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 reflector; and   an aerodynamic cowling configured to reduce wind resistance of the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a rotating turntable configured to enable the apparatus to rotate with the wind so as to present a lower profile to the wind.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a measurement device configured to measure weather conditions; and   a controller configured to control an inclination of the reflector.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to move the reflector to a horizontal position when a wind speed detected by the measurement device exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to alter an inclination of the reflector, a direction of a mirror, or a direction of a light trap when the measurement device detects that seismic activity exceeding a predetermined threshold is occurring. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a bunker configured to at least partially shield the reflector from inclement weather; and   a hydraulic lift or motor configured to raise and lower the reflector at least partially into and out of the bunker.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a measurement device configured to measure weather conditions; and   a controller configured to control an inclination of the reflector, wherein   the controller is configured to cause the hydraulic lift or motor to lower the reflector at least partially into the bunker when the measurement device detects weather conditions or seismic activity exceeding a predetermined threshold.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises an oval shape or an egg shape. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the aerodynamic cowling comprises a mesh with a plurality of holes. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the aerodynamic cowling comprises structural woven plastics reinforced with aluminum structural members. 
     
     
         11 . A computer-implemented method, comprising:
 automatically detecting inclement weather conditions or seismic activity that exceed a predetermined threshold; and   when the predetermined threshold is exceeded, modifying a physical configuration of a solar collection system, via at least one drive mechanism, to prepare the system for the inclement weather conditions or seismic activity.   
     
     
         12 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 11 , wherein the modifying of the physical configuration of the solar collection system comprises mechanically rotating the solar collection system, or allowing the solar collection system to freely rotate, so as to present a lower profile to the wind. 
     
     
         13 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 11 , wherein the modifying of the physical configuration of the solar collection system comprises moving a reflector to a horizontal position when a wind speed exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected. 
     
     
         14 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 11 , wherein the modifying of the physical configuration of the solar collection system comprises altering an inclination of a reflector, a direction of a mirror, or a direction of a light trap when seismic activity exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected. 
     
     
         15 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 11 , wherein the modifying of the physical configuration of the solar collection system comprises lowering a reflector of the solar collection system at least partially into a bunker when weather conditions or seismic activity exceeding a predetermined threshold are detected. 
     
     
         16 . A system, comprising:
 a reflector;   a controller; and   a drive mechanism configured to automatically alter an inclination of the reflector responsive to commands from the electronic controller such that the reflector closely tracks an azimuth of the Sun.   
     
     
         17 . The system, of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a rotating turntable configured to allow the system to rotate so as to present a lower profile to the wind.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the controller is configured to move the reflector to a horizontal position when a wind speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the controller is configured to alter an inclination of the reflector, a direction of a mirror, or a direction of a light trap when seismic activity or weather conditions exceeding a predetermined threshold are occurring. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a bunker configured to at least partially shield the system from inclement weather; and   a hydraulic lift or motor configured to raise and lower the reflector at least partially into and out of the bunker.