A solar concentrator assembly includes a pair of rails coupled together only by one or more backpans which are mounted between the pair of rails. The rails are configured to resist a portion of a cantilever deflection along the length of the rails. The backpans seat solar concentrator arrays and are configured to provide torsional rigidity and deflection resistance in at least one direction orthogonal to the cantilever deflection.
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the total power output from a field of solar energy systems. The invention provides a field level tracker controller which calculates an improved positioning of individual solar energy systems and communicates those configurations to trackers in the field. An algorithm stored in the controller calculates the improved configuration for the solar energy systems based on factors such as solar movement, shade patterns generated by surrounding structures, and measured output of the energy systems. Improved positioning may include individual energy systems being directed to a stowed position to maximize the power output of the field as a whole.
F24J 2/38 - employing tracking means (F24J 2/02, F24J 2/06 take precedence;rotary supports or mountings therefor F24J 2/54;supporting structures of photovoltaic modules for generation of electric power specially adapted for solar tracking systems H02S 20/32)
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the power output of a solar energy system. A field level inverter controller is described that may improve the power output of individual solar energy systems in a field of solar energy systems by controlling the inverter voltage applied to strings of solar energy units in a solar energy system connected in parallel to an inverter. An inverter load voltage for an improved power output may be calculated or derived empirically. An algorithm stored in the controller may calculate an improved load voltage for the inverters based on factors such as string geometry, solar movement and shade patterns generated by surrounding structures. Improved power output may be empirically determined by the field level inverter controller when the inverter controller directs an inverter to sweep a range of voltage values until a maximum output is detected.
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.
H01L 31/052 - Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
The present invention provides an encapsulant material with a modified index of refraction for increasing the acceptance angle of a concentrated photovoltaic system. The encapsulant material may include filler material of a higher index of refraction than the encapsulant. The filler material may be particulates that are smaller than the wavelength of light converted to electricity by a solar cell.
A system may include determination of whether solar tracking of a first period of time is to be performed in a first region of sky or in a second region of sky, determination of a target tracker position in a first coordinate system if the solar tracking of the first period of time is to be performed in the first region of sky, and determination of the target tracker position in a second coordinate system if the solar tracking of the first period of time is to be performed in the second region of sky. In some aspects, determination of the target tracker position in the second coordinate system includes subtracting 360° from an azimuth angle in the first coordinate system if the azimuth angle in the first coordinate system is between +180° and +360°, wherein the azimuth angle in the second coordinate system is determined to be equal to the azimuth angle in the first coordinate system if the azimuth angle in the first coordinate system is between 0° and +180°.
F24J 2/38 - employing tracking means (F24J 2/02, F24J 2/06 take precedence;rotary supports or mountings therefor F24J 2/54;supporting structures of photovoltaic modules for generation of electric power specially adapted for solar tracking systems H02S 20/32)
G01J 1/20 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detector, e.g. by varying incidence angle
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
7.
SYSTEM TO INCREASE SNR OF CPV-GENERATED POWER SIGNAL
A system may include acquisition of power information from a signal line in accordance with a first signal characteristic. The power information is associated with power generated by a solar collector, and the first signal characteristic is substantially orthogonal to a corresponding signal characteristic of at least one noise source associated with the signal line. In some aspects, a solar tracking error associated with the solar collector is determined based on the acquired power information, a servo feedback signal is determined based on the acquired power information, and determination of the solar tracking error includes determination of the solar tracking error based on the servo feedback signal.
A system may include determination of power delivered to an intended load by a solar collector and determination of a solar tracking error of the solar collector based on the determined power. Some aspects include determination of a servo feedback signal based on the determined power, wherein determination of the solar tracking error includes determination of the solar tracking error based on the servo feedback signal. Determination of the solar tracking error may further include determination of the solar tracking error based on the servo feedback signal and on a relationship between a response of the solar collector and tracking error.
F24J 2/38 - employing tracking means (F24J 2/02, F24J 2/06 take precedence;rotary supports or mountings therefor F24J 2/54;supporting structures of photovoltaic modules for generation of electric power specially adapted for solar tracking systems H02S 20/32)
G01J 1/28 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detector, e.g. by varying incidence angle using variation of intensity or distance of source
A system may include determination of solar tracking error associated with a solar collector, and determination of a fault associated with the solar collector based on the determined solar tracking error. In some aspects, determination of the fault includes fitting a tracking error vs. time function to the determined solar tracking error and the plurality of previously-determined solar tracking errors, and determining that a derivative of the function exceeds a threshold value.
