Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more techniques, alone or in combination, to maximize a surface area of a receiver that is configured to convert light into another form of energy. One technique enhances collection efficiency by controlling a size, shape, and/or position of a cell relative to an expected illumination profile under various conditions. Another technique positions non-active elements (such as electrical contacts and/or interconnects) on surfaces likely to be shaded from incident light by other elements of the receiver. Another technique utilizes embodiments of interconnect structures occupying a small footprint. According to certain embodiments, the receiver may be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 31/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof

Abstract

A solar collector utilizes an inflated tubular film which concentrates sunlight onto a solar receiver. The film incorporates refractive elements in a pattern which focuses light in one or two dimensions to create foci in the form of lines, spots, or other shapes. The film may be replaceable. The film may include layers of material to optimize optical, structural, thermal, and durability characteristics.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24S 23/30 - Arrangements for concentrating solar rays for solar heat collectors with lenses

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include structures and methods for enhancing illumination uniformity from solar concentrators. Certain embodiments may use features on a reflective layer to globally correct for deviation in reflective behavior from a desired shape. Local features such as facets on a reflective layer are formed such that the resulting illumination profile represents a superposition of multiple facets. Features may be formed on a back film to correct the reflectance of the back film. In some embodiments, features may be formed on a front film to correct a profile from refraction. In some embodiments the corrections are for line concentrators. Global and local correction techniques may be used together, and may be used on front film or reflective film(s) together or separately. Global and/or local correction may also be used in combination with other approaches, such as secondary optic receiver compensation.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24S 23/70 - Arrangements for concentrating solar rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention utilize inflation air to impart an appropriate shape to a reflective concentrator of a solar collector device. An optical receiver or a secondary optic in communication with an optical receiver may be positioned outside the concentrator's internal inflation space in a plane containing a substantially circular pattern of concentrated reflected illumination. In certain embodiments, the inflation space may be defined between the reflective film having a concave shape, and an optically transparent thin film adopting a convex shape in response to the inflation pressure. In some embodiments the inflation space may be defined between the concave reflective film, and an optically transparent disk having a thickness resisting internal inflation pressure to adopt a planar or only slightly convex profile.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)

Abstract

Solar energy may be harvested utilizing arrays of solar collectors, supported and articulated to follow movement of the sun. Particular systems include arrays of solar collectors mounted on an elevation-azimuth tracking structure. From the ground up, embodiments of this system may include a Ground Interface, a Base, an Upper Truss, and a Collector. The system is designed to transmit loads with minimal deflection from the surface of the collector to the ground, while tracking the position of the sun across the sky. The use of structural, actuator, and collector elements with a minimum amount of low-cost materials, and which are able to be mass produced, allows large scale deployment of the system at reduced cost.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24J 2/00 - Use of solar heat, e.g. solar heat collectors (distillation or evaporation of water using solar energy C02F 1/14;roof covering aspects of energy collecting devices E04D 13/18;devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy F03G 6/00;semiconductor devices specially adapted for converting solar energy into electrical energy H01L 31/00;photovoltaic [PV] cells including means directly associated with the PV cell to utilise heat energy H01L 31/525;PV modules including means associated with the PV module to utilise heat energy H02S 40/44)

Abstract

Solar energy may be harvested utilizing arrays of solar collectors, supported and articulated to follow movement of the sun. Particular systems include arrays of solar collectors mounted on an elevation-azimuth tracking structure. From the ground up, embodiments of this system may include a Ground Interface, a Base, an Upper Truss, and a Collector. The system is designed to transmit loads with minimal deflection from the surface of the collector to the ground, while tracking the position of the sun across the sky. The use of structural, actuator, and collector elements with a minimum amount of low-cost materials, and which are able to be mass produced, allows large scale deployment of the system at reduced cost.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24J 2/10 - having reflectors as concentrating elements
• F24J 2/52 - Arrangement of mountings or supports
• F24J 2/54 - specially adapted for rotary movement

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention employ certain techniques, alone or in combination, to enhance a range of acceptance angles at which an apparatus may efficiently collect solar radiation. One technique positions a passive secondary optical compensator element between collected light and a receiver. In certain embodiments, the compensator element accomplishes refraction followed by at least one total internal reflection of the collected light. Another technique employs a receiver having radially-oriented strings of cells connected in series, where strings in opposing sectors are connected in parallel and in series with each other to reduce a dependence of power and/or current output, on alignment of the collector apparatus relative to a light source.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 35/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a 'harness' assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc. to facilitate installation, feedthroughs, and other functions.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24S 23/30 - Arrangements for concentrating solar rays for solar heat collectors with lenses
• F24S 23/70 - Arrangements for concentrating solar rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
• F24S 90/00 - Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for

Abstract

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the design of inexpensive mounting and pointing apparatuses for linear arrays of solar energy collectors and converters. Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention disclose a rigging system comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of, tensile cables onto which a plurality of solar modules are fastened. Such an arrangement provides a way of suspending solar modules over land, vegetation, bodies of water, and other geographic features without substantial perturbation of the underlying terrain. Certain embodiments comprise additional tensile cables fastened to the solar modules, such that differential axial motion of the cables produces a rotational motion component of the individual solar modules of the array. This rotational motion component effects an orientation control along one rotational axis.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24J 2/10 - having reflectors as concentrating elements

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a “harness” assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc. to facilitate installation, feedthroughs, and other functions.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24J 2/08 - having lenses as concentrating elements

Abstract

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to inexpensive, manufacturable, robust, and easily installed interconnections for solar energy conversion systems. Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a convenient and low-cost means of interconnecting between one or more of solar energy modules and ancillary equipment electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical connections including one or more power-bearing electrical wires, cooling water conduits, compressed air conduits, electronic control and networking circuitry, conduits for chemical reactants and products, and mechanical linkages. Particular embodiments are further suitable for vibration control and damping of structures.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16L 11/22 - Multi-channel hoses

Abstract

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the design and manufacturing of inexpensive photovoltaic or thermal receivers for cost-effective solar energy conversion of concentrated light. Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention disclose the design of a photovoltaic receiver and a low-pressure, low-flow-rate liquid cooler. Embodiment of the present invention also disclose a preferred low-cost and scalable manufacturing approach.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05F 1/613 - Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is DC using semiconductor devices in parallel with the load as final control devices