Solar collector array

摘要

A method and apparatus for efficient manufacture, assembly and production of solar energy. In one aspect, the apparatus may include a number of modular solar receiver assemblies that may be separately manufactured, assembled and individually inserted into a solar collector array housing shaped to receive a plurality of solar receivers. The housing may include optical elements for focusing light onto the individual receivers, and a circuit for electrically connecting the solar receivers.

主权项

1. A solar collector array comprising:
a housing having a first optical element and a receiver plate, the receiver plate having an opening therethrough, a seal groove surrounding said opening, and conductor strip segments positioned on an inside surface thereof adjacent said opening, said conductor strip segments running substantially a length of said receiver plate and terminating in a pair of tabs extending into said opening; a modular solar collector having a receiver and a heat sink assembly, said modular solar array shaped to be inserted into said opening and mounted on said housing, said modular solar collector including a pair of conductor clips shaped and positioned to engage and form an electrical connection with said conductor strip segments, said modular solar collector including a concentrator cell assembly connected to said conductor clips so that said pair of conductor clips connects said concentrator cell assembly to said conductor strip segments, said modular solar collector including a gasket attached to said heat sink assembly, wherein said receiver is thermally isolated from said heat sink by said gasket; and a seal mounted on said housing around said seal groove of said housing and positioned to extend around said opening, said seal providing a thermal and environmental barrier between said modular solar collector and said housing.