Accumulator arrangement for the sunlight energy

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embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 being

ACCUMULATOR ARRANGEMENT FOR THE a plan view of FIG. 11.

SUNLIGHT ENERGY

DETALED DESCRIPTION OF THE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION INVENTION

The present invention relates to an accumulator ar Referring to FIG. 1 showing part in section of the rangement for sunlight energy. embodiment of the present invention, a lens 1 is pro

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

vided for focusing the sunlight L. A transparent passage 2 for fluid is arranged on or in the vicinity of the focal

Recently, attention has been paid to sunlight energy 10 point of the lens 1. Within the passage 2 there is an with a view to saving energy or achieving clean energy, induction substance 3 capable of absorbing light energy and active research and development have been under to induce a photochemical reaction for the accumula taken for its effective utilization in various fields.

As an example, the present applicant has already 5 tion of energy, said material being adapted to flow in the direction indicated by an arrow. The lens 1 is con come up with various techniques whereby sunlight trolled by known means (not illustrated) in such a man energy is focused through a lens etc. into a photocon ner that it directs automatically to the sun. The sunlight ductor and transmit it therethrough to a desired place L focused through the lens 1 strikes upon the induction where it is used as lightenergy for the purpose of illumi substance 3 received within the fluid passage 2 disposed nation or other purpose. on or in the vicinity of the focal point of the lens 1, and In the art, the technique has also been introduced, 20 induces a photochemical reaction within the material 3, whereby the light is permitted to strike upon an induc tion substance to induce a photochemical reaction in whereby the induction substance is converted into its that material and thereby accumulate the resulting light isomer having a high energy level for the accumulation energy, and the thus accumulated energy is thereafter of energy. The induction substance in which the energy recovered as heat energy with the use of a catalyst (for 25 has been built up flows in the direction indicated by an instance, see Japanese Patent Publication No. arrow for recovery. Thereafter, when a catalyst is ap 57-124657), and those skilled in the art have had in plied to the thus recovered induction substance, for creasing interest in that technique. It is thus feasible to example, at night, it returns to the original state while use sunlight energy as heat energy, if the sunlight en emitting heat which can then be used as heat energy. It ergy is accumulated in the induction substance 30 is noted that the induction substance, which is now However, when it is desired to accumulate solar en restored to the original state, can be re-used for the ergy in the induction substance, there is a fear that the accumulation of energy. In the present invention, the photochemical reaction may not take place over the sunlight is converged to increase its intensity, and al induction substance since the intensity of the sunlight lowed to strike upon the induction substance. There varies depending upon weather and time. This is partic 35 fore, even when the incoming sunlight is feeble as expe ularly true of the case where the sunlight energy is rienced in cloudy weather or at dawn or dusk, it is feeble. As a result, the amount of energy to be accumu possible to feed sufficient light energy to the induction lated in the induction material is so reduced that a uni substance, so that a photochemical reaction can effec form and efficient build-up of energy may be unfeasible. tively be induced in the induction substance. When the SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION sunlight energy is feeble, the flow rate of the induction substance may be decreased, while when the sunlight

It is therefore a first object of the present invention to energy is in a higher level, the flow rate of the induction provide a solar energy accumulator arrangement in substance may be increased. In this manner, even when which the solar energy can uniformly and efficiently be the sunlight energy is feeble, it is possible to induce a accumulated in an induction substance as mentioned 45 uniform photochemical reaction over the induction above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide substance.

When the sunlight energy is at a higher level, possible to induce a photochemical reaction in a an accumulator arrangement for sunlight energy de large amount of the induction substance, so that uniform signed to make efficient use of the sunlight energy by an and effective accumulation of the sunlight energy is effective combination of a technique whereby the sun 50 achieved.

light is used as light energy as well as heat energy. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section of part of another BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the FIGS. 1 to 4 inclusive are sectional views showing fluid passage 2 through which the induction substance 3 part of the embodiment wherein the sunlight energy is 55 flows is provided on its outer wall with a solar cell 4, by accumulated as heat energy within an induction sub ergy. Inthesuch which sunlight energy can be used as electric en an arrangement, the light component

Stance.

FIGS. 5 to 12 are views illustrative of the embodi having a short wavelength is absorbed in the induction ment of the accumulator arrangement for the sunlight substance, and does not reach the solar cell. It is un energy wherein the technique whereby the sunlight likely that such a light component may be built up as energy is used as light energy is combined with that heat energy and the efficiency of the solar cell may drop whereby the sunlight energy is used as heat energy for that reason. While FIG. 2 illustrates the arrange within an induction substance, FIG. 5 being a sectional ment in which the solar cell 4 is disposed on the under view showing part of that embodiment, FIG. 6 being a side of the fluid passage, i.e., downstream of the optical plan view as viewed in the direction of the line A-A of 65 path system for the sunlight focused through the lens 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 7 being a view showing one embodiment it may be disposed in an area outside the vicinity of the of the photoconductor disposed at a certain position, focal point of the lens 1, as indicated by a phantom line FIGS. 8 to 11 being sectional views illustrative of the in the FIGURE, if a drop in the efficiency of the solar

