Solar energy conversion

摘要

Methods, apparatus, and systems relating to the use and design of specially shaped, rotating reflective louvers to provide cost effectively harvesting of electricity, heat, and/or lighting are described. In an embodiment, the reflected and concentrated direct light is focused on the neighboring louver photovoltaic cells to generate electricity and an integral cooling channel allows heat collection. A skylight embodiment permits the indirect light to pass between the louvers and through a transparent backing providing high quality natural light inside while allowing artificial lights to be dimmed or turned off saving energy. In some embodiments, control systems (that may be computer controlled) can modulate the louver position to improve the light transmitted into the building when appropriate to maximize the net energy saved or generated depending on the situation. Moreover, the devices can be retrofitted into existing buildings or integrated into new building construction. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A radiant energy conversion apparatus, comprising:
a converter housing comprising a front light transmissive cover and a rear cover, said converter housing defining a volume between said front light transmissive cover and said rear cover; and a radiant energy converter positioned within said converter housing volume, said radiant energy converter further comprising:
a bulkhead frame fixedly mounted within said converter housing and defining an open bulkhead frame interior, and a plurality of fluid conduit mounts positioned on said bulkhead frame and opening into said bulkhead frame interior;a plurality of parallel louvers positioned within said bulkhead frame interior, each of said louvers comprising:
a first side forming a concave, concentrating reflective lens configured to reflect light passing through said light transmissive cover onto a focused region on a second side of an adjacent louver, and a second side configured to receive at least one solar cell and to receive light reflected from a first side of an adjacent louver; anda fluid conduit attached to said second side and pivotably mounting the louver to a pair of said fluid conduit mounts while being in fluid communication with said fluid conduit mounts and so that a pivot axis of each of said louvers is immovably positioned a fixed distance from a pivot axis of each other louver; and an actuator movably mounted within said converter housing and engaging said louvers so as to rotate said louvers in unison upon movement of said actuator.