SolFocus, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130206712 | Solar Assembly Structure - A solar concentrator assembly includes a pair of rails coupled together only by one or more backpans which are mounted between the pair of rails. The rails are configured to resist a portion of a cantilever deflection along the length of the rails. The backpans seat solar concentrator arrays and are configured to provide torsional rigidity and deflection resistance in at least one direction orthogonal to the cantilever deflection. | 08-15-2013 |
20120305405 | Metal Trace Fabrication For Optical Element - A system may include an optical element including a surface defining a recess, conductive material disposed within the recess, and a solder mask disposed over a portion of the conductive material. The solder mask may define an aperture through which light from the optical element may pass. Some aspects provide creation of an optical element including a surface defining a recess, deposition of conductive material on the surface such that a portion of the deposited conductive material is disposed within the recess, and substantial planarization of the surface to expose the portion of the conductive material disposed within the recess. | 12-06-2012 |
20110061718 | Passively Cooled Solar Concentrating Photovoltaic Device - A Cassegrain-type concentrating solar collector cell includes primary and secondary mirrors disposed on opposing convex and concave surfaces of a light-transparent (e.g., glass) optical element. Light enters an aperture surface surrounding the secondary mirror, and is reflected by the primary mirror toward the secondary mirror, which re-reflects the light onto a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell is mounted on a central portion of heat spreader that extends over the primary mirror. The heat spreader transmits waste heat from the photovoltaic cell in a manner that evenly distributes the heat over the optical element, thereby maximizing the radiation of heat from the aperture surface into space. The heat spreader includes a thick copper layer formed on a flexible substrate (e.g., polyimide film) that is patterned with radial arms that facilitate mounting onto the convex surface of the optical element. | 03-17-2011 |
20100319683 | Molded Securing Device for an Optical Element - The present invention is directed to a device and method for securing optical elements in a solar energy system. Molded securing devices are fixed directly to the front panel of a solar energy system to provide for secure, aligned placement of optical components. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge of a front panel may be encapsulated by the molded device to provide alignment of peripheral optical elements and a secure water resistant seal between the front panel and a backpan. In other embodiments, molded securing devices may be positioned away from the peripheral edge to assist in alignment of central optical elements. | 12-23-2010 |
20100294262 | SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR MANIFOLD - A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions. | 11-25-2010 |
20100281919 | Device and Method for Shaping Optical Components - The present invention is directed to a device and method for shaping optical components with improved uniformity and higher throughput. A curved oven provides a plurality of sequential chambers arranged in a curved path, with walls separating the chambers. The walls of the chambers may have openings shaped to match the profile of shaping molds and pedestals which are transported through the oven. An optional dual temperature control system may provide for the separate temperature regulation of upper and lower regions of the chambers. Optical components, such as for solar energy sytems, are manufactured by conveying material and molds on a transport system through the curved oven and shaping them by controlled heat and vacuum assisted slumping. The chambers may be grouped into regions, with the materials undergoing different processes as they traverse each region. | 11-11-2010 |
20100263713 | Four Terminal Monolithic Multijunction Solar Cell - A monolithic multijunction photovoltaic device is disclosed which comprises two or more photovoltaic cells between two surfaces. Each of the photovoltaic cell materials include a first region exhibiting an excess of a first charge carrier and a second region exhibiting an excess of a second charge carrier. Contacts are connected to the regions of the photovoltaic cells in configurations that allow excess current to be extracted as useful energy. In one embodiment, a first contact is electrically connected to a second region of a first material, a second contact is electrically connected to a first region of the first material, a third contact is electrically connected to a first region of a second material, and a fourth contact is electrically connected to a third material. In other embodiments, the contacts may be positioned on the surfaces of the monolithic device to minimize shadowing. | 10-21-2010 |
