With Concentrating Reflector And Concentrating Lens Patents (Class 126/683)
  • Patent number: 11977272
    Abstract: A support system for holding solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes a frame for supporting the mirrors. The system includes a rib attached to the frame. The system includes at least a first roller engaged with the rib along which the rib moves as the frame moves. A method for moving a frame supporting solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes the steps of moving the frame on a roller guided by a rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a first position. There is the step of moving the frame on the roller guided by the rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a second position. A roller for engaging with a rib attached to a frame that holds mirrors of a solar trough system. An apparatus for cleaning solar mirrors on a frame of a solar trough system. A method for cleaning mirrors on a framework of a solar trough system. A rib for a frame that holds solar mirrors of a solar trough system which engages with a roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Werner Extrusion Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Craig Roy Werner, John Funai
  • Patent number: 11365903
    Abstract: An extremely low cost solar concentrator made of membranes or films is inflated into a Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) a non-image concentrator. The portion of the inflatable concentrator, which is shaped into a CPC concentrator, is formed with reflective membranes or films, and the portions of the inflatable concentrator on the top of CPC and on the bottom of the concentrator are made of clear membranes or films. The incident light including parallel rays of light and diffuse light, as long as falling into the half acceptance angle of the CPC, will be concentrated to the bottom exit aperture of the CPC. Therefore, this type concentrator reduces the requirement to the accuracy of tracking for concentration. In addition, this type of concentrator demonstrates more tolerance to shape distortion for concentration than imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Yonghua Wang
  • Patent number: 11099328
    Abstract: An optical coupler including a first surface intended to receive a light beam and a second surface intended to supply at least part of the light beam, and a lateral wall connecting the first surface to the second surface, the lateral wall successively including, between the first and second surfaces, a first concave portion and a first convex portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives
    Inventors: Gilles Le Blevennec, Marianne Consonni
  • Patent number: 10928614
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described to provide a large emittance angle and a large beamforming aperture for radiation emitted by a relatively small transmit aperture. For example, a diffractive concentrator structure can provide a large emittance angle and a large beamforming aperture for radiation emitted by a small transmit aperture and delivered to a larger exit aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Searete LLC
    Inventor: Yaroslav A. Urzhumov
  • Patent number: 10775635
    Abstract: The invention provides a lighting device (1) lighting device (10) comprising: (I) a first light source (110) configured to provide first light source light (101); (II) a luminescent material (200) configured to convert at least part of the first light source light (101) into luminescent material light (201); (III) a beam shaping optical element (300) having a light entrance side (341) and a light exit side (342), and a wall (347) bridging a distance between the light entrance side (341) and the light exit side (342), wherein at least part of the wall (347) is reflective for the luminescent material light (201), wherein the beam shaping optical element (300) is configured to receive at least part of the luminescent material light (201) at the light entrance side (341) and to provide beam shaped luminescent material light (201) at the light exit side (342); (IV) an elongated light transmissive body (100) having a first face (141) and a second face (142) defining a length (L) of the light transmissive body (100)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Hugo Johan Cornelissen, Olexandr Valentynovych Vdovin, Evgeni Arkad'Evich Patent, Daniel Anton Benoy
  • Patent number: 10581373
    Abstract: A concentrator and a solar light router for converting light energy into electrical, photochemical and thermal energy, among other possible forms of usable energy, comprising a fixed body (1) and a movable part (2), wherein the fixed body (1) has an upper side with a converging lens (4) through which the sun rays (R1) enter, and a lower side where a mirror (5) is arranged. The mobile part 2 has a support arm 7 having a lower leg 8 coupled to a movement unit 10, and an upper leg 9 extending above the converging lens 4, in which is displaceable mounted a module (11) receptor/router of convergent solar rays (R4) that emerges from the fixed body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Alejandro Vertanessian
  • Patent number: 10554168
