Solar concentrator array
US6091017A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A high efficiency, light weight solar concentrator array particularly suitable for use with space vehicles. Parallel rows of mirror assemblies are mounted on a base plate having high thermal conductivity. Each mirror assembly comprises back-to-back mirror strips having reflecting front faces. Photovoltaic cells are placed ion the base plate between rows of mirror assemblies. The reflecting faces reflect incident light to the photovoltaic cells to produce electric power. Preferably, the reflecting faces have a cylindrical parabolic configuration with a line of focus approximately along the interface between the photovoltaic cell and the edge of the opposite mirror strip adjacent to the cell. The mirror strips may typically be roll formed from metal strips, cast from fiber reinforced plastic material and coated with a reflecting layers, etc. The rows may be mounted on the base plate by strips across the ends of mirror assemblies, or by additional mirror assemblies arranged transverse to the original mirror assembles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.