EP0015947A1

EP0015947A1 - Solar energy system

Info

Publication number: EP0015947A1
Application number: EP79900391A
Authority: EP
Inventors: William Patrick Campbell, Iii
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-03-28
Filing date: 1979-11-05
Publication date: 1980-10-01
Also published as: JPS55500231A; GB2037074B; IL56984A; GB2037074A; WO1979000845A1

Abstract

Systeme pour extraire de l'energie des rayons solaires comprenant un groupe de cellules d'energie solaire (326) qui produisent une energie utile sous forme d, un courant electrique ou sous d'autres formes. Un systeme collecteur d'echange de chaleur (324 et 350) enleve de la chaleur des cellules (326) pour la transmettre. Les cellules (326) se conforment de facon telle qu'elles exercent sur les rayons incidents un effet de piege. L'unite de conversion possede, de preference, des moyens collecteurs et de focalisation de la lumiere (340 et 341), produisant ainsi une emission optique coherente.A system for extracting energy from the sun's rays comprising a group of solar energy cells (326) which produce useful energy in the form of electric current or other forms. A heat exchange collector system (324 and 350) removes heat from the cells (326) to transmit it. The cells (326) conform in such a way that they exert a trap effect on the incident rays. The conversion unit preferably has means for collecting and focusing the light (340 and 341), thereby producing a coherent optical emission.

Description

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND ART

The continuing deteriorating condition of our planet's ecosphere caused primarily by the entropy of fos¬ sil fuels for transportation, electrical production, heat¬ ing and cooling, etc., and the ever increasing cost of these ancient hydrocarbons due to dwindling supplies, have made the search for new energy sources imperative for our future health and well being.

Solar energy for years has proved itself reliable, non-pulluting, and abundant energy source capable of meet¬ ing our increasing energy needs for millenia. However, until recently, it has been little exploited due to the seeming abundance of low cost fossil fuels. In addition to the economic problems, the slow development of solar generated energy can be attributed to the numerous technical problems with solar'converting equipment; the need for recoating the infrared thermal con¬ version layer because of ultra-violet breakdown and oxida- tion; the need for a collector drain down system or anti¬ freeze; heat exchangers; the need forthe separation of the fluid and potable water due to contamination; back-up aux¬ iliary heating units; high quality insulation, prevention of convective and radiant heat loss through collector and storage system; the need for outside power necessary for pumps and controls, tracking motors, etc., and heat losses in transfer between the collector and storage. There is also the need for sufficient Delta-T on low solar output days to perform useful work.

OMPI tjl, WlPO .A. The following disclosure will make it apparent to those skilled in the art of a method for overcoming these problems with a new and novel means.

Applicant is aware of the following patents in the 5 prior art:

U.S. 4,026,267 Coleman

U.S. 3,279,457 Kyryluk

U.S. 2,989,575 Wallace

U.S. 2,312,920 Litton 10 U.S. 1,946,184 Abbot

U.S. 1,855,815 Abbot

These references represent the best known piror ar known to the applicant. Of these the Coleman patent conte plates the use of fiber optic material for the concentrati

15 of solar energy. However, it does not disclose the use of vacuum for insulation or a method of liquid optical focusi The Kyryluk patent discloses a spherical embodiment in Fig ure 3 of a solar heat concentrator which, geometrically, i similar to one embodiment of the applicant's invention; ho

20 ever, there is no intention of incorporating solar cells o - ^' a liquid within the sphere. The two Abbot patents disclos solar heaters utilizing glass envelopes around a heat ab¬ sorbing tube. These references do not contemplate utilizi a liquid within the envelope. The Wallace and Litton paten

25 relate to solar cells, the Litton patent specifically rela ing to a cooling system or jacket for solar cells. The Litton patent does not contemplate the use of liquid coola for focusing the sun's rays nor does it contemplate utiliz tion of the coolant as a source of energy itself. Wallace

30 is pertinent only in that it discloses in the embodiment o Figure 8 thereof a spherical substrate for the solar cells Other than the goemetrical similarity, there is no further relevance of the Wallace reference to the present inventio DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION;

This invention relates to a novel system for ex¬ tracting energy from the sun's rays, which utilizes the best technology of the prior art in such a way as to increase efficiency to that more nearly approximating the theoretical maximum levels of energy extractable from the sun's rays, surpassing that heretofore possible in the prior art.

This invention provides a system which utilizes the extractable electrical potential in the sun's rays in com- bination with the extractable thermal properties of the sun's rays. The inherent optical properties of the liquid or gas used to receive and transmit the heat energy genera¬ ted by the system are utilized to focus the rays of the sun. This invention also provies a system which increases the extractable electrical energy capability of prior art radiation cells by providing a means to concentrate the amount of sunlight inpinging on the cell while, at the same time, providing means to preclude overheating of the cell, thereby eliminating the temperature limitation on prior art cells so that it may be operated at much higher energy input levels than heretofore possible.