    Abstract: A light-concentrating, solar system, comprising: a first Fresnel lens (111) provided with at least one tooth face, wherein each tooth face contains at least one Fresnel unit; two reflective faces (112, 113) arranged to enable incident sunlight to converge via the first Fresnel lens (111), and then to irradiate to a first reflective face (112), and at least part of the incident sunlight to be reflected onto a second reflective face (113) by the first reflective face (112); and a photovoltaic panel (114) arranged to enable at least part of the sunlight reflected by the second reflective face (113) to directly irradiate to or be led to irradiate to the photovoltaic panel (114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: BOLYMEDIA HOLDINGS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaoping Hu
  • Patent number: 10466440
    Abstract: A support system for holding solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes a frame for supporting the mirrors. The system includes a rib attached to the frame. The system includes at least a first roller engaged with the rib along which the rib moves as the frame moves. A method for moving a frame supporting solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes the steps of moving the frame on a roller guided by a rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a first position. There is the step of moving the frame on the roller guided by the rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a second position. A roller for engaging with a rib attached to a frame that holds mirrors of a solar trough system. An apparatus for cleaning solar mirrors on a frame of a solar trough system. A method for cleaning mirrors on a framework of a solar trough system. A rib for a frame that holds solar mirrors of a solar trough system which engages with a roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Werner Extrusion Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Craig Roy Werner, John Funai
  • Patent number: 10379193
    Abstract: A slew gear drive including a housing having a tubular portion having a longitudinal axis, a shaft formed with a worm gear configured for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis within the tubular portion of the housing, and a torque tube having an outer surface, the torque tube carried by the housing for rotational movement about a rotational axis perpendicular to the worm gear, wherein an inner race coupled to the torque tube including a gear having teeth configured to engage the worm gear, the teeth extending less than a 360 degrees around the inner race. Rotation of the worm gear about the longitudinal axis engaging the teeth of the inner race, thereby rotating the inner race the torque tube about the rotational axis relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: NEXTracker Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 10063184
    Abstract: An improvised Solar Concentrator and Absorber/Receiver Subsystem using a Dual-Stage Parabolic Concentrator for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) (Thermal) system comprises of two parabolic mirrored reflectors wherein their apertures face each other with their focal point/line and axes coincides with each other, a plurality of absorber tubes/cavities placed on the non-reflecting side of the primary and/or secondary reflectors to carry heat transfer fluid, combined with relevant mechanisms to prevent/minimize thermal loss, mounted on a Sun tracking mechanism. For Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) and Concentrating Hybrid Thermo-Photovoltaic (CHTPV) Systems, all or a portion of the reflectors' reflecting and/or exterior surfaces would be covered or substituted with suitable photovoltaic panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventors: Karthigueyane Lakshmanan, Rajaganapathy Lakshmanan
  • Patent number: 9658438
    Abstract: A compound polyhedral concentrator (CPOC) lens is disclosed with one smooth curved surface facing the sun and an inner surface comprised of a 3D pattern of interpenetrating minimum deviation prisms with a common origin facing the absorber. This new type of stationary solar concentrator is used to extend the acceptance angles by minimizing blocking and tip optical losses that are common with radial Fresnel design forms. Moreover, when considering the extended time period for non-tracking of the sun's movement commensurate with the increased acceptance angles the total energy collected using a combination of a CPOC lens and a photovoltaic device will be greater than the total energy collected using the photovoltaic device by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: LITRICITY, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Forrester, Mark Bennahmias, Robert S. Block, Paul Sidlo, Rudolf A. Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 9333687
    Abstract: A light reflection device includes a composite substrate, a mirror plastic film securely affixed to the composite substrate and a reflection coating affixed to the composite substrate with the mirror plastic film sandwiched therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Shanghai Huyu Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang Zhuang Xiong
  • Patent number: 9244260
    Abstract: An arrangement utilizes diffractive, reflective and/or refractive optical elements combined to intensify and homogenize electromagnetic energy, such as natural sunlight in the terrestrial environment, for purposes such as irradiating a target area with concentrated homogenized energy. A heat activated safety mechanism is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: LITRICITY, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas C. Forrester, Robert S. Block
