Abstract: A solar radiation collection and distribution system includes a solar collection system which includes a primary reflector, a secondary reflector and a planar reflector. The focal points of the primary and secondary reflectors are offset by the same number of degrees, and the primary and secondary reflectors are rigidly fixed in an assembly such that their focal points lie along a common optical axis. The assembly is pivotable in elevation and rotatable in azimuth such that the primary reflector continuously tracks the sun. A pivotable planar reflector, which reflects downwardly the beam from the secondary reflector, pivots at one-half the angular rate at which the assembly pivots. This beam consists essentially of sunlight and is maintained in a substantially constant orientation independent of assembly elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: In a multi-lens hydrogen and/or electric/steam power plant there are mirrors 2, or equivalent, such as prisms, placed underneath lenses 1 directing ray bundles from several lenses 1 onto one focal point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple reflector light or solar energy concentrators and systems using such concentrators. More particularly, the invention is concerned with an arrangement of optical elements for the efficient collection of light while minimizing complexities of optics needed to achieve light collection and concentration. At least three reflectors are involved. A concave primary reflector receives the solar energy and sends it to a secondary convex reflector positioned in the focal zone of the first reflector. In turn, the secondary reflector sends the solar energy, at least in part, to a third non-imaging reflector positioned in the focal zone of the secondary reflector. In a system, a receiver is placed in the focal zone of the third reflector. The present arrangement allows for the receiver to be in a fixed position, enhancing the ability of certain variants of the system to generate steam directly in the receiver.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator (1) is formed in the shape of a spiral horn, so that solar energy incident over a wide range of incident angles on the mouth (2) of the horn is concentrated by multiple reflections from inner walls (5) of the horn to emerge from an exit aperture (3) at the center of the horn. Solar energy emerging from the collector may be distributed by light pipes (40) to illuminate a building or may be transmitted to a solar energy conversion chamber (50) having a small entry aperture (51). The entry aperture (51) acts as black body absorbing all solar energy incident upon it and the solar energy may be converted within the chamber (50) either by photovoltaic cells and/or by heat absorbing media.

Abstract: A non-imaging energy flux transformation system including a concentrator incorporating a set of nested, ring-like, concave reflective elements, and a receiver. The system efficiently concentrates radiant energy, such as sunlight, by means of focusing the energy striking the entrance aperture of concentrator to the receiver located on the side of concentrator's exit aperture. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual non-imaging profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The receiver can be an energy absorbing device, a secondary energy concentrating transformer, or a flux homogenizer.

Abstract: A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and reflects UV/VIS to deliver a uniform flux of UV/VIS onto a sample exposure plane located near a center of a facet array in chamber means that provide concurrent levels of temperature and/or relative humidity at high levels of up to 100× of natural sunlight that allow sample materials to be subjected to accelerated irradiance exposure factors for a significant period of time of about 3 to 10 days to provide a corresponding time of about at least a years worth representative weathering of sample materials.

Abstract: An adaptive full spectrum solar energy system having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one hybrid luminaire, at least one hybrid photobioreactor, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator, each hybrid luminaire, and each hybrid photobioreactor. A lighting control system operates each component.

Abstract: A non-imaging solar concentrator having a primary concentrator and a turntable. The primary concentrator is mounted to the turntable such that it is rotatable about a turntable axis and a secondary axis that is orthogonal to the turntable axis. Rotation of the primary concentrator about the turntable and secondary axes permits the primary concentrator to be positioned anywhere within the visible sky, even when a solar offset angle of 90 degrees is not used.

Abstract: A nonimaging light concentrator system including a primary collector of light, an optical mixer disposed near the focal zone for collecting light from the primary collector, the optical mixer having a transparent entrance aperture, an internally reflective housing for substantially total internal reflection of light, a transparent exit aperture and an array of photovoltaic cells disposed near the transparent exit aperture.

