LINEAR SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEM

摘要

A modular linear solar energy collection system comprises one or more reflector units (30) each having a light-weight generally planar aluminum frame (32) that mounts a number of solar panels (50) in a fixed position at angles which progressively increase from the frame (32) centerline outwardly to its perimeter so as to collectively form a surface having a shape approximating that of a parabola. The focal line of such parabola is coincident with a secondary reflector (52) which receives sunlight incident on the solar panels (50) and reflects such light onto a receiver tube (54) mounted in a fixed position concentric to the centerline of the frame (32). The frame (32) is connected to a drive mechanism (46) operative to pivot the frame (32) and solar panels (50) in order to track the position of the sun during the course of a day.