System and method for solar energy capture and related method of manufacturing

摘要

A system and method of capturing solar energy, and related method of manufacturing, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a first lens array having a plurality of lenses, and a first waveguide component adjacent to the lens array, where the waveguide component receives light, and where the waveguide component includes an array of prism/mirrored facets arranged along at least one surface of the waveguide component. The system further includes at least one photovoltaic cell positioned so as to receive at least a portion of the light that is directed out of the waveguide. A least some of the light passing into the waveguide component is restricted from leaving the waveguide component upon being reflected by at least one of the prism/mirrored facets, hereby the at least some light restricted from leaving the waveguide component is directed by the waveguide toward the at least one photovoltaic cell.

主权项

1. A system for capturing solar energy, the system comprising:
a first lens array having a plurality of lenses; a first waveguide component adjacent to the lens array, wherein the waveguide component receives light, and wherein the waveguide component includes an array of prism facets or mirrored facets arranged at discrete locations along at least one surface of the waveguide component; and at least one photovoltaic cell positioned so as to receive at least a portion of the light that is directed out of the waveguide component; wherein: at least some of the light passing into the waveguide component is restricted from leaving the waveguide component upon being reflected by at least one of the prism facets or mirrored facets, whereby the at least some light restricted from leaving the waveguide component is directed by the waveguide toward the at least one photovoltaic cell, the waveguide component includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface to receive the light after propagation through the lens array and the second surface to receive the light after propagation through at least a portion of the waveguide, and the discrete locations of the prism or mirrored facets include a photosensitive material that is local to the discrete locations and is capable of repeatedly responding to changes in the light, such that the light that passes through the first lens array and illuminates the discrete locations of the prisms or mirror facets causes a change in optical properties of the photosensitive material at the discrete locations, thereby changing characteristics of the prism facets or mirrored facets over time as the light received by the waveguide component varies in direction, the photosensitive material including a colloidal suspension of nanoparticles in a fluid, the nanoparticles having a higher index of refraction than the fluid.