Patent Publication Number: US-8113193-B2

Title: Reciprocating solar engine with attached solar windows

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/319,248, filed on Jan. 5, 2009 by the inventor herein, entitled “Reciprocating Solar Engine”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     a. Field of Invention 
     The invention relates generally to a reciprocating solar engine that is based on material transfer back and forth across a fulcrum utilizing solar energy to cause the material transfer. The present invention reciprocating solar engine may be used as a driving force for any purpose, e.g. turning a turbine to generate electricity, operating a pump to move liquid such as water, operating reciprocating pistons, or turning a production wheel. 
     b. Description of Related Art 
     The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,854 to Stephen C. Baer describes an apparatus for tracking the sun which reorients itself immediately in the absence of sunlight. Large and small cannisters are provided at the respective ends of a pivotable frame. When the sun is not normal to the plane containing the cannister, the near cannister is shaded from direct sunlight and the far cannister is exposed. A conduit is provided between the cannisters, and a quantity of volatile fluid is located in the cannisters and conduit. The liquid volume of the volatile fluid is greater than that of the small cannister plus the conduit, but less than the volume of the large cannister. A gas spring fluid is located in the large cannister, which has a vapor pressure sufficient to force the volatile fluid into the small cannister in the absence of sunlight on the east cannister. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,712 to Stephen C. Baer describes a device for rotating a collector of solar energy in such a way as to keep it constantly oriented during the day in the best direction for interception of radiation and for returning it to a position from which it will begin collecting radiation again in the morning. Whereas a previously disclosed device for automatic return to morning position relies upon changing the rate of heat loss from the surfaces of the interconnected canisters which power it, the present invention removes the heat-collecting surfaces whose differential heating by the west-moving sun controls the tilting of the collector from the canisters themselves to plates located below and on sides opposite the canisters served so as to give these surfaces a larger view of the sky and enable them to find the sun from almost any position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,492 to Gerald J. Tremblay describes a solar fluid heater that has a frame and a solar collector for collecting and concentrating solar energy movably mounted on the frame. An inclination adjustment system is attached for rotating the solar collector for different inclinations of the earth relative to the sun, and a solar tracking system moves the solar collector in a different direction on the frame during daylight hours responsive to the flow of liquid from a reservoir mounted thereon to track the sun during daylight hours. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,391 to Stephen Baer describes an apparatus for causing a solar energy collector to constantly follow the sun by using solar radiant energy to differentially heat fluid-containing reservoirs to cause differential vaporization and shifting of fluid to rotate the apparatus. Automatic morning orientation is included by providing the easterly reservoir with a faster rate of cooling than the westerly one thereby causing shift of fluid from westerly to easterly after sunset resulting in inclination toward the east by sunrise. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,223 to E. Garland Reddell describes a pivotally mounted solar energy collector is maintained oriented towards the sun by creating a continuing imbalance of the collector about its pivotal axis resulting in pivotal movement of the collector to track the sun. The imbalance is achieved by regulating the flow of a pumped fluid from a container located at one side of the collector to a container located at another side of the collector. Pump, timing and energizing means are included to control the flow rate of the fluid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249 to Kenneth P. Glynn describes a motor apparatus described for orientating solar responsive devices. The motor apparatus is solar energy operated and comprises a plurality of containers connected in closed systems having fluid therein, support means for the containers including rotatable parts, and a solar window-containing component which permits solar energy to strike surfaces of the containers so as to change the distribution of fluid in the systems to cause the rotatable parts, and thus an attached solar responsive device, to rotate, e.g., in an arc so as to follow the sun. 
     Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is a reciprocating solar engine, which includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which the platform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc, the predetermined arc having a bottom, the bottom being the arc base; b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a first side of the central fulcrum support and a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a second side of the central fulcrum support and opposite the first side; c) a connecting tube connected to the first solar heat-receiving closed container and to the second solar heat-receiving closed container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the first solar heat-receiving closed container and the second solar heat-receiving closed container, the fluid being evaporable from solar heat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof located above the platform and attached to the platform so as to move therewith, the roof having at least two windows, at least one window of which is located above the first solar heat-receiving closed container and at least one window of which is located above the second solar heat-receiving closed container; f) shutter means connected to the roof and movably related to the at least two windows and functionally connected thereto, the shutter means having a first rest position and a second rest position, wherein in the first rest position, the at least one window above the first solar heat-receiving closed container is open and the at least one window above second solar heat-receiving closed container is closed, and wherein in the second rest position, the at least one window above the first solar heat-receiving closed container is closed and the at least one window above second solar heat-receiving closed container is open; and, g) shutter control means functionally connected to the shutter means and functionally connected to the platform such that the shutter control means activates the shutter to the first rest position when the second solar heat-receiving closed container is at its arc base, and to the second rest position when the first solar heat-receiving closed container is at its arc base. 
     The central fulcrum support is positioned centrally between the containers and does not have to be on center. Further, the fulcrum support could be below, next to or above the platform or combinations thereof, such as an underside hinged or cradled arrangement, an axle with side supports running below, through or above the platform, a suspension system above the platform, etc. The term “shutter means” should be taken broadly as any device that can open and close an area to significant sunlight. The term should not be limited literally to shutters, as it is intended to include any device that will shutter sunlight In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the shutter means in selected from the group consisting of a single sliding door, doors, shutters, screens and shades. Single sets of shutters, screens or shades or a plurality of these may be employed. If more than one window closure means, i.e., the shutter means, is utilized, then a critical feature is that they be functionally connected so that at least part of the time, one is open when the other is closed and vice versa, to present alternating sun and shade to the containers. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, instead of a roof with perhaps only supports, there is a housing having side walls and a roof, the attached to the platform so as to move therewith, the roof being located at least above the platform, the roof having at least two windows, at least one window of which is located above the first solar heat-receiving closed container and at least one window of which is located above the second solar heat-receiving closed container. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the roof is a rectangular shaped roof from a top view. Any other shape could be employed, but for most practical applications, the shape of an open wall or housing similar to a home, shed, or building may be aesthetically and functionally easier to design and to view. (One of the advantages of the present invention over roof mounted solar panels or very tall wind turbines, is that they can be placed in a yard or field or lot and externally appear as a normal structure or br surrounded by trees or other attractive cover. Unlike wind turbines, the objectional height and noise issues are eliminated and unlike roof-mounted solar panels, roof support and appearance issues are eliminated.) 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the shutter controls means in selected from the group consisting of motor drive control means, mechanical control means, hydraulic control means and pneumatic control means. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the first solar heat-receiving closed container and the second solar heat-receiving closed container are at least partially transparent containers. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the at least partially transparent containers have transparent tops and solar heat-absorbing bottoms. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the first solar heat-receiving closed container and the second solar heat-receiving closed container are selected from the group consisting of glass, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the reciprocal solar engine includes a connecting member for transfer of motive power, connected to at least one of the platform and a container. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the connecting member is a shaft connected to the platform proximate its center and on its axis of rotation to function as an arcuate reciprocating drive shaft. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention reciprocal solar engine, the at least two windows contain solar energy concentrating magnifying lenses. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side cut view of a preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine; 
         FIGS. 2 through 6  show side cut views of the preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine shown in  FIG. 1 , in different positions of a reciprocal cycle; 
         FIG. 7  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine with a roof with open supports instead of closed walls; 
         FIG. 8  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine with a magnifying lens in each window to function as a solar energy concentrator; 
         FIG. 9  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine with sets of shutters or blinds to function as the window shutter means; 
         FIG. 10  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine with the device as shown in  FIG. 1  but with a gear driving shaft take-off connected to the reciprocating platform at its axis of rotation; 
         FIG. 11  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine with the device as shown in  FIG. 1  but with a reciprocating connector rod to the reciprocating platform away from its axis of rotation; 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating various alternatives and options for some preferred embodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine; 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating one use for some preferred embodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine; and, 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram illustrating another use for some preferred embodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention reciprocating solar engine is based on material transfer back and forth across a fulcrum utilizing solar energy to cause the material transfer. The material transfer occurs when solar energy heats a liquid in a container to cause some vaporization of the liquid, the vaporized liquid (gas) then condenses to liquid in a container on the opposite side of the fulcrum, and the weight shift causes mass to rotate about the fulcrum. The present invention reciprocating solar engine may be used as a driving force for any purpose, e.g. turning a turbine to generate electricity, operating a pump to move liquid such as water, operating reciprocating pistons, or turning a production wheel. 
