Abstract:
The present invention relates to multiple reflector light or solar energy concentrators and systems using such concentrators using an arrangement of optical elements for the efficient collection of light while minimizing complexities of optics needed to achieve light collection and concentration. The concentrator uses at least three reflectors, in either a dish or trough configuration. A concave primary reflector (20) receives the solar energy and sends it to a secondary convex reflector (30) positioned in the focal zone of the first reflector (20). In turn, the secondary reflector (30) sends the solar energy, at least in part, to a third non-imaging reflector (40) positioned in the focal zone of the secondary reflector (30). In a system (10), a receiver (70) is placed in the focal zone of the third reflector (40). Steam can be generated directly in the receiver (70) when the receiver (70) is in a fixed position.
Abstract:
The hyperbolic concentration sun mirror device (1) according to the present invention, allows to intercept, without pursuit, the sun radiation at whatever height the sun may be, and to concentrate it onto the end part of said spiral so as to reduce dispersion to a minimum, and heat up - at any hour of the day - a linear absorber (2) placed in the focus (F) thereof.
Abstract:
A nonimaging radiant energy device may include a hyperbolically shaped reflective element with a radiant energy inlet and a radiant energy outlet. A convex lens is provided at the radiant energy inlet and a concave lens is provided at the radiant energy outlet. Due to the provision of the lenses and the shape of the walls of the reflective element, the radiant energy incident at the radiant energy inlet within a predetermined angle of acceptance is emitted from the radiant energy outlet exclusively within an acute exit angle. In another embodiment, the radiant energy device may include two interconnected hyperbolically shaped reflective elements with a respective convex lens being provided at each aperture of the device.
Abstract:
An adjustable transmissive insulative array of vanes comprising a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending and transversely spaced vanes, each vane rotatable about its longitudinal axis between an insulative state and a transmissive state, each vane comprising an insulative body and a reflective layer on the outer surface of the body, the insulative body of each vane shaped such that in the insulative state the vane is operable to engage with adjacent vanes to form a substantially continuous insulating boundary, the insulative body of each vane further shaped such that in the transmissive state the vane cooperates with an adjacent vane to form an optical concentrator therebetween comprising a portion of the reflective layer of the vane and an portion of the reflective layer of the adjacent vane, each optical concentrator operable to transmit received light through the array of vanes.
Abstract:
A solar energy gathering system includes a radiation seeker (130) which tracks the movement of the sun, the seeker includes three photosensitive devices (132a, 132b, and 132c) positioned below an adjustable aperture (138). When seeker (13a) is used to track the sun, the size of the aperture (138) is responsive to the size of the solar image as affected by clouds and other conditions. By varying the size of aperture (138) according to the amount of available radiation, radiation seeker (130) will track the actual solar image and not mistake a bright cloud for the image to be followed.
Abstract:
One embodiment comprises a parabolic trough reflector including a plurality of mirrors which are configured to reflect sunlight to a lengthwise zone of concentrated solar flux. Each mirror comprises a reflective surface. The mirror surface is defined by a primary curvature within a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise zone of concentrated solar flux. In addition, the reflective surface of one or more of the mirrors comprises a secondary curvature within a plane parallel to the lengthwise zone of concentrated solar flux. The secondary curvature provides for reduced mirror bending deflection under a load, for example, gravity or wind load. Alternative embodiments include systems for generating electricity utilizing a thermal power cycle with thermal energy is provided to a working fluid from concentrated solar flux using parabolic trough reflectors having enhanced mirrors.
Abstract:
The disclosure generally relates to concentrating daylight collectors and in particular to concentrating daylight collectors useful for interior lighting of a building. The concentrating daylight collectors generally include a cassegrain-type concentrator section that provides for a full-tracking solar collector with one moving part and with a high efficiency of coupling of collected solar irradiation to a stationary duct. In some cases, the disclosed concentrating daylight collectors can be used more conventionally, such as for directing sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell for generation of electrical power, or an absorbing surface for extraction of thermal energy.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device for the capture of solar energy with high angular efficiency which eliminates the use of the tracking systems normally present in the devices for the capture of solar radiation known to the state of the art, as well as systems of generation of electric or electromagnetic fields suitable for modifying some physical properties or the relative positions of some components of the system.
Abstract:
An integrated wind and solar solution is provided, including a solar energy collection assembly (100) and a vertical axis wind turbine (400), combined to provide an integrated power output. In preferred embodiments, the vertical axis wind turbine is positioned above the solar energy collection assembly. Concentrating solar mirror collectors (116) are used to direct sunlight to a heat engine (250), which converts the collected heat energy into rotary motion. Rotary motion from the heat engine and from the vertical axis wind turbine preferably are on the same rotating axis (600), to facilitate load sharing between these two sources. A dual axis azimuth-altitude solar panel alignment tracking system is used in order to boost the energy conversion capability of the solar energy collectors.
Abstract:
A device for gaining solar energy comprises a integral unit with a casing (10..13). The casing comprises reflection means (20) with a hollow reflector surface (25) and is closed off by refraction means (30) with an entry surface (35) for entering sunlight. The refraction means and reflection means are each rotatably arranged around a rotation axis (71, 72) and their orientation relative to each other is continuously adjusted to the current position of the sun in the sky using positioning means provided for that purpose. The casing comprises a number of dustproof, but nevertheless ventilating chambers. The first chamber (100) is situated between the refraction means (30) and the reflection means (20) and comprises energy-conversion means (40) at least near to the focal point of the reflector surface (25). A second chamber (200) is situated between the reflection means (20) and the base part (13) of the casing and comprises positioning means (51, 53) for rotating the refraction means (30) and the reflection means (20).