Planar photovoltaic solar concentrator module

Patent · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7235575

Chiang, C J

A planar photovoltaic concentrator module for producing an electrical signal from incident solar radiation includes an electrically insulating housing having a front wall, an opposing back wall and a hollow interior. A solar cell having electrical terminals is positioned within the interior of the housing. A planar conductor is connected with a terminal of the solar cell of the same polarity. A lens forming the front wall of the housing is operable to direct solar radiation incident to the lens into the interior of the housing. A refractive optical element in contact with the solar cell and facing the lens receives the solar radiation directed into the interior of the housing by the lens and directs the solar radiation to the solar cell to cause the solar cell to generate an electrical signal. An electrically conductive planar member is positioned in the housing to rest on the housing back wall in supporting relation with the solar cell terminal of opposite polarity. The planar member is operable to dissipate heat radiated by the solar cell as the solar cell generates an electrical signal and further forms a solar cell conductor connected with the solar cell terminal to permit the electrical signal generated by the solar cell to be measured between the planar member and the conductor. 5 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5167724; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-700813
• OSTI ID: 7235575
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
141000 -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EQUIPMENT
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OPERATION
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT