Solar energy receiver

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more techniques, alone or in combination, to maximize a surface area of a receiver that is configured to convert light into another form of energy. One technique enhances collection efficiency by controlling a size, shape, and / or position of a cell relative to an expected illumination profile under various conditions. Another technique positions non-active elements (such as electrical contacts and / or interconnects) on surfaces likely to be shaded from incident light by other elements of the receiver. Another technique utilizes embodiments of interconnect structures occupying a small footprint. According to certain embodiments, the receiver may be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 475,483 filed on Apr. 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Solar radiation is the most abundant energy source on earth. However, attempts to harness solar power on large scales have so far failed to be economically competitive with most fossil-fuel energy sources.[0003]One reason for the lack of adoption of solar energy sources on a large scale is that fossil-fuel energy sources have the advantage of economic externalities, such as low-cost or cost-free pollution and emission. Another reason for the lack of adoption of solar energy sources on a large scale is that the solar flux is not intense enough for direct conversion at one solar flux to be cost effective. Solar energy concentrator technology has sought to address this issue. For example,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention aims to maximize the surface area of a solar energy receiver by controlling the size, shape, and position of its photo-sensitive cell relative to the expected illumination profile. Additionally, non-active elements such as electrical contacts and interconnects are positioned on surfaces that are likely to be shaded from incident light. The invention also utilizes interconnect or contact structures occupying a small footprint. Furthermore, the receiver can be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air. The invention also includes a solar energy receiver that includes location sensors for determining the location of the Sun and providing the information to a tracking system that can orient the solar receiver optimally.

Problems solved by technology

However, attempts to harness solar power on large scales have so far failed to be economically competitive with most fossil-fuel energy sources.

Another reason for the lack of adoption of solar energy sources on a large scale is that the solar flux is not intense enough for direct conversion at one solar flux to be cost effective.

So far, however, solar concentrator systems cost too much to compete unsubsidized with fossil fuels, in part because of large amounts of material and large areas that that solar collectors occupy.

The large amounts of materials used to make solar concentration systems and the large areas that are occupied by solar concentration systems render solar concentration systems unsuitable for large-scale solar farming.

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