A Conical reflecting, concentrating, two-axis tracking solar energy collector is disclosed.
An inverted multi-segmented conical reflecting surface concentrates and focuses solar energy at very high concentrations onto a very thermodynamically efficient receiver tube or absorber pipe assembly.
The receiver tube consists of a cylindrical array of HCPV solar cells mounted onto a polygonal extruded Aluminum tube. These HCPV solar cells are 36% efficient and can receive solar concentrations as high as 1000 SUNS. A heat transfer fluid is pumped through the receiver tube in contact with the interior surface of the Aluminum tube to remove the heat from the HCPV solar cells. In cooling the HCPV cells, the heat transfer fluid is heated. The resulting thermal energy, ⅔ of the available solar energy, can be utilized for ammonia absorption air conditioning and home heating, about ⅔-¾ of a home's energy requirement.
The absorber pipe assembly encloses a black surfaced absorber pipe within a larger diameter transparent glass pipe and a heat transfer fluid is pumped through the annulus in direct contact with the black absorbing surface. A very efficient transfer of heat is effected.
This conical concentrator and receiver combination is caused to track the by three hydraulic cylinders.
The concentrating solar energy collector disclose is intended to and is capable of economically providing for all of the energy needs of a home or building.