Apparatus for concentration and conversion of solar energy

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the collection and conversion of light energy including a collector element defining the shape of a pentagon, and a concentrator including a plurality of pentagon shaped reflector elements symmetrically arranged around the collector element. Each of the reflector elements being disposed at an angle relative to a plane of the collector element and having an edge thereof substantially aligned with and adjacent one of the sides of the collector element.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 774,237 filed on Feb. 16, 2006 and titled “Apparatus for Concentration and Conversion of Solar Energy”. The disclosure of the provisional application is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention pertains generally to apparatus for the collection and conversion of solar energy to other types of useful energy. More particularly the invention is directed to an apparatus for the collection and conversion of light energy having a plurality of pentagonal reflector elements arranged about a pentagonal shaped collector element. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Solar concentrators collect sunlight over an area and direct the light onto a collection or conversion element such as a photovoltaic element. Typically, the collection or conversion element defines a smaller surface area than that of the concentrator....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In one embodiment, the concentrator includes five reflector elements each defining the shape of a regular pentagon, a regular pentagon having five sides of equal length. The apparatus of the present invention including reflector elements shaped as regular pentagons provides an increased concentration of 2.5 times the suns radiation on the collector element or “2.5 suns”.

[0015] In other embodiments of the present invention irregular pentagons are utilized to provide further enhanced concentration of light incident on the collector element.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective solar collection and conversion device including only readily available reflective materials, such as flat mirrors configured according to novel geometries so as to produce enhanced solar concentration.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for solar collection and conversion which is small and lightweight and useful for various applications such as recharging batteries for electronic devices such as cellular telephones, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other similar devices.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for solar collection and conversion wherein the energy produced by the apparatus allows for recouping the cost of the apparatus within a range of about two to about four years.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for solar collection and conversion that includes embodiments that are affordable and cost-effective for industrial, municipal, residential and personal applications.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of many prior art devices is that they require one of more lenses for focusing the sunlight onto a solar cell or other device which can be an expensive components and significantly add to the cost of the energy generated.

Another disadvantage of many prior art systems is the requirement of a tracking system which also significantly adds to the cost of the energy.

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