Photovoltaic device with specially arranged luminescent collector and

Abstract

A photovoltaic device for collecting solar radiation and converting it to electrical energy has a luminescent collector shaped in a way that maintains collecting area efficiency while allowing the photovoltaic cell to be entirely shadowed or protected from the direct rays of solar energy. The shape of the luminescent collector is also especially suited to air cooling and to placement of insulation between the collector surface and the cell. The collector has a first extension which receives and absorbs the light energy and at least one side extension which extends away from the sun collecting part of the collector. The side extension or extensions conduct the collected light energy to the protected cell or cells. For example, the luminescent collector may have an inverted U-shape or L-shape. A photovoltaic cell is coupled to the side extension, preferably at the end surface of the side extension. Each cell is placed entirely away from surfaces directly heated by the rays of the sun and is entirely shadowed from radiant heating by a part of the photovoltaic device. The underside of the collector may be shaped to form a channel. The channel may be used for air cooling, thermal insulation, or a combination of air cooling and thermal insulation of the sun-receiving part of the collector. The upper outer surface of the collector may be protected by a protective, radiation transmissive cover. Light emissive areas of the edge and lower surfaces of the collector not covered by photovoltaic cells may also be covered by a reflective material.