to control global climate10uses a distributed system of programmable forcings that are deployed at predetermined regions around the world. The programmable forcings are a series of panel units110that have rotatable panels100each with a radiation reflective surface102on one face and a radiation absorptive surface104on the opposite face. The panel units110are positioned at multiple locations on the earth's surface (including over land masses and over water masses). Orientation of the individual panels100within the panel units110will be controlled variously and dynamically to (i) reflect incoming solar radiation, (ii) absorb incoming solar radiation, and/or (iii) allow incoming solar radiation to bypass and reach the earth's surface. Using this system, the surface properties on the earth can be dynamically modified to cancel out the effects of the offending CO2or other GHG gas, and or potentially even to reset the global temperature to pre-industrial levels.

Desired orientation of individual panels100within a panel unit110in the global climate control system is determined based on several factors, including (i) the top of atmosphere measurements from satellite observatories120, such as but not limited to Ceres and Modis; (ii) day or night conditions at the deployment location on the earth's surface124(which includes land masses and bodies of water); (iii) sea level; and (iv) weather conditions at the deployment location, including relative humidity and temperature as well as cloud cover128. The top of atmosphere measurements and the other factors129shall be delivered to a central database and processor (or series of databases and processors) at a global climate command and control center130from which calculations will be made as to whether incoming solar radiation should be reflected or absorbed or in any way attenuated by the panels of specific panel units. Control signals132issued from the global climate command and control center shall control motors associated with the panel units110so that individual panels100may be rotated to a desired orientation.

A large number of satellite systems currently are in operation by NASA and NOAA which are meant to provide real-time feedback on the earth's radiation budget, including top of the atmosphere shortwave and longwave radiation. These systems also gather data on a variety of other critical factors, such as cloud cover, temperature, humidity and sea level, which among other functions are meant to serve the needs of the meteorology community. This data would also be shared with and used by the global climate command and control center130for the system according to the current invention. The highly sophisticated NASA and NOAA satellites, such as CERES and MODIS, along with their expert operational and data teams, are already in place and already collect regional and global data that will be necessary to operate the inventive system described herein. This data can be supplemented by local data collected by sensors140at or on the individual panel units110, such as temperature, humidity, and insolation.

The global command and control center130provides remote control of the panels (forcings)100of the panel units110which make up the global panel network. The feedback information142is obtained from sensors140at or on the panel units110along with information obtained from the satellites120. Although the distributed network of forcings will be complex, the advantages will be realized quickly. The global command center130may control the orientation of the individual panels100to impact climate variables, such as weather patterns, ocean current patterns, and the overall improvement in worldwide climate including attenuation of extreme weather conditions where possible. This control system130can provide high speed (seconds response, to allow control strategies that can optimize given climate objectives. Ultimately, the signal feedback, correlated, lends itself to acritical control.

I envision that there will be a global panel oversight committee to ensure that the global climate objectives are determined by consensus and appropriately monitored. Such committee also will ensure that the overall system is functioning in agreement with the member Nations which make up the committee. This board of governance can be seen as a great asset in building world unity by addressing an important problem that concerns all.

As shown inFIG.4, in one embodiment, the panel units110have a frame114that is mountable to a support or deployed over a ground surface or a surface of a body of water as desired for a specific deployment location. A series of panels100are configured for rotation within the panel unit110. In the embodiment shown inFIG.4, five panels100are disposed in a panel unit110, with each panel100mounted to a respective shaft112that extends outside the frame114of the panel unit110. In turn, the shafts112may be received in or joined to a motor or series of motors to control rotation thereof. In the embodiment shown inFIG.4, the panel unit (base module)110has a width of from 20 feet to 60 feet (6.1 m to 18.3 m), with a width of 30 feet (9.1 m) shown inFIG.4. In this embodiment, an individual panel100held within a panel unit110has a width of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 m to 1.8 m), with a width of 6 feet (1.2 m) shown inFIG.4. Such individual panel100has a length of from 250 feet to 400 feet (76.2 m to 122 m), with a length of 330 feet (100.6 m) shown inFIG.4. The combined grouping (panel unit110or base module with five panels100) has a footprint of 330 feet by 330 feet (100.6 m by 100.6 m) in the embodiment shown inFIG.4. These dimensions are exemplary, and it is within the scope of the invention for other dimensions for panels and panel units to be used as desired when the panel units are deployed over specific ground surfaces or bodies of water.

