| 摘要 |
A solar energy collector apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open-top shell structure configured with either an enclosed or lattice configuration and having a Fresnel lens system covering the open top of the shell structure. A mirror system and solar energy absorber apparatus are placed inside the shell structure. The shell structure is mounted upon a hollow axle for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The shell structure is also mounted for vertical movement of one end of the longitudinal axis to adapt the shell structure for following north-south changes in the sun's seasonal position. The hollow axle supports the solar energy absorber apparatus nonrotatably inside the shell structure and in fluid communication with insulated heat transfer conduits that pass nonrotatably through the hollow axle. A photovoltaic apparatus may be included in the shell structure for converting at least a portion of the solar flux to electrical energy while the heat transfer conduits supply any necessary cooling to the photovoltaic apparatus. This combination of features provides higher solar efficiencies and higher temperatures in the heat transfer fluid. The method includes tracking the sun with the solar energy collector apparatus thereby maximizing the amount of solar energy collected while eliminating twisting and thereby coupling failures in the heat transfer conduits.
|