The present invention is a contoured backpan for a solar concentrator array. The backpan has depressions integrally formed in its bottom surface for seating solar concentrator modules. The depressions, in combination connecting troughs, provide a structure which is able to support an array of solar concentrators. Optional stiffening members may be attached to the backpan to provide additional structural rigidity, as well as to support a front panel for the array.
F24J 2/10 - having reflectors as concentrating elements
H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)
H02J 7/35 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
A solar cell includes an active layer, a blocking layer and a contact layer. The blocking layer is disposed between a portion of the top surface of the active layer and the bottom surface of the contact layer. The blocking layer serves to reduce current flow between the contact layer and the portion of the active layer covered by the blocking layer. Current flow to the contact layer may occur via gridlines electrically connecting the active layer to the contact layer.
A photovoltaic cell may include a semiconductor base, a semiconductor mesa extending from the semiconductor base, a dielectric and a conductive material. The semiconductor mesa includes a top surface and a side wall, and a first portion of the dielectric is disposed on the top surface, a second portion of the dielectric is disposed on the side wall, and a third portion of the dielectric is disposed on the base. The conductive material is disposed on the top surface of the mesa and on the dielectric, and the conductive material covers the first portion of the dielectric, the second portion of the dielectric, and a portion of the third portion.
A system includes a leadframe comprising a first conductive element, a solar cell electrically coupled to the first conductive element and comprising an active area, and mold compound disposed on the leadframe and the solar cell. The mold compound defines a first aperture over at least a portion of the active area and a second aperture over at least a portion of the first conductive element.
An apparatus may include an integrated circuit package substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, a solar cell coupled to the first surface of the integrated circuit package substrate, and a light-transmissive element coupled to the second surface of the integrated circuit package substrate. The integrated circuit package substrate and the light-transmissive element form a hermetic seal or a semi-hermetic seal around the solar cell.
A system includes a solid light-transmissive element comprising a first surface and a second surface, first reflective material disposed on the second surface of the light- transmissive element, and a solar cell to convert light received at the first surface to electrical current. The light received at the first surface may pass through the light- transmissive element, reflect off the first reflective material and intercept an area of an interface between the first surface and an adjacent environment at an angle of incidence greater than arcsin(nx/ny), where nx = an index of refraction of the adjacent environment and ny = an index of refraction of the light-transmissive element at the first surface.
H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)
16.
INTEGRATED OPTICS FOR CONCENTRATOR SOLAR RECEIVERS
A solar concentrator system, including at least two reflecting devices and a refracting lens, is provided. The reflecting devices focus light onto the lens which further concentrates the light on a solar cell. The lens increases the system's acceptance angle. In one embodiment the lens may be attached to the solar cell. In other embodiments, the lens is supported by a support structure, connecting element, and reflecting device.
A system may include a substrate, and a solar cell including a top side and a bottom side, the top side having an active area and the bottom side coupled to the substrate. A frame may be coupled to the substrate, the frame defining an upper opening above the active area and a lower opening above the active area and between the active area and the upper opening. The lower opening may be smaller than the upper opening in at least one dimension, and an optical element may be disposed within the upper opening. In some aspects, the lower opening is defined by a portion of the frame extending substantially parallel to the top side of the solar cell. In some aspects, the frame includes a first wall and a second wall opposing the first wall, an upper portion of the first wall is substantially parallel to an upper portion of the second wall, a lower portion of the first wall forms a first obtuse angle with the upper portion of the first wall, and a portion of the lower portion of the first wall defines a first side of the lower opening.
The present invention is a combination non-imaging concentrator in which at least one surface or volume is incorporated as an optical element to increase obliquity of reflection at walls of a light guide. The combination non-imaging concentrator may be used in a solar energy system to receive solar radiation from optical components and then output the solar radiation to a photovoltaic cell for conversion to electricity. One or more lenses may be formed integrally with the light guide, or may be used in conjunction with the light guide as separate components.