The panels100provide the key optical properties for both positive and negative forcings. Each panel100has a radiation reflecting surface102and a radiation emissive surface104opposite the radiation reflecting surface102. The radiation reflecting surface102is highly reflective to shortwave and longwave solar radiation, preferably 95% reflective. The radiation emissive surface104ideally is a black body radiator.

In one embodiment, the panels100are formed of aluminum, and the reflecting or reflective surface102is aluminum, and the emissive or absorbing surface104is painted with a black body coating. Such black body coatings include soot, carbon black, platinum black and carborundum. These coatings have emissivities at 95% or greater over the full black body spectrum at a given temperature. Emissivity black paints are available from Acktar—https://www.acktar.com/products-services/high-emissivity-materials/. The paints can be applied at thicknesses of at least about 5 microns to obtain desired emissivity.

In another embodiment, the panels100are formed of composite materials and a polymeric film with reflective material or reflective particles entrained therein is applied to the radiation reflecting or reflective surface102, and a polymeric film with radiation absorptive particles entrained therein is applied to the radiation emissive or absorbing surface104. Alternatively, the radiation reflecting or reflective surface102may be painted with an aluminum containing paint or may be coated with an aluminum coating.

In another embodiment aluminized film is applied to the panel surface102that is reflective. Aluminized films are sturdy, robust, weather-proof and cost effective. Other metal films containing gold or silver also may be considered. Aluminum, gold and silver can form mirrored surfaces that reflect both shortwave and longwave radiation. Alternatively, the reflective surface102may be formed with a “radiative cooling” material having reflectivity of greater than 95% in the shortwave region, some of which are designed to have IR emissivity in the longwave window. Radiative cooling materials provide ideal performance for daylight use. As yet another alternative, dielectric mirrors of highly specialized polymer layers can be created to tailor spectral properties when used for the reflective surface102.

Moreover, the radiation reflective surface may comprise or have an applied film, such as a new class of materials referred to as radiative cooling films have spectral radiation properties that reflect visible, short wave radiation and emit infrared, long wave radiation. Radiative cooling films currently are used to improve cooling building roofs.

Specialized emissive surface materials that are designed to enhance nighttime thermal radiation are available. Specialized emissive surface materials can be designed to promote the magnitude and frequency of longwave radiation emissions through the longwave window, thereby improving the cooling effects associated with increased top of atmosphere energy emissions. Examples of emissive surface materials include carbon black coatings, Martin Black paint, black Tedlar, black polyethylene, and advance emissive coatings that employ nanotube technology. Surface roughness also improves emissions and convection to surrounding air.

The panels100have three cardinal positions as shown inFIGS.5A,5B and5C. InFIG.5A, the exemplary panel unit110ahas four panels100and is shown with the panels100in reflective orientation. The reflective surfaces102of the panels100are directed upwardly, reflecting all or most incoming downwelling shortwave and longwave solar radiation. By so reflecting incoming downwelling shortwave and longwave solar radiation, a good portion of the reflective radiation will escape the top of the atmosphere, reducing the radiation within the earth's atmosphere. InFIG.5B, the exemplary panel unit110has four panels100and is shown with the panels100in emissive orientation. The emissive or absorbing surfaces104of the panels100are directed upwardly, absorbing incoming shortwave and longwave solar radiation. Incoming downwelling solar radiation is absorbed by the panel surface104, and upwelling radiation is emitted from the panel surface104. InFIG.5C, the exemplary panel unit110has four panels100and is shown with the panels100in neutral orientation. The panels100are rotated by 90 degrees, such that incoming solar radiation will pass through the frame114and past the panels100to reach the earth's surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the panels100may be positioned at desired orientations other than the three cardinal positions. In this manner, when the panels100are rotated to angular orientations between the cardinal positions, a greater or lesser amount of downwelling shortwave and longwave radiation may be reflected by the panels100.

