SOLAR ENERGY CONCENTRATOR

摘要

A solar energy concentrator relates to the field of solar heat utilization and can be used for converting solar energy into mechanical, thermal or electrical energy in various technical fields, and in a domestic environment, specifically for heating water, heating rooms, and preparing food. The invention aims to reduce a wind load on elements of the concentrator, to reduce the weight of and the amount of materials used in bearing structures, such as the concentrator itself and a system for tracking the position of the sun, and also aims to prevent the risk of harming surrounding objects, birds, animals and humans. The aim is achieved in that a solar energy concentrator includes a support structure having securing installation areas which are provided with light-reflecting facets, said facets forming a cylindrical surface and concentrating solar energy onto an extended radiation receiver located along the axis of the cylindrical surface; the cylindrical surface of the concentrator is in the form of a closed cylindrical surface; the facets are provided along a closed curve of the cylindrical surface with a varying angle relative to same, thus providing for a maximum concentration of solar energy on the extended radiation receiver, and with gaps between the reflective facets, the total area of which is equal to or exceeds that of the aperture of the concentrator. Reflective facets located on one side of the concentrator can be provided opposite to the gaps between reflective facets located on the other side of the concentrator, and the reflective facets can be in the form of cylindrical surfaces, the radius of the curvature of which is twice as large as the distance between a facet and the radiation receiver. In certain embodiments of the concentrator the reflective facets can be in the form of diffraction gratings or holograms. As a result, the radiation receiver, which is located in the center of symmetry of the concentrator, does not require a mechanical connection to the concentrator, thus allowing for using heavy and bulky receivers, such as a steam boiler, while maintaining a maximally light and wind-resistant concentrator structure, the control of which requires an insignificant amount of energy.