Solar-radiation collection apparatus
US4242580A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1979 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention contemplates improved apparatus for use in a self-tracking optical system for directing highly concentrated solar radiation upon utilization means such as a photovoltaic cell, wherein the full image of the sun covers the exposure surface substantially only when the axis of the optical system is aligned with the sun. Certain structural features associated with the optical system in the vicinity of cell support effectively enlarge the margin of off-axis misalignment within which self-tracking is achievable. At the same time, certain aspects of these features inherently prevent thermal losses which would otherwise be attributable to convection currents of air in the region of heat concentration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.