Semi-tubular parabolic multiple core helix solar concentrator

Patent · Tue Nov 25 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6549937

Doebel, D H

A device for improving the radiant solar energy collection efficiency of a helix shaped solar collector-concentrator by concentrating the sun's rays on a plurality of specifically positioned energy absorber collecting cores as the sun moves through its solar day without the use of active tracking devices, is provided. By using a helix shaped semi-tubular parabolic collector-concentrator with multiple specifically positioned collecting cores crossing and intersecting the shifting sharp focal axis of the reflective surfaces of the helix shape at a slight angle to the focal axis, rather than being exactly on the focal axis, at least one or more of the collecting core surfaces is in sharp focus at all times, thus optimizing the sun's radiant solar energy collection capacity of said device. Further increased primary direct and non-reflective incident solar energy is collected on a plurality of collecting cores providing additional collection efficiencies. The helix shaped semi-tubular parabolic reflector and the energy absorber cores are enclosed by a transparent, relatively air-tight covering which causes the device to be resistant to environmental factors such as snow, rain, wind, pollution and other atmospheric degradants. The additional confined heat energy generated and trapped within the covered helix shaped semi-tubular parabolic reflector further increases the device's collecting efficiency. In one embodiment the heat energy thus collected may be transferred to a heat absorbing medium to be utilized in a useful manner. In another embodiment the solar energy impinging on the energy absorber collecting cores may be converted by other means such as photoelectric conversion into electrical energy to be utilized and stored.

• Assignee: IFI; EDB-81-055555
• Patent Number(s): US 4235225
• OSTI ID: 6549937
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
CONFIGURATION
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
HELICAL CONFIGURATION
PARABOLIC REFLECTORS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR REFLECTORS
TUBES