Non-tracking solar radiation collector

Abstract

A solar collection system includes a double parabolic reflector and a light trap. The solar collection system also includes a lens configured to receive light from the double parabolic reflector and focus the reflected light into the light trap. The system may be configured to resist seismic activity and extreme weather conditions.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a double parabolic reflector;   a light trap; and   a lens configured to receive light from the double parabolic reflector and focus the reflected light into the light trap.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a black body contained within the light trap; and   a thermal transfer medium operably connected to the black body, wherein   the black body is configured to absorb solar energy in the light trap and convert the absorbed solar energy into thermal energy, and   the thermal transfer medium is configured to transport the thermal energy away from the black body.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of light traps with a corresponding plurality of lenses, wherein at least one of the lenses is configured to receive solar energy concentrated by a section of the double parabolic reflector.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the plurality of lenses is positioned above the other lenses and light traps to directly receive solar energy and deliver focused solar energy to a corresponding light trap. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a drive motor configured to move the apparatus along only a single axis of inclination.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lens comprises a Fresnel lens. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the double parabolic reflector comprises a highly reflective film that reflects a majority of infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet solar energy. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the double parabolic reflector is operably positioned on a lever arm driven by a hydraulic lift that is configured to position the double parabolic reflector to face an azimuth of the Sun. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the double parabolic reflector comprises a frame having a plurality of panels bolted to otherwise secured thereto, wherein the frame includes a pair of W-shaped tracks between which the plurality of panels is compressed. 
     
     
         10 . A solar energy collection system, comprising:
 a reflector configured to reflect a broad spectrum of solar energy;   a lens or mirror configured to focus concentrated light received from the reflector;   a light trap configured to receive focused light from the lens or minor; and   a black body exposed within the light trap, wherein   the black body is configured to absorb solar energy as thermal energy and transfer the thermal energy to a thermal transfer medium.   
     
     
         11 . The solar energy collection system of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 another lens or mirror positioned above the lens or mirror to directly receive solar energy and deliver focused solar energy to a corresponding light trap.   
     
     
         12 . The solar energy collection system of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a drive motor configured to move the solar energy collection system along only a single axis of inclination.   
     
     
         13 . The solar energy collection system of  claim 10 , wherein the lens comprises a Fresnel lens. 
     
     
         14 . The solar energy collection system of  claim 10 , wherein the reflector comprises a highly reflective film that reflects a majority of infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet solar energy. 
     
     
         15 . The solar energy collection system of  claim 10 , wherein the reflector is operably positioned on a lever arm driven by a hydraulic lift that is configured to position the reflector to face an azimuth of the Sun. 
     
     
         16 . The solar energy collection system of  claim 10 , wherein the reflector comprises a frame having a plurality of panels bolted to otherwise secured thereto, and the frame includes a pair of W-shaped tracks between which the plurality of panels is compressed. 
     
     
         17 . A system, comprising:
 a reflector;   a plurality of Fresnel lenses configured to receive and focus light reflected by the reflector; and   a plurality of light traps configured to receive the focused light from a respective one of the plurality of Fresnel lenses.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a drive motor configured to move the system along only a single axis of inclination.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the reflector is operably positioned on a lever arm driven by a hydraulic lift that is configured to position the reflector to face an azimuth of the Sun. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the reflector comprises a frame having a plurality of panels bolted to otherwise secured thereto, and the frame includes a pair of W-shaped tracks between which the plurality of panels is compressed.