Solar collector with reflector having compound curvature
US8039777B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a solar energy collector suitable for use in a solar energy collection system. The solar energy collection system includes the collector, a stand that supports the collector and a tracking system that causes the collector to track movements of the sun along at least one axis. The collector includes one or more reflector panels, one or more solar receivers, and a support structure that physically supports the reflector panels and solar receivers. Some designs involve a reflector panel that has a compound curvature. That is, the reflector panel has a convex shape along one direction and a concave shape in another direction. In another aspect of the invention, the collector includes a space frame support structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.