       FIG. 1  is a side cut view of a preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine  1 . Solar engine  1  includes a base  7 , with a central fulcrum support  17  thereon. The support  17  is represented as a triangular support, but could be any form of fulcrum support means. A platform  19  is located atop central fulcrum support  17  so that platform  19  is rotatable on the central fulcrum support  17  about its axis of rotation shown as x in  FIG. 1 . There is a main housing  3  with side walls such as wall  13 . Housing  3  also has a roof  5 , with a first (left) window  9  and a second (right) window  11 . The size and position of the windows are considered in conjunction with the solar heat-receiving closed containers. There is an elongated sun blocking shutter means, in this case single door  15 . Door  15  is on sliders or tracks (not shown) and has a first rest position where window  9  is open and window  11  is closed, and a second rest position where window  9  is closed and window  11  is open. Housing  3  is directly or indirectly attached to platform  19  so as to move with it. 
     Positioned evenly on platform  19  are two solar heat-receiving closed containers. To the left of the central fulcrum support  17 , on platform  19 , is solar heat-receiving closed container  21  and to the right of the central fulcrum support  17 , on platform  19 , is solar heat-receiving closed container  23 . There is a connecting means, in this case tube  27 , that connects the two solar heat-receiving closed containers. They, along with platform  19 , move up and down through a predetermined arc. The predetermined arc is defined by any one or more of a number of variables that my be included or are inherent in any given device. Thus, the predetermined arc is limited sometimes by the space considerations or, more specifically, by a shed or house, such as a glass roof house or greenhouse (not shown) within which the solar engine  1  may be maintained, by the height of the central fulcrum support  17  and by the length of the platform  19 . Beyond that, brakes, stops, gears, shutter controls or other features may represent a bottom or top of the predetermined arc. 
     Contained within at least one of the two solar heat-receiving closed containers is a fluid that is capable of being at least partially vaporized to gas by solar heat and will otherwise rest in equilibrium in the container(s), possibly with some of the fluid in the gaseous state before solar heat is applied. The connecting tube is open from the left to the right containers and vice versa for transport of the vaporized fluid from the warmer container (solar heated) to the cooler container, due to gases expanding and rising. Once in the cooler container (solar shaded), the gases will at least partially condense, shifting the fluid and hence the weight of the fluid from the warmer to the cooler container. When the shutter means closes a first window and opens a second window, it shuts off most of the solar heat at the first window and allows solar heat to enter through the second window. 
     Referring again more specifically to  FIG. 1 , window  9  is open and window  11  is closed by virtue of the positioning of door  15 , as shown in the Figure. Sunlight enters window  9  and not window  11 . As sunlight enters window  9 , it heats up container  21  and fluid  25   a  starts to boil over through tube  27  to container  23  where it at least partially condenses. Eventually, the weight shift will cause the right side of platform  19  to go down and the left side to go up. This is rotation of the platform about its axis of rotation x. The process is followed in more detail in  FIGS. 2 through 6 , where identical elements are identically numbered. 
     Thus,  FIGS. 2 through 6  show side cut views of the preferred embodiment present invention reciprocating solar engine  1  shown in  FIG. 1 , but in different positions of a reciprocal cycle. In  FIG. 2 , sunlight through window  9  continues to evaporate the fluid of container  21  over to the cooler container  23 , with the rotation as shown, so that when container  21  and container  23  have equal weights of fluid  25   b  and  25   c  therein, they are approximately in balance. The platform  19  and the containers continue to rotate as more liquid is boiled over, and this is shown in  FIG. 3 , where now there is little fluid  25   d  in container  21  and most of the liquid has boiled over to container  23  (fluid  25   e ), as shown. The process continues until the right side of platform  19  hits shutter control means lever  31 . When this occurs, the shutter control means is activated and door  15  is moved to the right to its second rest position as shown in  FIG. 4 . Here the process immediately reverses itself and the sunlight is closed from window  25  and now enters window  11  where it heats up container  23 . The fluid  25   g  heats and partially boils over through tube  27  back into container  21 , as condensed fluid  25   f . In  FIG. 5 , the process continues as more solar energy (sunlight) heats container  23  and its contents, fluid  25   i , wherein fluids  25   h  and  25   i  are about equal. In  FIG. 6 , most of the fluid  25   j  has boiled over to shuttered (shaded) container  21 , with little fluid  25   k  remaining in container  23 . Next, the excess weight of the left side would cause platform  19  to contact shutter control means lever  29 , which causes door  15  to move right, opening window  9  and closing window  11  again as in  FIG. 1 . Then this reciprocating process described merely repeats itself. The actual mechanism of the levers  29  and  31  triggering door or shutter means movement is not critical to the process, as any know means will work. Such mechanisms include, but as not limited to pulleys, hydraulics, pneumatics, gears, linkages, power driven (motorized) with wires or wireless activation. 
     The fluids utilized may be any organic or inorganic fluids, including water. However, organic fluids, and especially low boiling point fluids, such as low carbon chain organic fluids and low boiling point alcohols, are preferred. Any fluids discussed in the present inventor&#39;s issued U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249, incorporated herein by reference, may be used, as well as any within the skill of the artisan, such as are used in published liquid-based solar tracking devices. U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249, issued to Kenneth P. Glynn on Mar. 14, 1978 and entitled “Solar Energy Operated Motor Apparatus” is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     The solar heat-receiving closed containers used herein are open to the connecting means to the opposite containers, but are otherwise closed to the atmosphere to prevent evaporative losses of the fluids therein. In some instances, depending upon the volatility of the fluid and the environment, it may be useful to provide and expansion chamber for the boiling gases, such as in the connecting tube. However, usually this will not be necessary, as actual reciprocating devices were built and functioned without the need for gas expansion accommodation. The containers may be made of one or a combination of materials and may be transparent, translucent or opaque. For example, metal containers may absorb solar heat well and transfer the heat to the fluids without any transparency whatsoever. Clear or translucent materials such as plastics or glass, may alternatively be used and these will allow sunlight to directly heat the fluids. Mirrors or other reflectors may be used inside or outside the roof or housing to increase the light hitting the containers. In some embodiments, transparent or translucent containers may have black bases to enhance heat absorption. Magnifying glasses may be strategically positioned to increase the amount of solar heat contacting the containers. 
       FIG. 7  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine  100  with a roof  105  with open supports, such as support posts  103  and  113 , attached to platform  119 , in place of closed walls. This enables air to freely flow about the containers. In some environments this is preferred to air cool the shaded containers, while in other environments, such as in extreme wind, the closed housing is preferred to reduce heat losses at the heated container. Yet another alternative is a housing with ventilating openings, or vents that can be opened or closed, as needed. In  FIG. 7  are windows  109  and  111  in roof  105 , with a central large window shuttering door  115 . There is a base  107  with a central fulcrum support  117  and the aforementioned platform  119  rotatably mounted on or connected to central fulcrum support  117 . Platform  119  has two opposing solar heat-receiving closed containers  121  and  123 , connected by connecting tube  127 . As shown, there is significant fluid  125  in container  121 . There are also two shutter control levers  129  and  131 . This engine  100  operates the same as the one shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  above. 
       FIG. 8  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine  200  with a magnifying lenses  209  and  211  in each of the respective windows of roof  205 , to function as solar energy concentrators. Housing  203  has a roof  205 , side walls, such as side wall  213  and is positioned on platform  219 . Roof  205  has a central large window shuttering door  215 , that keeps one window open and the other closed and versa. In  FIG. 8 , present invention reciprocating solar engine  200  also includes a base  207 , a central fulcrum support  217  to rotatably support platform  219 . Platform  219  has two opposing solar heat-receiving closed containers  221  and  223 , connected by connecting tube  227 . As shown, there is significant fluid  225   a  in container  223  and a small amount of fluid  225   b  in container  221 . There are also two shutter control levers  229  and  231 . The lenses will provide more concentrated solar energy, as shown in the Figure, and, in some embodiments, allow for higher boiling point fluids in the container than might be uses without the concentrator lenses. Except for the concentration of solar heat caused by the lenses  209  and  211 , to either provide higher temperatures, faster boiling or both, this engine  200  operates the same as the one shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  above. 
       FIG. 9  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine  300  with sets of shutters or blinds  315  and  335 , respectively, for windows  309  and  311  of roof  305 , to function as the window shutter means. One set is open when the other is closed and vice versa. They respond to the contact of the reciprocating platform  319  to shutter control means levers  329  and  331  via wires and responsive electric drive motors M 1  and M 2 . (The details of motor driven blinds or shutters are not shown, as such are commercially available and well known, although not in the context of the present invention reciprocating solar engine windows. However, the same motors and drives, linkages and gears used in conventional motor driven blinds could be used here.) In place of the motorized operation, the blinds could be operated by hydraulic connections, pneumatic connections, mechanical linkages, pulleys, pulleys and weights, counterweights, gears or any combination thereof, or any other drive means to cause responsive movement to the actuation of one lever  329  or the other lever  331 . In  FIG. 9 , present invention reciprocating solar engine  300  includes housing  303 , with roof  305  side walls such as side wall  313 . There is also a base  307 , a central fulcrum support  317  and a platform  319 . Platform  319  has two opposing solar heat-receiving closed containers  321  and  323 , connected by connecting tube  327 . As shown, there is significant fluid  225   b  in container  323  and a small amount of fluid  225   a  in container  321 . There are also two shutter control levers  229  and  231 . Except for the different choice of shutter means and shutter means controls, this engine  300  operates the same as the one shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  above. 
       FIG. 10  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine  400  with the device as shown in  FIG. 1  but with a gear driving shaft take-off connected to the reciprocating platform  419  at its axis of rotation. Housing  411  has a roof  401 , side walls, such as side wall  413 , and is attached to the platform  419 . Roof  401  has windows  403  and  405 , and a central large window shuttering door  215 , that keeps one window open and the other closed and versa. In  FIG. 10 , present invention reciprocating solar engine  400  also includes a base  409  that holds central fulcrum support  417  in place, and platform  419  is rotatably connected to or nested on or in support  417 . Platform  419  has two opposing solar heat-receiving closed containers  421  and  423 , connected by connecting tube  427 . As shown, there is significant fluid in container  421  and a small amount of fluid in container  423 . There are also two shutter control levers  429  and  431 . This present invention engine  400  operates the same as the one shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  above. As the platform moves through its reciprocal motion as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 through 6  above, main gear  445  rotates back and forth. When platform  419  is moving down on its right as shown by the arrow under container  423 , main gear  445  rotates clockwise and it rotates gear  447  counterclockwise. Gear  447  has a take off drive to any desired operation, such as an electric generator. Gear  447  is a slip gear that will engage its takes off when gear  447  is moving counterclockwise and not when rotating clockwise, In essence, it only runs the generator in one direction (counterclockwise take off). Gear  449  works in the opposite fashion. When platform  419  is moving down on its left side, main gear  445  rotates counterclockwise and it rotates gear  449  clockwise. Gear  449  has a connecting gear  451  that rotates counterclockwise and is likewise connected to a take off drive to any desired operation, such as an electric generator. Gear  449  is a slip gear that will engage its connecting gear  451  when gear  449  is moving clockwise and not when rotating counterclockwise. In essence, it only runs the generator in one direction (counterclockwise take off from gear  451 ). Thus, in this embodiment, whether platform  419  is seesawing clockwise or counterclockwise, the generator will be driven and always in the same direction. Alternatively, a generator can be driven directly from the platform central axis of rotation and have a pole reversing mechanism so that no slip gear or other arrangement is necessary. 
