Solar concentrator with square mirrors

Abstract

The present invention is a solar concentrator system incorporating a square primary mirror, a square secondary mirror, and an optical receiver. The square secondary mirror provides highly efficient throughput of light in combination with the square primary mirror, with minimal shading. Manufacturing features may be incorporated into the square secondary mirror to assist in simplifying fabrication issues and assembly steps related to its non-circular shape. An optional heat shield around the optical receiver may be included, further enhancing performance of the solar concentrator system.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 985,200 filed on Nov. 3, 2007 entitled “Square Optical Mirror,” and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 016,314 filed on Dec. 21, 2007 entitled “Leadframe Receiver Package for Solar Concentrator Receiver,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in full in this application for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Solar concentrators are solar energy generators which increase the efficiency of converting solar energy into DC electricity. Solar concentrators known in the art utilize, for example, parabolic mirrors and Fresnel lenses for focusing incoming solar energy, and heliostats for tracking the sun's movements in order to maximize light exposure. Another type of solar concentrator, disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006 / 0266408, entitled “Concentrator Solar Photovoltaic Array with Compact Tailo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention is a solar concentrator system incorporating a square primary mirror, a square secondary mirror, and an optical receiver. The square secondary mirror provides highly efficient throughput of light in combination with the square primary mirror, with minimal shading. Manufacturing features may be incorporated into the square secondary mirror to assist in simplifying fabrication issues and assembly steps related to its non-circular shape. An optional heat shield around the optical receiver may be included, further enhancing performance of the solar concentrator system.

Problems solved by technology

Yet, secondary mirrors have remained circular in shape due to increased cost and complexity associated with non-circular parts.

However, glass molding is challenged by substantially higher tooling costs, mitigation of which sometimes necessitates design changes of the desired part.

In addition to the cost and design obstacles from molding, manufacturing assembly issues arise from the use of a non-circular secondary mirror.

This alignment condition adds complexity and cost to the manufacturing process of a solar concentrator unit.

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