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Concentrating photovoltaic system using a fresnel lens and nonimaging secondary optics

A Fresnel lens and non-imaging technology, applied in the field of optical devices, can solve the problems of high practicability and production cost constraints

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-02-03
RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] Solar cells that generate electrical energy are well known but their utility is limited due to very high production costs
For example, although extensive research has been done over the years, the cost per kilowatt-hour (Kwh) is still about 10 times that of conventional electrical energy production

Method used

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  • Concentrating photovoltaic system using a fresnel lens and nonimaging secondary optics

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Embodiment Construction

[0012] The present invention provides systems and methods for concentrating light from a distant source, such as the sun, onto a target device, such as a solar cell.

[0013] According to one embodiment, an optical device 10 includes a primary focusing element 20 , and a non-imaging secondary concentrator 30 having an entrance aperture 35 and an exit aperture 40 . In one aspect, primary focusing element 20 is configured to focus light from a distant light source onto entrance aperture 35 of secondary concentrator 30 . Light received by the entrance aperture 35 is provided to the perforation aperture 40 . In one aspect, a target device 45, such as a solar cell, is positioned adjacent exit aperture 40 to receive the concentrated light. The target device 45 may be positioned above or below the plane defining the exit aperture, or may be positioned substantially on that plane, or may be optically coupled to the exit aperture.

[0014] In certain aspects, primary focusing element...

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Abstract

Optical devices and systems that provide high solar flux onto a multi-junction solar cell, or other target cell, to produce efficient electrical output. An optical device includes a primary focusing element, and a non-imaging secondary concentrator having an entry aperture and an exit aperture. Tthe primary focus element is configured to focus light from a distant source onto the entry aperture ofthe secondary concentrator. The primary focusing element has an f-number that is greater than about 1, e.g., between 1 and 4 or greater. The device includes a solar cell located proximal to the exitaperture of the secondary concentrator. In certain aspects, the primary focusing element includes a Fresnel lens, a diffractive lens and / or a reflector. In certain aspects, a Fresnel lens used as theprimary is flat, substantially square, curved and / or refractive.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to and is a non-provisional application of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 891,447, filed February 23, 2007. The entire contents of the aforementioned Provisional Patent Application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. [0003] Statement Regarding Rights to Inventions Made Under Federally Sponsored Research and Development Does Not Apply to This Application Background technique [0004] The present invention relates generally to optics, and more particularly to optical systems incorporating non-imaging optical components. [0005] Solar cells that generate electrical energy are very well known but their utility is limited by very high production costs. For example, although extensive research has been done over the years, the cost per kilowatt-hour (Kwh) is still about 10 times that of conventional electrical energy production. In order to compete with wind e...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): H02N6/00F24S23/70
CPCY02E10/52F24J2/1047G02B19/0033G02B19/0028F24J2/085H01L31/0522G02B17/0876G02B17/0684G02B3/08G02B19/0042H01L31/0543H01L31/0547F24S23/80F24S23/31
Inventor R·温斯顿A·里奇尔
Owner RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA