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Title:
AN APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CAPTURING SUNLIGHT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2009/018618
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus for the collection of sunlight having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to collect sunlight, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizont arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm supporting an upper supporting frame adopted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm, and a second inclined conditi whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper frame member cast minimum shadow the lower frame member.

Inventors:
PERRY STEVEN (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2008/001143
Publication Date:
February 12, 2009
Filing Date:
August 07, 2008
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
SGP HOLDINGS PTY LTD
PERRY STEVEN (AU)
International Classes:
A01G9/00; D06F57/06; F24J2/00; F26B9/00; F26B19/00
Foreign References:
RU2085071C11997-07-27
US20060196118A12006-09-07
US3973353A1976-08-10
US3882634A1975-05-13
US4306541A1981-12-22
US4306540A1981-12-22
US4476854A1984-10-16
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
RAMSDEN FAES LAWYERS (16 Queensland AveBroadbeach, QLD 4218, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:

What is claimed:

1. An apparatus for the collection of sunlight having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to collect sunlight, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm supporting an upper support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm, and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper frame members cast minimum shadow on the lower frame members.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support frames move pivotally with respect to the support arms.

3. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2 wherein the support frames move transversely along the support arms.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the support frames slide through a slot.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the support frames slide by a cam mechanism.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the support frames slide by a roller mechanism.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the support frames have a roller bearing allowing them to slide along the arms.

8. The apparatus of claims 1 to 7 wherein the support frames extend in a continuous cross section between two or more support posts.

9. The apparatus of claims 1 to 8 wherein the support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the apparatus to be maintained.

10. The apparatus of claims 1 to 8 wherein the support frames can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the apparatus to be maintained.

11. The apparatus of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support frames are rotated by a pulley system.

12. The apparatus of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support frames are rotated by a water pump.

13. The apparatus of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support frames are rotated by a hydraulic pump.

14. The apparatus of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support frames are rotated by a pneumatic pump.

15. The apparatus of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support frames are rotated by an electric motor.

16. The apparatus of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support frames are rotated by a chain and cog system.

17. The apparatus of claims 1 to 16 wherein the support post is a central post.

18. The apparatus of claims 1 to 17 wherein the central support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.

19. The apparatus of claims 1 to 18 wherein the central post is pivotally mounted to a base.

20. The apparatus of claims 1 to 18 wherein the support post is located distally.

21. The apparatus of claims 1 to 20 wherein the support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the support post is mounted on wheels.

23. The apparatus of claims 1 to 22 wherein two or more support posts are connected along the length of the apparatus to form a rotatable support structure.

24. The apparatus of claims 1 to 23 wherein, the support post is a central post.

25. The apparatus of claims 1 to 24 wherein the central support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.

26. The apparatus of claims 1 to 25 wherein a driving means will drive each of the support frames simultaneously.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the driving means consists of a pulley attached to the lower support frame and upper support frame.

28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the driving means consists of a first ram connected to the lower frame and a second ram connected to the upper frame.

29. The apparatus of claims 1 to 28 wherein the driving means will be a computer driving an electric motor to tilt the support frame.

30. An apparatus for the cultivation of plants having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive plants, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm supporting an upper support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper plants cast minimum shadow on the lower plants.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the plants are located at equal distances along the elongate channels.

32. The apparatus of claims 30 to 31 wherein the plants are adapted to remain horizontal when the support frames incline.

33. The apparatus of claims 30 to 32 wherein the elongate channels are hydroponic.

34. The apparatus of claims 30 to 32 wherein the elongate channels are filled with soil.

35. The apparatus bf claims 30 to 32 wherein water jets are located along the channels to water the plants.

36. A method for the cultivation of plants comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; watering the plants; moving the support frames to a harvesting condition; and harvesting the plants.

37.An apparatus for capturing sun radiation and converting it into stored electrical energy having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection devices, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection devices and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined

condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection devices.

38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the struts span longitudinally along the support frames.

39. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the struts span parallel to the support arms along the support frames.

40. The apparatus of claims 37 to 39 wherein the struts are adapted to tilt to enable the solar panels thereon to follow the angle of the sun.

41. The apparatus of claims 37 to 40 wherein the struts are formed from steel bar.

42. The apparatus of claims 37 to 40 wherein the struts are formed from a light weight high tensile material.

43. The apparatus of claims 37 to 42 wherein the support frame can be moved into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained.

44. The apparatus of claims 37 to 42 wherein the support frame can be moved into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained.

45. The apparatus of claims 37 to 44 wherein the solar energy collection devices are solar panels.

46. The apparatus of claims 37 to 45 wherein the solar energy collection devices are thermal solar energy collectors.

47.A method for capturing sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; storing energy in a storage device; using the energy from the storage device.

48.An apparatus for drying racks comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive drying racks, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame adapted to support drying racks and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper drying racks cast minimum shadow on the lower drying racks.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48 wherein the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the drying racks to be maintained.

50. The apparatus according to claim 48 wherein the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the drying racks to be maintained.

51. The apparatus according to claims 47 to 50 wherein the drying racks are formed from steel bar.

52. The apparatus according to claims 47 to 50 wherein the drying racks are formed from lines, strung across the support frames.

53. A method for drying products on a rack apparatus comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning drying lines so they can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; lowering the support frames and arms to a horizontal condition; and removing dried items from the drying lines.

54.An apparatus for an array of solar energy reflection devices comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive solar energy reflection devices pivotally connected thereto, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive solar energy reflection devices pivotally connected thereto

and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy reflection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy reflection devices and the reflection devices are adapted to focus such that sunlight is reflected towards a desired target upon request.

55. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained.

56. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained.

57. The apparatus of claims 54 to 56 wherein the solar energy reflection devices are mirrors.

58. The apparatus of claims 54 to 56 wherein the solar energy reflection devices are reflective material such as aluminium foil.

59. The apparatus of claims 54 to 58 wherein the solar reflectors are controlled to focus sunlight upon receiving a command.

60. The apparatus of claims 54 to 59 wherein the solar reflectors are controlled by actuators.

61. The apparatus of claims 54 to 60 wherein the actuators are controlled by a central processing unit to focus the sunlight as requested.

62. The apparatus of claims 54 to 61 wherein a light sensor is placed to detect the reflected sunlight and create a feedback loop to the central processing unit for fine control.

63 A method for reflecting sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; reflecting the sunlight to a focal point; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy.

64.An apparatus for capturing solar energy comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection and reflection devices cast

minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection and reflection devices and the collection devices are adapted to collect and store solar energy while the reflection devices are adapted to focus sunlight towards a desired target upon request.

65. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection and reflection devices to be maintained.

66. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy collection and reflection devices to be maintained.

67. The apparatus of claims 64 to 66 wherein the solar energy reflection devices are mirrors.

68. The apparatus of claims 64 to 66 wherein the solar energy reflection devices are reflective material such as aluminium foil.

69. The apparatus of claims 64 to 68 wherein the solar reflectors are controlled to focus sunlight upon receiving a command.

70. The apparatus of claims 64 to 69 wherein the solar reflectors focus sunlight onto a thermal pipe.

71. The apparatus of claims 64 to 69 wherein the solar reflectors focus sunlight onto another solar reflector.

72. The apparatus of claims 64 to 71 wherein the thermal pipe is used to heat or cool an energy generating device.

73. The apparatus of claims 64 to 72 wherein the energy generating device is a band with elastic properties.

74. The apparatus of claims 64 to 72 wherein the energy generating device is a cord.

75. The apparatus of claims 64 to 72 wherein the energy generating device is a strip.

76. The apparatus of claims 64 to 72 wherein the energy generating device is a pipe.

77. The apparatus of claims 64 to 76 wherein the energy generating is stretched under heating to convert potential energy into mechanical energy.

78. The apparatus of claims 64 to 77 wherein the solar reflectors are controlled by actuators.

79. The apparatus of claims 64 to 78 wherein the actuators are controlled by a central processing unit to focus the sunlight as requested.

80. The apparatus of claims 64 to 79 wherein a light sensor is placed to detect the reflected sunlight and create a feedback loop to the central processing unit for fine control.