H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)
A device and a system to fabricate a device including a semiconductor mesa extending from a semiconductor base, the semiconductor mesa comprising an optically-active semiconductor area and a top surface, conductive material disposed on the top surface of the mesa, and substantially optically-transparent material disposed on the conductive material and on the top surface, wherein a surface of the substantially optically-transparent material above the conductive material and the top surface is substantially planar. In some aspects, the semiconductor mesa includes a side wall with one or more exposed p-n junctions, and material is disposed on the side wall to cover the one or more exposed p-n junctions.
The present invention is an improved solar concentrator array utilizing a monolithic array of primary mirrors fabricated from a single sheet of formable material. The material may include glass, plastic, and metal of a high thermal stability to be able to withstand a broad range of temperature conditions. The monolithic array of this invention may include integral alignment or attachment features for attachment to a supporting structure.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
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.
H01L 31/052 - Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
F24J 2/14 - semi-cylindrical or cylindro-parabolic
22.
Apparatus and method for solar thermal energy collection
An apparatus for collecting solar energy includes a receptacle adapted for receiving solar thermal energy; an insert located within the receptacle, the insert being a heat pipe adapted to transfer heat; and an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert. The insert enters the receptacle substantially at a cross-sectional center of the receptacle, and further inside the receptacle, the insert shifts to become closer to the absorption fin.
F28F 1/20 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending longitudinally the means being attachable to the element
F24J 2/04 - Solar heat collectors having working fluid conveyed through collector
23.
DISCRETE SECONDARY REFLECTOR FOR SOLID CONCENTRATOR
A system may provide an element including a curved surface and a first reflective material disposed on the curved surface, and a substantially transparent core. The substantially transparent core may include a first surface coupled to the element, a second surface opposite from the first surface, and a second reflective material disposed on the second surface. Some aspects provide obtaining of an element including a curved surface and a first reflective material disposed on the curved surface, and coupling of the element to a first surface of a substantially transparent core, the core including a second surface opposite from the first surface and a second reflective material disposed on the second surface.
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.
An apparatus may include a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, a mirror coupled to the inner surface of the housing, and a receiver unit coupled to the housing. The mirror is to receive direct radiation and to focus the radiation toward a localized area, and the receiver unit is to receive the radiation directly from the mirror and to convert the received radiation to elect꧀cal current. Some aspects include a first mirror to receive a portion of direct radiation and to reflect the received portion of direct radiation toward a first localized area, a second mirror to receive a second portion of direct radiation and to reflect the received second portion of direct radiation toward a second localized area.
H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)
A system may include a solar cell comprising a first electrical contact, an optical element comprising a second electrical contact, and a solder bump in contact with the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The solar cell is to generate charge carriers in response to received photons. Some aspects provide fabrication of a solder bump on an electrical contact of a solar cell, placement of the solder bump in contact with an electrical contact of an optical element, and melting of the solder bump to couple the electrical contact of the solar cell to the electrical contact of the optical element.
A system may provide an optical element including conductive material deposited on the optical element using a thick film process, dielectric material disposed on the conductive material and defining an aperture created using photolithography, the aperture exposing a portion of the conductive material, and a solar cell comprising an electrical contact coupled to the exposed portion of the conductive material. Some aspects provide deposition of conductive material on an optical element using a thick film process, deposition of dielectric material on the conductive material, creation of an aperture in the dielectric material using photolithography to expose a portion of the conductive material, and coupling of an electrical contact of a solar cell to the exposed portion of the conductive material.
A system may include biasing of a substantially planar surface of an opticallyactive semiconductor device against a substantially plana surface of an optical element, and bonding of the substantially planar surface of the optically-active semiconductor device to the substantially planar surface of the optical element.
A system may include an optical element including a surface defining a recess, conductive material disposed within the recess, and a solder mask disposed over a portion of the conductive material. The solder mask may define an aperture through which light from the optical element may pass. Some aspects provide creation of an optical element including a surface defining a recess, deposition of conductive material on the surface such that a portion of the deposited conductive material is disposed within the recess, and substantial planarization of the surface to expose the portion of the conductive material disposed within the recess.
A system may include an optical element, a thermal-sprayed material disposed on the optical element, and a solar cell coupled to the optical element. Some aspects provide thermal spraying of a first material onto an optical element, and coupling of a solar cell to the optical element. Thermal spraying the first material may include spraying a molten metal powder onto the optical element.
H01L 31/052 - Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
H01L 31/18 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
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.
patents
