Patent · US Active

Non-imaging solar concentrator and cosine factor correction device using compound polyhedral surfaces and method of use thereof

US9658438B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
2References
16Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateFeb 12, 2014
Grant dateMay 23, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 12, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/52
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A compound polyhedral concentrator (CPOC) lens is disclosed with one smooth curved surface facing the sun and an inner surface comprised of a 3D pattern of interpenetrating minimum deviation prisms with a common origin facing the absorber. This new type of stationary solar concentrator is used to extend the acceptance angles by minimizing blocking and tip optical losses that are common with radial Fresnel design forms. Moreover, when considering the extended time period for non-tracking of the sun's movement commensurate with the increased acceptance angles the total energy collected using a combination of a CPOC lens and a photovoltaic device will be greater than the total energy collected using the photovoltaic device by itself.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.