Devices to exploit solar energy
An improved solar collector comprises a plurality of concave reflecting elements, each of the reflecting elements being disposed adjacent to another reflecting element to define a panel. Each of the reflecting elements has an identical reflecting surface with a focal point, the focal points of each other reflecting surface being arranged to not coincide. A solar radiation absorbing element having an absorbing surface is disposed on the focal point of each of the elements. Fluid connections are made for directing a fluid medium through the radiation absorbing element to convey heat from the absorbing element. Each of the reflecting elements has a periphery defined by a projection of a polygon so that the periphery of all of the reflecting elements match their adjacent counterpart, the concavity of each of the adjacent elements contacting each other along the periphery of each polygon. The total surface area of the reflecting surface of the elements is not less than the area defined by the periphery of the panel, the concavity of each of the reflecting elements being defined by a predetermined curvature to achieve in the solar beam reflection a focal zone above the reflection surface thereof due to the course of the sun, and the absorbing surface of the absorbing element being coincident with the focal zone.
- Assignee:
- IFI; EDB-82-038700
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4296735
- OSTI ID:
- 5778560
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Two-axis focusing energy concentrator
Lateral lens arrangement for solar energy conversion devices