81. The apparatus of claims 64 to 80 wherein the struts span longitudinally along the support frames.

82. The apparatus of claims 64 to 80 wherein the struts span parallel to the support arms along the support frames.

83. The apparatus of claims 64 to 82 wherein the struts are formed from steel bar.

84. The apparatus of claims 64 to 82 wherein the struts are formed from a light weight high tensile material.

85. The apparatus of claims 64 to 84 wherein the solar energy collection devices are solar panels.

86. The apparatus of claims 64 to 85 wherein the solar energy collection devices are thermal solar energy collectors.

87.A method for reflecting sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; storing sunlight in a solar collector as stored energy; reflecting the sunlight to a focal point; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy.

88.An apparatus for growing plants comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and capable of supporting plants for growth or drying, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive struts

supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection and reflection/plant growing and drying devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection and reflection/plant growing and drying devices are adapted to collect and store solar energy while the reflection devices are adapted to focus sunlight towards a desired target upon request.

89. The apparatus of claim 88 wherein drying occurs when the plants are not watered.

90. A method for growing plants comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; watering plants; storing sunlight in a solar collector as stored energy; reflecting the sunlight to a focal point; refraining from watering plants; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy; and harvesting plants while alive or dead.

Description:

AN APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CAPTURING SUNLIGHT

FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of capturing sunlight and in particular a method for optimising the use of space to capture sunlight.

BACKGROUND

As the population of the world increases, there are more demands on natural resources such as land and water. It is important to produce food and power for the population using as little of these scarce resources as possible.

With food production, traditional methods of farming included ploughing the fields and planting rows of produce to grow in the elements in a natural environment. It has been recognised that greenhouses provide a better growing environment, by protecting crops from wind, frosts and animals. Additionally, the protective greenhouse environments have encouraged quicker growth of crops in an indoor environment. At one stage greenhouse crops were planted at waist level in one layer across the cross section of the greenhouse. This meant that although the yield was better than for unprotected crops, they still required a large amount of space. More recently, multi level plant growing racks have been developed to allow

plants to be grown at different heights, using more of the vertical space in the greenhouse.

These multi level plant growing racks generally are a cylindrical shape with two circular support frames at the sides allowing rotation and supporting rows of plant troughs across them. The plants can be rotated, changing which rows are exposed to sunlight. The problem with this apparatus is that the bottom of the cylinder is always in shadow, which stunts the growth of plants in this condition.

Similar problems arise with collection of sunlight in solar panels and solar heating collectors. Traditionally solar collection devices have been produced in a flat form to soak up as much sunlight as possible, without the collectors being in shade. The more sunlight that can be collected, the more power that can be produced, so it is inefficient to have shade over the panels.

Aside from allowing panels to tilt, this problem has not been overcome, leaving current solar energy collecting devices being large and unwieldy in many circumstances. This has meant that solar power is not considered a viable alternative in many environments.

Additionally, the capture of sunlight for any purpose needs to be optimised to reduce the foot print of apparatus and take advantage of the geometry by tracking the sun, and optimising sun exposure.

For instance, with drying apparatus, the more exposure to sunlight, the better the achieved dehydration of the product. The direct light speeds up the

dehydration process and increases the amount of product dehydrated in comparison to flat bed system.

Further for solar reflective devices such as solar cannons, shadow dramatically reduces the collected sunlight available for redirection. Thus the less shadow on the reflectors, the more sunlight can be reflected for use.

Thus it is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for capturing sunlight or overcome any of the abovementioned problems or at least provides the consumer with a useful commercial alternative.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for the collection of sunlight having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to collect sunlight, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm supporting an upper support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm, and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper frame members cast minimum shadow on the lower frame members.

Preferably, the support frames move pivotally with respect to the support arms.

Preferably the support frames move transversely along the support arms. Preferably the support frames slide through a slot.

Alternatively the support frames slide by a cam mechanism.

Further alternatively of the support frames slide by a roller mechanism.

Further alternatively, the support frames have a roller bearing allowing it to slide along the arms. Preferably the support frames extend in a continuous cross section between two or more support posts.

Preferably the support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the apparatus to be maintained.

Alternatively the support frames can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the apparatus to be maintained.

Preferably the support frames are rotated by a pulley system.

Alternatively the support frames are rotated by a water pump.

Alternatively the support frames are rotated by a hydraulic pump.

Alternatively the support frames are rotated by a pneumatic pump. Alternatively the support frames are rotated by an electric motor.

Further alternatively the support frames are rotated by a chain and cog system.

Preferably, the support post is a central post.

Preferably the central support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.

Preferably the central post is pivotally mounted to a base.

Alternatively the support post is located distally. Preferably the support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.

Preferably the support post is mounted on wheels.

Preferably two or more support posts are connected along the length of the apparatus to form a rotatable support structure.

Preferably, the support post is a central post. Preferably the central support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.

Preferably a driving means will drive each of the support frames simultaneously.

Preferably the driving means consists of a pulley attached to the lower support frame and upper support frame.

Alternatively the driving means consists of a first ram connected to the lower frame and a second ram connected to the upper frame.

Preferably the driving means will be a computer driving an electric motor to tilt the support frame. According to a second broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for the cultivation of plants having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected

to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive plants, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm supporting an upper support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper plants cast minimum shadow on the lower plants.

Preferably the plants are located at equal distances along the elongate channels.

Preferably the plants are adapted to remain horizontal when the support frames incline.

Preferably the elongate channels are hydroponic.

Alternatively the elongate channels are filled with soil. Preferably water jets are located along the channels to water the plants.

In a third broad embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for the cultivation of plants comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; watering the plants;

moving the support frames to a harvesting condition; and harvesting the plants.

According to a fourth broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for capturing sun radiation and converting it ' into stored electrical energy having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection devices, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection devices and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection devices.

Preferably the struts span longitudinally along the support frames.

Alternatively the struts span parallel to the support arms along the support frames. Preferably the struts are adapted to tilt to enable the solar panels thereon to follow the angle of the sun.

Preferably the struts are formed from steel bar.

Alternatively the struts are formed from a light weight high tensile material.

Preferably the support frame can be moved into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained. Alternatively the support frame can be moved into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained.

Preferably the solar energy collection devices are solar panels.

Alternatively the solar energy collection devices are thermal solar energy collectors. In a fifth broad embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for capturing sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; storing energy in a storage device; using the energy from the storage device.

According to a sixth broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for drying racks comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive drying racks, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the

lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame adapted to support drying racks and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper drying racks cast minimum shadow on the lower drying racks.

Preferably the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the drying racks to be maintained.

Alternatively the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the drying racks to be maintained.

Preferably the drying racks are formed from steel bar.

Alternatively the drying racks are formed from lines, strung across the support frames.

In a seventh broad embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for drying products on a rack apparatus comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning drying lines so they can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; lowering the support frames and arms to a horizontal condition; and removing dried items from the drying lines.

According to an eighth broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for an array of solar energy reflection devices comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a

support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive solar energy reflection devices pivotally connected thereto, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive solar energy reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy reflection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy reflection devices and the reflection devices are adapted to focus such that sunlight is reflected towards a desired target upon request.

Preferably the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained.

Alternatively the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained.

Preferably the solar energy reflection devices are mirrors.

Alternatively the solar energy reflection devices are reflective material such as aluminium foil.

Preferably the solar reflectors are controlled to focus sunlight upon receiving a command.

Preferably the solar reflectors are controlled by actuators.

Preferably the actuators are controlled by a central processing unit to focus the sunlight as requested.

Preferably a light sensor is placed to detect the reflected sunlight and create a feedback loop to the central processing unit for fine control. In a ninth broad embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for reflecting sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; reflecting the sunlight to a focal point; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy.

According to an tenth broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for capturing solar energy comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first

substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection and reflection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection and reflection devices and the collection devices are adapted to collect and store solar energy while the reflection devices are adapted to focus sunlight towards a desired target upon request.

Preferably the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection and reflection devices to be maintained.

Alternatively the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy collection and reflection devices to be maintained.

Preferably the solar energy reflection devices are mirrors. Alternatively the solar energy reflection devices are reflective material such as aluminium foil.

Preferably the solar reflectors are controlled to focus sunlight upon receiving a command.

Preferably the solar reflectors focus sunlight onto a thermal pipe. Preferably the solar reflectors focus sunlight onto another solar reflector.

Preferably the thermal -pipe is used to heat or cool an energy generating device.

Preferably the energy generating device is a band with elastic properties.

Preferably the energy generating device is a cord.