20100213761 | Field Level Inverter Controller - The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the power output of a solar energy system. A field level inverter controller is described that may improve the power output of individual solar energy systems in a field of solar energy systems by controlling the inverter voltage applied to strings of solar energy units in a solar energy system connected in parallel to an inverter. An inverter load voltage for an improved power output may be calculated or derived empirically. An algorithm stored in the controller may calculate an improved load voltage for the inverters based on factors such as string geometry, solar movement and shade patterns generated by surrounding structures. Improved power output may be empirically determined by the field level inverter controller when the inverter controller directs an inverter to sweep a range of voltage values until a maximum output is detected. | 08-26-2010 |
20100212653 | Field Level Tracker Controller - The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the total power output from a field of solar energy systems. The invention provides a field level tracker controller which calculates an improved positioning of individual solar energy systems and communicates those configurations to trackers in the field. An algorithm stored in the controller calculates the improved configuration for the solar energy systems based on factors such as solar movement, shade patterns generated by surrounding structures, and measured output of the energy systems. Improved positioning may include individual energy systems being directed to a stowed position to maximize the power output of the field as a whole. | 08-26-2010 |
20100139768 | HEAT SPREADING SHIELD - The present invention is a heat conducting system for a solar energy device. The system includes a shield made of a heat conducting material that conforms to the convex side of a hollow curved mirror in a solar energy device. The present invention may reduce the temperature differential over an area of the mirror via passive heat conduction. The conductance of the shield of this invention is greater than the conductance of the mirror. The shield may be a layer of metal such as a metal tape. The tape may be applied as one or more strips that have ends which are separated by a seam or gap. The ends of the strips may be oriented in the same direction in an array of mirrors in a manner that provides for minimal exposure to concentrated solar irradiation at the gap or seam. | 06-10-2010 |
20100065120 | Encapsulant with Modified Refractive Index - The present invention provides an encapsulant material with a modified index of refraction for increasing the acceptance angle of a concentrated photovoltaic system. The encapsulant material may include filler material of a higher index of refraction than the encapsulant. The filler material may be particulates that are smaller than the wavelength of light converted to electricity by a solar cell. | 03-18-2010 |
20100043864 | Optical Support Apparatus - The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting an optical element on the underside of a substrate in a solar energy system, as a replacement for, or supplemental support to, an adhesive. The apparatus includes one or more support arms which uphold the optical element. The support arms may be secured in place by being coupled to various components of the solar energy system, such as a front panel, an enclosure, or a primary mirror. | 02-25-2010 |
20100018009 | Clips for Aligning Optical Components in a Solar Concentrating Array - Manufacturing of solar concentrators require the placement of primary optical components, a parabolic mirror for example, on a relatively fiat front panel in a predetermined alignment within a certain tolerance limit. Clips, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, can be used to facilitate locating, placing and securing the primary optical components on the front panel, thereby enhancing manufacturability of the solar concentrator. | 01-28-2010 |
20100012169 | Energy Recovery of Secondary Obscuration - A solar energy system is provided to capture an increased amount of solar energy in an area. Methods and devices to collect obscured solar radiation and covert it into usable electrical energy are described. The devices include a major concentrated solar energy system combined with a minor solar energy system. In one embodiment, the minor solar energy system includes a primary mirror, secondary mirror and a second photocell. Primary and secondary mirrors of a minor solar energy system are defined by their location, at least a portion of which may be substantially within the concave region of the secondary mirror of a major solar energy system. The electrical connection from the minor solar energy system to the major solar energy system is described. Methods for making minor solar energy system are provided. | 01-21-2010 |
20090301545 | Solar Concentrator Backpan - The present invention is a contoured backpan for a solar concentrator array. The backpan has depressions integrally formed in its bottom surface for seating solar concentrator modules. The depressions, in combination connecting toughs, provide a structure which is able to support an array of solar concentrators. Optional stiffening members may be attached to fee backpan to provide additional structural rigidity, as well as to support a front panel for the array. | 12-10-2009 |