The frame114of the panel unit defines air passageways116to allow air to flow beneath the panels100of the panel unit110. The air in the surrounding region thus can move in and around the panel frames114. Heat flux will move horizontally between the panels100and adjacent regions. Moreover, the panels100may be rotated intermittently to cause air exchange between the subtended region under the panel unit110and the surrounding air.

Referring next toFIG.6, a panel unit110is shown mounted approximately 1.2 meters above the earth's surface124. The panel units110are of a width that permits panel rotation without panel100edges thereof contacting a ground surface or water surface above which the panel unit110has been installed. The panels100can have predetermined lengths as desired. Depending upon the composition of the panel unit110, lengths of 100 feet (30.5 m) to over 500 feet (152.4 m) are possible, with a representative panel100having a length of 330 feet (100.6 m). Optimum panel unit110placement will position the rotatable panels100from about 1 meter to about 3 meters above the earth's surface124. With such panel placement, the width of the panels100desirably can be from about 1 to about 2.8 meters, or alternatively from about 4 feet to about 6 feet (about 1.2 m to about 1.8 m). Thus, panel surface areas from 600 square feet (55.8 m2) to approximately 3000 square feet (278.8 m2) are envisioned.

When the panel unit110is deployed in the reflective orientation with each panel100having its radiation reflective surface102facing upwardly as is shown inFIG.6, the downwelling daytime shortwave direct radiation342is reflected by the panel100as denoted by arrows107and the subtended region170below the panel unit110is cooled because the subtended region170below the panel unit110is shaded172from the downwelling radiation342. The cooling effects of the subtended region170are distributed horizontally and vertically through advection and convection of air. A unique feature is that both longwave and shortwave radiation is reflected by the panels100of the panel units110. The average global cooling effects achieved by the system10of the invention are expected to be a function of the magnitude of the differential surface properties at various wavelengths (shortwave and longwave), the location of the panel units (latitude and longitude) on the earth's surface, and the percentage of the earth's surface that is covered by panel units.

Mechanisms to rotate the shafts112include, but are not limited to, (a) a combination of linkages to stepper motors (brushless DC motors) with associated indexers (controllers) and drivers (amplifiers); and (b) torque motors (permanent-magnet synchronous rotary motors) with associated controllers and drivers. (See, e.g., motor150inFIG.19). The motor controls adjustment of the angular position of the panels based on angular position feedback of a mechanically linked encode. The shafts112are capable of being rotated by motors150so that the panels100may be positioned and held in at least each of the configurations such as those shown inFIGS.5A-5C. Preferably, the shafts112may be rotated to position the panels100in a panel unit110in any desired angular orientation, which desired angular orientation may be maintained until the command center applicable to the panel unit110transmits alternative position commands.

When the shafts112are not directly acted on by the selected motor(s), linkages between the shafts112and the selected motor(s) may be provided. Linkages include gearboxes as well as pivot arms, crank arms or rocker arches (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,453,899 of Exosun).

Solar tracking may be used to orient the panels100of the panel units110for direct normal reflective configuration to reflect the downwelling daytime shortwave direct radiation342in the daytime on clear days. As shown inFIG.7, when using solar tracking to orient the panels100, the reflected radiation107may be reflected in a direction normal to (perpendicular to) the reflective surface102of the panel100. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.8, when using solar tracking to orient the panels100, the reflected radiation107may be reflected in a direction at an angle to the reflective surface102of the panel100.

