Solar energy collector and converter

摘要

A single reflective afocal optical module collects and concentrates solar energy onto a receiving surface extending substantially parallel to the focal axis of the optical system and to the central axis of the module. The reflective surface of the collector is shaped to reflect incoming energy and distribute it uniformly over the full surface of the receiver, with the reflective surface preferably consisting of a plurality of discrete reflective surface portions each distributing its portion of reflected energy over the full receiver surface so that the energy portions from the respective reflective surface portions are superimposed on one another on the receiver. The reflector and receiver are housed in a sealed enclosure having a transparent window for admitting incoming energy, and heat extracting means removes excess heat from the enclosure.