20090293866 | Solar Thermal Collector Insert - A solar thermal energy collector with integrated flowpath is provided. The insert can be connected to a solar collector manifold for collecting solar energy. The insert with integrated flowpaths can be surrounded by an evacuated chamber. A fluid can be used to transfer the heat collected from the insert. The insert includes first and second flowpaths for conveying the heat transfer fluid. The fluid flowpath is continuous and integral to the insert. The fluid flowpath may be comprised of a group of chambers designed for efficient transfer of thermal energy. Methods of manufacture of inserts with continuous flowpaths are provided. These may include methods for the extrusion of inserts with integral flowpaths from a single piece of material. | 12-03-2009 |
20090277503 | Solar Cell with Current Blocking Layer - A solar cell includes an active layer, a blocking layer and a contact layer. The blocking layer is disposed between a portion of the top surface of the active layer and the bottom surface of the contact layer. The blocking layer serves to reduce current flow between the contact layer and the portion of the active layer covered by the blocking layer. Current flow to the contact layer may occur via gridlines electrically connecting the active layer to the contact layer. | 11-12-2009 |
20090261810 | SIMULATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CURRENT VOLTAGE CHARACTERISTIC CURVES OF A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR - A simulator system for simulating operation of a solar panel is disclosed which comprises a solar panel, a reflector positioned across from the solar panel, a light source positioned adjacent to the solar panel for directing light from the light source to the reflector for reflecting light to the solar panel, a sensor positioned adjacent to the solar panel for sensing light reflected from the reflector and for generating a signal indicative of a parameter of the reflected light with the signal having an increasing portion, a flat peak portion, and a decreasing portion, and a circuit for measuring a characteristic of the solar panel when the signal reaches the flat peak portion. | 10-22-2009 |
20090261802 | SIMULATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING ACCEPTANCE ANGLE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR - A simulator system for simulating operation of a solar module comprises a frame for holding the solar module in a testing position, a light source positioned adjacent to the solar module for directing light from the light source to the solar module, and a movable assembly for simulating movement of a solar tracker system, wherein the movable assembly moves in two axes to change an incident angle of the light with respect to the testing position of the solar module. | 10-22-2009 |
20090241940 | SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR MANIFOLD - A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate with depressions. | 10-01-2009 |
20090173376 | SOLAR COLLECTOR DESICCANT SYSTEM - The present invention is a desiccant system for controlling moisture in a solar collector. The desiccant system has a desiccant bed enclosed within a housing, and is thermally coupled to the solar collector as well as being fluidly coupled to it through an orifice. Waste heat from the solar collector is conducted to the desiccant system and is used to regenerate the desiccant bed. The desiccant system includes moisture barriers which cause moisture from the desiccant to preferentially be released to the external environment rather than entering the solar collector. | 07-09-2009 |
20090159126 | INTEGRATED OPTICS FOR CONCENTRATOR SOLAR RECEIVERS - A solar concentrator system, including at least two reflecting devices and a refracting lens, is provided. The reflecting devices focus light onto the lens which further concentrates the light on a solar cell. The lens increases the system's acceptance angle. In one embodiment the lens may be attached to the solar cell. In other embodiments, the lens is supported by a support structure, connecting element, and reflecting device. | 06-25-2009 |
20090159122 | Leadframe Receiver Package - The invention is a leadframe receiver package comprising a first conductive element, a solar cell electrically coupled to the first conductive element and comprising an active area, and a mold compound disposed on the leadframe and the solar cell. The mold compound defines a first aperture wall over at least a portion of the active area and a second aperture wall over at least a portion of the first conductive element. The mold compound includes a reflective surface to improve heat resistance around an aperture wall receiving solar radiation. | 06-25-2009 |
20090140406 | Semiconductor Mount - A mount for a semiconductor device has a first surface with at least one contact region and a second surface. The mount has a substrate to receive the second surface of the semiconductor device and a planar element. The planar element has an aperture sized to surround the semiconductor. A first surface of the planar element is mounted to the substrate and is located to surround the semiconductor device such that the semiconductor device is aligned by the aperture. The mount further has means for mounting the semiconductor device to the substrate in an aligned position. Some embodiments include a method of making and/or using such a mount. | 06-04-2009 |
20090117332 | MONOLITHIC GLASS ARRAY - The present invention is an apparatus and process for forming a monolithic array of glass parts. This invention enables high-precision glass parts of a relatively large size, such as mirrors for a solar concentrator, to be manufactured in an economical manner. A multi-cavity mold prevents warping of a glass sheet during a slumping process by utilizing multiple vacuum ports, which may be supplemented by stiffening features formed in the mold. | 05-07-2009 |