In the case of direct normal incoming solar radiation, the maximum shading below the panel units110occurs with the panel orientation perpendicular to the direct normal radiation (SeeFIG.6). The angular orientation of the panels100can be optimized for a vertical reflection to give maximum top of atmosphere cooling versus a maximum shading effect on the earth's surface below the panel unit110.

When the incoming solar radiation is more diffuse, e.g., not direct, the panel units110may be deployed as shown inFIG.6, with the panels100oriented with their reflective surfaces102directed upwardly toward the sun. At a given time during the day, there will be a mix of direct normal and diffuse downwelling shortwave radiation. The angle of the panels100may be optimized by the control system. As one example, on a very cloudy day where 99 percent of the downwelling radiation is diffuse, the optimum panel angle will be horizontal (such as shown inFIG.6).

FIG.9shows a panel unit in a proposed orientation during nighttime. The panels100have the radiation absorptive surfaces104directed upwardly toward the top of the atmosphere. The radiation absorptive surfaces104(blackbody) will emit radiation (heat)392as a function of temperature, which is influenced primarily by the surrounding air, according to Planck's Law. The earth's surface124will emit radiation (heat)390as a function of skin temperature and the corresponding spectral emissivity of the terrain. The effects of the two surfaces are additive, such that the panel units110enhance nighttime cooling at the earth's surface. Moreover, the panels100block radiation emission from the terrain as a function of the aspect ratio of the height of the panels versus their surface area dimensions. And, the radiation reflective material on the radiation reflective side102of the panels100reflects IR radiation390to maximize the amount of radiation that may escape and cool the earth's surface124.

One or more fans300may be installed within the panel unit110or near the panel unit110so as to direct air under the panels100in the direction of arrow304. Rotation302of each fan300optionally may be controlled by the programmable controller. Such air flow304cools the region under the panels100, and also may cool motors or other components or structures of the radiation/energy absorption moderating system.

FIGS.19-23show another alternative panel unit610according to the invention comprised of at least two panels600(seeFIG.23), and preferably four or more panels to comprise a panel unit. As shown inFIGS.19-23, the panels600have a reflective surface602, and an emissive surface604opposite the reflective surface602. The radiation reflecting surface602is highly reflective to shortwave and longwave solar radiation, preferably 95% reflective. The radiation emissive surface604ideally is a black body radiator. The material compositions of the panels600may be the same as the material compositions described herein with respect to the panels100.

The panels600are joined to or integrally formed with a shaft612. The ends of the shaft612extend beyond the side edges of the panel600. Each panel600is supported for rotation above a ground or water surface. A pair of support posts620,620′ is spaced apart a distance to accommodate the length of a panel600. Bearings622,622′ associated with the support posts620,622′ accommodate the shaft612, so that the shaft612is rotatable with respect to the support posts620,620′. One end of the shaft612is connected for rotation to a motor150, such as but not limited to a stepper motor. Multiple pairs of posts may be installed to support multiple panels to create a panel unit610. One or more sensors640, such as temperature and humidity sensors, may be installed on the respective support posts620. Preferably, the sensors640transmit data to the programmable controller associated with the panel unit610.

FIG.19shows a panel600in the neutral orientation, allowing a maximum amount of the sun's radiation to impact upon the ground surface below the panel600, shading only a very small area under the panel600. By contrast, as shown inFIGS.20and21, a substantial shaded region672is present below the panel600when the panel600is in the emissive or radiation absorbing orientation ofFIG.20, as well as when the panel600is in the reflective orientation as shown inFIG.21. The programmable controller transmits commands to the motors150so as to rotate the shafts612of the panels600to specific angular orientations to reflect or absorb incoming radiation as desired.

Intermediate orientations between neutral, emissive and reflective are contemplated, such as one intermediate orientation shown inFIG.22. In such intermediate orientation, a shaded region674of a different size smaller than the shaded region672is formed below the panel600.

A series of panel units110,610may be installed to form a panel farm at a given location. One example of a possible panel unit110distribution or tiling is shown inFIG.10. An array of 11 panel units (base modules) 110 sized as proposed in the current application could be installed over a 1/128 fraction of a square mile (or 1/128 fraction of a km2).

Panel units110,610should be deployed in sufficient quantities and in a highly distributive fashion over the earth's surface to create a distributive forcing of radiation out of the top of the atmosphere. A minimum improvement in energy budget to compensate for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is considered to be 0.031 W/m2per year. The average global cooling effects produced by the system10are a function of the magnitude of differential surface properties at various radiation wavelengths (shortwave and longwave radiation), the locations on the earth (latitude and longitude) where the panel units110,610are deployed, and the percentage of the earth's surface that is covered by panel units110,610. A preliminary benchmark is to have panel units110,610cover at least 1,000,000 square miles (2,590,000 km2) of earth surface (both land masses and water masses). This is approximately 0.5% of the earth's surface. With the panels100,600in the reflective orientation, the panel units110,610shade the subtended surface region170,672blocking absorption of energy at the earth's surface124. Under this benchmark of 0.5% of the earth's surface, the reduction in absorbed energy will be significant: (0.5%)(168 W/m2)=0.84 W/m2reduction in absorbed energy. With the invention, the average improvement in shortwave radiation is anticipated to be 0.60 W/m2, and the average improvement in longwave radiation is anticipated to be 0.40 W/m2. The average improvement in heat shield by shading is anticipated to be 0.80 W/m2. Together, the total average improvement yielded is anticipated to be 1.8 W/m2. This can vary according to latitudinal and longitudinal placements, as well as optimization of panel unit controls.

Installing the panel units110,610primarily in mid-latitude regions at or near the earth's equator has the greatest potential to reduce global warming. This is because the mid-latitude regions experience the highest incoming solar radiation throughout the year.FIG.11shows the insolation at the earth's surface (i.e., incoming shortwave radiation) dependent upon distance from the equator as a function of calendar month. This data may be downloaded at http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/6i.html.

FIG.12shows the total shortwave radiation reflectivity experienced by the earth as a function of latitude. This data may be downloaded at http://www.climatedata.info/forcing/albedo/.

FIG.13identifies the optimum mid-latitude regions for placement of the panel units110,610of the climate control system10according to the invention. As shown, the optimum mid-latitude regions are from 40 degrees north of the equator (40° N) to 40 degrees south of the equator (40° S), or more preferably from 20 degrees north of the equator (20° N) to 20 degrees south of the equator (20° S). These regions experience the highest insolation, such that reflecting away more radiation will have the highest benefit to reducing the earth's temperature. Thus initial distribution of panel units can be chosen for maximum efficacy for surface cooling.

The climate control system10according to the invention is intended to be distributed to populous areas first, because these areas are expected to offer easier installation and maintenance, while remaining unobtrusive to daily life. Panel unit distribution can include placement in small villages, which are estimated to be 1.2 billion worldwide (with 600,000 million in India alone). A given village may participate with a small surface area region (e.g., 0.25 square miles (0.65 km2)). In combination placement in small villages has potential to yield high cumulative coverage with readily available support from residents of those villages. For larger towns or cities, panel units may be installed in increments of 1 square mile (2.59 km2) or greater, while still remaining unobtrusive to residents. Again, when panels are installed in populated regions, there is potential to yield high cumulative coverage with readily available support from residents.

The surface mounted panel units110,610with rotatable panels100,600according to the invention have key optical surface properties that redirect (reflect) down-going radiation upwards through the shortwave window (seeFIG.2). Alternately, the rotatable panels100,600may be positioned to improve the emission of longwave radiation that can escape through the longwave window. For example, the panels100,600may be set to the emissive position at night (SeeFIGS.9and20). Both effects, reflective and emissive, shall have a net cooling effect on the earth's surface.

