Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
RADIATION DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present specification relates generally to solar (and other)
radiation concentration and also
to a method for manipulating weather and climate conditions for plants.
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and
methods for reflecting,
collecting, blocking, or emitting radiation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the prior art can be found technology for reflecting, collecting,
blocking, or emitting radiation.
[0004] In US9673751B2, Dobney describes an invention related to concentrating
solar or other types of
radiation. Embodiments of the Dobney rotating furling catenary solar
concentrator employ a frame that
is heavy and costly to construct, which affects the economic viability of the
invention.
[0005] In US9673751B2, Dobney describes an invention related to arranging
reflective surfaces for
concentration of solar or other types of radiation. Embodiments of the Dobney
rotating furling catenary
solar concentrator employ gearing and linkages to achieve furling, the cost
and weight of which affect
the economic viability of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the
Dobney rotating furling
catenary solar concentrator can be implemented in ganged arrays, which can be
difficult to construct.
[0006] In US9673751B2, Dobney describes an invention related to collecting or
receiving solar energy or
other types of radiation. Embodiments of the Dobney rotating furling catenary
solar concentrator
employ various types of receivers for collecting concentrated radiation, such
as photovoltaic and fluid
type receivers, which are difficult to implement in an array.
[0007] In US9673751B2, Dobney describes an invention related to protecting
reflective elements of a
concentrating device. Embodiments of the Dobney rotating furling catenary
solar concentrator employ
actuators the protectively furl a reflective surface in response to only a
limited set of conditions.
[0008] In US9091462B2, Ratti and Vanzo describe an invention related to
providing shade and collecting
solar energy. The invention employs a suspended canopy system used for solar
concentration and
providing shade. However, the invention is heavy, costly, and susceptible to
wind damage.
[0009] In KR20100123130A ("Sunshine shading structure with solar cell for
growing shade plants") an
invention is described that relates to shading plants or crops and enhancing
growth of plants
(particularly shade plants or shade crops). A photovoltaic array is used to
shade plants, and the power
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
from the array is used to operate lights that deliver a suitably reduced
lighting intensity to the shade
plants below. Such a system incurs the high cost of a support structure and of
photovoltaic cells.
[00010] In U54200904A, Doan describes an invention relating to providing
lighting to an area and
collecting solar energy. The invention employs solar cells, batteries, that
power lights mounted on a
post. The invention is costly to construct.
[00011] In U53902668A, Daugherty and Eaton describe a center pivot irrigation
system that relates to
distributing water to an area. Like conventional linear move irrigation
systems (and those typical of the
mobile drip irrigation system of Thom in U56343749B1), the system requires a
truss structure which is
expensive, and it is necessary to move the unit through the area/terrain to be
watered.
[00012] In U57048010B2, Golan and Meisless describe a conventional drip
irrigation system, much of
which is susceptible to damage by virtue of being on the ground.
[00013] Radiation heat losses from warm terrestrial objects (e.g. ¨ plants,
crops) is elevated when such
objects are in view of a clear night sky (due to the effective "low
temperature" of the clear night sky, for
example, as described by the Swinbank formula). In U54462390A, Holdrige Taff
and Yanda describe an
invention that relates to reducing radiative cooling losses from an area. The
invention employs thermal
barriers that are disposed between plants located within a greenhouse, and the
night sky. At certain
times, the thermal barriers of the invention are closed to reduce undue
radiative heat losses from the
plants to the night sky. The invention is costly to construct.
[00014] Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00015] The radiation device may concentrate solar or other types of
radiation. According to an
embodiment, the radiation device provides for arranging reflective surfaces
for concentration of solar or
other types of radiation. According to an embodiment, the radiation device
collects or receives solar
energy or other types of radiation. Radiation device may protect reflective
elements of a concentrating
device.
[00016] Radiation device may relate to providing shade. Radiation device may
provide shade to plants
or crops and thereby enhance growth of plants. According to an embodiment,
radiation device provides
lighting to an area. According to an embodiment, radiation device may provide
shade to an area.
According to an embodiment, radiation device may distribute water to an area.
According to an
embodiment, radiation device may reduce radiative cooling losses from an area.
According to an
embodiment, radiation device may reduce heat gain of planet earth.
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided
a radiation device,
comprising: a reflective sheet; a suspension framework; one or more support
cables, attachable at each
cable end to the suspension framework; a receiver disposed above at least a
portion of the reflective
sheet that is supported by one or more support cables, such that it receives
concentrated radiation
reflected from the reflective sheet when the reflective sheet is unfurled; a
furling and unfurling
mechanism; one or more drums attachable to one or more ends of the reflective
sheet; a actuating fluid
that actuates unfurling; and a actuating fluid source that is controlled by a
controller to adjust actuating
fluid supply.
[00018] The furling and unfurling mechanism may comprise at least one
inflatable coil supported on one
end by one of the support cables and attachable on the other end to one or
more drums.
[00019] The inflatable coil may be attachable to coil springs.
[00020] The inflatable coil may unfurl when the actuating fluid is released
into the inflatable coils.
[00021] The one or more drums may be inflatable.
[00022] The one or more support cables may be hollow.
[00023] A fluid may flow through the one or more support cables.
[00024] An irrigator may be suspended from the suspension framework
[00025] The reflective sheet may hang in a trough shape when in an unfurled
position.
[00026] The receiver may comprise one or more of: a thermal collector, a
photovoltaic cell, or a device
that can both emit and adsorb light.
[00027] One or more lights may be suspended from the suspension framework.
[00028] Multiple receivers, reflective sheets, inflatable coils, and drums may
be supported by a single
suspension framework.
[00029] The suspension framework may comprise one or more arms rotating about
a vertical axis in
unison, wherein at least one support cable extends from the arms.
[00030] The furling and unfurling mechanism may comprise: one or more racks
attachable to a central
inflatable actuator on an end of each rack, and a pressurized fluid releasable
into a central inflatable
actuator.
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00031] The furling and unfurling mechanism may include a reaction force to a
vent fluid.
[00032] According to another embodiment, there is provided a method of
manipulating weather and
climate conditions for plants, comprising: erecting a suspension framework;
attaching one or more
support cables to the suspension framework; supporting one or more inflatables
with the one or more
support cables; linking one or more drums to the inflatables; connecting one
or more ends of one or
more sheets to the one or more drums; and releasing a fluid into the
inflatables such that the one or
more drums linked to the inflatables rotate and move transversely away from a
central position such
that the sheet unfurls and hangs from the drums.
[00033] The inflatables may be inflatable coils.
[00034] The one or more support cables may support two or more receivers, such
that the receivers, the
inflatable coils, the sheets, and the drums are arrayed along a single
suspension framework.
[00035] The one or more support cables may be hollow.
[00036] The radiation device may furl or unfurl or position the sheet in
reaction to analyzing factors
comprising one or more of the following: time of day, incoming radiation
intensity, incoming radiation
direction, level of specular in coming radiation, level of diffuse incoming
radiation, wind speed, level or
quality of ambient airborne dust or debris, presence of animal pests that may
interfere, ambient
temperature, desired plant lighting intensity and duration for plants beneath
the system, desired plant
water duration and intensity for plants beneath the system, estimated night
sky temperature with
respect to radiative losses from plants beneath the system, availability of
actuating fluids, demand for
heat from heat load, manual instruction or override, latitude, longitude, or
location.
[00037] With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will become
apparent to those skilled in
the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the
invention is herein described by
reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, which includes a
description of the
typical embodiments of the principles of the present invention.
[00038] Other aspects and features according to the present application will
become apparent to those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of
embodiments of the invention in
conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00039] The principles of the invention may be better understood with
reference to the accompanying
figures provided by way of illustration of an exemplary embodiment, or
embodiments, incorporating
principles and aspects of the present invention, and in which:
[00040] FIG. 1 is an orthographic view of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00041] FIG. 2 is a top view of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
[00042] FIG. 3 is a front view of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
[00043] FIG. 4 is a side view of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
[00044] FIG. 5 is an orthographic view of a radiation device with the
reflective sheet unfurled, according
to an embodiment;
[00045] FIG. 6 is an orthographic view of a radiation device with the
reflective sheet furled, according to
an embodiment;
[00046] FIG. 7 is an orthographic view of a radiation device in alternate
position, according to an
embodiment;
[00047] FIG. 8 is a top view of a radiation device in alternate position,
according to an embodiment;
[00048] FIG. 9 is a schematic operating logic method diagram for a method of
manipulating weather and
climate conditions for crops, according to an embodiment;
[00049] FIG. 10 is an orthographic view of an arrayed radiation device,
according to an embodiment;
[00050] FIG. 11 is an orthographic view of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
[00051] FIG. 12 is a top view of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
[00052] FIG. 13 is a front view of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
[00053] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a radiation device, according to an
embodiment;
[00054] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of common supply tubing of a radiation
device employing
combination thermal-irrigation fluid, according to an embodiment;
[00055] FIG. 16 is a conceptual elevation view of a reflective sheet and
inflation coil and coil spring,
partially flattened in a storage position, according to an embodiment;
[00056] FIG. 17 is a conceptual elevation cut-away view of an element of a
radiation device that may
facilitate furling of a reflective sheet by discharge of a compressed fluid,
shown during pressurization,
according to an embodiment;
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00057] FIG. 18 is a conceptual elevation cut-away view of an element of a
radiation device that may
facilitate furling of a reflective sheet by discharge of a compressed fluid,
shown during depressurization,
according to an embodiment;
[00058] FIG. 19 is a conceptual end view of elements of a radiation device
that may facilitate furling of a
reflective sheet by discharge of a compressed fluid, shown during
depressurization, according to an
embodiment;
[00059] FIG. 20 is a hydraulic schematic of a gravity type thermal fluid
circulation system of a radiation
device, according to an embodiment;
[00060] FIG. 21 is a conceptual elevation view of elements of a radiation
device, shown during furling,
according to an embodiment;
[00061] FIG. 22 is a conceptual plan view of elements of a radiation device,
shown during furling,
according to an embodiment;
[00062] FIG. 23 is a conceptual elevation view of elements of a radiation
device, shown during furling,
according to an embodiment;
[00063] FIG. 24 is a conceptual plan view of elements of a radiation device,
shown during furling,
according to an embodiment; and
[00064] FIG. 25 is a conceptual cross section of an inflatable coil of a
radiation device, shown during
furling, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[00065] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein,
are provided by way of
illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the
principles of the present
invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and
not of limitation, of those
principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked
throughout the specification
and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are
not necessarily to
scale and, in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated in order
to more clearly depict
certain features of the invention.
