Radiant energy collector
US4893612A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/44
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure describes collectors of solar and other types of radiant energy that are inexpensive and of simple design yet capable of capturing radiation with high levels of efficiency as the incident angle of radiation varies. In a preferred embodiment, a lens extending across the mouth of a bowl-like reflector and around its central axis causes rays entering the lens at an angle to the axis on the side of the lens closest to the energy source to refract and pass directly from the lens to the absorber and causes other similarly angled rays entering and departing the lens on the other side of the axis to refract in an upward direction as they pass to the reflector and then to the absorber, i.e., upward as compared to the extended traces of the incident rays. The reflector and an absorber within it, both shaped and spatially related to cooperate with the lens, capture major proportions of refracted radiation as the angle of incidence changes, thus minimizing energy losses that could otherwise occur through re-reflection of rays from the reflector and out through the lens. Also disclosed are improvements, in absorber-reflector-lens combinations, including polygonal, segmented refl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.