Photovoltaic solar cell
US9130092B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A photovoltaic solar concentrator is disclosed with one or more transverse-junction solar cells (also termed point contact solar cells) and a lens located above each solar cell to concentrate sunlight onto the solar cell to generate electricity. Piezoelectric actuators tilt or translate each lens to track the sun using a feedback-control circuit which senses the electricity generated by one or more of the solar cells. The piezoelectric actuators can be coupled through a displacement-multiplier linkage to provide an increased range of movement of each lens. Each lens in the solar concentrator can be supported on a frame (also termed a tilt plate) having three legs, with the movement of the legs being controlled by the piezoelectric actuators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.