  • Patent number: 9212829
    Abstract: A simple and portable solar heat collector comprises a sheet of lenses, the sheet of lenses receiving light on a first side and focusing the light at focal points on a second side; and tubing on the second side. The tubing comprises an input tube for receiving heat absorbing fluid, internal tubing for routing heat absorbing fluid through at least some of the focal points of the sheet of lenses, and an output tube for outputting heated heat absorbing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Friesel
  • Patent number: 8988791
    Abstract: A light collector includes a light guide having a refractive index larger than a refractive index of air and a reflecting surface configured to reflect light output from a conic surface of the light guide back to the light guide. The light guide is made of transparent material through which light passes. The light guide has an entering portion from which light enters and an exiting portion from which the light exits. The light guide has a circular cone shape and has a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction from the entering portion to the exiting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, National University Corporation Nagoya University
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Yamada, Koichi Mori
  • Patent number: 8960182
    Abstract: A device for storage and conveyance of thermal energy for an energy production system apt to receive solar radiation and based on the use of a modular fluidizable granular bed and a heat exchanger associated thereto is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Magaldi Industrie S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario Magaldi, Gennaro De Michele, Piero Salatino
  • Patent number: 8944047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for converting solar energy, comprising a solar radiation capturing unit (11) comprising at least one lens having a entry surface (11a) for the incident solar radiation and an exit surface (11b) for emitting the solar radiation in refracted form to a solar radiation concentrating unit (12) comprising a reflector surface (12a) for reflecting the solar radiation incident on the reflector surface (12a) from the exit surface of the lens (11b) to at least one target area (13) of the solar radiation concentrating unit (12). The device (10) comprises positioning means (14) for orienting the solar radiation capturing unit (11) and the solar radiation concentrating unit (12) with respect to each other through rotation about at least one axis (11?) perpendicular to a plane formed by the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Suncycle International GmbH
    Inventors: Roy Bijl, Peter Penning
  • Patent number: 8881474
    Abstract: Disclosed is a housing and mounting assembly for a skylight module, and particularly for a skylight module that incorporates an energy management system. The housing and mounting assembly is configured to efficiently capture both direct solar and diffuse ambient light, and deliver light that is diffuse to the space below the skylight that provides even illumination and no unpleasant glare spots. The walls of the skylight module may be formed of multi-wall polycarbonate panels configured to redirect both the upward- and downward-shining light through the aperture into the space below. Moreover, the curb of the assembly may include a flexible flashing strip provided with a reflective coating configured to reflect sunlight upward through the walls of the assembly and into the skylight module, such that the advantages of collecting and using such reflected light can be achieved even in a retrofit installation on a non-reflective roofing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: MBC Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: John Joseph Tandler
  • Publication number: 20140261392
    Abstract: A solar collector apparatus includes a parabolic mirror configured to direct solar energy through a double convex lens and towards a linear set of secondary mirrors, each of the secondary mirrors positioned to direct the solar energy towards a solar collection target. The subsequent diversion achieved by the solar collector apparatus allows collection of solar energy several times denser than natural sunlight, and can be captured using a substantially compact system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Richard M. Lambrecht
  • Patent number: 8776783
    Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a frustoconical reflective shell and a light converging lens. The frustoconical reflective shell includes a top opening and an opposite bottom opening. The reflective shell tapers from the top opening to the bottom opening. The reflective shell is configured for reflecting light. The light converging lens is arranged at the top opening and is fixed on the sidewall of the reflective shell. The light concentration lens includes a central lens portion and a periphery lens portion. The central lens portion includes a first light incident portion facing away from the bottom opening. The central lens portion includes a plurality of concentric annular prisms cooperatively forming a Fresnel-lens structure. The periphery lens portion is arranged surrounding the central lens portion. The periphery lens portion includes a convex second lens portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 8767302