[00066] Drawings are not to scale. In some cases, for clarity of presentation,
the embodiment presented
may be a simplified version of an embodiment more likely to be employed. In
certain embodiment
descriptions, certain features will be explained in less detail than others,
because of commonality with
features described elsewhere. In some embodiments shown, thermal insulation is
omitted from view
for clarity.
6
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00067] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 1 through 9, a radiation
device 0100, thermal
receiver, actuating fluid 0103, thermal fluid 0104, irrigation fluid 0105 for
solar concentration, energy
collection, shading of plants, and nighttime thermal blanketing of plants is
described. Accordingly, the
radiation device 0100 may provide cost effective radiation concentration and
collector, enhance plant
growth, etc.
[00068] FIGs 1 through 8 shows physical aspects of an embodiment of the
radiation device. FIG. 9 is a
"decision tree" type schematic that shows logic applicable to operation of an
embodiment of a radiation
device 0100.
[00069] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 through 8, radiation
device 0100 comprises a
sheet 0001, which according to an embodiment includes an upper surface that
may be reflective, and
may be furled at one end on inflatable drum 0041 and at its other end on
inflatable drum 0042.
Inflatable drum 0041 may be linked via inflate check valves 0151 and 0152 to
inflatable coils 0051 and
0052 (also referred to as inflatables) respectively, which may be coiled by
coil spring 0055 and 0056
respectively when actuating fluid 0103 is not provided and uncoiled when
actuating fluid 0103 is
provided from adjoining actuating fluid tubing network 0161. Similarly,
inflatable drum 0042 may be
linked to inflate check valve 0153 and 0154 and inflatable coil 0053 and 0054,
which are coiled by coil
springs 0057 and 0058 respectively when actuating fluid 0103 is not provided
and uncoiled when
actuating fluid 0103 is provided from adjoining actuating fluid tubing network
0162. According to an
embodiment, inflatable coils 0051 and 0052 and 0053 and 0054 (also referred to
as inflatables) may
inflate or deflate by uncoiling or coiling respectively in a similar manner to
a "party horn". In some
embodiments, economical ball check valves may be employed in the check valve
applications (0151,
0152, 0153, and 0154). Inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053, and 0054 together
comprise a furling and
unfurling mechanism 0101.
[00070] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, provision of
actuating fluid 0103
causes inflation of inflatable drums 0041 and 0042 as well as of inflatable
coils 0051, 0052, 0053, and
0054 (which may be referred to as inflatables), which causes sheet 0001 (which
may be reflective) to be
unfurled into a trough or catenary shape, which, when rotated appropriately
about a vertical axis by
positioning system 0090 (such that a horizontal line focus of the catenary
shape is parallel to incident
radiation) allows incident radiation (e.g. ¨ sunlight) to be reflected and
concentrated onto a receiver
0021 (which is located at a line focus region of the catenary shape).
[00071] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, the receiver
0021 and inflatable
coils 0051, 0052, 0053 and 0054 may be supported by a support 0022. One end of
each coil spring 0055,
0056, 0057 and 0058 may be connected to support 0022, and the other end of
each is linked to
inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053, and 0054 respectively.
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00072] Support 0022 may be supported by thermal fluid tubing networks 0171
and 0172. In some
embodiments, support 0022 protects or covers or houses furled sheet 0001
(which may be reflective)
from weather conditions.
[00073] In some embodiments, support 0022 and receiver 0021 are integrated
into one unit. For
example, the two may be integrated as a flat receiver that is encased, or not,
in a transparent pane (not
shown). For example, the two may be integrated as a circular receiver that is
encased, or not, in a
transparent pane (not shown).
[00074] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, removal of
actuating fluid 0103 (or
pressure thereof), may cause inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053 and 0054 to
deflate, and to coil or furl
onto themselves, due to torque imparted by coil springs 0055, 0056, 0057 and
0058 respectively,
thereby causing inflatable drums 0041 and 0042 (which remain inflated due to
check valves 0151, 0152,
0153 and 0154) to rotate and retract centrally towards each other and towards
support 0022, which
may cause (reflective) sheet 0001 to furl onto drums 0041 and 0042.
[00075] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, support 0022,
inflatable coils 0051,
0052, 0053 and 0054, coil springs 0055, 0056, 0057, and 0058, and sheet 0001
(or a subset thereof) are
implemented to be easily removable to facilitate maintenance or replacement.
[00076] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, coil springs
0055, 0056, 0057, and
0058 are linked to, but separate from, inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053 and
0054, and due to this
arrangement, replacement of inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053 and 0054 (which
may deform undesirably
over time) is simplified.
[00077] In some embodiments, coil springs 0055, 0056, 0057, and 0058 may be
integral to inflatable
coils 0051, 0052, 0053 and 0054. In some embodiments, coil springs 0055, 0056,
0057, and 0058 pass
through a sleeve(s) of inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053 and 0054; such an
arrangement may allow
interconnection (of inflatable coil and coil spring) while facilitating
periodic removal of coil spring 0055,
0056, 0057, and 0058. In some embodiments, a coil spring 0055, 0056, 0057, and
0058 may not be
included (e.g.- if furling may be facilitated by other means).
[00078] In some embodiments, cable stays or supporting elements may be used to
guide or assist
inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053, and 0054 during inflation or after
inflation or during deflation or after
deflation.
[00079] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, inflatable
drums 0041 and 0042 may
remain inflated. However, in some embodiments, leakage from drums 0041 and
0042 may be tolerated,
or may be desired, and may permit a reduced profile to wind loads or other
loads in certain conditions,
for example, in windy conditions.
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00080] In some embodiments, leakable drum material is accepted or desired,
thereby allowing usage of
economical drum material. In some embodiments, formation of the cylindrical
shape of drums 0041
and 0042 may be carried out only just prior to furling, to facilitate furling
sheet 0001 (which may be
reflective) onto drums 0041 and 0042 (for example, smoothly). In some
embodiments, at certain times
drums 0041 and 0042 may be deflated such that the cylindrical shape of same is
not maintained.
[00081] In some embodiments, drums 0041 and 0042 may be equipped with end
pieces (not shown)
that engage with support 0022 such that, in the furled position, drums 0041
and 0042 may remain in a
cylindrical shape, despite leakage of actuating fluid 0103, and by virtue of,
for example, tension achieved
by engagement of drum end pieces (not shown) with support 0022.
[00082] In some embodiments, inflatables drums 0041 and 0042 may be employed;
in some solid drums
may be employed.
[00083] In some embodiments, support 0022 may act as a retraction housing (not
shown) that may
include flaps, panels, or recesses that cover drums 0041 and 0042 (from
weather, wildlife, rain, hail,
sand, debris for example) when in the furled position. In some embodiments,
flaps or panels may be
displaced by drums 0041 and 0042 (or by furling and unfurling mechanism 0101
or components thereof,
or by other components that may be linked to furling and unfurling mechanism
0101, or not). In some
embodiments, a housing is not employed. In some embodiments, receiver 0021
serves as a support
mechanism, with or without the use of support 0022 or retraction housing (not
shown). In some
embodiments, actuated flaps or spring-loaded flaps may facilitate deflation
and stowage. In some
embodiments, additional actuators or spring-loaded components may be employed
to achieve stowage
in a step-wise manner.
[00084] In some embodiments, the approximate furled length of the trough or
catenary shape formed
by sheet 0001 (which may be reflective) may be approximately equal to a sum of
circumferences of
drum(s) 0041 and 0042 multiplied by a number of revolutions made by drum(s)
0041 and 0042 during
unfurling. In some embodiments, wherein a length of inflated inflatable
coil(s) 0051, 0052, 0053 and
0054 may be approximately equal to a length of unfurled sheet 0001, or near to
it (for example), a
required diameter of inflatable drums 0041 and 0042 may be reduced.
[00085] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, thermal fluid
0104 may be
circulated to receiver 0021 through thermal fluid tubing networks 0171 and
0172. As shown in FIG. 1,
tubes of thermal fluid tubing networks 0171 and 0172 may be festooned from
arms 0013 and 0014
which may be linked and rotated in unison (each about their respective
vertical axis) by positioning
system 0090, and thereby receiver 0021 and sheet 0001 may be moved to a
position required for
radiation concentration.
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00086] In some embodiments, thermal fluid tubing networks 0171 and 0172 may
be festooned over
more than two arms 0013 and 0014, for example, by inclusion of intermediate
post-mounted
positioning arms.
[00087] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, actuating
fluid tubing network 0161
and 0162 may form annuli around tubes of thermal fluid tubing networks 0171
and 0172. Irrigation fluid
tubing network 0181 and 0182 (also referred to as irrigators) may form an
annulus around annular tubes
of thermal fluid tubing network 0171 and 0172 or actuating fluid tubing
network 0161 and 0162.
According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 7, various sections of
irrigation fluid tubing
network 0181 and 0182 may be perforated, such that, when irrigation fluid 0105
is provided thereto
from irrigation fluid supply system 0080 (and, for example, when a positioning
system 0090 causes
irrigation fluid tubing network to be in a desired position above an area to
be watered) irrigation fluid
0105 may flow to the area to be irrigated below.
[00088] In some embodiments, an annular tubular arrangement may be exploited
for insulative effect,
to reduce heat loss from thermal fluid. Additionally, insulation may be added
to reduce heat loss from
thermal fluid tubing networks 0171 and 0172. In some embodiments, some or all
of tubing networks
0161 ,0162, 0171, 0172, 0181, 0182 may be arranged in an integrated manner, in
others a non-
integrated, in others a semi-integrated manner (e.g. ¨ adjacent but non-
annular tubes).
[00089] In some embodiments, opposing inflatable coils, for example the pair
of inflatable coils 0051
and 0053, or for example the pair of inflatable coils 0052 and 0054, or both
pairs, may be connected to
each other directly. In some embodiments, support 0022 may include channels
that distribute actuating
fluid 0103. In some embodiments, actuating fluid 0103 may be delivered via an
annulus around (at least
a portion of) receiver 0021 which may distribute actuating fluid 0103 to
inflatable coils 0051, 0052,
0053, or 0054.
[00090] In some embodiments, the width of sheet 0001 may be equal to the width
of receiver 0021; in
other embodiments widths may differ. In some embodiments, two drums 0041 and
0042 may be
employed; in some a single drum may be employed, in some more than two drums
may be employed.
