Planar photovoltaic solar concentrator module

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868563

Chiang, Clement J ^[1]

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1. New Brunswick, NJ

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.

• Research Organization: AT&T
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5167724
• OSTI ID: 868563
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

planar
photovoltaic
solar
concentrator
module
producing
electrical
signal
incident
radiation
electrically
insulating
housing
front
wall
opposing
hollow
interior
cell
terminals
positioned
conductor
connected
terminal
polarity
lens
forming
operable
direct
refractive
optical
element
contact
facing
receives
directed
directs
generate
conductive
supporting
relation
opposite
dissipate
heat
radiated
generates
forms
permit
generated
measured
hollow interior
opposite polarity
optical element
electrically insulating
electrical signal
solar cell
electrically conductive
solar radiation
signal generated
radiation incident
photovoltaic solar
radiation directed
cell generates
solar concentrator
conductor connected
front wall
concentrator module
electrical terminals
incident solar
refractive optical
planar photovoltaic
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