    Abstract: A laminated optical disk, applied for lighting system or solar energy system, includes a plurality of annular lenses, a base and a circular light guiding unit. The annular lenses are arranged in order from center to outside to form a disk-structure. Each annular lens has a light-input curved surface and a light-output curved surface respectively matching the different thickness of the base. The light-input curved surface is opposite to the center. The light-output curved surface is opposite to the light-input curved surface, and facing to the center. The light is incident on the light-input curved surface, refracted and tended to concentrate by the light-input curved surface. Besides, the light exiting from the annular lens is to be refracted to the direction of the center by the light-output curved surface. The base of the laminated optical disk can significantly improve the light leakage problem by different annular lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jong-Woei Whang, Chieh-Jen Hsiao, Meng-Che Tsai, Chung-Wei Wang, Ya-Hui Chang
  • Patent number: 8752379
    Abstract: A hybrid solar/non-solar thermal generation system includes a solar concentrator and collector, and fiber optic cables that transfer collected solar radiation to a solar to thermal converter. The solar to thermal converter converts the solar radiation to heat that is used to augment the heating of a working fluid in a boiler. The system has particular application for use in Rankine cycle power generation plants that employ non-solar sources to heat the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan Michael Phillips Falcey
  • Patent number: 8689784
    Abstract: An improved solar concentrator, where because sunlight is focused into parallel or collimated beams the light can be reflected and controlled by a series of mirrors and collected to form increasingly powerful collimated beams targeted onto a reactor; where each array tracks the sun with a dual-axis solar tracker, an array has multiple units that have a collecting fresnel lens, a collimating lens and a mirror, an array has a centralizing mirror which gathers the fresnel unit light in middle of each array, the array beams are then reflected off of a series of mirrors that bounce the light beams form mirror to mirror and collect the beam energy from multiple arrays into one or more high power beams, which are bounced off mirrors until they hit the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: James Matthew Monsebroten
  • Patent number: 8656717
    Abstract: A solar powered generator assembly is provided for driving a turbine using steam produced by solar power. The assembly includes a fluid tank and a fluid line having a first end and a second end each in fluid communication with the fluid tank. A fluid is positioned in the fluid tank and the fluid line. A lens focuses solar rays into a heat collector coupled to the lens. The heat collector has a reflective curved interior surface configured for reflecting solar rays to facilitate heating the heat collector. A medial portion of the fluid line is wrapped around and heated by the heat collector converting the fluid into a gaseous state. A turbine is operationally coupled to the fluid line driving the turbine to produce electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert M. Parker
  • Patent number: 8631787
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and systems to homogenize illumination on a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Light Prescriptions Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Pablo Benitez, Juan Carlos Minano, Maikel Hernandez, Jose Blen, Ruben Mohedano, Oliver Dross
  • Patent number: 8546681
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Wares, Stephan Barsun, Tom Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 8434472
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the collection and conversion of light energy. The apparatus includes, a sandwich core structure, a collector element and a concentrator including one or more reflector elements and positioned at an exterior surface of the sandwich core structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: CellTech Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon N. Hanson, Fabien Ebnoether, Clifford Delmage
  • Patent number: 8430090
    Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker apparatus is disclosed having multiple dish-shaped monolithic reflectors for concentrating sunlight. The dish-shaped monolithic reflectors are co-axially aligned in an array supported by a moveable frame. The moveable frame forms the elevation structure of a two-axis tracker that has control means for following the movement of the sun across the sky. Each dish-shaped monolithic reflector produces a region of concentrated sunlight suitable for generation of solar energy. A generator is positioned at the focus of each reflector. A preferred generator uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity at a high output power due to the high solar power input that is directed to the generator by the dish-shaped monolithic reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of University of Arizona
    Inventors: Roger P Angel, Warren B Davison
  • Patent number: 8430093
