Beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems

摘要

The present invention relates to concentrating solar-power systems and, more particularly, beam-forming concentrating solar thermal array power systems. A solar thermal array power system is provided, including a plurality of solar concentrators arranged in pods. Each solar concentrator includes a solar collector, one or more beam-forming elements, and one or more beam-steering elements. The solar collector is dimensioned to collect and divert incoming rays of sunlight. The beam-forming elements intercept the diverted rays of sunlight, and are shaped to concentrate the rays of sunlight into a beam. The steering elements are shaped, dimensioned, positioned, and/or oriented to deflect the beam toward a beam output path. The beams from the concentrators are converted to heat at a receiver, and the heat may be temporarily stored or directly used to generate electricity.

主权项

1. A solar concentrator for concentrating sunlight and forming sunlight into a beam, the solar concentrator comprising:
a solar collector comprising a curved reflective surface shaped to divert rays of sunlight and being rotatable to track the sun; a beam-forming reflector positioned to intercept the diverted rays of sunlight from the solar collector, the beam-forming reflector shaped to concentrate the diverted rays of sunlight into a beam; and at least one steering reflector shaped and positioned to deflect the beam along a beam output path; and wherein the at least one steering reflector comprises a first steering reflector located between the solar collector and the beam-forming reflector, the first steering reflector having a reflective surface directed toward the beam-forming reflector and rotatable with respect to the solar collector and the beam-forming reflector.