Abstract: The present invention is a heat conducting system for a solar energy device. The system includes a shield made of a heat conducting material that conforms to the convex side of a hollow curved mirror in a solar energy device. The present invention may reduce the temperature differential over an area of the mirror via passive heat conduction. The conductance of the shield of this invention is greater than the conductance of the mirror. The shield may be a layer of metal such as a metal tape. The tape may be applied as one or more strips that have ends which are separated by a seam or gap. The ends of the strips may be oriented in the same direction in an array of mirrors in a manner that provides for minimal exposure to concentrated solar irradiation at the gap or seam.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved solar concentrator array utilizing a monolithic array of primary mirrors with a metal layer deposited on its backside for electrical purposes and for dissipating heat. The array of primary mirrors may be formed by glass slumping. The size of the primary mirrors is chosen to accommodate design aspects related to performance, manufacturing processes, cost, and thermal management. An electrical package, which in one embodiment is a molded leadframe, provides the electrical circuitry between a solar cell and the metal layer. The electrical package may be configured with features such as an aperture or side edges to enhance manufacturability of the solar concentrator array. An array of secondary mirrors may be integrally formed with a front panel of the solar concentrator.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar energy system which includes an optical assembly and a non-imaging concentrator. The optical assembly includes a primary mirror and a secondary mirror. The optical assembly reflects solar radiation to the non-imaging concentrator where the radiation is output to a photovoltaic cell for conversion to electricity. Spacing nubs, or protrusions, may be configured on one or more surfaces of the non-imaging concentrator or the optical assembly to set a uniform gap for adhesive to fill and to assist in alignment of the components being bonded together.

Abstract: The present invention is a hermetic receiver package for improving reliability of optical components within a solar concentrator system. The hermetic receiver package includes a non-imaging concentrator and a solar cell sealed within a shell structure to provide protection from environmental degradation. The non-imaging concentrator and solar cell are guarded from degradation caused by the outside environment as well as by sources within the solar concentrator system. Features are incorporated into the non-imaging concentrator and shell which allow the hermetic receiver package to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly is disclosed. A primary structure for the solar power unit comprises a primary mirror and supporting walls integrally formed around the perimeter of the primary mirror. The integral construction of the primary mirror and supporting walls improves the alignment of components within the solar power unit. Solar power units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly. An outer structure for the solar power unit serves as an enclosure for the solar power unit and incorporates integral features for aligning components within. The integral alignment features reduce the need for costly tooling which is typically required to align optical elements in a solar power unit. Solar energy units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array.

Abstract: A solar energy system, including a front panel and at least two mirrors, is provided. The mirrors are used to focus light onto a photoconductive cell. In the preferred embodiment, three or more nubs are an integral part of at least one of the mirrors. When the system is assembled, these nubs are configured between the panel and a mirror to provide a substantially uniform gap for an adhesive. The mirror is secured to the panel by the adhesive. Thus, the nubs assist with desired attachment and alignment of a mirror to the panel in the solar energy system.

Abstract: A color wheel includes a motor and attached color ring, which includes a hub, a carrier and filter segments for being inserted into a light path. The geometry of the carrier is such that circular rings exist where the top view of the carrier fits into the area of the circular rings. The corresponding circular ring with minimum area defines outer and inner radii. The filter segments are translucent and extend radially into the circle with inner radius to contribute to a ring shaped area that is translucent to the light path as said color ring is rotated. The hub is attached to the motor and provides rotation of the color ring about an axis. At least one of the filter segments is attached to said hub. The attachment is less rigid against centrifugal forces than the fixation of the segments to the carrier so that rotation of the color ring leads to radial compressive forces exerted on all filter segments.