Flexible v-shaped solar tracking concentrating solar energy collector

Abstract

The present invention comprises a concentrating solar energy collector of multiple V-shaped troughs formed from complementary ridges of inverted V-shape. If the angles and spacing of the ridges are properly chosen, V-troughs of any desired concentration ratio can be constructed. Additionally, if the reflective material of the ridges is provided to be of a flexible nature at specific places, and the support for the ridges is constructed to provide tension on the ridge structure, slippage at its flexible areas, and laterally shifting capability, the axes of the ridges can be pivoted through a unique flexible shape method of pivoting the ridge structures themselves. When controlled by a solar-sensitive aiming device, this pivoting of the ridges provides the solar tracking of the V-trough axes which is necessary if the V-troughs are to accept all the solar radiation incident on them year-round and concentrate it on the absorbers at their bases. Finally, because of energy losses inherent in the V-shaped design, an embodiment of this collector is described incorporating fluid-conducting means within the ridge structures and in thermal contact with the ridge's side walls. If a cool fluid is circulated through these conducting means, energy lost to the ridge side walls by multiple light reflections and from the warm solar absorber can be recirculated to the absorber, thus substantially increasing the efficiency of this collector.