20090114280 | COMBINATION NON-IMAGING CONCENTRATOR - The present invention is a combination non-imaging concentrator in which at least one surface or volume is incorporated as an optical element to increase obliquity of reflection at walls of a light guide. The combination non-imaging concentrator may be used in a solar energy system to receive solar radiation from optical components and then output the solar radiation to a photovoltaic cell for conversion to electricity. One or more lenses may be formed integrally with the light guide, or may be used in conjunction with the light guide as separate components. | 05-07-2009 |
20090114265 | Solar Concentrator - The present invention is an improved solar concentrator array utilizing a monolithic array of primary mirrors with a metal layer deposited on its backside for electrical purposes and for dissipating heat. The array of primary mirrors may be formed by glass slumping. The size of the primary mirrors is chosen to accommodate design aspects related to performance, manufacturing processes, cost, and thermal management. An electrical package, which in one embodiment is a molded leadframe, provides the electrical circuitry between a solar cell and the metal layer. The electrical package may be configured with features such as an aperture or side edges to enhance manufacturability of the solar concentrator array. An array of secondary mirrors may be integrally formed with a front panel of the solar concentrator. | 05-07-2009 |
20090114213 | SOLAR CONCENTRATOR WITH SQUARE MIRRORS - The present invention is a solar concentrator system incorporating a square primary mirror, a square secondary mirror, and an optical receiver. The square secondary mirror provides highly efficient throughput of light in combination with the square primary mirror, with minimal shading. Manufacturing features may be incorporated into the square secondary mirror to assist in simplifying fabrication issues and assembly steps related to its non-circular shape. An optional heat shield around the optical receiver may be included, further enhancing performance of the solar concentrator system. | 05-07-2009 |
20090107540 | Non-Imaging Concentrator With Spacing Nubs - The present invention is a solar energy system which includes an optical assembly and a non-imaging concentrator. The optical assembly includes a primary mirror and a secondary mirror. The optical assembly reflects solar radiation to the non-imaging concentrator where the radiation is output to a photovoltaic cell for conversion to electricity. Spacing nubs, or protrusions, may be configured on one or more surfaces of the non-imaging concentrator or the optical assembly to set a uniform gap for adhesive to fill and to assist in alignment of the components being bonded together. | 04-30-2009 |
20090101207 | HERMETIC RECEIVER PACKAGE - The present invention is a hermetic receiver package for improving reliability of optical components within a solar concentrator system. The hermetic receiver package includes a non-imaging concentrator and a solar cell sealed within a shell structure to provide protection from environmental degradation. The non-imaging concentrator and solar cell are guarded from degradation caused by the outside environment as well as by sources within the solar concentrator system. Features are incorporated into the non-imaging concentrator and shell which allow the hermetic receiver package to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. | 04-23-2009 |
20090056790 | Monolithic Mirror Array - The present invention is an improved solar concentrator array utilizing a monolithic array of primary mirrors fabricated from a single sheet of formable material. The material may include glass, plastic, and metal of a high thermal stability to be able to withstand a broad range of temperature conditions. The monolithic array of this invention may include integral alignment or attachment features for attachment to a supporting structure. | 03-05-2009 |
20090026279 | Environmental Control Enclosure - The present invention provides an environmental control system for controlling moisture in a solar energy collector. The environmental control system facilitates the flow of air within and through the solar energy collector by using and enhancing a thermal gradient within the solar energy collector caused by exposure to sunlight. Two or more orifices are located in an enclosed solar energy system to permit air to enter, circulate and remove moisture from the system. The position of the two or more orifices and a thermal gradient generated by the solar energy collector facilitates this process. | 01-29-2009 |
20080258051 | Equipment and Process for Measuring the Precision of Sun Tracking for Photovoltaic Concentrators - Mechanical sun trackers which have optical systems on their surface for concentrating direct solar radiation and its subsequent conversion into electricity through thermal or photovoltaic processes require precision solar tracking, which has to be all the more precise the greater the concentration factor used. Thus the precision required in these systems is generally less than a degree, and frequently of the order of a tenth of a degree. In view of the large dimensions of the surfaces, or apertures, of these trackers, currently in the approximate range of 20-250 m | 10-23-2008 |