Tubular luminescence photovoltaic array
US4687880A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1986 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A photovoltaic solar cell system is provided which comprises a hollow light tube of substantially conventional design of optically transparent material, generally square cross section and preselected length and width and having on the outer surfaces thereof longitudinally extending triangularly shaped grooves defining a plurality of ridges having triangular cross section along the tube length, each ridge having a 90.degree. apex angle and surfaces along its length defining a 45.degree. angle with the inner surfaces of the tube; light concentrating optics are operatively connected to one end of the tube for directing light into the tube; and a plurality of solar cells are disposed on the outer surfaces of the tube in a rectangular array of size corresponding to tube size with the photoactive surfaces of the cells facing inwardly of the tube. The tube may be hermetically sealed and either evacuated or filled with inert gas in certain applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.