Concentrated solar thermal energy collection device

Abstract

This patent application discloses structure and use of concentrated solar thermal energy collector modules, installed individually, or in an array configuration. Because of the modular design, the individual collector modules are easier to manufacture, transport, and install. Systems of varying scale and varying thermal output may be built by custom arrangement of individual collector modules. Each module comprises a tiltable mirror array, a support frame for the mirror array, a heat absorption tube at a focal point of the mirror array, a parabolic mirror concentrator above the heat absorption tube, and two transparent protective panels coupled between the mirror concentrator with the support frame. The heat absorption tube may be a sealed heat tube, or a fluid circulation conduit. The mirrors are configured to be positionally adjusted to improve focusing of thermal energy and/or to track the changing position of the sun.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to solar thermal energy collector, and more specifically, to modular solar collector devices with movable mirrors for concentrating solar energy to heat up a fluid.[0003]2. Related Arts[0004]Solar energy is widely recognized as a valuable environment-friendly renewable energy source. Solar energy is harnessed in various ways. For example, solar optical energy may be converted into electrical energy by using photovoltaic solar cells. Alternatively, solar thermal energy may be used by collecting sunlight as a thermal energy source. The collected solar thermal energy may be used to directly or indirectly heat up a target, or to generate vapor to run a turbine that generates electricity. Conventionally, harnessing solar thermal energy is recognized as a relatively simpler and cheaper technology than using photovoltaic cells.[0005]Parabolic trough mirrors / reflectors have been used to concentrate solar thermal...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]This patent application discloses structure and use of concentrated solar thermal energy collector modules, installed individually, or in an array configuration. Because of the modular design, the individual collector modules are easier to manufacture, transport, and install. Systems of vary

Problems solved by technology

However, the size of a typical parabolic trough mirror may still be quite large.

Manufacture and transport of oversized parabolic trough mirrors is likely to be cost-prohibitive for smaller-scale high-volume use, such as, household use.

However, even the individual mirrors have relativel

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