       FIG. 11  is a side cut view of another preferred embodiment of a present invention reciprocating solar engine with the device  500 . It is the same device shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  above as shown in  FIG. 1 , but with a reciprocating connector rod  35  connected to and moving with the reciprocating platform at a location away from its axis of rotation. Identical elements to the aforesaid Figures are identically numbered here and need not be repeated. Rod  35  may extend outwardly from solar engine  500  so as to allow for connection to any reciprocating drive mechanism for any purpose. Thus, it can externally be used for compression, such as with a piston, or to drive a back and forth work function (such as some well pumps) or to be converted to circular motion (such as on steam locomotion train drives), as an end user may desire. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating various alternatives and options for some preferred embodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine  600 . Block  601  shows some preferred choices for containers in terms of light passage-transparent, opaque, translucent and combinations thereof. The fluids are described in more details above, but are both organics and inorganics, including water. Block  603  merely calls out the platform and fulcrum support. Any rotating mechanism may be used to rotatably nest or connect the platform to the fulcrum support, including hinges, axles, arcuated cradle and rod, shaft and receiver, and ball bearings and rod(s). Block  605  has both the roof shutter means and the some related controls listed. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating one use for some preferred embodiments of a present invention reciprocating solar engine  611 . it is used to turn an electricity generator  613  that sends direct current to inverter/controls  615 . This produces alternating current that may be fed back to an electricity grid for credits or may be used directly for AC needs, or both, block  617 . 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram illustrating another use for some preferred embodiments of a present invention using a series of reciprocating solar engines. Consider a homestead, a factory where hand made products are produced, or even a remote village, where water and electricity are lacking significantly or altogether. In this embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , a lake or other water source, here, lake  621 , is located some distance form the place in need of water and electric power. In this case, a series of present invention reciprocating solar engines may be used to pump water to the desired location. A series of present invention reciprocating solar engines  625 ,  629  and  633  are respectively connected to run pumps  623 ,  627  and  631  to pump water to a remotely located tower, upper tank  635 . As many reciprocating solar engines (RSEs) and pumps as needed may be hooked up in series. The pumps may be reciprocating or rotary or otherwise, and the RSEs may be connected for direct drive or to generators with or without inverters to electrically operate the pumps. The water pumped to upper tank  635  is filled during sunlight and withdrawn to lower tank  637  over time, e.g., 24 hours a day, or periodically or intermittently, or on demand. As water flows downwardly from upper tank  635 , it flows through a hydro power turbine generator  639  and then into lower tank  637 , generating electricity to the needy village  641 . Additionally, the water from lower tank  637  is available as drinking water to the village  643  and as farming irrigation water  645 , or may be used for any other purpose as well. 
     To summarize, the present invention thus provides a device for generating engine power to create work or electricity without the need for expensive and inefficient solar panels or noisy towering wind turbines. 
     Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. As examples, the drawings are shown with two windows, one left and one right. The present invention reciprocating solar engine roof could more than two or many windows without exceeding the present invention scope. The containers are, for simplicity of explanation, shown as one on each side of the fulcrum support on the platform. The present invention devices may employ a few or many connected containers and they may be connected in series, in parallel or as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,249, incorporated herein by reference.