[00091] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, actuating
fluid supply system 0060
may be adjusted by actuating fluid control system 0061 according to logic
described in FIG. 9, to regulate
supply and removal of actuating fluid 0103 according to conditions or
criteria, in order to achieve
radiation concentration when desired, or shading when desired, or thermal
blanketing of plants when
desired, or irrigation when desired. In some embodiments, a combination
thereof may be achieved.
[00092] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, a thermal
fluid supply system 0070
may circulate thermal fluid 0104 (via thermal fluid tubing networks 0171 and
0172) to thermal receiver
0021 to allow collection of heat energy at the focus of the sheet 0001, and to
circulate thermal fluid
0104 to a thermal load 0071.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00093] According to an embodiment as show in FIG. 1 through 8, an irrigation
fluid supply system 0080
may deliver irrigation fluid 0105 (which may include water or fertilizer or
pesticides or nutrients or other
constituents) from an irrigation fluid source to an area to be irrigated, via
irrigation fluid tubing network
0181 and 0182.
[00094] FIG. 9 shows sample logic which may be implemented manually, by
computer, by automated
systems, or other means, to operate actuating fluid supply system 0060
desirably. Variations to the
logic, variations to conditions, variations to criteria, additional criteria,
or fewer criteria may be
employed. By operating according to certain criteria, an inexpensive or
delicate sheet 0001 (which
would otherwise not be utilizable) may be employed. Manual or computer or
automatic control
systems or methods for adjusting actuating fluid 0103 supply (and positioning
of sheet 0001) may be
referred to collectively as controllers.
[00095] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 9, actuating
fluid control system 0061
operates actuating fluid supply system 0060. According to an embodiment as
show in FIGs 1 through 9,
actuating fluid control system 0061 receives or stores information as input
which may include current
actual data or future estimated data comprising: time of day, incoming
radiation intensity, incoming
radiation direction, level of specular incoming radiation, level of diffuse
incoming radiation, wind speed,
level or quality of ambient airborne dust or debris, presence of animal pests
that may interfere, ambient
temperature, desired plant lighting intensity and duration for plants beneath
the system, desired plant
water duration and intensity for plants beneath the system, estimated night
sky temperature with
respect to radiative losses from plants beneath the system, availability of
actuating or thermal or
irrigation fluids, demand for heat from heat load, manual instruction or
override, latitude, longitude,
location. In some embodiments, received or stored information is used to
inform control actions.
[00096] As shown in FIG. 9, to avoid damage, a "general precondition" to
unfurling the sheet 0001 may
be that rainfall levels, wind speed, and ambient dust levels are acceptably
low (module 0191).
[00097] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG 9, if the "general
precondition" is satisfied, a
"concentration precondition" may be checked to verify that an intensity of
incoming (e.g. ¨ solar)
radiation is sufficiently high, sufficiently specular, and arriving at an
angle that will result in sufficient
energy transfer to receiver 0021 to warrant unfurling, because each unfurling
may be associated with
some risk of damage or wear (module 0192).
[00098] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG 9, if the "concentration
precondition" is satisfied,
a "plant lighting precondition" may be checked, to verify that concentration
of radiation is more
desirable than allowing incoming radiation to pass unimpeded to plants below
(module 0193).
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[00099] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG 9, if the "plant lighting
precondition" is satisfied, a
"plant watering precondition" may be checked, to verify that concentration of
radiation is more
profitable than watering plants below (module 0194). In some embodiments,
radiation concentration
and plant watering may not occur simultaneously. In some embodiments,
radiation concentration and
plant watering may occur simultaneously.
[000100] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, if the "general
precondition" is satisfied but
the "concentration precondition" is not, a "shading precondition" may be
checked, to verify that
unfurling sheet 0001 will provide shade and a desired (reduced) plant lighting
intensity for a desired
duration to the plants 0025 below (module 0195). Certain plants may grow more
favourably in shade
(e.g ¨ arugula, lettuce, hostas, and many other plants). Providing shade to
certain plants according to a
desired schedule may promote growth, or may affect growth desirably, or may
initiate flowering (e.g. ¨
short-day plants) or may provide other benefits. Providing shade to soil (also
referred to by the general
term plants) may provide benefits.
[000101] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, if the "general
precondition" is satisfied but
neither the "concentration precondition" nor the "shading precondition" are
satisfied, a "blanket
precondition" may be checked, to verify that unfurling sheet 0001 is warranted
and may prevent undue
radiative losses from the plants below, to the night sky, for example (module
0196). Placing a sheet
0001 between the plants and the night sky may in some circumstances reduce
radiative losses desirably.
[000102] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, if the preconditions
for solar concentration
are satisfied (general, concentration, plant lighting, plant watering), or if
the "shading precondition" is
satisfied, or if the "blanketing precondition" is satisfied, sheet 0001 may be
unfurled (module 0197).
Otherwise, sheet 0001 may be made to furl (or to remain furled). Actuating
fluid supply system 0060,
thermal fluid supply system 0070, and irrigation fluid supply system 0080 may
be operated accordingly.
[000103] In some embodiments, radiation device 0100 may be implemented to
concentrate radiation at
times, provide shading at times, or provide blanketing at times. In some
embodiments, radiation device
0100 may be implemented to achieve only one or some of these functions.
According to an
embodiment where radiation concentration may be a primary objective, a sheet
0001 that is highly
reflective may be employed. According to an embodiment where radiation
concentration may not be a
primary objective (e.g. ¨ wherein providing shade to plants is a primary
objective), a sheet 0001 of
reduced reflectivity may be employed.
[000104] In some embodiments, when sheet 0001 is unfurled, areas or plants may
be shaded from
specular radiation (by sheet 0001) but may remain irradiated (or illuminated)
with diffuse or scattered
light passing adjacent to unfurled sheet 0001. Thereby, a desirably reduced
but non-zero light incidence
to the plants may be achieved. This may be generally desirable during periods
of high radiation intensity
(e.g. - near noon), when it is advantageous to both concentrate radiation and
to provide shade to shade
plants.
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000105] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, sheets 0001 are arrayed so
as to intercept a higher
(or optimal) proportion of radiation across a given area (while unfurled)
while admitting a lower (or
optimal) proportion of lighting to the plants below. In some such embodiments,
the system may be
operated to achieve maximum solar concentration at or near midday (when, for
example, cosine losses
are lowest), and to achieve maximum direct insolation to plants below during
certain other times (with
surface 0001 furled) for example, when lighting intensity is reduced.
[000106] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 through 9, a common
surface (for example,
sheet 0001) may be used for concentration and shading. In other embodiments,
separate surfaces are
used for concentration and shading. In some embodiments, surface 0001 may be
partially transparent
and partially reflective, which in some embodiments, may permit favourable
usage of economic material
for surface 0001.
[000107] In some embodiments, the surface 0001 may be oriented at times with
its reflective face
upwards for radiation concentration, and at times downwards to enhance
nighttime blanketing. In
some embodiments, radiation device 0100 may include a mechanism that rotates
inflatable coils 0051,
0052, 0053, and 0054 and related parts 180 degrees along a common horizontal
axis, so as to invert the
sheet 0001.
[000108] In some embodiments, both sides of sheet 0001 may be substantially
reflective; in some
embodiment one side may be substantially reflective; in some embodiments
reflectivity of both sides
may be reduced.
[000109] In some embodiments, sheet 0001 may be perforated to, for example,
reduce an impact of
wind loading to an acceptable level.
[000110] In some embodiments, actuating fluid control system 0061 may utilize
external data (such as
environmental data or plant cultivation related data or other data or
instructions or wirelessly
transmitted data) that is provided from a central source, or remote source, or
service provider, etc. In
some embodiments, such data may be provided as a paid service. In some such
embodiments, a central
system, that employs sensors and comprehensive data collection for example,
may be leveraged to
serve many installations costs effectively. In some embodiments, camera
observations and other
measurements of plants or soil conditions or conditions affecting plants, in
the area or region of the
radiation device 0100, may be employed to inform control actions of the
actuating fluid control system
0061.
[000111] FIG. 5 shows radiation device 0100, according to an embodiment, with
sheet 0001 unfurled.
FIG. 6 shows sheet 0001 furled, according to an embodiment.
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000112] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, post-
mounted positioning arm
0013 is located to the east and mounted on post 0011 and rotates about the
vertical axis of post 0011.
According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, post-mounted
positioning arm 0014 is
located to the west and mounted on post 0012 and rotates about a vertical axis
of post 0012. Each of
east positioning arm 0013 and west positioning arm 0014 may be linked to north
thermal fluid tube
0171 (by a swivel 0121 and a swivel 0122 respectively) and to south thermal
fluid tube 0172 (by swivel
0123 and swivel 0124 respectively).
[000113] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, tubes 0171
and 0172 festoon
between arms 0013 and 0014. Positioning arm 0013 may be rotated due to a
linkage to position system
0090, and positioning arm 0014 may be driven in unison with positioning arm
0013 by virtue of common
connections to thermal tubing networks 0171 and 0172. Together arms 0013 and
0014 and post 0011
and post 0012 comprise a suspension framework 0010.
[000114] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8 during
radiation concentration,
thermal fluid supply system 0070 may circulate thermal fluid 0104 through
thermal fluid tubing
networks 0171 and 0172 which may be in series with thermal receiver 0021. One
possible thermal fluid
circulation pattern is shown in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment.
[000115] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, swivel 0125
may be mounted on
north thermal fluid tube 0171 and (indirectly) may support one end of thermal
receiver 0021 as well as
support 0022. According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, swivel
0126 may be mounted
on south thermal fluid tube 0172 and may support an opposite end of thermal
receiver 0021 as well as
an opposite end of support 0022. According to an embodiment as shown in FIGs 1
through 8, swivels
0121, 0122, 0123, 0124 may permit thermal fluid tubing networks 0171 and 0172
to rotate about the
vertical axes parallel of connection with arms 0013 and 0014, and with thermal
receiver 0021 and
support 0022, while remaining attached to same, as may be necessary during
operation of positioning
system 0090 to achieve (solar) radiation concentration.
[000116] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs 1 through 8, actuating
fluid supply system 0060
may supply actuating fluid 0103 to actuating fluid tubing networks 0161 and
0162 and thence to
inflation coils 0051, 0052, 0053, and 0054 (also referred to as inflatables)
and to drums 0041 and 0042.
