Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080251113 | SINGLE MIRROR SOLAR CONCENTRATOR WITH EFFICIENT ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT - An apparatus may include a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, a mirror coupled to the inner surface of the housing, and a receiver unit coupled to the housing. The mirror is to receive direct radiation and to focus the radiation toward a localized area, and the receiver unit is to receive the radiation directly from the mirror and to convert the received radiation to electrical current. | 10-16-2008 |
20080264468 | Solar power unit with enclosed outer structure - The present invention is a solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly. An outer structure for the solar power unit serves as an enclosure for the solar power unit and incorporates integral features for aligning components within. The integral alignment features reduce the need for costly tooling which is typically required to align optical elements in a solar power unit. Solar energy units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array. | 10-30-2008 |
20080264469 | Solar power unit with integrated primary structure - A solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly is disclosed. A primary structure for the solar power unit comprises a primary mirror and supporting walls integrally formed around the perimeter of the primary mirror. The integral construction of the primary mirror and supporting walls improves the alignment of components within the solar power unit. Solar power units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array. | 10-30-2008 |
20090050191 | System and Method for Solar Tracking - The present invention is a solar tracking system which utilizes three supports arranged in a generally tripod configuration. In one embodiment, two of the supports are linear actuators, and the third support is a stationary universally pivoting joint such as a ball and socket joint. The tracking system may include cross-supports for increased stability, a linear rail for additional range of motion, and a mounting base to facilitate installation. This solar tracking system offers a stable, cost-effective design which is also capable of moving the solar module into an optional stowed position. | 02-26-2009 |
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 |
20090165842 | SOLID CONCENTRATOR WITH TOTAL INTERNAL SECONDARY REFLECTION - A system includes a solid light-transmissive element comprising a first surface and a second surface, first reflective material disposed on the second surface of the light-transmissive element, and a solar cell to convert light received at the first surface to electrical current. The light received at the first surface may pass through the light-transmissive element, reflect off the first reflective material and intercept an area of an interface between the first surface and an adjacent environment at an angle of incidence greater than arc sin(n | 07-02-2009 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130263914 | COAXIAL DRIVE TRACKING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS - A solar energy collection system for converting solar energy to electricity that includes solar arrays mounted on a frame. Each array is set on a tracker head that is supported on a pedestal; each pedestal mounts onto a beam. Elevators pivot the arrays, where each elevator is made up of a shaft with a threaded end coupled to a drive nut. An upper end of each drive nut gimbal mounts to a portion of the tracker head; rotating a lower end of each shaft raises or lowers the drive nut, thereby pivoting each array. The vertical shafts are ganged together and driven by a single motor. Further included with each pedestal are azimuth orientation shafts that also mount to each tracker head. Rotating each orientation shaft adjusts an azimuth of an associated array. The orientation shafts are ganged together and are rotated by a single motor. | 10-10-2013 |