Researchers at GW have invented a solar apparatus that has an integrated tracking lens array which is also multi-axial. The invented solar apparatus is highly cost-effective compared to extant solar devices. It can capture solar rays from a wide range of angles of incidence thus having an increased efficiency in contrast to extant solar apparatuses that do not capture solar rays from a wide range of angles of incidence. Extant solar apparatuses, even if being capable of capturing solar rays from a wide range of angles of incidences include multiple mechanical components thus having a higher manufacturing cost. The instant invention comparatively has fewer mechanical components and thus can translate to a lesser manufacturing cost.
With regards to the apparatus itself, it can include a first lens array capable of moving respective lenses and capable of receiving optical rays corresponding to a first axis, a second lens array capable of moving respective lenses and capable of receiving optical rays corresponding to a second axis with the second axis being different from the first axis (for example, if the first axis is the x-axis, then the second axis can be the y-axis), and an array of concentrated photovoltaic cells (CPV) capable of optical ray correspondence with the lens arrays. The lens arrays are configured to direct optical rays corresponding to their respective axes onto any respective CPV associated with the array of concentrated photovoltaic cells. The unique aspect of the invention is that of the multi-axial lens array being coupled to the CPV array. The lens can be spherical or aspherical with preference to the latter, and the lens can be cylindrical in shape.
Fig. 1 – Multi Axis Integrated Tracking Lens Array
Fig. 2 – Solar rays from wider angles of incidences being captured
Applications:
- Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems
Advantages:
- Increased efficiency
- Can capture solar rays from a wide range of angles of incidences
- Fewer mechanical components
