| 摘要 |
<p>A solar energy collection system capable of tracking the sun comprises at least one concentrator unit 12, a support assembly 10 for rotatably supporting the unit, and rotation means 16, 18 for rotating the unit. The concentrator unit comprises an elongated hollow tube 38 including lens means 40 forming at least a portion of the tube for concentrating the solar energy transmitted therethrough on to a solar energy conversion means mounted therein. Each unit is supported in bearings 34 about its longitudinal axis by a pair of end members respectively secured to opposite ends of the tube, at least one of the end members beings pulley. The rotation means includes driving means 18 for a flexible cable 16 which is cooperative with the pulley for rotating the tube about the rotation axis so that the tube can be maintained at the predetermined angular position as the sun position changes. In the preferred system, the support assembly is constructed so that (1) no shadows are formed by the support assembly on the concentrator unit while the unit is tracking the sun and (2) forms a protective housing for the driving means 18. <IMAGE></p> |
