Abstract: Solar concentrating wedge can potentially deliver twice the output of a CPC trough. The wedge uses a new optic that turns light sharply allowing the collector to have a very compact profile. In this way, the focal zone is made shorter and hotter for solar thermal applications and the maximum flux density is doubled for photovoltaics. The collection optics are self-cooling. A simple and sturdy non-tracking frame ensures that collected light will follow the intended path to the absorber.

Abstract: Solar concentrating wedge can potentially deliver twice the output of a CPC trough. The wedge uses a new optic that turns light sharply allowing the collector to have a very compact profile. In this way, the focal zone is made shorter and hotter for solar thermal applications and the maximum flux density is doubled for photovoltaics. The collection optics are self-cooling. A simple and sturdy non-tracking frame ensures that collected light will follow the intended path to the absorber.

Abstract: Advanced stationary solar concentrating wedges are described. Using the latest collection optics, sunlight is directed into the wedge to produce a short hot focus. The wedge acceptance angle allows for a two-sided collector. A simple and sturdy non-tracking frame ensures that collected light will follow the intended path to the absorber. The scalable wedge will be useful in making steam for motive power and purified water for human consumption.

Abstract: A nontracking solar concentrator, called the wedge, is given the ability to collect overhead light. This is made possible by a new prism, having the cross section of a cornucopia, that delivers an abundance of bright light into the wedge to create a higher intensity focus.

Abstract: This nontracking solar concentrator can be larger than a football field and produce a 20 sun focus. A tank holds panels to collect light and water to guide light to the focus. The tank has a wide field of view that eliminates the need for a sun-tracking mechanism.

Abstract: A plate collects light and guides it to an internal focus (20). The plate is constructed of prisms (2) that allow simultaneous reflection and transmission of light. The prisms are easily mass-produced. The prismatic plate can be formed into many shapes.

Abstract: Advanced reflector elements are provided to greatly improve the focusing capabilities of multisurface, light concentrating mirrors. The reflector elements utilize a subconcentrator feature to focus light which is then transmitted, or bypassed, through an adjacent element's lens feature, greatly shortening the distance that light rays must travel to a receiver. The result is a more uniform density of concentrated power at the receiver, generated by a module of much shorter focal length. The bypass elements of this invention permit new extreme module geometries, such as: (1) ninety degree rim angle hyperbolic dishes and troughs where f/D=0.125, (2) very shallow conical reflectors, (3) flat concentrator mirrors that can be pointed directly at the light source with little loss of light, and (4) positive focal length convex reflectors.

Abstract: An advanced slatted reflector is provided to collect and concentrate solar energy. In its simplest form the module is a louvered sheet material platform that is mounted with a photovoltaic cell assembly. The one-piece unit is a mass-producible stamping of ribbed monocoque construction. Light reflective louvers of the stamping are interconnected by a common-border-area grillage that maintains the louverwork position and inclination. The louvers can be patterned in novel configurations to improve the electrical output of solar cells and increase their service lifetime. The lightweight stamping eliminates the complexity and assembly time associated with the mirror strips of prior art slatted concentrators.

Abstract: A solar heat collector which is constructed of a frame upon which are mounted a plurality of separate louvered panels. With the panels being mounted on the frame, the collector assumes a basic elliptical shape in transverse cross-section forming an interior closed area. The upper surface of this area (nearest the sun) is formed of two separate identical panels which are positioned in a substantially edge-abutting reversed relationship. The lower surface of the enclosed area (furthest from the sun) is also formed of two separate identical panels which are also located in an edge-abutting reversed relationship. Construction of the lower surface panels is different than the construction of the upper surface panels with the louvers being pitched at different angles. Within the enclosed area there is to be located an energy converting device assembly which can either take a form of a photovoltaic cell assembly or a heat pipe assembly.