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cell due to the accumulation of heat energy is insignifi absorb light energy, cause a photochemical reaction and Cant. accumulate the energy, which flows, for instance, in the FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of part of a further direction indicated by an arrow. In this embodiment, embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the the lens 1 is controlled such that it directs automatically fluid passage 2 through the induction substance flows is to the sun by means of a suitable device (not shown). provided on its inner wall with a black body 5. In this The sunlight L focused through the lens 1 is introduced arrangement, the heat energy of the sun entering the into the photoconductor 7 having its light receiving end fluid passage 2 is effectively transmitted to the induction 7a located at the focal point of the lens 1, through substance 3 to increase its temperature. Thus, when the which it is transmitted to any desired place for the ill induction substance is recovered, the heat energy car 10 lumination or other purpose. A part of the sunlight ried by the induction substance can be used. which is not admitted into the photoconductor 7 strikes . FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section of part of a still fur upon the induction substance 3 flowing through trans ther embodiment of the present invention. As illus parent fluid passage 2, giving rise to a photochemical trated, the fluid passage is provided on its outer wall reaction which converts the induction substance into its with the solar cell 4 and on its inner wall with the black 15 isoner for the accumulation of the energy. The induc body 5, whereby the sunlight energy can be used as tion substance which accumulates the energy flows in either heat energy or electric energy. the direction indicated by an arrow for recovery. While the present invention has been described with Thereafter, when a catalyst is applied, for instance, at reference to several embodiments, the present invention night, it returns to its original state while giving off heat is not limited thereto. For instance, when the present 20 which can then be used as heat energy. invention is applied within the atmosphere containing The induction substance which is now restored to the less ultraviolet rays, a sensitizer may be added to the original state can be reused in the foregoing manner for induction substance, which converts the light compo the accumulation of energy. As mentioned above, the nent having a wavelength of less than about 360 mm present invention makes it possible to introduce the into the light component having a wavelength of about 25 sunlight focused through a lens or the like into a photo 500 mm, whereby a photochemical reaction can more conductor through which it is transmitted to any de effectively be induced in the induction substance. When sired place for the illumination or other purpose. In the flow rate of the induction substance is controlled addition, a part of the sunlight which is not used of depending upon the intensity of the sunlight, a light illumination can effectively be used to accumulate the detecting cell 6 is disposed on a line extending from the 30 energy in he induction substance, which is thereafter focus of the lens 1 and on the outer surface of the under used as heat energy. According to the present inven side of the fluid passage 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The tion, the sunlight can effectively be used. If the light flow rate of the induction substance is controlled by the receiving end 7a of the photoconductor 7 is located in output signal of the cell 6, so that the light acting upon the rear of the focal point P of ultraviolet rays, as illus the induction substance is directly detected, thereby 35 trated in FIG. 7, the visible light is admitted into the more effectively controlling the flow rate of the induc photoconductor 7 without introducing thereinto the tion substance. light component having a short wavelength, such as The embodiments in which the sunlight energy is ultraviolet rays, and reaches the rear induction sub accumulated in the induction substance have been de stance. In this manner, the sunlight can more effectively scribed. In what follows, explanation will h-made to be used. It is noted that the induction substance reacts several embodiments wherein the aforesaid accumula photochemically with the light component having a tor arrangement for the sunlight energy is effectively wavelength of no more than about 400 nm. combined with the sunlight collector arrangement al FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section showing part of a still ready proposed by the present applicant. further embodiment of the present invention. In this To make most effective use of the sunlight energy, it 45 embodiment, the fluid passage 2 formed of a transparent has to be applied as light energy without converting it body, through which the induction substance 3 flows, is into another form of energy such as light or electric provided on its inner wall with the black body 5 as energy. From this point-of-view, the present applicant illustrated, by which the sunlight energy entering the has made various proposals about the sunlight collec fluid passage 2 is effectively transmitted to the induction tors in which the sunlight energy is focused through a 50 substance 3 to increase its temperature. In the recovery lens or the like into a photoconductor, through which it of the induction substance, the heat energy carried by is transmitted to a place where illumination is needed. In said induction substance can be used. the following embodiments, sunlight collector as men FIG. 9 is a longitudinal section showing part of a still tioned above is effectively incorporated into the afore further embodiment of the present invention, As illus said arrangement for the conversion of the sunlight 55 trated, the fluid passage 2 formed of a transparent body, energy into heat energy, whereby the light and heat through which the induction substance 3 flows, is pro energies of the sunlight can simultaneously be utilized in vided on its underside with the solar cell 4, upon which a single unit. the light transmitted through the induction substance 3 FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section illustrating part of a acts effectively according to this embodiment, the sun still further embodiment of the present invention, and light can also be used as electric energy. With such an FIG. 6 a view as viewed from the direction of the line arrangement, the light component having a short wave A-A of FIG. 5. In these FIGURES, 1 is a lens for length is absorbed without reaching the solar cell. It is focusing the sunlight L., 7 a photoconductor having its thus unlikely that such a light component may be accu light receiving end 7a disposed in the vicinity of the mulated as heat energy in the solar cell, and the effi focal position of the lens 1, and 2 a fluid passage formed 65 ciency of the solar cell may drop for that reason. As will of a transparent body and disposed in the rear of the easily be appreciated from FIG. 10, the black body 5 of light receiving end 7a of the photoconductor 7. Within FIG.8 may be used in combination with the solar cell 4 the fluid passage 2, there is an induction substance 3 to of FIG. 9.