Abstract: A geodome tower reflector for a beam down optics solar power system has three equidistantly spaced tower assemblies. A geodome reflector assembly is movably mounted to the plurality of tower assemblies for vertical movement along the plurality of tower assemblies. The geodome reflector assembly has a facet support structure. The facet support has a plurality of rigid frames to which facets are mounted. Each facet has a downwardly facing mirror for reflecting light from a heliostat to a receiver of the beam down optics solar power system.

Abstract: A solar radiation concentrating system (1) comprises at least two reflectors (12, 16) successively arranged along an optical path (4) of the system (1) so that a first (12) of the two reflectors (12, 16) reflects the radiation towards a second (16) of the two reflectors (12, 16). The reflectors (12, 16) have such spectral characteristics as to be capable of highly reflecting the radiation in a reflection range of wavelengths and absorbing the radiation in an absorption range of wavelengths, wherein the absorption range of wavelengths of the first reflector (12) substantially includes the absorption range of wavelengths of the second reflector (16).

Abstract: A geodome tower reflector for a beam down optics solar power system has three equidistantly spaced tower assemblies. A geodome reflector assembly is movably mounted to the plurality of tower assemblies for vertical movement along the plurality of tower assemblies. The geodome reflector assembly has a facet support structure. The facet support has a plurality of rigid frames to which facets are mounted. Each facet has a downwardly facing mirror for reflecting light from a heliostat to a receiver of the beam down optics solar power system.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes high concentrating reflective or refractive optics concentrating collected solar light along a first axis and includes spectrum splitting reflective or refractive optics splitting collected solar light along a second axis for illuminating photovoltaic solar panels with spectrum split light having a plurality of frequency components respectively illuminating horizontally aligned subarrays of cells of associated bandgaps forming a panel matrix of cells for high concentration spectrum splitting solar power collection for efficient solar power conversion.

Abstract: A collection device for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing a reflector having a concave reflecting surface for concentrating electromagnetic radiation to a focal point. The reflector also includes an opposite surface, a flexible optical guide includes a first end portion which is located at the focal place of the reflector. Flexible optical guide also includes an intermediate portion which extends to the reflector and a second end portion which is located at the opposite surface of the reflector. The flexible optical guide extends through the reflector such that distribution of the concentrated electromagnetic radiation will pass from the second end portion of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Solar energy receiver having two or more regions for acceptance of solar radiation, and a means for splitting the solar radiation into two or more wavelength bands. A different band of radiation is incident upon each of the regions. At least one of the regions includes a means, such as a filter, to substantially prevent radiation having a wavelength longer than that incident on the region from leaving the region.

Abstract: Device for heating with solar energy, which device contains at least one mirror construction (1) which is mounted on a frame (3) in a movable manner and which be directed towards the sun, and at least one collector (4) extending parallel to the mirror construction (1) in order to collect the solar radiation reflected by the mirror construction (1), characterized in that the mirror construction (1) contains a number of almost flat mirror strips (2) extending next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the collector (4) and which are each provided on the frame (3) such that they can rotate around their longitudinal direction, whereas the collector (4) is stationary in relation to the frame (3), whereby the mirror strips (2) are situated in an almost horizontal plane with their axes of rotation, whereby the device contains means (16) to rotate the mirror strips (2) and the mirroring surface of the mirror strips (2) such that the solar rays coming in on said surface can be reflected towards the collector

Abstract: A solar powered fluid heating system for providing a user with a cost and energy saving advantage when heating fluids includes a solar dish which includes a mirrored concave surface. A power head assembly coupled to the solar dish by a support pole extending outwardly from the solar dish. A fluid line extending through the support pole. The fluid line is coiled at a focal point of the mirrored surface of the solar dish whereby solar rays are directed by the solar dish onto the coiled fluid line for heating fluid passing through the coiled fluid line.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for collimating light energy falling randomly from myriad directions on a fixed-positioned thin flat surface. The collimated rays are then concentrated by an assembly of prismatic slabs and optical or fiber optic means to achieve light concentrations of 700 or more times than that of normal sunlight. Applications are given for new products such as collimated beam non-blinding motor vehicle headlights; fixed-positioned solar collectors that collect and concentrate more than 80% of the direct and diffused radiation falling on their surfaces; generation of high pressure steam by means of solar energy; and efficient and economical photovoltaic and thermoelectric generators and fiber optic acceptors for concentrating and transmitting significant quantities of light energy.