Alternatively the energy generating device is a strip. Further alternatively the energy generating device is a pipe.

Preferably the energy generating device is stretched under heating to convert potential energy into mechanical energy.

Preferably the solar reflectors are controlled by actuators.

Preferably the actuators are controlled by a central processing unit to focus the sunlight as requested.

Preferably a light sensor is placed to detect the reflected sunlight and create a feedback loop to the central processing unit for fine control.

Preferably the struts span longitudinally along the support frames.

Alternatively the struts span parallel to the support arms along the support frames.

Preferably the struts are formed from steel bar.

Alternatively the struts are formed from a light weight high tensile material.

Preferably the solar energy collection devices are solar panels. Alternatively the solar energy collection devices are thermal solar energy collectors.

In an eleventh broad embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for reflecting sun radiation comprising the steps of:

placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; storing sunlight in a solar collector as stored energy; reflecting sunlight to a focal point; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy.

According to an twelfth broad form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for growing plants comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and capable of supporting plants for growth or drying, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection and reflection/plant growing and drying devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection and reflection/plant growing and drying devices are

adapted to collect and store solar energy while the reflection devices are adapted to focus sunlight towards a desired target upon request.

Preferably drying occurs when the plants are not watered. In an thirteenth broad embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for growing comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; watering plants; storing sunlight in a solar collector as stored energy; reflecting the sunlight to a focal point; refraining from watering plants; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy; and harvesting plants while alive or dead.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG 1 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG 2 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for growing plants;

FIG 3 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for supporting solar panels;

FIG 4 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for drying lines; FIG 5 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for reflecting sunlight onto pipe for heating; and

FIG 6 shows a side view of a post, and top arm supporting an inclined frame on the left, and a horizontal frame on the right with a lower arm supporting two inclined arms, one shifted in translation, the other pivoted.

DESCRIPTION

As can be seen in FIG 1 , the invention is an apparatus for capturing sun radiation comprising, two or more substantially rigid support arms (20) located one above the other (20,30) on a support post (40). The two or more substantially rigid support arms (20,30) are formed from rectangular bar, or similar material, with a hole to allow for attachment to the support posts, and a hole.for pivotal rotation of the support frames. The lower arms (35,36) support lower support frames (31 ,32,33,34), which can rotate between a substantially horizontal condition to an inclined condition and slide transversely on the horizontal plane. The upper arms (25, 26) support upper support frames

(21 ,22,23,24), which can rotate between a substantially horizontal condition to an

offset inclined condition and slide transversely on the horizontal plane. This is best shown in FIG 6.

As can be seen in FIG 1 , when the lower support frame is inclined the corresponding upper support frame is moved transversely to offset the angle of inclination, then likewise inclined, to minimize shadow.

A number of substantially rigid elongate channels (60) extend between each pair of support arms, on the support frames. As can be seen in FIG 1 , six channels (61 , 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66) run between the supports arms (25,26) on support frames (21 ,22,23,24). These substantially rigid elongate channels are pivotally mounted to said support frames (21 ,22,23,24) at their respective ends. The number of elongate channels are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally parallel and horizontal, as best illustrated in FIG 1 to FIG 5. As each elongate channel is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the open section remains facing upwards. As best shown in FIG 2, a number of plants can be located regularly along said open section of said elongate channels. The plants are maintained substantially horizontal no matter the angle of the frame. The pivotal connection allows gravity to maintain the plants in an upright condition with the channel section facing up. With the hydroponic arrangement water jets are located periodically along the channels to water the plants.

With a soil planting arrangement water jets are located periodically along the channels to water the plants.

In the solar energy collection device embodiment, shown in FIG 3, a number of substantially rigid struts extend between each pair of support frames. These substantially rigid struts are pivotally mounted to said support frame (60) at their respective ends. The number of substantially rigid struts are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally perpendicular to the support arms, as best illustrated in FIG 3. As each substantially rigid strut is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the solar energy collection device remains facing upwards and horizontal.

A number of solar energy collection devices are located along said substantially rigid struts. The solar energy collection devices are maintained substantially horizontal for any angle of the arms and support frames. The pivotal connection allows gravity to maintain the substantially rigid struts in an upright condition with the solar energy collection devices facing up.

