Variable entropy solar energy harvester
A collector of solar energy has, in cross-section, the profile of a nested, truncated and inverted trough which is formed as an array of concentric annular conic frusta. The array ascends from a base, defined by the outermost frustum, to a vertex defined by the innermost frustum. The collector is disposed intermediate the sun and an absorber of solar energy. The collector is operatively connected with sun-tracking means for movement in a predetermined direction and through a predetermined distance relative to the center of the remote absorber. The frusta have reflective inner surfaces, each of which is defined by a singular and unique parabola. Light incident upon the surfaces is transmitted by a single reflection, through the openings at the base of the trough, onto a common focus located at the absorber for the optimal concentration of the collected radiation which may be utilized as thermal energy or converted into other useful forms of energy.
- Assignee:
- EDB-83-049187
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4347834
- OSTI ID:
- 6505832
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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