SOLAR CONCENTRATOR WITH STEP-TUNED CONICAL GEOMETRY AND RECTANGULAR REFLECTIVE SURFACES

Abstract

The present invention describes a fixed-focus solar concentrator comprising a base structure, an array of rectangular reflective surfaces, and a two-axis solar tracking system. The invention is characterized in that the base structure has a stepped truncated conical geometry formed by a plurality of concentric rings, generated from the revolution of a two-dimensional L-shaped cross-sectional profile. Each ring has a geometric configuration designed for the direct coupling and insertion of rectangular reflective surfaces within it, where the inner edges of the profile act as physical support stops that mechanically provide the surfaces with the precise inclination for the incident solar rays to converge on a single static point region in space called the focus.The solar position tracking system features orthogonal rotation axes that physically intersect at the system's focus. This allows the vertical rotation axis to be used as a direct structural support for the thermal receiver. This geometric and kinematic arrangement simplifies the assembly process, ensures optical precision, and significantly reduces system manufacturing costs, thus considerably increasing the end applications of solar concentration technology.