Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

Skyfuel, Inc.

Other

University of California

Midwest Research Institute

Solfocus, Inc.

Randy Gee

Gary J Jorgensen

Roland Winston

Coleman Moore

Mike Digrazia

Described herein are solar reflectors which provide a low cost reflector construction that has a unique set of attributes: high solar reflectance, abrasion resistance, UV stability, mechanical integrity, and flexibility. The abrasion resistance is enabled through incorporation of an abrasion-resistant coating into a polymer film metal mirror construction. Methods of using the solar reflectors in solar concentrating applications are also provided.

Weatherable solar reflector with high abrasion resistance

A solar collector tracking system is provided for maintaining orientation of multiple solar collectors to the sun to provide optimal focusing of solar radiation on a receiver. The system includes a local controller circuit board that contains a sun-tracking algorithm to control the movement of multiple solar collectors to keep them optimally focused on the sun. The system also comprises a separate motor controller for each collector in data line connection with the local controller, and a motor for each collector in power connection with its motor controller. This isolates the local controller from the motor and protects the circuit board against power surges. The local controller allows effective field maintenance using field-replaceable components. Its circuit board is preassembled in a rugged, weather-proof cabinet to minimize the time and work required to prepare and install it in the field. The typical service life of this durable local controller is expected to be 30 years.

Sun-tracking controller for multiple solar collectors

An apparatus for collecting solar energy includes a receptacle adapted for receiving solar thermal energy; an insert located within the receptacle, the insert being a heat pipe adapted to transfer heat; and an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert. The insert enters the receptacle substantially at a cross-sectional center of the receptacle, and further inside the receptacle, the insert shifts to become closer to the absorption fin.

Apparatus and method for solar thermal energy collection

A silver mirror construction that maintains a high percentage of hemispherical reflectance throughout the UV and visible spectrum when used in solar reflectors, comprising: a) a pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned beneath a silver overlay; b) a polymer film disposed on the silver overlay; c) an adhesive layer positioned on the polymer film; and d) a UV screening acrylic film disposed on the adhesive layer.

Advanced ultraviolet-resistant silver mirrors for use in solar reflectors

A corrosion and ultra violet-resistant silver mirror for use in solar reflectors; the silver layer having a film-forming protective polymer bonded thereto, and a protective shield overlay comprising a transparent multipolymer film that incorporates a UV absorber. The corrosion and ultraviolet resistant silver mirror retains spectral hemispherical reflectance and high optical clarity throughout the UV and visible spectrum when used in solar reflectors.

Durable corrosion and ultraviolet-resistant silver mirror

A nonimaging light concentrator system including a primary collector of light, an optical mixer disposed near the focal zone for collecting light from the primary collector, the optical mixer having a transparent entrance aperture, an internally reflective housing for substantially total internal reflection of light, a transparent exit aperture and an array of photovoltaic cells disposed near the transparent exit aperture.

Growing community of inventors

Arvada, CO, United States of America

Randy Gee