The inventive system10offers programmable forcings that can be deployed and distributed worldwide to provide safe and effective reversal of global warming on a real time basis, notwithstanding rising levels of GHG emissions into the earth's atmosphere. Panel units110,610can be deployed and then programmed and activated as needed. Effects can be remotely tuned and even reversed. This includes real-time programming for day/night settings, also taking into account other variables, such as but not limited to cloud cover, circulation patterns, and temperature. The estimated costs to deploy this inventive dynamic system to moderate energy absorption worldwide will be much less than the estimated costs for reducing carbon dioxide or other green house gas emissions and the estimated costs of adverse impacts of continued global warming.

FIG.14shows one option for an overall communication and control scheme for the inventive system10for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface. Each panel unit grouping (panel farm)500has an associated instrument pack502to provide localized data, such as temperature, humidity and insolation, which can be accessed and analyzed by the Command Center130. In addition, the satellite data systems (maintained by NASA and NOAA)120collect and share a wide variety of historical and real time information on planetary systems. In addition to planetary shortwave and longwave emissions (critical to energy budget factors) there is information on cloud cover, greenhouse gas concentrations, humidity, surface temperature, sea level, etc. Such data129also can be accessed and analyzed by the Command Center130.

As shown inFIG.14, some of the panel units110may be disposed with a fixed bias, wherein the panels in such panel units110are fixed in the cardinal position of reflective orientation. These fixed bias panels would not rotate, if deemed safe and appropriate for the location at which the panel units have been deployed. Including some number of fixed bias panels should ease complexity and reduce fabrication, installation, control and maintenance costs of the system.

The system10for moderating energy absorption at the earth's surface according to the invention is not merely a temperature control system intended to operate on thermal feedback alone. Temperature forcings (the panels100,600of the panel units110,610) will provide positive or neutral effects on climate as a whole, on both a local, regional, and global basis. Long term average goals shall be built on a minute by minute, day/night, and seasonal basis owing to the wide range of time constants associated with various aspects of the earth's climate (which may take years). With the current invention, major planetary circulation patterns, both atmospheric as well as oceanic, will not be influenced adversely. The system10is designed to avoid these problems by having programmable control elements, along with high spatial distribution. Flexibility for the deployment of the panel units110,610and panels100,600along with flexibility of how the panel units110,610and panels100,600will be controlled by control elements shall be keys to success.

Because of the complexity of atmospheric variables, such as cloud cover versus clear sky conditions along with changing concentrations of greenhouse gases, it will not be feasible to use a simplistic control algorithm for optimum control of the system according to the invention. Instead, the system is designed and targeted to support Adaptive Control, and ultimately, Intelligent Control. Each of these control schemes will require adequate feedback on the critical variables associated with the desired effects on the climate system as whole. Feeding back the immense array of satellite data, along with localized measurement data, are key to the optimum control of the system.

Because of the large number of panel unit farms500that will be needed for the system to have a detectable impact to reduce climate change, it is anticipated that panel units110,610will be manufactured and installed on a piecemeal basis over a period of years. It may be necessary to try different prototypes of panel unit test farms to measure efficacy of panel surfaces under various atmospheric conditions. Novel capabilities of the current inventive system, such as perfect black body radiators and IR reflectance, along with control dynamics, are not currently used in existing geoengineering solutions.

FIGS.15and16model the control algorithms for the inventive dynamic system to moderate energy absorption (both longwave and shortwave radiation) at the earth's surface in daytime and nighttime conditions.FIG.15illustrates modified heat transfer at the earth's surface with and without deployment of the climate control panel units according to the invention during daylight or daytime hours. The top of atmosphere radiative heat factors ultimately are influenced by the differential performance of a given surface region relative to an adjacent region when the climate control panel units are installed and controlled according to the invention.