[000117] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when irrigation is
required, positioning
system 0090 may rotate arms 0013 and 0014 to locate irrigation fluid tubing
networks 0181 and 0182
above plants 0025 and 0026 below such that irrigation fluid 0105 flows from
the irrigation fluid tubing
networks 0181 and 0182 downward to the intended plants. According to an
embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2, this may involve aligning each irrigation tubing networks 0181 and
0182 on an east-west axis.
Plants 0025 and plants 0026 may be arranged in row planting rows, as is common
in the art of farming.
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000118] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 1 to 8, support cables
0102 may be comprised
of one or more of tubing networks 0161, 0162, 0171, 0172, 0181 and 0182 which
may be festooned
between positioning arms 0013 and 0014 and in horizontal orientation. In other
embodiments, support
cables 0102 and tubing networks 0161, 0162, 0171, 0172, 0181 and 0182 may be
festooned between
positioning arms 0013 and 0014 such that they hang in a catenary shape.
[000119] In some embodiments support cables 0102 may be hollow; in some they
may not be. In some
embodiments, support cables 0102 and one or more of tubing networks 0161,
0162, 0171, 0172, 0181
and 0182 may be integrated; in others they may be separate.
[000120] In some embodiments, transfer of fluid (e.g. ¨ actuating fluid 0103
or thermal fluid 0104 or
irrigation fluid 0105) between parts that rotate or translate with respect to
one another (e.g. ¨ between
receiver 0021 and thermal fluid tubing network 0171 and 0172) is achieved by
integration with swivels
(e.g. - swivels 0121, 0122, 0123, 0124, 0125, and 0126) . In some embodiments,
transfer of fluid
between such parts may be facilitated by flexible tubing, rotary unions, or by
gravity transfer.
[000121] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 1 to 8, actuating fluid
supply system 0060 and
thermal fluid supply system 0070 and irrigation fluid supply system 0080 may
communicate fluid to
actuating fluid tubing networks 0161 or 0162 and thermal fluid tubing networks
0171 or 0172 and
irrigation fluid tubing networks 0181 or 0182 respectively, by flexible
tubing. In some other
embodiments, such communication may be achieved by swivels or flexible tubing
adjoining or
integrated with arms 0013 or 0014.
[000122] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an arrayed system
employing
concentrators, thermal receivers, actuating fluid, thermal fluid, irrigation
fluid; for solar concentration,
energy collection, irrigation, shading of plants, and nighttime blanketing of
plants is described.
Accordingly, the system may provide cost effective radiation concentration and
collector, enhance plant
growth, etc.
[000123] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, thermal fluid tubing
network 0171 and 0172
is festooned between (post-mounted) arms 0013 and 0014. Receiver 0021 and
sheet 0001 and are
supported by thermal fluid tubing network 0171 and 0172. According to an
embodiment as shown in
FIG. 10 receiver 0221 and sheet 0201 and are supported by thermal fluid tubing
network 0171 and0172.
A positioning system 0090 rotates positioning arm 0013 about a vertical axis
and northwest positioning
arm 0014 moves in unison by virtue of interconnection.
[000124] According to an embodiment, as shown FIG. 10, sheet 0001 and sheet
0201 are aligned in a
single row. In some embodiments, more than two sheets are included in a single
row. In some
embodiments, multiple rows are implemented (at same elevation or tiered). In
some embodiments, two
or more rows are ganged together to position receivers 0021 and sheets 0001 of
each row in unison.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
Ganging rows together may be achieved by a variety of methods and materials
(e.g. ¨ one or more solid
members may connect arms of adjacent rows, or one or more cables may connect
arms of adjacent
rows).
[000125] In some embodiments, thermal fluid tubing network 0171 may supply
receiver 0021 (or any
array of receivers 0021) with thermal fluid 0104 and thermal fluid tubing
network 0172 may return
thermal fluid 0104 to the location or vicinity of supply of thermal fluid
0104.
[000126] In some embodiments, thermal fluid tubing network 0171 may supply an
array of receivers
0021with thermal fluid 0104 and thermal fluid tubing network 0172 may convey
thermal fluid 0104 to a
location other than the source of supply of thermal fluid 0104. In such
embodiments, the net flow path
length or path resistance through each receiver 0021, may be substantially
similar, and in some such
embodiments, flow may be balanced by virtue thereof.
[000127] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 11 through 13, a
radiation device 0100 may
employ lift-actuated racks, which may be more cost-effective than some other
embodiments.
[000128] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 11 through 13, sheet
0001 is furled at one end
on an east drum 0041 and at the other end on a west drum 0042. East drum 0041
may be fixed to a
northeast gear 0311 on its north end, and to a southeast gear 0313 on its
south end. West drum 0042
may be fixed to a northwest gear 0312 on its north end, and to a southwest
gear 0314 on its south end.
[000129] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 11 through 13, a frame
0320 supports a
northeast pinon rack 0321, a northwest pinon rack 0322, a southeast pinon rack
0323, and a southwest
pinon rack 0324. Northeast gear 0311 may engage, rest upon, and traverse
northeast pinion rack 0321.
Northwest gear may 0312 engage, rest upon, and traverse northwest pinion rack
0322. Southeast gear
0313 may engage, rest upon, and traverse southeast pinion rack 0323. Southwest
gear 0314 may
engage, rest upon, and traverse southwest pinion rack 0324.
[000130] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 11 to 13, a bellows
0301 (also referred to as an
inflatable) may be mounted on frame 0320 and contacts an underside of
northeast pinon rack 0321 and
northwest pinon rack 0322. Bellows 0302 (also referred to as an inflatable)
may be mounted on frame
0320 and contacts an underside of southeast pinon rack 03323 and southwest
pinon rack 0324.
[000131] According to an embodiment, when no actuating fluid 0103 is fed to
bellows 0301 and 0302,
bellows 0301 and 0302 may be depressed, and all pinion racks may be tilted
such that east drum 0041
and west drum 0042 remain near each other, in a proximal position, and sheet
0001 remains furled.
When actuating fluid 0103 is fed to bellows 0301 and 0302, inward (proximal)
ends of pinon racks
00321, 00322, 00323 and 00324 may be raised such that east drum 0041 and west
drum 0042 traverse
(fall) and rotate along a path of their associated pinion racks (by virtue of
gear to rack connection) and
sheet 0001 is unfurled, which may enable concentration onto receiver 0021.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000132] In some embodiments, a lift-actuated type radiation device 0100 may
employ additional
inflation components, such as an inflatable drum(s) 0041 or 0042. In some
embodiments, a cylindrical
solid linear actuator may be used in place of, or in addition to, bellows 0301
and 0302; both types of
actuators may be termed as linear actuators. In some embodiments, retaining
guides prevent gears
0311, 0312, 0313, and 0314 from disengaging pinion racks 0321, 0322, 0323 and
0324.
[000133] In some embodiments, a lift actuated radiation device 0100, may
include a frame 0320 that
extends within the proximal or central or inboard area only, and the proximal
end of each rack 0321,
0322, 0323, and 0324 is supported by and linked to a scissors type mechanism
that is supported by or
integral with frame 0320, and said mechanism may cause the racks 0321, 0322,
0323, and 0324 (which
are cantilever supported by the frame 0320) to lift due to provision of
actuating fluid 0103, or to drop
by gravity due to the removal thereof, which may cause furling or unfurling
respectively.
[000134] In some embodiments, bellows 0301 and 0302 may act or travel in a
same direction of
movement as drums 0041 and 0042, and traversing of drums 0041 and 0042 along
pinion racks 0321,
0322, 0323 and 0324 may be achieved when bellows 0301 and 0302 pushes or pull
gears 0311, 0312,
0313, and 0314 linked to drums 0041 and 0042, from or towards a central
position respectively (rather
than by tilt of racks 0321, 0322, 0323 and 0324).
[000135] In some embodiments, rather than a rack and pinion, a track and wheel
engage by friction to
effect the desired rotation and translation of drums 0041 and 0042. Both racks
and tracks may be
referred to generally as racks.
[000136] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a receiver of a
system employing a
concentrator, thermal receiver, thermal fluid combination light
receiving/emitting electrical device,
photovoltaic cell, and lighting is described. Accordingly, the system may
provide cost effective radiation
concentration, electric power generation, lighting, enhance plant growth, etc.
[000137] As shown in FIG. 14, combination light receiving and emitting
electrical device 0401 may
generate a voltage when irradiated and may emit light when a voltage is
applied. For example, some
devices that exhibit this behaviour are described in various references
including in "INVESTIGATING THE
PHOTOVOLTAIC BEHAVIOUR OF LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE (LED)", Ogochukwu, Okonkwo,
Nweze, IJRRAS
15 (3), June 2013. Combination light receiving and emitting electrical device
0401 may be mounted on
an underside of receiver 0021 and may be located at the line focus of sheet
0001.
[000138] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 14, when irradiated with
concentrated light
from sheet 0001, combination light receiving and emitting electrical device
0401 generates a voltage
and supplies electrical energy to an external load 0411. A portion of the
concentrated radiation incident
on the combination light receiving and emitting electrical device 0401 may be
converted to electrical
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
energy. Heat generated at combination device 0401 may be adsorbed at receiver
0021 and transferred
to a thermal fluid 0104.
[000139] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, when desired (for
example, at night, when
solar concentration is not occurring), and when sheet 0001 is furled and
stowed in a manner that does
not obstruct light emission from light receiving and emitting electrical
combination device 0401, an
external power source 0421 may provide electrical energy to combination light
receiving and emitting
electrical device 0401, and in response combination light receiving and
emitting electrical device 0401
emits light to the area below. By utilizing combination light receiving and
emitting electrical device 0401
for two functions, namely radiation energy collection and light emission,
financial viability may be
enhanced.
[000140] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 14, a photovoltaic cell
0402 may be suspended
from suspension framework 0010 and may be irradiated with concentrated
radiation from sheet 0001 to
generate electrical power. Photovoltaic cell 0402 may be powered in a circuit
with combination
receiving and emitting electrical device 0401, or separately, according to an
embodiment.
[000141] [000130] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 14, lighting
0403 may be suspended
from suspension framework 0010 and may be powered in a circuit with
combination receiving and
emitting electrical device 0401, by an external power source 0421, or
separately, according to an
embodiment.
[000142] In some embodiments, receiver 0021 may be a combination receiving and
emitting electrical
device 0401, wherein a thermal energy collection may not be employed. In some
embodiments, a solar
energy receiving electrical device (e.g. - photovoltaic cell) 0402 may be
employed at the line focus of
sheet 0001. In some embodiments, lighting 0403 may be employed elsewhere on
the radiation device
0100 (e.g. ¨ supported by suspension framework 0010 and disposed to provide
light to the area below).