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While the present invention has been described with chemical reaction; and a solar cell disposed on the outer reference to its specific embodiments, it is not limited surface of a part of said fluid passage outside of said thereto. For instance, if the flow rate of the induction vicinity of said focal points. substance is controlled in response to a detection signal 2. A solar energy accumulator arrangement compris resulting from the detection of the intensity of the sun ing a transparent conduit defining a fluid passage; an light, the energy is then more effectively accumulated induction substance flowing through said fluid passage in the induction substance. When the present invention at a flow rate responsive to the intensity of sunlight, said is applied within the atmosphere containing less ultravi induction substance being of a type which transforms to olet rays, a sensitizer may be mixed with the induction a higher energy level by a photochemical reaction to substance. The light component having a wavelength of 10 thereby accumulate solar energy from the light compo no more than about 360 nm is converted by said sensi nent thereof, whereby, when the energy level of said tizer into the light component having a wavelength of induction substance returns to its original state, said about 500 nm, with the result that a photochemical energy is emitted as heat; a plurality of optical systems reaction is more effectively induced in the induction disposed to focus the sunlight onto said fluid passage to substance. 15 increase the intensity of said sunlight, said optical sys FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section showing part of a tem focusing said sunlight sufficiently to transform said still further embodiment of the present invention, and induction substance to a higher energy level by a photo FIG. 12 is a plan view of FIG. 11. This embodiment is effectively applied to the sunlight in outer space which chemical reaction; a solar cell disposed on the outer surface of a part of said fluid passage downstream of contains large amounts of X-rays, shortwave ultraviolet 20 said optical systems and outside of said vicinity of said rays such as vacuum ultraviolet rays and medium or long wave ultraviolet rays. The sensitizer required in focal points; and a black body disposed on the inner surface of a part of said fluid passage downstream of the foregoing embodiments is dispensed with, since the said optical systems.

sensitizer may be destroyed by intensive ultraviolet 3. The arrangement as recited in any one of claims 1 rays. The most characteristic feature of this embodi 25 or 2 in which said induction substance contains a photo ment is that intensive ultraviolet rays, etc. are absorbed sensitizer.

in the induction substance without introducing there into light components having such a short wavelength, ing4.aAtransparent solar energy accumulator arrangement compris conduit defining a fluid passage; an so that only the visible light of good quality and safety is admitted into the induction substance. Since the fluid 30 induction substance flowing through said fluid passage passage 2 of a transparent body is disposed in front of at a flow rate responsive to the intensity of sunlight, said the lens 1 in this embodiment, there is no need for the induction a higher substance being of a type which transforms to energy level by a photochemical reaction to provision of any opening for the insertion of the photo conductor through the fluid passage. Hence, the fluid thereby accumulate solar energy from the light compo passage of a simple structure is easily be assembled at 35 nent thereof, whereby, when the energy level of said low cost. induction substance returns to its original state, said What is claimed is: energy is emitted as heat; a plurality of optical systems 1. A solar energy accumulator arrangement compris disposed to focus the sunlight onto said fluid passage to ing a transparent conduit defining a fluid passage; an increase the intensity of said sunlight, said optical sys induction substance flowing through said fluid passage tem focusing said sunlight sufficiently to transform said at a flow rate responsive to the intensity of sunlight, said induction substance to a higher energy level by a photo induction substance being of a type which transforms to chemical reaction; and a light detecting cell disposed on a higher energy level by a photochemical reaction to a line extending from the focal point of said lens and on thereby accumulate solar energy from the light compo the outer surface of the underside of said fluid passage, nent thereof, whereby when the energy level of said 45 said cell producing an output signal in response to induction substance returns to its original state, said which the fluid flow rate of said induction substance is energy is emitted as heat; a plurality of optical systems controlled.

disposed to focus the sunlight onto said fluid passage to 5. The arrangement as recited in any one of claims 1, increase the intensity of said sunlight, said optical sys 2 or 4, wherein substantially the entire periphery of said ten focusing said sunlight sufficiently to transform said 50 conduit is transparent.

induction substance to a higher energy level by a photo