Inventors:
Anthony W. Livermore - Chelmsford MA
Daniel W. Noren - Wakefield MA
Assignee:
Spectrum Conversion, Inc. - Wakefield MA
International Classification:
F24J 302
Abstract:
A concentrating solar energy system is disclosed which permits efficient collection without tracking. The system comprises a collector having an elongate, trough-shaped body with an inner reflective surface having a cross-sectional curve of height H, throat opening T, and conforming substantially to the cartesian curve Y =. +-. AX. sup. b, the curve concentrating incident radiation into an included receiving area of maximum dimension R, wherein B is about 0. 30 plus or minus 0. 15, A is from about 0. 5 to 2. 5, H/T is between about 0. 5 to 2. 0 and preferably about 1, and the concentration ratio T/R is at least 3. For photothermal recovery, an absorptive liquid is used circulating in a transparent receiver tube, the liquid being automatically drained to avoid high temperatures when not circulating.