Abstract:
A solar concentration system and a solar collection and concentration system both comprising a wave generator immersed in a fluid and processes for collecting and/or concentrating solar energy are disclosed. The solar collection and concentration system comprises a vibrating ring or ring assembly ( 1001 ), a pole or column ( 1009 ), a liquid medium used as a reflective surface, a vibration or actuation element ( 1001, 1003 ) and an energy absorption, transfer, or converting element ( 1019, 1020 ).

Description:
This application is a 371 filing of International Patent Application PCT/US2010/062328 filed Dec. 29, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/648,889 filed Dec. 29, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/361,706 filed Jul. 6, 2010. 
    
    
     INTRODUCTION 
     The generation of solar energy has become a major focus of society in an attempt to relieve its dependence on oil, coal, and other fossil fuels. There are two primary methods for generating power from solar energy. The first involving radiating a photovoltaic solar panel to generate an electrical voltage and second, concentrating solar energy onto a target which absorbs the energy as heat and then converting the heat to power (generally via steam). In both cases, the cost associated with the setup of the systems and the level of the power produced make the power expensive in comparison to alternatives such as coal burning power plants. 
     In considering concentrator (or concentration) systems, the use of mirrors is widely favored versus using lenses to concentrate solar energy. This is primarily due to the increased cost associated with forming a glass lens compared to using a sheet metal material to form the mirror. The high cost of concentrator systems is also attributable to the set-up and electromechanical tracking of the mirrors onto a fixed target. The target is generally a heat absorbing system which converts water to steam via heat transfer pipes and a steam turbine. 
     Gross et al., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,192,146 and 6,959,993 describe a heliostat array that is mechanically linked. Nohrig in U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,038 describes a mechanical frame as does Ven in U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,718. U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,479 by Rabinowitz discloses a Fresnel lens apparatus used for solar concentration and the associated mechanical systems. In attempting to make large collection areas, capable of generating significant commercial power levels, all these systems are inherently encumbered by the electromechanical systems required to move and adjust the mirrors onto a target area. 
     Researchers at the Akishima Laboratories in Japan and Professors Etsuro Okuyama and Shigero Haito at the University of Osaka have been able to use synchronized wave generators to create letters in standing pools of water. 
     OBJECTS OF INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the current invention to allow for the production of power on a large scale at low capital costs from a stimulated liquid surface. Ideally, said system using a concentrating mirror array or lens array that does not require moving fixtures or framing to support the mirrors or lenses. It is further an object of the current invention to allow for controlled power generation on a large scale. It is further an object of the current invention to minimize the environmental impact of the power generation. A system according to the present invention provides a unit that can be easily manufactured, is economical, easy to use, and efficiently enables solar power concentration and collection. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In summary, the following invention comprises forming a mirror or lens by creating a composite wave structure within a liquid medium formed by the interference pattern of waves created from one or more wave generators placed in contact with or in close proximity to the liquid. The wave generators may be outfitted with integrated or stand alone sensors to detect the background waves (i.e., waves due to wind effects) and the computer system controlling the wave generator(s) to apply a wave to correct for the noise. The liquid medium may also have a top reflective coating upon which incident solar radiation reflects to achieve focusing upon a target. The target being located at a focal distance of the formed mirror or lens. 
     As an example, consider a 3,218 meter diameter ring that is formed using 33,158 coupled wave generators, each located along the circumference of the ring, each 0.3 meters wide, and the assembly placed within a standing body of water, such as a river, lake, or pool. The generators potentially being solar powered, each connected in series or in parallel and actuated with a timed electronic modulated driver so as to create a standing or moving wave which resembles a lens or a mirror. Each wave generator may be further controlled directly through a cable or via an electromagnetic signal and a computer and further use feedback from various sensors including ambient wave height sensors. An aluminum powder or other reflective material may be spread over the liquid medium in order to increase the reflective strength of the created mirror. The mirror is dynamically created and moved such that the incident angle of the sun forms a reflected image on a focus point. The focus point may be located above or below the lens on a stationary, moving, floating, or hovering platform which further transforms the energy to another medium for electrical power generation or to a surface that provides a secondary reflective surface to transfer the energy. A single mirror of this size could reflect upwards of 1 giga watts of solar energy (at an average sun field density of 300 watts per square meter). 
     As another example, consider a 3 meter diameter ring that is fitted with 31 wave generators, each 0.3 meters wide and placed within a standing body of water, such as a river, lake, ocean, or pool. Multiple rings may be arrayed so as to create a composite field of mirrors. A field of 500 mirrors, each capable of reflecting 1,000 watts of solar energy (at an average sun field density of 300 watts per square meter) consisting in total of 15,500 wave generators could provide 0.5 MW of reflected sun energy. 
     As another example, the following invention comprises collecting energy from light reflected from a lens that is formed within a liquid medium by the wave pattern created with an oscillating or vibrating ring. Said ring may also be used in conjunction with a precisely located pole that is heat absorbent or has solar panels located on it to collect solar energy. The heat may be transferred to a heat pump, steam generator or the liquid medium itself for use and the power from the solar panels transferred for storage or immediate use. The pole may also be fitted with mirrors used to further reflect the light to secondary energy collection devices. 
     In a preferred embodiment the pole is located centrally to the ring and may be further mechanically attached to the ring. Additional wave generators and sensors may be outfitted to the system to further detect the background waves (i.e. waves due to wind effects) and the computer system controlling the wave generator(s) so as to apply a wave to correct for the noise. The liquid medium may also have a top reflective coating upon which incident solar radiation reflects to achieve focusing upon a target. The invention will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, tables, and examples. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an example of a wave generator solar concentrator system. 
         FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c    are isometric views of alternate wave generator solar concentrator systems and light reflection paths. 
         FIGS. 3 a  through 3 j    are schematics showing alternative placements of generators used for generating a wave formed lens in a solar concentrator system. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a multiple wave generator and the electronic controls. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a single wave generator and the electronic controls. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic drawing illustrating the control system matrix and algorithms used to modulate the wave generator system. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an example of a ring wave generator solar concentrator system. 
         FIGS. 8 a , 8 b , and 8 c    are isometric views of the collection poles used in conjunction with a ring wave generator. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the current invention integrated in the construction of an office building. 
         FIGS. 10 a , 10 b , and 10 c    illustrate optimized waves created using various ring generators and centrally located collection poles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a wave concentration system  300  consisting of wave generators  32  activated to form a focusing or reflecting lens surface  5  within a liquid medium  10 . The surface formed may act as a mirror or a lens, in a manner similar to conventional concave or convex lenses and reflectors. The liquid medium may have a surfactant within it that floats on the surface to increase the reflectance of the surface or the medium may include dissolved or partially dissolved solids or other components to improve the formed lens characteristics. Light beam  1 , most generally coming from the sun coming from path  6 , being reflected in a coherent manner by the generated wave surface  5  to a secondary reflector  4  via path  7 . Reflector  4  being mounted to a stationary land based fixture or attached to a tethered system or mounted above the generated wave surface through a floating, flying, or other self lifting system. Reflector  4  further passing light beam  1  to target  3  via path  8 . Target  3  may be single or multiple solar cells to convert the light into electrical energy, or a heat absorbing unit such as a salt bath further used to convert water to steam and then electrical energy or other target for other use. 
       FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c    illustrate various lenses or reflectors  11 ,  12 , and  13  respectively created via wave generators  32 . In  FIG. 2 a   , the sun light  501  is reflected to target  21  located above and offset to the center of the surface of the liquid medium  10 , while in  FIG. 2 b    the sun light  500  is focused directly above to target  22 . In  FIG. 2 c    the sun light  502  is focused into the liquid medium to a target  23  located below the surface of the liquid medium. In  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c    the respective targets  21 ,  22 , and  23  may behave similarly to reflector  4  or target  3  of  FIG. 1  or both. 
       FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , 3 c , 3 d , 3 e , 3 f , 3 g , 3 h , 3 i , and 3 j    illustrate different configurations and placements of wave generators  32 ,  35 ,  40 , and  600  used for creating the reflector or lens  30  in the areas of  31  and  50  (indicated by the dashed line). The optimization of the number of generators required can be modeled using computer systems and the ambient surface conditions and noise created by winds or by other objects passing nearby, such as boats, can be modeled as well to optimize the system. 
       FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , and 3 c    illustrate a lens or reflector  30  created using a central generator  35  as well as combined with additional generators  32  placed in a circular pattern around the central generator  35 . In  FIGS. 3 d , 3 e , and 3 f    the central generator  35  is removed and single or multiple generators  32  are placed around the intended lens or reflector region  31 . The algorithms used to create the waves constantly adjusting to account for the light source&#39;s position with respect to the lens and/or target(s) as well as any ambient wave noise or disturbance. In  FIG. 3 f   , multiple rings of generators  32  are circumscribed and these may be located at different depths within the medium  10 . 
     In  FIGS. 3 g , 3 h , and 3 i   , the wave generators are placed in a non-circular fashion to form a lens or reflector in region  31 . While  FIG. 3 g    illustrates multiple independent wave generators  40  arranged in a square pattern,  FIGS. 3 h  and 3 i    use continuous vibrating assemblies  600  such a piezo electric surfaces shaped as a square and combined circles respectively to form the lens or mirror in region  31 . Such mixer systems further described by Berg and De Luca in Review of Scientific Instruments, Volume 62, Issue 2, February 1991, pp. 527-529, “Milliwatt Mixer for Small Fluid Samples.” Assemblies  40  and  600  may be further used in conjunction with central generators  32 . 
     In  FIG. 3 j    the wave generators  32  and  35  form a central lens or reflective area  31  and may also form single or multiple lens or reflective areas  50  located off center to the primary central symmetry point  51 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates multiple wave generators  32  bound together at pivot  100  via arms  101  with angular encoders. Each generator equipped with a primary actuation unit  102  that produces the waves; these waves being created through a single or multiple controlled motions which may include rotary, linear, impact, harmonic, or turbulent actuation. The energy required to create the motion may be fed directly through an external power supply, an internal power supply, or may comprise a renewable energy source such as the solar panels  103 . Each generator  32  may also include a battery  104  to help power the unit including in case of low sun conditions and may also include GPS and sun tracking systems  105 . The generators may also include equipment able to communicate local conditions such as ambient wave conditions, adjacent generator encoder value, absolute position, fluid temperature and velocity at port and antenna  115 . Wave generator  32  may be combined with additional equipment such as flotation or translocation equipment. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a single wave generator  35  equipped with a primary actuation unit  102  that produces the waves; these waves being created through a single or multiple controlled motion(s) which may include rotary, linear, impact, harmonic, or turbulent actuation. The energy required to create the motion maybe fed directly through an external power supply, an internal power supply, or may comprise a renewable energy source such as the solar panels  103 . Each generator  35  may also include a battery  104  to help power the unit including in case of low sun conditions and may also include GPS and sun tracking systems  105 . The generators may also include equipment able to communicate local conditions such as ambient wave conditions, adjacent generator encoder value, absolute position, fluid temperature and velocity input at port and antenna  115 . Wave generator  35  may be combined with additional equipment such as flotation or translocation equipment. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an electronic control circuit  120  used to control one or more wave generators in a complete system such as  300  shown in  FIG. 1 . At the onset, the sun position may be obtained using GPS or sensory information and combined with the information relating the generator position(s) and the target position(s); further communicated to a central computer for processing from the individual sensors located on each generator and the target. The wave generator algorithm will use the position information and combine this with sensory information obtained about the background noise to create driver information for each of the wave generators. Upon collection of the power at the target area, the energy obtained can be compared to baseline quantities and the reflective or lens characteristics can be optimized. The cloud cover may also be factored into the optimization algorithms and in some cases the generators may be shut down to prevent loss of energy due to insufficient energy generation. In addition, fluid additives used to optimize reflection or refraction may be controlled via the control system and target and generator positions may be further altered based on optimization of energy collection. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a ring wave generator solar concentrator system  1000  according to one embodiment of the invention. The system  1000  comprising the primary components of a ring  1001  positioned in a body of fluid  1002  with a vibration assembly  1003  which may or may not be anchored to a post  1004  anchored to ground or bedrock  1005 . The vibration assembly  1003  moves in response to actuation from an electromechanical system  1006  which requires powering from a stored energy system  1007  or directly from alternative energy such as solar or wind energy  1008 . Thus, in this example, vibration assembly  1003  and electromechanical system  1006  can act as the wave generators of the system. Electromechanical system  1006  can be located above ring  1001  and can include gears and a motor in order to actuate (i.e., push up and down) ring  1001  in order to make waves. Pole  1009  is located at a focal point  1010  of the reflective surface  1011 . In one case, the reflective surface comprising water is vibrated to form waves  1012  of which part of the wave  2000  is positioned so as to reflect the light coming from the sun  1013  at the pole  1009 . The pole  1009  may be permanently affixed to post  1004  or may float freely in the liquid body  1002 . Pole  1009  may also have a drive system  1015  that includes a gyroscope  1016  and other stabilization systems  1017  that hold the pole in the most appropriate location to maximize the collection of light. Pole  1009  may be of various shapes including square, cone, oval, and circular and of a height ranging from 0.25 to 500 m. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 a , 8 b , and 8 c    pole  1009  is further lined or sheathed with an energy absorbing surface  1018  such as a solar panel  1019  in  FIG. 8 a    or heat pipe  1020  in  FIG. 8 b   . The energy may be converted into electricity and stored (for example in batteries  1021  of  FIG. 8 a    or a molten salt system  1024  in  FIG. 8 b    or used directly by appliance  1022  in  FIG. 8 a   ). In  FIG. 8 b   , water  1002  can be used within heat pipe  1020  and further used to make steam to drive and a steam generator  1023 . In some cases the surface  1018  may be movable with positioners  1030  so as to allow for maximized solar collection. In  FIG. 8 c    surface  1018  may also be formed with one or more mirrors  3000  that may also be individually moved to reflect the light  3001  to a secondary energy harnessing location  1031 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates system  1000  integrated with a large office building  1050  wherein the building can be used to harness energy similarly to pole  1009  in  FIGS. 7, 8   a ,  8   b , and  8   c  and a fountain  1051  or pond  1054  around the building can form a body of water as  1002  in  FIG. 7 . A wave generating ring  1052  can be mounted to move with electromechanical vibrators  1053  to generate power. Thus, in this example, electromechanical vibrators  1053  can act as the wave generators of the system. Electromechanical vibrators  1053  can be located above ring  1052  and can include flappers and a motor in order to actuate (i.e., push up and down) ring  1052  in order to make waves. Solar panels  1055  may be mounted in place of windows and/or attached to the building surface to optimize the collection of power. 
       FIGS. 10 a , 10 b , and 10 c    illustrate optimized waves created using various simulated ring generators and centrally located collection poles. The simulation show only a cross sectional of pole  1009  and ring  1001  of  FIG. 7 . The position of the energy absorption pole  1009  of  FIG. 7  is located at central point  1100  in  FIGS. 10 a , 10 b , and 10 c    and the ring wave generator  1001  is of radius  1101 . In the simulations shown in  FIGS. 10 a , 10 b   , and  10   c , it is assumed that the sun is located directly above the pole  1009 . The energy is calculated by evaluation of the wave surface produced in a medium  1002  of water with associated density and wave propagation velocity and characteristics, and an average energy of 554 Watts per square meter from the sun with no attenuation affects due to surface absorption. 
     In another example, in  FIG. 10 a   , a ring  1300  of a 1 meter diameter is oscillated at a frequency of 2 Hz in a water medium and a central pole  1301  is covered with energy absorbers from 1 to 10 meters up the pole and 7889 watts of solar energy would be collected. 
     In another example,  FIG. 10 b   , a ring  1310  of a 2 meter diameter is oscillated at a frequency of 2 Hz in a water medium and a central pole  1311  is covered with energy absorbers from 1 to 10 meters up the pole and 14170 watts of solar energy would be collected. 
     In yet another example,  FIG. 10 c   , a ring  1320  of a 3 meter diameter is oscillated at a frequency of 2 Hz in a water medium and a central pole  1321  is covered with energy absorbers from 1 to 15 meters up the pole and 32089 watts of solar energy would be collected. 
     Any and all publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or application was specifically and individually incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact configuration as illustrated and described herein. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure set forth herein, or by routine experimentation therefrom, are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.