[000143] In some embodiments, receiver 0021 is a photovoltaic cell. In some
embodiments, support
cables 0102 may comprise electrical wiring (e.g. ¨ used to provide electrical
connection to combination
light receiving and emitting electrical device 0401 or photovoltaic cell
0402). The general principle in
effect is that the item receiving concentrated radiation, which may be
receiver 0021 or combination
light receiving and emitting electrical device 0401 or photovoltaic cell 0402,
may be supported by
elements used to supply (or withdraw from) it (e.g. ¨ tubing or cables
supplying the receiver 0021 or
combination light receiving and emitting electrical device 0401 or
photovoltaic cell 0402).
[000144] In some embodiments, actuators and mechanisms (not shown) may be
implemented to stow
sheet 0001 in a manner that avoids obstruction of the combination receiving
and emitting electrical
device 0401 while it provides light or avoids obstruction of the lighting 0403
when it provides light. In
some embodiments, sheet 0001 may be located below lighting 0403 and sheet 0001
may include hole(s)
or gap(s) that permit light to pass downwards to areas below sheet 0001. In
some embodiments, the
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
sheet 0001 is comprised of two halves, on two pairs of drums, between which
may remain a gap for light
to pass from lights 0403.
[000145] In some embodiments receiver 0021 may be a combination receiving and
emitting electrical
device 0401. In some embodiments, an external power source 0421 (e.g. ¨
battery or mains power or
generator) may provide electrical energy to combination receiving and emitting
electrical device 0401
for lighting and may receive electrical energy from combination receiving and
emitting electrical device
0401 during solar concentration.
[000146] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, support cables 0102
may commonly
transport thermal fluid 0104 and irrigation fluid 0105. Accordingly, the
system may provide cost
effective radiation concentration and irrigation and enhance plant growth.
[000147] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, during radiation
concentration, support
cables 0102 may supply thermal fluid 0104 to receiver 0021. During irrigation,
support cables 0102 may
supply irrigation fluid 0105 to plants 0025 and 0026. Support cables 0102 may
be utilized for both
functions, and thereby economic viability is enhanced.
[000148] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of thermal fluid 0104
and irrigation fluid 0105
through support cables 0021, which are comprised of thermal fluid tubing
networks 0171 and 0172.
Thermal tubing network 0171 may be fed from either end, via a northeast valve
0501 or a northwest
valve 0502. Thermal tubing network 0172 may be fed from either end, via a
southeast valve 0503 or a
southwest valve 0504.
[000149] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, during thermal
concentration, thermal fluid
0104 (e.g. ¨ water) may flow from northeast valve 0501 to north tube 0171,
thence to thermal receiver
0021, thence to south tube 0172, thence to southwest valve 0504. A variety of
circulation patterns are
possible. A possible thermal fluid 0104 circulation pattern is annotated in
FIG. 15 with a solid line
labeled 0104.
[000150] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, northern irrigation
fitting 0511 (also
referred to as an irrigator) may be mounted in thermal fluid network 0171. A
southern irrigation fitting
0512 (also referred to as an irrigator) may be mounted in thermal fluid
network 0172. According to an
embodiment as shown in FIG. 15, when thermal fluid networks 0171 and 0172 may
be pressurized to a
relatively low pressure, no irrigation fluid 0105 may pass through the
irrigation fittings 0511 and 0512.
According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 15, when thermal fluid networks
0171 and 0172 may be
pressurized to a relatively higher pressure, irrigation fluid 0105 may pass
through fittings 0511 and 0512,
irrigating plants 0025 and 0026.
[000151] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, during irrigation,
irrigation fluid 0105 flows
from northeast valve 0501 and valves 0502, 0503, 0504 are closed. Pressure in
the common tubes 0171
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
and 0172 may increase until water passes through irrigation fittings 0511 and
0512, and thereby
irrigation may be achieved. A possible irrigation fluid 0105 flow circulation
pattern is annotated in FIG. 9
with a dashed line labeled 0105.
[000152] In some embodiments, rather than utilizing high pressure to initiate
irrigation, valves may be
used (directly) to select a fluid destination (i.e. ¨ the receiver 0021 or
plants 0025 or plants 0026). In
some embodiments, such valves may be actuated by inflation fluid 0103 (common
to the furling and
unfurling mechanism 0101) or thermal fluid 0104 pressure (common to receiver
0021).
[000153] In some embodiments, porous soaker tubes (tubes with relatively small
holes along their
length) are employed as support cables 0102. In some embodiments, minimal or
negligible irrigation
flow occurs during low pressure operation, and higher irrigation flow occurs
at high pressure. In some
embodiments support cables 0102 material and wall thickness may be exploited
or arranged to serve as
insulation that mitigates heat loss during transfer of thermal fluid 0104.
[000154] In some embodiments, multiple irrigation fittings (e.g. - sprinklers
or drip tubes) similar to
irrigation fittings 0511 and 0512 may be employed, to provide a more or less
continuous line of drip
irrigation. The spacing of irrigation fittings 0511 and 0512 may vary by
embodiment. In some
embodiments, irrigation fittings 0511 or 0512 may achieve spray irrigation; in
some drip irrigation may
be achieved.
[000155] In some embodiments, during irrigation, irrigation fluid 0105 is
imparted to an exterior of
support cables 0102, and thence as it flows, water clings to the exterior of
support cables 0102 as it
traverses support cables 0102, and certain feature(s) of support cables 0102
exterior cause drip
irrigation in one or more locations. In some embodiments, a portion of the
exterior of support cables
0102 (be it convex, concave, or flat for example) forms part of a channel that
guides irrigation water to
drip points.
[000156] In some embodiments, solar concentration and irrigation may occur
simultaneously, others
not so.
[000157] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, sheet 0001 may be
stored in a flattened,
furled position. Accordingly, radiation device 0100 may reduce costs
associated with wind damage or
damage caused by airborne debris. Further, radiation device 0100 may reduce
wind resistance, and
reduce transfer of wind loads to suspension framework 0010 and support cables
0102.
[000158] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a sheet 0001 may be
furled onto drum 0041
that is inflatable and flexible, which, as furling is completed, may be
deflated to flatten, or partially
flatten the sheet 0001 in a desired manner, and which may permit the sheet
0001 to be stowed
compactly. Some advantages of compact stowage may include reduced wind
resistance or reduced
transfer of wind loads to the related support system.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000159] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, components of one
half of a radiation
device 0100 are shown in side-view during stowage, with inflatable drum
partially flattened. In some
embodiments, gaps are present between the concentric furls of inflatable coil
0051, 0052, 0052, and
0054. In some embodiments, gaps are not present between the concentric furls
of inflatable coil 0051,
0052, 0052, and 0054.
[000160] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, one edge of coil
spring 0055 is attached to
support 0022 and another end of coil spring 0055 may be attached to a distal
end of inflatable coil 0051.
A proximal edge of coil spring 0055 near support 0022 may be flat and may
impart a force that reduces
an angle or gap between coil spring 0055 and receiver 0021, whereas a distal
end of coil spring 0055
may assume a coil shape during furling and may facilitate furling of
inflatable coil 0051.
[000161] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, drum 0041 may be
inflatable and not
hermetically sealed and controlled (slow) leakage therefrom may be employed
during furling. As drum
0041, which may be inflatable, loses actuating fluid 0103 to the ambient
atmosphere, drum 0041 may
deflate and be flattened due to the force applied by the proximal end of coil
spring 0055.
[000162] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, due to the
arrangement and design of
inflatable coil 0051, and due to gravity, inflatable coil 0051 is inclined
downwards (to a degree) as furling
is completed, which permits inflatable drums 0041 and 0042 to come into close
proximity to support
0022. Due to the force applied by (the flattened proximal portion) of coil
spring 0055, and given that
inflatable drum 0041 is not hermetically sealed, after inflatable drum 0041
has come into proximity of
support 0022, it may be simultaneously deflated and drawn to a flattened
position underneath receiver
0021. The result is that, during stowage, the inflatable drum 0041 and sheet
0001 may be stowed
closely to the receiver 0021 than may otherwise be the case.
[000163] In some embodiments, the outermost portions of sheet 0001 may
comprise materials best
suited to stowing and exposure to weather during stowage. Materials may
include woven synthetic
fibers or plastic sheeting or other materials. In some embodiments, pads (not
shown) are attachable to
extremities of drums 0041 and 0042, such that pads (not shown) prevent contact
between sheet 0001
and other parts of the radiation device. In some embodiments, receiver 0021 is
made or allowed to cool
before stowage, to mitigate an impact of high temperature exposure on sheet
0001 or other
components.
[000164] In some embodiments, inflatable coils 0051, 0052, 0053, and 0054 may
serve two functions;
firstly to rotate and extend the inflatable drum for unfurling, and secondly,
to push the inflatable drum
away from the stowage position during unfurling (or vice versa).
[000165] In some embodiments, the inflatable coil 0051, 0052, 0053, and 0054
may include (or be
linked to, or be inflated with) a component or feature that contacts support
0022 during furling such
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
that the proximal portion of coil spring 0055 is forced to open, enabling
inflatable drums 0041 and 0042
to reach a more proximal position, for improved stowage.
[000166] In some embodiments, radiation device 0100 may include a secondary
proximal inflatable
chamber (or actuated component) that may remain actuated during furling and
may force the proximal
portion of the coil spring to remain open. In some such embodiments, such a
proximal inflatable
chamber may undergo controlled leakage, which may cause the proximal
inflatable chamber to leak fully
after furling is completed, after which said secondary proximal inflate
chamber may deflate, after which
the proximal portion of coil spring 0055 may close, completing stowage.
[000167] In some embodiments, the rate of removal of actuating fluid 0103 is
controlled, so as to
promote furling and stowage in a desired manner (e.g. ¨to ensure proper
rotation proper traverse of
the inflatable drum 0041 to the most proximal position, before stowage). In
some embodiments,
mechanical stops or limits limit the range of motion of furling or unfurling
components to avoid damage.
[000168] In some embodiments, a separate spring or actuator or inflatable
chamber or other means is
used to apply pressure for stowing or flattening.
[000169] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 through 19, elements
of a system that
employs an actuating fluid 0103 to facilitate furling are described.
Accordingly, the system may provide
cost effective radiation concentration, enhance plant growth, etc.
