Hybrid solar panel

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for improved efficiency in the collection of solar energy, in which an energy conversion device is provided that includes a first zone for converting received solar energy into thermal energy, the first zone having a Fresnel lens, and a heat absorption layer with heat collectors embedded therein. The energy conversion device also includes a second zone positioned at a lower level of first energy zone for converting received solar energy into electrical energy utilizing a photovoltaic cell.

1 . An energy conversion device comprising:
 a refractive lens;   a heat absorption layer containing a plurality of heat collectors;   a plurality of insulators;   a first zone positioned between and including the lens and heat absorption layer, the first zone for converting received solar energy into thermal energy, wherein the first zone includes the plurality of insulators; and   a second zone is positioned between the plurality of insulators, the second zone for converting received solar energy into electrical energy.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second zone is thermally cooled. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of insulators of the second zone consist of two insulators positioned on opposite sides of a photovoltaic cell. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the lens is a Fresnel lens. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a one-axis tracking device. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a two-axis tracking device. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein a plurality of the energy conversion devices adjacently housed in a panel, including a double-layered cover having a vacuum between layers thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the heat collectors are heat pipes. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second zone is conditioned with water coolant in a lower conduit and air coolant in an upper conduit. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper conduit includes an optical cover to block infrared radiation. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first zone operates in a vacuum. 
     
     
         12 . A method for energy conversion, the method comprising:
 diffracting sunlight in a refractive lens;   absorbing, in a heat absorption layer containing a plurality of heat collectors, solar heat;   within a first zone positioned between and including the lens and heat absorption layer, converting received solar energy into thermal energy, wherein the first zone includes the plurality of insulators; and   within a second zone positioned between the plurality of insulators, converting received solar energy into electrical energy.