US Patent 5177977 Solar energy collector and re-radiation apparatus for localized climate control
A solar energy collector and re-radiation apparatus and method for use in energy production and localized climate control includes structure for storing energy; structure for concentrating solar radiation into a collection domain and structure for transferring energy from the collection domain to the storing structure. The apparatus also includes structure for radiating energy skywardly; structure for transmitting energy from the storing structure to the radiating structure; and option ally structure for extracting energy from the environment; structure for utilizing energy extracted from the storing means to elevate the temperature of the fluid carrying energy extracted from the environment, whereby environmental heat may be re-radiated into space at a higher rate and at wavelengths less likely to be absorbed by the atmosphere than would naturally occur, thus permitting localized cooling and climate control. The invention provides a built-in economic incentive to potential developers, because it encompasses proven technology for the collection of solar energy and is thus capable of doubling as a solar energy source for commercial, residential and industrial appli cations. The invention has particular utility for solving the global warming that is presently occurring due to such gases as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, both locally and on a global scale.