[000170] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGs 17 through 19, an
actuating fluid source 0060
that is controlled by an actuating fluid control system 0061 to adjust
actuating fluid 0103 supply may
comprise a valve 0700 which may be comprised of: an inlet 0701, a cylinder
0702, a piston 0703, a drum
port 0704, a spring 0705, and an outlet 0706. According to an embodiment,
cylinder 0702 comprises:
two dynamic o-ring seals, a pressure-side seal 0711, and a depressure-side
seal 0712. According to an
embodiment, piston 0703 comprises two internal flow paths, a pressure-side
channel 0721 and a
depressu re-side channel 0722.
[000171] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 through 19, an
actuating fluid source 0060
that is controlled by an actuating fluid control system 0061 to adjust
actuating fluid 0103 supply may
comprise a vent chamber 0730, which communicates with outlet 0706. Vent
chamber 0730 may include
a first vent port 0731 and a second vent port 0732, which may be equidistant
from a centreline of drum
0041 and 0042.
[000172] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 through 19, due to an
orientation of vent
ports 0731 and 0732, during venting of vent fluid 0106 (as will be described
below), vented vent fluid
0106 (e.g .- air) exiting vent ports 0731 and 0732 may be caused to travel in
a direction that is clockwise
about the centreline of drum 0041 and 0042 (as viewed from the drum end),
which is opposite a
rotation undergone by drum 0041 and 0042 during furling.
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000173] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, sheet 0001 is
unfurled due to an addition of
actuating fluid 0103 (e.g. ¨ air). Actuating fluid fed to inflatable coil 0051
may it to substantially
straighten, which may cause unfurling due to translation and rotation of drum
0041. According to an
embodiment as shown in FIG. 17, actuating fluid 0103 passes through coil 0051
to inlet 0701, and may
apply force to piston 0703, which may cause it to displace by overcoming and
compressing spring 0705.
Due to motion of piston 0703, pressure-side channel 0721 may move (in relation
to pressure-side seal
0711) to a position that allows actuating fluid 0103 to pass from inlet 0701,
through pressure-side
channel 0721, through drum port 0704, and into the interior of drum 0041,
where air accumulates.
Arrows in FIG. 17 labeled 0103 show the flow path of actuating fluid 0103
during unfurling.
[000174] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, sheet 0001 may be
furled due to removal of
actuating fluid 0103. Due to a lack of actuating fluid pressure, piston 0703
may be displaced as spring
0705 expands. Due to the motion of piston 0703, depressure-side channel 0722
may be moved (in
relation to depressure-side seal 0712) to a position that allows stored
actuating fluid 0103 to pass from
drum 0041, through depressure-side channel 0722, through outlet 0706.
According to an embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 18, this may allow actuating fluid 0103 to travel into vent
chamber 0730 and thence to
vent ports 0731 and 0732. According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18,
vented actuating air 0103,
which in such an instance of venting may be referred to as vent fluid 0106, is
ejected in a clockwise
direction about drum 0041 and is met with a reaction force that causes drum
0041 to rotate in a
counter-clockwise direction, thereby furling sheet 0001. Arrows in FIG. 18
labeled 0103 show the flow
path of vent fluid 0106 during furling.
[000175] According to an embodiment, FIG. 19 shows an end view of a controller
to adjust actuating
fluid 0103 supply, which shows the flow of air during furling. Annotated in
FIG. 19 labeled 0106 is the
flow path of vent fluid 0106. As it exits vent chamber 0730, vent fluid 0106
is redirected by the vent
ports 0731 and 0732 to travel in the desired manner.
[000176] In some embodiments, a variety of valve arrangements for venting may
be employed, some
including a piston mounted dynamic seal, others a cylinder mounted dynamic
seal, etc. In some
embodiments, vent fluid 0106 may be used in combination with a coil spring
0055 to achieve furling. In
some embodiments, a bladder or spring-loaded piston may be energized during
pressurization, and
upon depressurization may provide vent fluid 0106 or energy to assist furling.
In some embodiments,
the vent chamber vent ports are relatively distant from the drum centreline to
enhance torque about
the drum centreline.
[000177] In some embodiments, a collapsible tube (e.g. ¨ accordion type, etc.)
may cause the drums
0041 to traverse between distal and proximal positions. In such embodiments,
the traversing of drums
0041 may be achieved by pressurization or depressurization of the collapsible
tube. In some
embodiments, the collapsible tube is used in combination with other tools for
rotating the drums 0041.
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000178] In some embodiments, a furling and unfurling mechanism 0101 may
comprise controlled
release of actuating fluid 0103, use of a coil spring 0055, use of a motor,
use of a linear actuator, gravity,
or a combination thereof.
[000179] In some embodiments, a spring-loaded fan may rotate during furling to
impart wind resistance
that generates a reaction force for furling or unfurling. In some such
embodiments, the spring of the
spring loaded fan may be initially energized by actuating fluid 0103 (e.g .-
air used for furling) prior to
de-energization and fan-actuation for furling. In some embodiments, a
motorized fan may facilitate
furling.
[000180] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, a radiation device
0100 that employs
gravity type thermal fluid circulation is described. According to an
embodiment, gravity type thermal
fluid circulation achieves transfer of thermal fluid (between adjoining parts
undergoing relative motion)
without flexible tubing or swivels or rotary unions. A radiation device 0100
employing gravity type
thermal fluid circulation may reduce costs and increase energy efficiency of
radiation concentration.
[000181] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, thermal fluid 0104
passes from receiver
tube 0801 to receiver 0021 and thence to receiver tube 0802. Receiver tubes
0801 and 0802 may
communicate (by non-swivel transfer) with thermal fluid tubing networks 0171
and 0172 respectively
(via supply tube 0811 and return tube 0812 respectively).
[000182] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, receiver 0021 may be
supported from
thermal fluid tubing networks 0171 and 0172 indirectly by swivels 0125 and
0126, that support receiver
tubes 0801 and 0802 respectively, which are joined to receiver 0021. In some
similar embodiments,
swivels 0125 and 0126 may be relatively simplifed and inexpensive, and similar
to "fishing type" swivels
(barrel swivels, ball swivels, etc.).
[000183] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, supply tube 0811
(which communicates
with thermal fluid tubing network 0171) may transfer thermal fluid 0104 to an
opening in receiver tube
0801. Due to the discharge of supply tube 0811 and the inlet of receiver tube
0801 being vertically in
alignment with the connection between thermal fluid tubing network 0171 and
swivel 0125 (and axis of
rotation thereof), supply tube 0811 and receiver tube 0801 may remain aligned
for fluid transfer during
the motion of the receiver 0021.
[000184] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, return tube 0812
(which communicates
with thermal fluid tubing network 0172) may receive thermal fluid 0104 (at the
opening of return tube
0812) from receiver tube 0802. Due to the discharge of receiver tube 0802 and
the inlet of return tube
0812 being vertically in alignment with the connection between thermal fluid
tubing network 0172 and
swivel 0126 (and axis of rotation thereof), receiver tube 0802 and return tube
0812 may remain aligned
for fluid transfer during the rotation of receiver 0021.
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000185] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, radiation device
0100 may employ a
common source for thermal fluid 0104 and irrigation fluid 0105, namely support
cables 0102 which
comprise thermal fluid networks 0171 and 0172. When downstream discharge ports
of thermal fluid
networks 0172 are closed (e.g. ¨ by a valve), the fluid supplied (in this
context irrigation fluid 0105) may
overflow the return tube 0812 and thence to plants 0025 below (i.e. ¨ for
irrigation).
[000186] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 through 22, elements
of a system with
bellows that facilitates furling by applying a vacuum are described.
Accordingly, the system may
provide cost effective radiation concentration or enhance plant growth.
[000187] FIG. 21 shows a conceptual elevation view, FIG. 22 a conceptual plan
view. Each figure shows
the system during furling. According to an embodiment, components to the right
of FIG. 21 and 22 will
be described; the components to the left of FIG. 21 and 22 may operate in a
similar manner.
[000188] Actuating fluid tubing network 0161 may be used to apply vacuum to
bellows 0301 and tube
0901 and thence to vacuum cylinder 0902 and thence to vent chamber 0730. Vent
chamber 0730 may
be rotatably connected to vacuum cylinder 0902 (i.e. ¨ connected in such a way
that they may rotate
relative to one another). Vent chamber 0730 may be connected to drum 0041 and
they rotate in
unison. Drum 0041 may be connected to sheet 0001.
[000189] When vacuum is applied via actuating fluid tubing network 0161,
bellows 0301 collapses and
drum 0041 is free to move. When vacuum is applied via actuating fluid tubing
network 0161, and
thence to tube 0901 and thence to vacuum cylinder 0902 and thence to vent
chamber 0730, vent fluid
0106 is drawn into vent chamber 0730 via vent ports 0731 and 0732 from the
ambient atmosphere, in
the direction(s) indicated. A reaction-force to the flowing vent fluid 0106
causes drum 0041 to rotate
and sheet 0001 furls thereupon.
[000190] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 and 22, during
furling, tube 0901 may
loosely coil or furl. Tube 0901 may be flexible enough to loosely coil while
remaining sufficiently open to
convey vacuum or partial vacuum. In some embodiments, the degree of vacuum may
be selected in
consideration of the force required for rotating the drum as well as the
collapse pressure limit for the
tube 0901.
[000191] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 and 22, actuating
fluid tubing network 0161
may also be used to apply actuating fluid 0103 to the bellows 0301 and
(indirectly) to vent chamber
0730 and to actuate unfurling. In some embodiments, common use of actuating
fluid tubing network
0161 for the two purposes (pressurization to unfurl, vacuum to furl) may
promote economic viability. In
some embodiments, a common compressor/vacuum pump system (which may comprise
related valves)
of actuating fluid supply system 0060 (in connection with network 0161) may
operate in "forward" or
"reverse" mode to variously provide pressure or vacuum (for unfurling and
furling respectively); which
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
may promote economic viability. In some embodiments, network tubing, gas
compression, rarefaction
systems, may be integrated; in others they may be separate.
[000192] In some embodiments where actuating fluid tubing network 0161 may
supply (pressure or)
vacuum in common to bellows 0301 and tube 0901, selective constriction in
certain areas of network
0161 may be applied to effect bellows 0301 depressurization at a reduced rate
(relative to
depressurization of tube 0901), for example to avoid droop of drum 0041
thereof during the furling
process or for other reasons.
[000193] In some embodiments, check valves may be installed to allow
compressed air to be supplied to
the bellows 0301 only (and not tube 0901) during unfurling, and for vacuum to
be applied to bellows
0301 and tube 0901 commonly during furling.
