Solar energy system with pivoting lens and collector and conduit system

Abstract

A system in which solar energy is concentrated by an elongated lens in an elongated focus and collected in an elongated collector is disclosed. The lens is supported above the collector for pivotal movement with respect to the conduit about a first axis thereof to track the sun with the conduit remaining stationary. The collector further includes a container having an elongated solar energy transmitting aperture facing the lens along and adjacent to which the conduit extends, the container and lens being interconnected for pivotal movement with respect to the conduit about the first axis to maintain the aperture facing the lens with the conduit remaining stationary while the interconnected lens and container are pivoted. In one embodiment, the interconnected lens, container and conduit are also pivoted about a second axis transverse to the first axis. One embodiment of a conduit system includes an inner metal conduit having darkened outer surfaces to absorb solar energy and transmit heat to a fluid in the metal conduit. The metal conduit is enclosed by an enclosure and a dead space is provided around the inner metal conduit. In one embodiment, photovoltaic cells are installed in an inner transparent conduit in which the elongated focus of a Fresnel lens is located. The inner conduit is enclosed by an outer transparent conduit of at least about 3 times larger diameter and a fluid is circulated in the outer conduit which will substantially transmit therethrough the luminous solar energy while absorbing substantial amounts of the infrared solar energy.