Under normal circumstances, with radiative heat transfer, downwelling radiation, both shortwave and longwave from the atmosphere is absorbed by the earth's surface (land or water), upwelling radiation from the surface travels upwardly and will be attenuated and absorbed by atmospheric gases and/or clouds, with some portion escaping from the earth's atmosphere. The normal amount of upwelling radiation is a function of the surface temperature and the surface structure (whether sand, soil, rock, water, etc.). A partial reflection of shortwave radiation, based on surface ALBEDO, will be reflected upwardly, some of which is absorbed by the atmosphere and some of which escapes from the earth's atmosphere.FIG.15shows that with the panel units installed, the panel surfaces substitute for normal surface properties. This substitution can result in an increase of reflectivity by more than nine times in many cases. The region subtended by a panel is shown as shaded inFIG.15. The diagram for daytime radiation (FIG.15) takes into account whether there is cloud cover, which impacts what is experienced at the earth's surface. Cloud variables, in terms of presence or absence, are shown to have switches (on/off) to simulate impacts.

FIG.16illustrates modified heat transfer at the earth's surface with and without deployment of the climate control panel units according to the invention during darkness or nighttime hours. In contrast with what is shown inFIG.15, the model inFIG.16shows removal of the sun. The top of atmosphere radiative heat ultimately is affected by the differential performance of a given surface region relative to an adjacent region with the climate control panel units installed. Under normal circumstances, with radiative heat transfer, downwelling radiation, both shortwave and longwave from the atmosphere is absorbed by the earth's surface (land or water), upwelling radiation from the surface travels upwardly and will be attenuated and absorbed by atmospheric gases and/or clouds, with some portion escaping from the earth's atmosphere. The normal amount of upwelling radiation is a function of the surface temperature and the surface structure (whether sand, soil, rock, water, etc.). The spectral properties of these surface types vary, and all fall short of ideal blackbody radiators.

With the panel units according to the invention installed, the panel surface substitutes for the surface properties of the earth, and can act either as an IR reflector or as a perfect black body emitter, depending upon panel orientation. In either case, the region subtended by a panel is shown as shaded inFIG.16. When viewingFIG.16, the model takes into account that atmospheric conditions will be considered both with and without cloud cover, which cloud cover creates dramatically different situations.

The inventive system also has advantages when panel units110,610are installed over bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans. In the current application “earth surface” is intended to encompass not only land masses, but also bodies of water. As shown inFIGS.17and18, the panels100when installed over a body of water400in a reflective orientation shade the water below the panel unit110, and reflect both shortwave30and longwave350radiation away from the lake water. Cool air410flows between the panel unit110and the water surface400. Lake water temperature decreases in proportion to the percent of the lake surface that is covered by panel units110. When installed on a lake surface, the panel unit110may be secured to a frame that is cantilevered from a shore, or the panel unit may be mounted to a buoyant frame. Such panel unit110also could be installed on an ocean surface. In such case, the panels100may be mounted to buoyant frames, such as made of high density polypropylene that resists decay from exposure to water, salt water, other contamination and weather impacts.

EXAMPLES

Desert Mounting—Tabuk Province in Saudi Arabian Desert

Tabuk Province in Saudi Arabian Desert, coordinates

The Direct Normal Radiation, averaged (over the course of a year) is given as 7349 W/m2per day. Using the conversion factor of 0.04166, we get an average insolation of 306 W/m2direct normal radiation (panels tracking the sun to maintain normal angle). Using this data along with constants:20% attenuation by desert atmosphere of incoming insolation25% reflectivity of sand95% reflectivity of aluminum
we can construct Tables 3 and 4 below, illustrating downwelling and upwelling radiation. In addition, the Tables 3 and 4 include 50% of the heat absorbed in the atmosphere as being radiated to space as long wave (LW) radiation.

The computations in Tables 3 and 4 show a net improvement of emissions from the earth to outer space. 261.8 W/m2−68.9 W/m2=193 W/m2.