Abstract: A double reflecting solar concentrator utilizing a primary parabolic reflective surface which reflects incident light toward a secondary surface. The incident light reflects off the secondary surface away from the primary parabolic surface's natural focus point toward a secondary focal point positioned on or substantially near the surface of the primary parabolic reflective surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable reflector having a first plate made of substantially transparent material, a second plate positioned substantially parallel to the first plate, and a reflector element rotatably mounted between the first plate and the second plate. The reflector element is at least partially transparent and has a substantially spherical shape and a reflective surface. In addition, at least one of the plates is movable relative to the other while maintaining the distance between the first plate and the second plate. Preferably, a plurality of reflector elements is rotatably mounted between the first plate and the second plate, each reflector element being two hemispheres with a reflective surface positioned on an equatorial plane. Driving devices may also be provided for moving at least one of the plates.

Abstract: A device for directing a defined light beam onto a photosensitive area, for testing the performance of a photovoltaic module including said photosensitive area, comprising a support structure (1) which can be turned about a vertical central axis (4) in accordance with the actual azimuthal sun position. Housing (7) receives the photovoltaic module with the photosensitive area (6) of said module in a horizontal position, the housing being located in the lower portion of the support structure. A first mirror (2) which can be tilted about a horizontal axis (3) in order adapt its position continuously to the sun elevation position and to optimize the sun light impact thereon, and a second mirror (5) is fixed to the support structure (1) vertically above the photosensitive area (6) of the module and receives the light beam from the first mirror (2) for reflexion towards said area (6).

Abstract: An array of concentrators of electromagnetic radiation (i.e., visible light, radio waves, etc.) employing one or more concentrating devices. Each concentrating device includes: a concentrator system for concentrating the incident electromagnetic radiation impinging thereon; a collimator system disposed in the path of electromagnetic radiation from the concentrator system for producing a beam of electromagnetic radiation; and a redirecting system. Each concentrating device has one or more of its elements staggered such that the beams from the array of concentrating devices result in a stacked or bundled plurality of beams. This bundle of beams is then concentrated again, recollimated and redirected to join with other similarly concentrated beams. This arraying can be repeated again and again, producing stronger and stronger beams or electromagnetic radiation, if desired.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for providing ultra accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing of samples under controlled weathering without introducing unrealistic failure mechanisms in exposed materials and without breaking reciprocity relationships between flux exposure levels and cumulative dose that includes multiple concurrent levels of temperature and relative humidity at high levels of natural sunlight comprising:a) concentrating solar flux uniformly;b) directing the controlled uniform sunlight onto sample materials in a chamber enclosing multiple concurrent levels of temperature and relative humidity to allow the sample materials to be subjected to accelerated irradiance exposure factors for a sufficient period of time in days to provide a corresponding time of about at least a years worth of representative weathering of the sample materials.

Abstract: A reflector for focusing sunlight upon a single location. The reflector is preferably positioned in orbit about a celestial body to focus sunlight on objects such as space debris to heat up and vaporize such debris. The reflector includes a plurality of units in an array, with each of the units including a plurality of subunits. Each of the units rotates about a first axis and each of the subunits is tiltable about a second axis which is perpendicular to the second axis. A reflecting surface is mounted on each of the subunits such that the reflecting surface rotates with its respective unit and tilts with its respective subunit. Such rotation and tilting permits sunlight to be directed theoretically anywhere on one side of a plane. Each of the units and each of the subunits is independently controllable, and this permits each of the units directs sunlight to a single location onto a single object, which then heats up rapidly to a relatively great temperature until it vaporizes under the intense heat.