    Abstract: A solar collector includes a collecting mirror defining a radiation-transparent window. A collimating mirror re-reflects the collected radiation through the window to a black-body absorber located behind the collecting mirror. A working fluid flows through the black-body absorber to absorb the resulting power and to transfer the power to a utilization apparatus. The collecting and collimating mirrors may be elongated (cylindrical), or they may be axially symmetric. The working fluid may flow through a separate tube, or simply be contained by an aperture in a block of insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. Harris
  • Patent number: 8353285
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting solar energy are provided. The apparatus is a trough-type solar collector having one or more mirrors and lenses for directing solar radiation toward a receiver configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein. The amount of solar radiation directed toward the receiver can be controlled by adjusting one or more of the mirrors and/or lenses or by adjusting a shade. Thus, the collector can direct different amounts or solar radiation toward the receiver, thereby selectively heating the receiver at different rates, e.g., to preheat the receiver, to heat fluid in the receiver for power generation, or to thaw solidified fluid in the receiver. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used to generate steam and/or electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Z. Litwin
  • Patent number: 8342169
    Abstract: A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which to reciprocally rotate the platform; b) a first container located on the platform on one side and a second container located on the other side of the platform; c) a solar reflector located adjacent each container; d) a connecting tube connecting the first and second containers; e) an evaporative fluid contained within at least one of the containers; f) a roof above the platform with a window located above each of the containers; g) shutter devices at each of the windows; and b) shutter device controls to activate the shutter devices to present alternating exposure of sunlight and shading at each of the containers to effect reciprocal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kenergy Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 8307822
    Abstract: A solar energy device includes a first prism with a dichroic surface and a reflective surface opposite the dichroic surface. A first solar cell is positioned to receive light rays passing through the dichroic surface. A second solar cell positioned to receive light rays from the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Scott Lerner
  • Patent number: 8304644
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic assembly which is removably and replaceably mounted on the reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic receptor to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Wares, Stephan Barsun, Tom Dinwoodie
  • Patent number: 8230851
    Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Genie Lens Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Raymond, Howard G. Lange, Seth Weiss
  • Publication number: 20110197880
    Abstract: Arrangements may include a concentrator constructed and arranged to receive incident electromagnetic energy and to concentrate the incident electromagnetic energy to a greater intensity level; an electromagnetic receiving device comprising a first surface constructed and arranged to receive the concentrated electromagnetic energy, and a second surface opposite the first surface; a heat transport device comprising at least one duct and a first surface; and a thermal interface layer physically connected to at least a portion of the second surface of the electromagnetic energy receiving device and the first surface of the heat transport device, the thermal interface material being both electrically and thermally conductive. Related methods and additional arrangements are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: KRS Murthy, Robert S. Block, Allen J. Amaro
  • Publication number: 20110193512
    Abstract: An energy farm system that harnesses energy from the environment has an integrated energy collector that harnesses solar light radiation, solar heat radiation, and harnesses wind energy. Some embodiments of the collector may be used for powering lights on a pole, communication equipment outdoors, and be suitable for powering homes and buildings. The collector harnesses wind energy by a horizontal axis rotation wind mill, harnesses solar light radiation by using a system of lenses that focus light to the center to the photovoltaic cells, and harnesses solar heat radiation by using a system of lenses that focus heat to the center to a heat exchanger. The collector mounted on a pole receives solar energy from the sun rays, as the sun travels from east to west. The lens elements focus light and heat radiation towards the center of the collector to a solar cell array and a solar energy collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Tara Chand Singhal, Mukunda Singhal
  • Publication number: 20110168164