[000194] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 through 24, elements
of a system with an
inflatable coil that facilitates furling by applying a vacuum, are described.
Accordingly, the system may
provide cost effective radiation concentration, enhance plant growth, etc.
[000195] FIG. 23 shows a conceptual elevation view, FIG. 24 a conceptual plan
view. Each figure shows
the system during furling. Similar to the bellows-type embodiment as described
in FIG. 21 and 22, an
inflation coil type embodiment is described in FIG. 23 and 24.
[000196] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 through 24, actuating
fluid tubing network
0161 is used to apply vacuum to inflatable coil 0051 and tube 0901 and thence
to vent chamber 0730.
Vent chamber 0730 is connected to drum 0041 and they rotate in unison. Drum
0041 is connected to
sheet 0001.
[000197] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 through 24, when
vacuum is applied via
actuating fluid tubing network 0161, inflatable coil 0051 may collapse and
drum 0041 may become free
to move. When vacuum is applied via actuating fluid tubing network 0161 to
vent chamber 0730 via
tube 0901, vent fluid 0106 may be drawn into vent chamber 0730 from the
ambient atmosphere
through vent ports 0731 and 0732, in the direction(s) indicated. A reaction-
force to the flowing vent
fluid 0106 may cause drum 0041 to rotate and sheet 0001 furls thereupon.
[000198] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 through 24, during
furling, tube 0901 loosely
coils (onto vent chamber 0730). Similar to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 21
and 22, according to an
embodiment as shown in FIG. 23 and 24, pressurized fluid and vacuum tubing may
be applied
alternatively to tube 0901 for two purposes (pressurization and unfurling or
vacuum and furling).
[000199] In some embodiments, check valves may be installed to allow actuating
fluid 0103 to be
supplied to the inflatable coil 0051 only (and not vacuum tube 0901) during
unfurling (for example, to
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
avoid loss of actuating fluid 0103 via vacuum tube 0901 during unfurling), and
for vacuum to be applied
to inflatable coil 0051 and vacuum tube 0901 during furling.
[000200] In some embodiments, vacuum is applied from a vacuum system of
actuating fluid supply
system 0060 to inflatable coil 0051 or vacuum tube 0901 during furling and in
some such embodiments,
said vacuum system may also be employed to apply vacuum to, for example,
annular tubing surrounding
thermal fluid network tubing 0171 for insulative effect, or for example, to a
clear pane integrated with
receiver 0021 for insulative effect.
[000201] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 through 24, a pilot
valve (not shown) may be
modulated by the pilot pressure of thermal fluid 0104 such that when thermal
fluid 0104 is pressurized
the pilot valve (not shown) will not admit vacuum to be applied from the
actuating fluid network tubing
0161 to inflatable coil 0051 or vacuum tube 0901.
[000202] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 through 24, during
radiation concentration,
and while thermal fluid 0104 is pressurized and acting upon pilot valve (not
shown), vacuum may be
applied to actuating fluid network tubing 0161 without causing furling due to
the action of the pilot
valve (not shown), which would be "closed" due to the effect the pilot
pressure of thermal fluid 0104. In
similar embodiments, actuating fluid network tubing 0161 may form an annulus
around thermal fluid
network tubing 0171 for a vacuum insulation effect, and may apply vacuum to a
clear pane integrated
with receiver 0021 for a vacuum insulation effect, and thereby heat loss from
thermal fluid 0104 (which
is of concern during radiation concentration) is mitigated.
[000203] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, an inflatable coil
of a system that facilitates
furling by applying a vacuum is described. Accordingly, such an inflatable
coil may enhance cost
effective radiation concentration, enhance plant growth, etc.
[000204] FIG. 25 shows the inflatable coil 0051 during furling,
[000205] In some embodiments, such as is described in FIG. 24, a tube 0901
that is separate from
inflatable coil 0051 is used to apply vacuum for reaction-force type furling.
In other embodiments, such
as according to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 25, a channel for applying
vacuum for reaction-force
type furling is integrated into the inflation coil 0051.
[000206] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, inflatable coil 0051
includes an envelope
0910 within which are left insert 0911 and right insert 0912. Envelope 0910
comprises notch 0913 and
notch 0914. When a vacuum is applied to the interior of inflatable coil 0051
its flexible envelope 0910
may collapse, as shown, upon inserts 0911 and 0912. Each of inserts 0911 and
0912 may deform into
the compacted spiral shape of deflated coil 0051; which may allow the coil
0051 to furl, and for adjacent
wraps of coil 0051 to furl upon one another.
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000207] Each of inserts 0911 and 0912 may include a hollow channel which may
remain at least
partially open during the application of vacuum and therefore which may retain
the ability to convey
fluid as vacuum is applied, during furling.
[000208] Envelope 0910 includes notches 0913 and 0914, which remain at least
partially open during
the application of vacuum and therefore retain the ability to convey fluid as
vacuum is applied, during
furling.
[000209] In some embodiments, the inflatable coil 0051 may include none or
more inserts 0911
together with none or more notches 0913. In some embodiments notch 0913 may be
of a square
profile, in some rectangular, in some triangular, in some open-polygonal, in
some semi-circular, in some
undulating, etc. In some embodiments, opposing faces of the inflatable coil
0051 may be notched, in
some only one face may be notched. In some embodiments, notches may span the
width of the
inflatable coil face, in others not.
[000210] In some embodiments, insert 0911 is made of foam, in others insert
0911 is of a different
collapsible material. In some embodiments, insert 0911 within the inflatable
coil 0051 may provide a
path for vacuum at all times. In other embodiments, insert 0911 may provide a
path for vacuum during
furling, and may become substantially compressed thereafter, with reduced
ability to convey vacuum,
and increased ability for compact stowage.
[000211] General comments about various embodiments of the invention are given
below.
[000212] In some embodiments, fluid is used to actuate furling, in some to
actuate unfurling; in some
embodiments by pressurizing a fluid, in some embodiments by reducing the
pressure of a fluid, in some
embodiments by applying a vacuum to a fluid; in some cases with air, in some
cases with water, in some
cases with other materials. Collectively, such fluids may be referred to as
actuating fluids.
[000213] In some embodiments an inflatable coil 0051 may actuate furling or
unfurling. In some
embodiments an inflatable bellows 0301 may actuate furling or unfurling. Other
shapes may be used to
actuate furling (e.g. ¨ collapsible tube similar to a bellows, balloon, etc.).
In some embodiments, a linear
actuator that expands or contacts due to the provision or removal of actuating
fluid, may actuate furling
or unfurling. Collectively, such inflatable items for actuating furling may be
referred to as inflatables.
[000214] A drum 0041 that may be connected directly to an inflatable (e.g. ¨to
an inflatable coil 0051)
or may be indirectly moved or rotated by an inflatable (e.g. ¨ by a bellows
0301) can be said to be linked
to the inflatable.
[000215] In some embodiments, a part is supported directly by cables 0102
(e.g.¨ support, housing,
receiver, coils, etc.). In some embodiments a part is indirectly supported by
cables 0102 (e.g. - housing,
receiver, coils, etc.). Whether a first part is supported directly or
indirectly by a second part, in general,
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
the first part can be said to be supported by the second part. The term
"support by cables" may denote
either direct or indirect support by cables.
[000216] In some embodiments, a fluid flows into the vent chamber 0730 from
the atmosphere, to
generate a reaction force for furling or unfurling. In some embodiments, a
fluid flows out of the vent
chamber 0730 from the atmosphere, to generate a reaction force for furling or
unfurling. In some
embodiments the fluid is a gas, in others a liquid. In some cases, the fluid
is ambient air, in others the
fluid is from a similar source as thermal fluid 0104 or irrigation fluid 0105,
in other embodiments other
fluids may be used. Collectively, such fluids for actuating furling or
unfurling by virtue of flow through a
vent may be referred to as vent fluids 0106.
[000217] In some embodiments, the receiver 0021 may be used to directly heat a
process fluid used in a
process (e.g. ¨without limitation, from a material processing process,
electrochemical process,
electrochemical concentration cell, electrochemical concentration cell
process, desalination process,
district heating process, solar related process, or other process where heat
is used). In some
embodiments, the receiver 0021 may allow sensible heat change of a process
fluid. In some
embodiments, the receiver 0021 may allow evaporation from the process fluid.
In some embodiments,
the receiver 0021 may allow desirable concentration of a solute, be it metal
or non-metal or organic or
otherwise, without limitation. In such embodiments, the process fluid may be
referred to as a thermal
fluid 0104.
[000218] In some embodiments an irrigation tubing network 0181 may be employed
for irrigation; an
irrigation tubing network 0181 may be referred to as an irrigator (which
allows irrigation). In some
embodiments an irrigation fitting 0511; may be employed for irrigation; an
irrigation fitting 0511 may be
referred to as an irrigator (an item conveying irrigation fluid 0105 to an
area to be irrigated).
[000219] In some embodiments, a suspension framework 0010 may comprise one or
more of a post
0011, an arm 0013, a structure providing support for suspension.
[000220] In some embodiments, actuating fluid 0103 provides energy for furling
or unfurling. In some
embodiments, actuating fluid 0103 is air; in other embodiments actuating fluid
0103 is comprised of
other compressed gases or liquids.
[000221] In some embodiments, support 0022 (which may support the receiver
0021 or other items)
may be rigid; in others flexible; in others inflatable. In some embodiments,
the receiver 0021 may be
rigid; in others flexible; in others inflatable; in others inflatable; in
others drainable; in others collapsible.
[000222] In some embodiments, the entirety or part of sheet 0001 itself may be
inflated into a trough
reflector type shape, and the entirety or part of sheet 0001 itself may be
deflated and furled into a spiral
shape (i.e. ¨ inflatable coil 0051 and sheet 0001 may be integrated).
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000223] In some embodiments, two or more parts linked to a drum 0041 inflate
in a coordinated
manner to achieve translation and rotation of the sheet 0001 (e.g. - an
accordion inflatable tube for
translation, a spiral shape for rotation).
[000224] A hanging unfurled reflector sheet 0001 may form a variety of shapes,
including a catenary
shape, a parabolic shape, a trough shape, or a Fresnel type reflector shape,
or a sheet with Fresnel type
reflector imprint.
[000225] According to an embodiment, sheet 0001 may be furled onto a
cylindrical shape drum 0041.
