SOLAR POWER HARVESTER

摘要

A solar energy harvester comprises: an elongated stationary solar irradiance converter assembly; a concentrator comprised of a substantially flat array of flat reflective heliostatic slats disposed at tilt angles to concentrate the sun onto the converter assembly, said slats each rotating in elevation about a north-south axis; sun sensor detecting the efficacy of concentration as the sun traverses; and control circuitry and drive motor positioning the collector in elevation according to the sun sensor so that the slat array tracks and faces the sun whenever the solar incident energy is greater than a selectable threshold level. Solar power is harvested as either electricity or thermal energy or both. In the case where both electric and thermal energy are harvested the electricity produced is according to the limits of photovoltaic efficiency and the remaining solar irradiance is harvested as useful heat. In a preferred configuration the concentrator and its mount and drive mechanism are all typically located within a housing or enclosure having a transparent upper surface and a reflective north wall, which together provide complete environmental protection for all elements mounted within the enclosure. The converter assembly may be internal or external to the to the enclosed housing assembly.