    Abstract: A system for releasing and capturing gases from a regolith material has a frame that is movable to define a capture space on a regolith material. A mirror captures solar energy, and focuses energy through a lens and on a regolith defined within the captured space. Apparatus is provided for capturing released gas. A method of operating such a system is also disclosed and claimed. In addition, a method of forming structural material is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Joseph P. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7975685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collecting and utilizing device, comprising: one or more paraboloidal light collecting mirrors for collecting/converging the sunlight; a light guider including a light guider mirror for receiving the sunlight converged by said paraboloidal light collecting mirrors and converting it into parallel light beams in a desired direction; one or more curved surface condenser mirrors for receiving/converging substantially parallel light beams from said light guider; a solar storage and conversion device for storing/converting the energy converged by said curved surface condenser mirrors; a solar tracking equipment for tracking automatically the sunlight so as to always keep the opening surface of said paraboloidal light collecting mirrors substantially vertical to the sunlight. The focus of said light collecting mirror always superposes the focus of the corresponding light guider mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Xiaofeng Zhao
  • Patent number: 7973235
    Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting distribution system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates all components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Batelle, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Muhs, Dennis D. Earl, David L. Beshears, Lonnie C. Maxey, John K. Jordan, Randall F. Lind
  • Patent number: 7946287
    Abstract: Solar concentrator system(s) that include parabolic Total Reflection Reflectors with corrected Curved Rectangular Total Reflection Prisms are provided. The corrected Curved Rectangular Total Reflection Prisms remove optical imperfections of diffusion typically present at conventional rectangular prisms of conventional parabolic and paraboloid TRR, and enable accurate focusing and high concentration ratios. A variation of the corrected Curved Rectangular Total Reflection Prisms allows the construction of a corrected solar wave guide with total reflection walls (Solar Artery), which enables the removal of the diffusion (and losses) typically present at conventional Hollow Solar Wave Guides, and increase by one or more orders of magnitude the light-propagation range of Solar Arteries for the same level of losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Alexandros Papadopoulos
  • Publication number: 20110114078
    Abstract: An efficient and cost effective system for the collection, concentration, and delivery of disperse solar energy to a central location for use in electrical power generation. The system includes a unique structural design for a strong lightweight parabolic dish heliostat. It couples this heliostat with a small collimating lens (or mirror) and a flat side mirror to redirect the resultant concentrated solar energy beam to a central receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald Reed Fargo
  • Publication number: 20110108018
    Abstract: A solar energy conversion apparatus including a solar collection apparatus configured for tracking the sun, a first loop array for channeling a first heat transfer fluid to and from a fluid reservoir operating as a heat sink, a second loop array for channeling a second heat transfer fluid to and from the fluid reservoir for interfacing via a heat exchanger therewith, a third loop array for channeling a third heat transfer fluid to and from the fluid reservoir for interfacing via a heat exchanger therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Richard G. Heinsohn, Gary L. K. Best
  • Patent number: 7854224
    Abstract: A solar chimney includes a solar collector which heats air in the chimney, producing updrafts which can be harnessed to perform useful work. The solar collector may be located inside or outside the chimney. The device may include a reservoir for storing a heat transfer fluid, thus enabling the device to be used during both day and night. The solar chimney may be equipped with both internal and external solar collectors, operating in parallel. The solar chimney may also be equipped with multiple external solar collectors, connected in parallel to a reservoir. The solar chimney of the invention provides a convenient and practical way to convert solar energy into electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Pitaya Yangpichit
  • Publication number: 20100313879
    Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a frustoconical reflective shell and a light converging lens. The frustoconical reflective shell includes a top opening and an opposite bottom opening. The reflective shell tapers from the top opening to the bottom opening. The reflective shell is configured for reflecting light. The light converging lens is arranged at the top opening and is fixed on the sidewall of the reflective shell. The light concentration lens includes a central lens portion and a periphery lens portion. The central lens portion includes a first light incident portion facing away from the bottom opening. The central lens portion includes a plurality of concentric annular prisms cooperatively forming a Fresnel-lens structure. The periphery lens portion is arranged surrounding the central lens portion. The periphery lens portion includes a convex second lens portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAN-FU HUANG