In other embodiments, sheet 0001 may be furled onto a flat reel shape drum
0041 (e.g. - a rectangular
shape, rectangular wire frame or outline, square shape, square wire frame or
outline). In some flat reel
shape drum 0041 embodiments, after furling, the flat reel may be stowed in a
manner that is more
aerodynamic than a cylindrical style drum 0041 reel. In some flat reel
embodiments, a Fresnel type
reflector is reeled onto the flat reel, with each (square or) rectangular
section of the Fresnel reflector
effectively the same width at the reel.
[000226] In some embodiments, an array of parallelogram linkage modules may be
extended and
retracted. Each parallelogram modules may be linked to an adjacent
parallelogram module. Each
parallelogram module achieves an orientation slightly off parallel with the
adjacent module, and each
module may be mounted to its own reflector, and during extension, an array of
reflectors may be
positioned in a Fresnel type reflector shape.
[000227] In some embodiments, two drums 0041 and 0042 may be employed for
furling a sheet 0001 at
either end. In some embodiments, one drum 0041 may be fixed to one end of a
sheet 0001 only, and
furling may be achieved by rotation of said drum 0041 only.
[000228] In some embodiments, fluid filled components such as the receiver
0021 or thermal fluid
tubing network 0171 or other tubing or other components remain filled or
partially filled at all times. In
other embodiments, such components may be drained, or partially drained,
periodically, or diurnally, or
during furling, or according to some other conditions or schedule. Periodic
draining may be employed
to gain heat from remaining (drained) fluids, to employ remaining fluids for
other uses (e.g. - irrigation),
to reduce weight of the system (in inclement weather for example), to allow
items to collapse for lower
wind profile or for other reasons.
[000229] In some embodiments, thermal fluid 0104 is transferred (e.g. ¨ by
pump or gravity) through
the radiation device 0100 to a destination by along (or partially along) an
open circuit path (e.g. ¨ not
recirculated). In some embodiments, thermal fluid circulates through the
radiation device 0100 in a
closed circuit. In some embodiments wherein thermal fluid may traverse through
radiation device 0100
to a destination in an open circuit, economic viability may be enhanced; for
instance because the
radiation device 0100 may provide the useful function of conveyance from one
location to another (e.g.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
¨ across a desert, between buildings, from a pond to a field), and in such
cases economic viability may
be enhanced.
[000230] In some embodiments, the radiation device 0100 may be used to reflect
light away from the
earth to reduce heat gain of planet earth (which may otherwise occur due to
adsorption of solar
radiation and attendant dissipation of heat).
[000231] In some embodiments, a rack and pinion 0321 may be used to effect
drum motion 0041. In
other embodiments, a rack and pinion analogue (e.g. ¨ kinematic loop type
rotary to linear motion
device) may be employed.
[000232] Certain plants are listed in this specification as examples of those
that may respond favourably
to shade or other weather/climate alterations as may be achieved by the
device. The plants 0025 that
may be cultivated beneficially with the aid of the radiation device 0100 are
numerous. One skilled in the
art may test the radiation device 0100 (in different dispositions,
orientations, logic, design details, etc.)
with any plant 0025 and assess the results using methods that are common in
the art.
[000233] In some embodiments, radiation device 0100 may be mounted on the land
of planet earth; in
others radiation device 0100 may be mounted in a location that is airborne or
waterborne or lunar or
Martian or extraterrestrial. In embodiments employed in extraterrestrial use,
a benefit of the radiation
device 0100 may be lightweight and compact stowage that may be advantageous
for extraterrestrial,
and another advantage may be that radiation device 0100 may be readily
installed.
[000234] In some embodiments, a coil spring 0055 causes or promotes furling.
In some embodiments,
coil spring 0055 may be a torsion spring.
[000235] In some embodiments, a single inflatable coil 0051 may be employed;
in some more than one;
in some none (e.g. ¨ when furling is promoted by other means).
[000236] In some embodiments, an inflatable coil 0051 may be attached to both
a drum 0041 and a
support (for example, to support 0022 or directly by thermal fluid tubing
network 0171 or indirectly by
thermal fluid tubing network 0171). In other embodiments, solid or flexible or
elastic stabilizers may
connect to inflatable coil 0051 to promote desired motion and operation.
[000237] In some embodiments, elastic materials (cables or others) may be used
to promote desired
motion during furling or unfurling. For example, a pressurized bellows 0301 or
inflatable coil 0051
(inflatables) may actuate unfurling by overcoming an elastic force of an
elastic material, and removal of
pressure may allow the elastic to initiate furling (e.g. ¨ by allowing the
inflatable to return to a central
location). In some embodiments, an elastic may be looped through the
inflatable coil 0051 (along the
path of drum furling) to promote furling.
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000238] In some embodiments, the rate of addition or removal of actuating
fluid 0103 may be
controlled to cause certain components to move at a desired speed (e.g. ¨to
reduce impact forces at
the limits of furling, etc.).
[000239] In some embodiments, a drum 0041 may be made to operate like a yo-yo;
wherein actuating
fluid 0103 is rapidly applied, causing drum 0041 to traverse from a central
position, after which
actuating fluid 0103 is abruptly removed, after which the drum 0041 reaches
the extent of the inflatable
coil 0051, after which the rotational inertia of the drum 0041 or associated
parts initiate refurling (like a
yo-yo); for example with the sheet 0001 furled in an opposite sense to that
which was achieved
hitherto.
[000240] In some embodiments, the portion of the sheet 0001 that is last
wrapped during furling may
be fabricated from a durable material for enhanced resistance to weathering
for example, or for better
durability when in close proximity to a hot receiver 0021 for example (as
compared to other parts of
sheet 0001).
[000241] In some embodiments, a portion of sheet 0001 that may be directly
below receiver 0021 after
unfurling may be of a different material or thickness or weight than other
parts of sheet 0001 so as to
affect the shape of the unfurled sheet 0001 desirably (e.g. ¨ to cause the
sheet 0001 to adopt a form
that is closer to a parabolic shape than would otherwise be the case for
example).
[000242] In some embodiments, multiple rows of receiver arrays are linked. In
some embodiments,
adjacent rows share a common support cable 0102.
[000243] In some embodiments shown, the drum 0041 has been shown disposed in a
manner that may
cause it to interfere with the support 0022 or receiver 0021 during full
retraction to a central position as
may occur during furling. In some embodiments, it is possible for the drum
0041 to be disposed at a
location away from (e.g. - below) the support 0022 or receiver 0021 to avoid
such interference.
[000244] In some embodiments, the inflatable coil 0051 may be constructed to
form a catenary, or near
catenary shape substantially throughout the unfurling process (e.g. ¨ with one
face of the inflatable coil
shorter than the opposing face). Such an inflatable coil 0051 may be located
some distance below the
support and/or receiver, and the required diameter of the drum 0041 may be
relatively reduced (e.g. -
if the length of the unfurled sheet 0001 is substantially similar to the
traverse path of the inflatable coil
0051). In some embodiments, the inflatable coil 0051 itself may form a trough
profile, in others an
inverted trough profile.
[000245] In some embodiments, a weight attached to a string or cable that is
spooled onto the drum
0041 or adjoining cylindrical component may be used to actuate or assist
furling (due to the effect of
gravity on the weight). In some such embodiments, the string or cable may be
wound and unwound
onto the drum 0041 or adjoining cylindrical component during furling and
unfurling respectively. In
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
some cases, a partially liquid filled cylindrical component, with interior
vanes, with water flowing to the
lowest surface of the drum, may provide a gravitational force to assist
furling.
[000246] In some embodiments, a vacuum system of actuating fluid supply system
0060 adjusts the
actuating fluid 0103 for furling or unfurling. In some such embodiments, said
vacuum system may also
be used to apply a vacuum to certain parts for thermal insulation (e.g. ¨ to a
vacuum annulus around
and integrated with a receiver 0021).
[000247] In some embodiments, arm 0013 or 0014 may be post mounted; in other
embodiments
another type of support or structure may serve as a mounting location for arm
0013 or 0014. In some
embodiments arm 0013 may be positioned by positioning system 0090 and a
tension member (cable or
otherwise) may be linked to the centre of rotation of arm 0014 and apply
tension thereto, and by virtue
of the said tension, arm 0013 and 0014 may rotate in unison. In some
embodiments, a tension member
(cable or otherwise) may be linked to the centre of rotation of a receiver
0021 or support 0022 and
apply tension thereto, and by virtue of the said tension, arm 0013 and
receiver 0021 or support 0022
rotate in unison.
[000248] In some embodiments, the sheet 0001 may be reflective, for reflection
of radiation. In some
embodiments, reflectivity of the sheet 0001 may be reduced for economical use
of materials, if for
example thermal collection is not a primary objective (or if for example if
shading of plants 0025 may be
a primary objective).
[000249] In some embodiments inflatable coil 0051 may be fabricated to provide
resistance to bending
in one direction (e.g. ¨ in a direction that would allow drum 0041 to droop
excessively or deviate from a
desired location). In some such embodiments, one or both sides of the
inflatable coil 0051 may be
stiffened, of an alternate material, or fabricated from scales or overlapping
plates or wedges that furl
preferentially in one direction.
[000250] In some embodiments, the radiation device 0100 may be implemented to
facilitate periodic
installation, or reinstallation, or removal, or raising to a higher elevation,
or lowering to a lower
elevation to facilitate for example periodic activities which may be hourly,
daily, monthly, annually, or
for harvest, or to allow an alternate use of the area of installation, or
according to some other schedule,
or according to events. In some embodiments, an advantage of the radiation
device 0100 may be that it
is readily installed.
[000251] In some embodiments arm 0013 may not be mounted directly on a support
or post 0011, and
a cable may link arm 0013 and a support or post 0011, and arm 0013 may
comprise a motor that rotates
arm 0013 relative to the said cable (or arm 0013 may be integral with
positioning system 0090).
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
[000252] In some embodiments, receiver 0021 may be supported directly from
positioning system 0090
or arm 0013 in which case cables 0021 may be said to be integral with
positioning system 0090 or arm
0013.
[000253] In some embodiments presented, components are described or oriented
according to cardinal
directions north or south or east or west for clarity of presentation. In
other embodiments, system or
component orientation with respect to cardinal directions may vary.
[000254] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed;
however, several
variations of the disclosed embodiments could be envisioned as within the
scope of this invention. It is
to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above, but
encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
[000255] Various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail.
Since changes in and or
additions to the above-described best mode may be made without departing from
the nature, spirit or
scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details
but only by the appended
claims. Section headings herein are provided as organizational cues. These
headings shall not limit or
characterize the invention set out in the appended claims.
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-07-26
