Solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power from solar energy

Abstract

A solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power from solar energy is provided. The system is comprised of a solar energy collector ( 16 ), a lens ( 14 ), and a support structure ( 12 ) for supporting the lens. The lens is comprised of one or more shaped surfaces ( 300 ) configured for modifying a path of incident light. In this regard, the lens provides an optical path which is used to expose the solar energy collector to a source of solar radiation ( 116 ). As such, the lens is interposed between the solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. The support structure includes an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained. The inflatable chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane ( 114 ). According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is supported in position by the non-porous membrane. According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of a portion of the non-porous membrane.

1 . A solar energy collection system, comprising:
 a solar energy collector;   a lens for said solar energy collector disposed at a location spaced apart from said solar energy collector; and   a support structure for said lens, said support structure comprising an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained.   
     
     
         2 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane. 
     
     
         3 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 2 , wherein said lens comprises a portion of said non-porous membrane. 
     
     
         4 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 2 , wherein said lens is supported in position by said non-porous membrane. 
     
     
         5 . The solar energy collector according to  claim 1 , wherein said lens is interposed between said solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. 
     
     
         6 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said lens is comprised of a transparent material. 
     
     
         7 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said lens has at least one contoured surface. 
     
     
         8 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said lens is a Fresnel lens or a lens with the performance of a Fresnel lens. 
     
     
         9 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said lens has at least one surface shaped for modifying a path of incident light. 
     
     
         10 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said solar energy collector comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of a solar concentrating collector, a flat-plate collector, and a photovoltaic cell. 
     
     
         11 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said gas is lighter than air. 
     
     
         12 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 10 , wherein said inflatable chamber comprises a portion of a lift system for a vehicle. 
     
     
         13 . The solar energy collection system according to  claim 1 , wherein said lens is comprised of a plurality of individual smaller lenses which together comprise an array of lenses or light reflectors. 
     
     
         14 . A method for collecting solar energy, comprising:
 exposing a solar energy collector to a source of solar radiation;   positioning a lens for said solar energy collector at a location spaced apart from said solar collector; and   supporting said lens at said location using an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising constraining said gas within said chamber with a non-porous membrane. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising forming at least a portion of said lens from said non-porous membrane. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising supporting said lens in position with said non-porous membrane. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising positioning said lens between said solar energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising concentrating incident solar energy toward said solar energy collector. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising selecting said lens to be a Fresnel lens or a lens with the performance of a Fresnel lens. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising selecting said gas to have a weight or mass that is lighter than air. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising using lift provided by said inflatable chamber to transport said solar energy collector to a near space altitude. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising forming said lens from a plurality of smaller lenses which together form an array of lenses.