Abstract: A solar insolation concentrator fabricated from a rigid lightweight (slab-like substrate and a plurality of reflectors. Inclined surfaces are formed in the face surface of the substrate, such as by impressing a heated plate portion of a fabrication tool into the substrate material. The fabrication tool is then used to position the reflectors as they are adhered to the inclined surfaces to assure that the reflectors are aligned with respect to a common focal point. An embodiment of the solar insolation concentrator comprising a plurality of identical square flat back-silvered glass mirrors mounted within recesses within a block of high density cellular polystyrene and a tool and process used to fabricate this concentrator are disclosed. The solar insolation concentrator is also suited for use as a reflector of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths outside the solar energy spectrum.

Abstract: High radiation concentration photovoltaic cell system including at least one optical structure in the form of a three-dimensional body having a first surface adapted to receive thereon photovoltaic cells and a second surface to be, at least indirectly, exposed to light radiation. The body of the optical structure has formed between its first and second surfaces a two-dimensional array of contiguous light radiation concentrators each in the form of an individual prismatic body portion. Each prismatic body portion tapers in two dimensions toward said first surface along the entire length of the concentrator. Each concentrator defines on the first surface a photovoltaic cell-attaching area to be aligned with an active portion of a single photovoltaic cell to be attached thereto.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the utilization of solar energy with collecting units that are located in geostatic orbits. The collecting units include collecting mirrors coupled to navigation units, protecting mirrors and concentrating mirrors. Mirror arrays are provided in the collecting units, the separate members of the arrays being computer controlled to concentrate solar energy toward the earth. The solar energy thus concentrated can be directed toward atmospheric disturbances to disperse them, or it can be used for the production of steam and/or electrical energy.

Abstract: A sunlight collecting system comprises an oval mirror 1 directed downwardly and provided at a given elevation, and a plurality of heliostats 5 arranged on the ground about the oval mirror 1, each heliostat having a concave mirror 13 for reflecting and converging sunlight L onto the oval mirror 1. The sunlight L reflected on the concave mirror 13 of each heliostat 5 is focused to a point at a first focal point of the oval mirror 1, and converged to a second focal point of the oval mirror 1 after reflected by the oval mirror 1.

Abstract: A solar power system for orbiting spacecraft includes a collector surface and attached mirror which is retained in a coiled position around the outer surface of the spacecraft in its launch mode. The system is deployed from the orbiting spacecraft by releasing restraining straps and permitting the mirror and attached collector surface to automatically uncoil as a result of the resilient spring characteristics of the mirror. During orbit, the deployed system extends from one side or both sides of the spacecraft such that the mirrored surface faces the sun. Heating pipes are pivotably disposed between the mirror and the collector surface to also function as spacing struts. The collector surface covered with photovoltaic solar cells made of silicon or Gallium Arsenide-Phosphide (GaAsP) in a first embodiment of the invention, can be replaced by a flat heat pipe for conducting heat energy to the input of an external heat engine electric generator in a second embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing a solar module which has a fixed type solar concentrator of high converging magnification, a solar cell 12 is installed on the bottom face of an extension 30 which is extended further from the apex of a V shape formed by a pair of prisms having a refractive index larger than that of air, and a mirror surface 18 is formed on the back side of an incident surface 20 on which sunlight 10 falls. The mirror surface 18 and the incident surface 20 are formed in such a manner that their distance widens toward the apex of the V shape. The sunlight 10 incident on the prisms 16 performs reflection on the mirror surface 18 and total internal reflection on the incident surface 20, respectively. After repeating such reflection, the sunlight 10 reaches the bottom of the extension 30, where it emerges as outgoing light 22 to the solar cell 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system having a novel focal collection zone. In general, the system comprises a moveable solar energy collector supported above a cylindrically arcuate solar energy concentrating reflector. Instead of positioning the collector to rotate about the center of curvature of the reflector and to extend down halfway between the center of curvature and the reflector, in the present invention, the solar energy collector extends further down according to a particular algorithm.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solar energy control film and a siding panel to which such film is applied, the film having a multiplicity of lenticular lenses formed on one side thereof which are preferable about one-tenth to one millimeter wide and having on the surface opposite to that with the lenticular lenses an array of masking indentations in register with the lenticular lenses so that the film is effectively transparent for the passage of light (solar radiation passing through to an absorbing heat collector) only for rays impinging on a structure at prescribed elevation angles. Typically the masking indentations would be arranged to pass light at a low elevation angle corresponding to wintertime solar elevation at the latitude at which the structure is located. In particular embodiments, the indentations in the film are rendered non-transparent by being filled with a liquid or semi-liquid material including pigments or dyes to impart opacity, and in most cases reflectivity, to the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy concentrating system that uses a combination of a circular arcuate primary reflector and a linear compound parabolic secondary collector. The secondary collector can track by swinging in a circular are above the primary.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns various improvements in a solar energy plant of the kind in which incoming solar radiation is concentrated by a Fresnel reflector, i.e. a field of concentrating mirrors, and the concentrated radiation is focused into a solar receiver. By one improvement a dielectric mirror is provided at a suitable level above the solar collector, to reflect the concentrated solar radiation into the collector. By another disclosed improvement a plurality of non-imaging secondary concentrators arranged in concentric zones is provided intermediary between the dielectric mirror and receiver. By yet another improvement the solar receiver is directly attached to a heat storage system.