Alternatively, solar energy collection devices (60) are attached to the support frames (21 , 22, 23, 24) to capture sun radiation.

Solar collection devices are solar panels or solar thermal heat collectors.

A driving means (80) is attached to the support arms and drives the rotation of the support frames about the horizontal axis. When the two or more support frames are tilted around the horizontal axis they expose the solar energy collection devices, drying racks, plants, solar reflectors or other attached devices to maximum radiation from the sun and minimum shadow.

Alternatively the rotation or translation could be driven by a water pump.

The driving means is attached to each support arm to drive the support frames simultaneously. This ensures that the support frames are supported in a non-skewed condition, stopping the attached devices (solar energy collection devices, drying racks, plants, solar reflectors) from falling when the support frames rotate. The driving means is a computer driving an electric motor which tilts the arms simultaneously. The diurnal conditions required could be calculated according to an algorithm, or could be reactive to a sensor. The support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained. This allows for ease of maintenance by providing better access to the support frames. Alternatively support frames could be maintained in another condition, for instance vertically. In the drying rack embodiment, shown in FIG 4 with drying lines, a number of substantially rigid elongate rack members extend between each pair of support arms. These substantially rigid elongate racks are pivotally mounted to said support frame at their respective ends. The number of elongate rack members are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally perpendicular to the support arms, as best illustrated in FIG 6. As each elongate rack is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the top of the rack members remains facing upward.

Preferably the support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the drying products to be removed. This allows for

better access to the drying products. Alternatively they could be removed in another condition, for instance vertically.

In the solar energy reflection device embodiment, shown in FIG 5 a number of substantially rigid struts extend between each pair of support arms supported on support frames. These substantially rigid struts are pivotally mounted to said support frame at their respective ends. The number of substantially rigid struts are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally perpendicular to the support arms, as best illustrated in FIG 5. As each substantially rigid strut is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the solar energy reflection device remains facing upwards and horizontal.

A number of solar reflection devices are located along said open section of said substantially rigid struts. The struts are maintained substantially horizontal for any angle of the support frames, while the reflection devices are pivoted towards a specific focal point, to focus the sunlight. The pivotal connection allows gravity to maintain the substantially rigid struts in an upright condition with the solar energy reflection devices facing upwards while individually tilted.

Alternatively, solar reflection devices (60) are attached to the support frames (25, 26, 27, and 28) to reflect sun radiation. Solar reflection devices are mirrors or reflective devices, such as aluminum foil or brushed stainless steel.

The focus point could include a light sensor to create a feedback loop, where the condition could be fine tuned by indentifying when light was reflected

on the sensor. The focus could be a member, for instance a water pipe, where water inside the pipe is heatable to create hot water, hot air or steam. The hot water could be used directly as a source of warm water or the hot water, hot air or steam could be used indirectly as a source of heating in air conditioning plant for example.

The support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained. This allows for ease of maintenance by providing better access to the panels. Alternatively panels could be maintained in another condition, for instance vertically.

In the solar reflector and collector embodiment, a water pump is used to rotate the support frames between the horizontal condition and inclined condition and the solar collector stores energy while the solar reflector heats a thermal pipe, which in turn heats a band with elastic properties to turn latent potential energy into a source of mechanical energy. The band can also be cooled by a heat pump to allow the maximum thermal differential to be achieved between stretching and relaxing the band. The band can be made out of rubber, or synthetic with suitable elastic properties.

In the growing and drying embodiment, a water pump is used to rotate the support frames between the horizontal condition and inclined condition and the reflector heats a thermal pipe, which in turn heats a band with elastic properties to turn latent potential energy into a source of mechanical energy. The band can also be cooled by a heat pump to allow the maximum thermal

differential to be achieved between stretching and relaxing the band. The band can be made out of rubber, or synthetic with suitable elastic properties. Each strut carries a solar collector and reflector panel with a plant growing channel with water inlets, allowing the water to be supplied to grow the plant and denied to dry the plant, so that the plant need not be moved for harvesting dry products such as dried basil, rosemary, time and other suitable herbs for commercial sale. The energy created can be used to power the apparatus.

It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

DATED this 7th day of August 2008

By his Patent Attorney RAMSDEN FAES LAWYERS