SUNLIGHT CONCENTRATING AND HARVESTING DEVICE

摘要

Device for concentrating and harvesting sunlight comprising: A panel having rigid layer having a patterned electrical circuit thereon. An array of sunlight concentrating and harvesting units, each unit being formed by at least one rigid element and a portion of the rigid layer; and including: a rigid optical concentrating element, a photovoltaic cell sandwiched within the panel for converting sunlight into electrical energy, and an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor being the primary heat sink for the photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic cell being primarily cooled via conduction. The electrical conductor and the optical concentrating element being dimensioned and arranged within the unit such that the electrical conductor does not materially impede transmission of sunlight to the photovoltaic cell. The electrical conductor transmitting electrical and thermal energy received from the photovoltaic cell away from the unit.

主权项

1. A device for concentrating and harvesting sunlight comprising:
a panel having at least one rigid layer, the at least one rigid layer having at least one patterned electrical circuit thereon; an array of sunlight concentrating and harvesting units, each unit being formed by at least one rigid element and a portion of the at least one rigid layer, each unit including:
a rigid optical concentrating element secured to the at least one rigid layer for concentrating sunlight received by the unit,a photovoltaic cell secured to the at least one rigid layer and sandwiched within the panel for converting concentrated sunlight into electrical energy, andan electrical conductor in electrical communication with the photovoltaic cell to receive electrical energy therefrom, the electrical conductor being in thermal communication with the photovoltaic cell to receive thermal energy therefrom, the electrical conductor being the primary heat sink for the photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic cell being primarily cooled via conduction; the electrical conductor and the optical concentrating element of each unit being dimensioned and arranged within the unit such that the electrical conductor does not materially impede transmission of sunlight received by the unit within the unit to the photovoltaic cell; the electrical conductor being at least electrically and thermally interconnected with the patterned circuit to transmit electrical energy and thermal energy received from the photovoltaic cell away from the unit.