초록 ▼

A diffuser to be used with a solar energy concentrator and a solar energy receiver to more uniformly distribute solar energy to the receiver and to reduce the amount of energy lost due to circulation of air into and out of the receiver. A portion of the solar energy passing through the energy diffus

A diffuser to be used with a solar energy concentrator and a solar energy receiver to more uniformly distribute solar energy to the receiver and to reduce the amount of energy lost due to circulation of air into and out of the receiver. A portion of the solar energy passing through the energy diffusing cavities within the diffuser is reflected by the cavity walls and reoriented and diffused before being emitted to the receiver. The geometry of the energy diffusing cavities and the reflective characteristics of the cavity walls can be engineered to provide the desired degree of diffusional effect. The diffuser reduces the likelihood of inadvertent hot spots being formed, which allows the designed maximum receiver energy flux to be closer to the receiver tube material limits and allows for smaller, more compact, more efficient receivers. The diffuser also limits the circulation of air in the vicinity of the receiver tubes, which reduces energy losses and increases the overall efficiency of the system. These changes can substantially increase the overall efficiency of a solar powered electrical generation system incorporating the inventive diffuser.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A solar energy receiver assembly for receiving solar energy from a solar energy concentrator, said solar energy receiver assembly comprising:a solar energy receiver having a receiver chamber and an open receiver aperture through which air and solar energy enters said receiver chambe

[ I claim:] [1.] A solar energy receiver assembly for receiving solar energy from a solar energy concentrator, said solar energy receiver assembly comprising:a solar energy receiver having a receiver chamber and an open receiver aperture through which air and solar energy enters said receiver chamber,means for absorbing solar energy, fixed to said solar energy receiver within said receiver chamber and located opposite said receiver aperture,a diffuser located within said receiver chamber between said receiver aperture and said means for absorbing solar energy, said diffuser having a plurality of open cavities, each of said cavities having an outer opening, an inner opening, and side walls,said cavities positioned so said solar energy is received into said cavities from said solar energy concentrator though said outer openings and is emitted from said cavities to said means for absorbing solar energy through said inner openings,said cavities allowing air within said receiver chamber to circulate between said receiver aperture and said means for absorbing solar energy, andsaid side walls restricting the circulation of air within said receiver chamber near said means for absorbing solar energy.