  • Patent number: 7845345
    Abstract: A solar-powered system and method for producing a utility, such as electricity, hot water, and/or potable water is disclosed. The system may be configured to produce the utilities alone or in combination. The system may comprise a fluid medium, a converter, one or more solar concentrators, a storage tank, a collection tank, a dehydration tank, and one or more safety features. The system may be closed-loop or open-loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Cheryl Glazer, Elliott Glazer, Steven Glazer
  • Publication number: 20100288266
    Abstract: The inventive device provides a means to concentrate solar thermal energy and transmit this energy to the fluid in a tank. This tank may be relatively distant and otherwise inaccessible to sunlight such as a hot water heater in a residence. By supplementing traditional energy sources, the invention could reduce the duty cycle of a conventional hot water heater's energy source and hence increase efficiency and lower operating cost. The device performs these duties via a series of lenses, mirrors and control systems which can be powered by integrated photovoltaic panels. The system can therefore be self-powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Arthur Drevnig
  • Publication number: 20100242952
    Abstract: A tower type heat dissipating structure is applied to dissipate the heat of a solar power system. The solar power system is provided with a reflector having a hemispheric surface for reflecting the sunlight to a solar cell. The heat dissipating structure comprises a heat-conducting plate, a plate type heat pipe and a plurality of heat dissipating fins. One side of the heat-conducting plate is connected with the solar cell, and the other side is provided with a groove for being embedded an end of the plate type heat pipe. The heat dissipating fins is arranged with an inclination angle against the plate type heat pipe that can promote the heated air within the gaps to rise. The heat is rapidly conduced to prevent the solar cell from being destroyed by overheating for reducing the repairing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: George Anthony MEYER, IV, Chien-Hung SUN, Chieh-Ping CHEN
  • Patent number: 7797939
    Abstract: A concentrating solar receiver that maximizes the amount of solar energy available for conversion to electricity that utilizes a primary reflector, a secondary reflector and a fresnel lens to both reflect and refract solar rays to a thermal cycle engine receiver which converts solar energy to mechanical energy which is in turn converted into electrical energy using an electric generator. The configuration creates focal points that protect the thermal cycle engine receiver from high temperatures and provides uniform density of solar energy within the thermal cycle engine receiver. The solar receiver is moved in response to a sun tracking sensor using a vertical and a horizontal drive motor. The thermal cycle engine and the electric generator, representing the majority of mass, are centered on the vertical support and are low to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Timmy Green
  • Patent number: 7793654
    Abstract: A solar tracking system comprising a solar panel, a support base, and a panel mounting section mounted to the support base for rotation about a generally vertical axis of rotation. The panel is mounted to the mounting section to be able to rotate about a generally horizontal secondary panel axis of rotation. There is a panel positioning section comprising a base positioning section and an intermediate positioning section having a rear connecting portion to contact the base connecting region and a forward connecting positioning location to connect to the panel at a forward panel connecting positioning location. The intermediate positioning section has a linking axis extending between the rear connecting positioning location and the panel connecting location. The panel is rotated about the main axis of rotation and the intermediate positioning section changes its angular position relative to the base positioning section to cause the tilt angle of the panel to change to track the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony R Thorne
  • Publication number: 20100212654
    Abstract: It includes at least one module with a concave reflecting mirror surface which concentrates the light radiation towards certain devices in order to then obtain electrical or other type of energy. It also includes means for orienting that mirror surface according to the position of the sun. It is characterised in principle in that each module comprises a thin lightweight laminar body with an arched structure which incorporates the concave mirror surface, this laminar body being associated with certain stiffening supports which stabilise and stiffen that arched structure in order to maintain this shape, said structure being supported on some ground with the interposition of guide means by which the arched structure at least tilts towards one side or the other depending on the light sensor or timer which activates a device that positions each module in real time with the required orientation according to the position of the sun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: José Javier Alejo Trevijano