The Current Imbalance at Top of Atmosphere (TOA)

A typical reference for overall TOA imbalance is as follows: https://theconversation.com/earths-energy-budget-is-out-of-balance-heres-how-thats-warming-the-climate-165244: “Almost all of the absorbed energy is matched by energy emitted back into space. However, a residual now accumulates as global warming. That residual has increased, from just under 0.6 watts per square meter at the end of the last century to 0.79 in 2006-2018, according to the latest data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The vast majority of that is now heating the oceans. While it might sound like a small number, that energy adds up.”

To compensate or cancel this increase on a yearly basis, we compute as follows 0.79−0.6=0.19 W/m2over a 120 years span.

To compensate or cancel this yearly growth, we can compute the panel coverage required (base on SW reflections) as follows:

Ratio of panel forcing to panel requirements

The portion of the surface area of the earth needed can be computed as follows:Total surface area of the earth: 5.10 E+14 Square MeterFraction of coverage needed: 5.10 E+14/118737=4.18 E+9 square kilometers (1614 square miles).
Surface Energy Budget

The key component of global warming is typically put in terms of surface heating problems due to yearly increases in GHG emissions, where the primary component is CO2emissions caused by fossil fuel burning. With panels, the shortwave (SW) energy absorbed (heating) by the panels at the surface can be shown as follows. From Table 3 above we show:306 W/m2ground insolation290 W/m2reflected
which represents: 306−290=16 W/m2absorbed by the earth.

The SW radiation without panels is (Table 4 above)306 W/m2ground insulation76.5 W/m2reflected
which represents 306−76.5=229.5 W/m2absorbed by earth. In total, the panels provide an improvement of: 229.5−16=213.5 W/m2.
Perspective on the Surface Energy Budget

The most critical component leading to surface heating by greenhouse gases is considered to be the emission of CO2gas attributed to fossil fuel burning. Worldwide these CO2emissions occur at a rate of 40 billion tons per year. The equivalent forcing of this emission is given in the literature as 0.031 W/m2. The ratio of the panel improvement verses yearly increases in CO2forcing is: 213.5/0.031=6871. The portion of the earth's surface that is needed to achieve this improvement by the SW reflections to cancel out one year's worth of CO2emissions can be computed as follows:Total surface area of the earth: 5.10 E+14 Square MeterFraction of coverage needed: 5.10 E+14/6871=74,200 square kilometers (28,648 square miles).

The net effects of the panels according to the invention including shading and nighttime effects is estimated to be at least twice this efficacy, yield approximately 14,300 square miles (1329 km2). Cooling goals can be further reduced if current green energy emissions can provide 50% correction which would then require only 50% of panel compensation, or 7,150 square miles (665 km2).

The present invention outperforms other proposed engineered approaches to controlling heat flux in relation to the earth's energy budget. The panels of the panel units of the present invention can be installed at optimum latitudes over land and water masses, and can be controlled by a real-time feedback control system, preferably in coordination. The panels offer an adjustable solution that is responsive to empirical data, both real-time and historic. The data include variables such as cloud activity, temperature, humidity, atmospheric gas composition, and variations in insolation. Such data is currently available via satellites used for weather predictions and climate science studies and via ground stations. The number of panels, their location, and their orientation (over a full range of reflectivity of 0 to 1 as rotated) can be monitored and changed in response to the changing data.

Conversely, other engineered approaches that have been proposed lack real-time control and are considered open loop systems. For example, painting surfaces of the earth or structures on the earth, such as roofs and roadways, can only be done in limited regions and is not programmable or adjustable to changing conditions. Planting crops that have more reflectivity can only be done in limited regions and also is not programmable or adjustable to changing conditions in real time. Laying reflective foam on the ocean surface can only be done in limited regions and also is not programmable or adjustable to changing conditions in real time. Injecting reflective aerosol particles into the atmosphere cannot be controlled beyond the initial release points and times.

Additional objectives, advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention ensue from the description of embodiments making reference to the drawings. In this context, all of the described and/or depicted features, either on their own or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, also irrespective of their compilation in the claims or the claims to which they refer back.

REFERENCE NUMERALS