Abstract: A device efficiently collects energy from a moving source without having to actively track the source. The device includes a primary concentrator, a secondary reflector and a target position. The primary concentrator is positioned to receive energy from the moving energy source and to direct the energy toward the secondary reflector. The secondary reflector has a concave surface which is covered by a number of convex reflecting surfaces. These convex reflecting surfaces direct the energy toward the target position regardless of the relative angle between the energy source and the primary concentrator.

Abstract: A power generating system comprises a solar concentrator defining an effectively concave reflective surface on a surface of the earth for concentrating incoming solar energy. A solar collector is disposed in an underground chamber provided with an access opening. The solar collector receives solar energy concentrated by the concentrator and converting the concentrated solar energy to another energy form, generally thermal energy, which is subsequently convertible to electrical power. Directional componentry is provided for directing concentrated solar energy from the concentrator along a predefined folded transmission path through the access opening to the collector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar electric power system that utilizes multiple reflectors to concentrate sun light onto a panel of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The power system, consisting of multiple reflectors, mounted PV cells, and a heat dissipation component, is mounted on a tracker that keeps the system directed to the sun. A noteworthy feature of this system is its designed-in capability of being retrofitted with advanced reflectors, PV components, and heat dissipation components during the system's multi-year operating life. The common axes design feature of the system allows for low cost materials and manufacturing concepts. The system can operate on either a single or a dual axis tracker with active or passive cooling.

Abstract: The solar concentrator arrangement has a concentrating mirror (2) consisting of a metallised plastic shell to reflect parallel incident light. The concentrating mirror ( 2 ) forms part of a foil tube (1) and co-operates with a secondary concentrator (5) which deflects the parallel incident light beams (3,4) from the concentrating mirror concentrically on a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger (7) is placed on the focal line of the secondary concentrator (5) are rigidly secured together and can be automatically moved in relation to the heat exchanger (7) according to the position of the sun.

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.

Abstract: A solar collector for use in association with a building, the system having a concave mirror located on the exterior of the building and defining a focal point, a moveable mounting for moving the mirror to aim it directly at the sun at least over a predetermined period of the daylight hours, a secondary reflector located at the focal point of the concave mirror to receive the sun's rays reflected from the mirror means, an opening in the concave mirror to receive a concentrated beam of the sun's rays reflected from the secondary reflector, a third reflector located on the convex side of the concave mirror to receive the concentrated beam of the sun's rays from the secondary reflector reflected through the opening, and to redirect it along a heat storage path, a support connected to the concave mirror to receive the redirected beam, the support passing from the exterior to the interior of the building, an energy conversion system within the building interior to receive the redirected light beam from the mirror