초록 ▼

Solar panels and assembled arrays thereof include a collection of relatively compact, high-capacity power units. Optical components of each power unit include a front window or surface glazing, a primary mirror, secondary mirror and receiver assembly. Primary and secondary mirrors are defined by res

Solar panels and assembled arrays thereof include a collection of relatively compact, high-capacity power units. Optical components of each power unit include a front window or surface glazing, a primary mirror, secondary mirror and receiver assembly. Primary and secondary mirrors are defined by respective perimeters, at least a portion of which may be substantially coplanar and in contact with the front window. Some primary mirrors are configured with a perimeter of alternating full and truncated sections, and are curved to a base portion forming a pilot hole therein. Receiver assembly mechanical components include an alignment tube for mating with the primary mirror's pilot hole and for housing a photovoltaic solar cell. A base plate provided adjacent to the alignment tube serves to radiate heat emitted by the solar cell, and in some embodiments an additional heat sink provides further passive cooling. A tapered optical rod also provided within the receiver assembly directs received sunlight to the solar cell where electrical current is generated.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A power unit, comprising:a surface in a single plane covering the entire power unit;a curved primary mirror having a first perimeter defined by multiple full sections and multiple truncated sections provided in an alternating fashion, wherein at least portions of said multiple

What is claimed is: 1. A power unit, comprising:a surface in a single plane covering the entire power unit;a curved primary mirror having a first perimeter defined by multiple full sections and multiple truncated sections provided in an alternating fashion, wherein at least portions of said multiple full sections are in direct physical contact with said surface and said multiple truncated sections are not in contact with said surface; anda secondary mirror having a second perimeter that is radially symmetric about a second axis, wherein said second perimeter is located between said surface and said curved primary mirror;wherein the primary mirror reflects solar radiation to the secondary mirror, and the secondary mirror reflects the majority of received solar radiation to a focal point.