Abstract: A nonimaging radiant energy device may include a hyperbolically shaped reflective element with a radiant energy inlet and a radiant energy outlet. A convex lens is provided at the radiant energy inlet and a concave lens is provided at the radiant energy outlet. Due to the provision of the lenses and the shape of the walls of the reflective element, the radiant energy incident at the radiant energy inlet within a predetermined angle of acceptance is emitted from the radiant energy outlet exclusively within an acute exit angle. In another embodiment, the radiant energy device may include two interconnected hyperbolically shaped reflective elements with a respective convex lens being provided at each aperture of the device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 1989
Date of Patent:
September 7, 1993
Assignees:
The Argonne National Laboratory, The University of Chicago Development Corporation
Abstract: A system for collecting solar energy includes a space station which receives and concentrates solar light and produces a plurality of collimated beams each diverging toward a common axis and toward a target area on the surface of the earth. On reaching the target area on the earth, each of the collimated beams is superimposed on the other.