The invention further provides a system for extract¬ ing thermal energy from the sun's rays in a far more effici¬ ent manner than the prior art by providing means to focus the sun's rays on the heat-absorbing portion of the panel, by forming the heat-transmitting medium in a geometric con¬ figuration which will accomplish such focusing.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a transparent container configured as a body of rotation. Radiant energy^" converting cells are disposed in the contain¬ er at the focal point of the body of rotation, for the di¬ rect extraction of electricity from the sun's rays. A thermal transfer medium filling the container focuses rays of the sun on the cells to increase efficiency and to ex- tract and transmit heat from the cells. Means are provided to circulate this thermal transfer medium in the container and to transmit cold medium to the container and heated medium from the container. Wave-like converter substrates increases the con sion of the sun's rays by causing light to reverberate before allowing it to re-emit. Therefore, a substantial portion of radiant incident on the surface has a reflect component that inpinges on other portions of the surface. Many of the embodiments herein disclosed are in¬ sulated with a vacuum system, preventing convective heat losses. Furthermore, due to the superiority of a vacuum cavity and the large collector mass, the need for anti- freeze or collector drain-down systems is eliminated. T solar converting model when incorporating heater means d onstrates a high level of simplicity by incorporating th back-up auxiliary heater within the collecting unit, maki it a complete one unit system. A unique aspect of several of the models discusse herein is by allowing the ultraviolet rays of the sun to pass through the stored water, an inherent property of s light produces a purifying effect. This effect has also been shown to break down many harmful chemicals commonly found in municipal water supplies. This, combined with t fact that antifreeze is not used in the system, removes t possibility of contamination (in fact, it leaves the wate in a superior condition) , thus removing the necessity for heat exchangers. Another major problem encountered with all- known solar collecting units is the photo and oxidation breakdo of the infrared converting coating. While no known sub¬ stance can stand up to such conditions indefinitely, we have found that the use of multi-coatings greatly extends its life. An example of such a coating would consist of layers of bonding material alternating with layers of in¬ frared converting means (such as granular carbon, black nickel or the like) so as to produce multi-layered compos tion. Thus, with time, when one layer of bonding materia breaks down, it releases the infrared converting material and exposes the underlying layers, permitting the unit to continue operation for a longer time. In the preferred embodiment, the unit would contain radiation responsible means, such as photovoltaics, thermal electric, and the like, which produce an electric current when exposed to the rays of the sun. This electric current could then be made to perform useful work (powering track¬ ing motors, sensors, etc.) necessary for the unit's func¬ tion, and further providing electric energy for other uses as well.

Transfer medium may be provided for the circulation of an appropriate fluid electronic junction material re¬ quired for the production of an electric output from a source such as, for example, photovoltaics. This action thereby extends the radiation ionic converter's life by cooling and replacing spent barrier material. Additionally, the surface electrode can be eliminated by using a fluid of a junction material with electric and thermal conductive properties.

Auxiliary heater means are submerged in the collec¬ tor maintains a minimum collector temperature, allowing collection of useful energy on low solar output days when the traditional collector would not be able to function due to insufficient Delta-T.

As an example, let us say that on a given day of low solar output, a traditional collector raises its plate and collector fluid from 50°F to 90°F—a 40° fise in tem¬ perature, but since the storage system is at, let us say, 110°F, the system is unable to perform useful work this day. However, on this same day, our collector—due to the fact that the collector and storage system is maintained at 110°F by the heater thermostat unit—is therefore able to raise its temperature to 125°F with the available solar radiation, thereby performing useful work.

Among the leading types of devices for extracting energy from the sun's rays are solar heating panels which utilize the energy present in the infrared portion of the sun's rays to raise the temperature of a liquid such as water.

D PI The prior art is replete with solar heat devices generally including means to focus the sun's rays through mirrors and reflecting bodies, and with heat absorption surfaces utilizing the energy in the infrared portion of the spectrum to maximum efficiency. ^• These heat cells generally comprise a transparent surface with a black bod heat absorption surface in parallel spaced relation there with the liquid to be heated transmitted between these su faces in heat conductive tubing of copper, aluminum, or t like. The developments in these systems include means to move the panel or cell to track the sun and/or means to focus the sun's rays on the panel through parabolic mirro set up in appropriate relation to the panel.

The object of the apparatus described in the pres application is to concentrate the sun's rays into an arra of radiation responsive cells thereby increasing the cell output and decreasing their per watt cost. Furthermore, these cells due to the contours of their geography will, irregardless of what radiation responsive system is used, produce a substantial power increase may be obtained, com pared to the power from the same linear area using the sa material of standard design. Heat is then removed from t cell which can be made to do useful work or can be stored for later use. This design allows the concentrated sunlight to pass first through the thermal transfer medium before it strikes the collecting material. This thereby transfers more heat to the fluid, regardless of what collecting mat ial is used, because a portion of the radiation is conver to heat directly in the fluid itself before it hits the collecting surface.

Another very important prior art device for extra ing energy from the sun's rays is the solar energy panel cell which utilizes properties of material such as silico cadmium, sulfide, or selinium which, when contacted by th sun's rays, emit electrons displaced by photons in.the su rays tothereby generate electrical current. This type of device had found wide utility in present day^" industry, particularly in space where such cells power satellite systems of various types. A greater heat transfer of the cells is provided because thermal energy is being trans¬ ferred to the fluid on both the front and rear sides of the converter substrate, doubling the area which already-by use of corrugated surfaces-containes greater collecting areas.

This vessel, containing the cell array and transfer fluid in a spherical or cylindrical shape, forms a focusing lens almost completely surrounded by an evacuated space and outer wall which eliminates convective heat loss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 is a sectional view in elevation of a de¬ vice in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 taken along the line 22 thereof;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a radiant energy electric converting cell with light trapping configurations; Figure 5 illustrates an interchangeable module con¬ taining radiant energy electric converting cells;

Figure 6 shows an interchangeable module containing radiant energy electric converting cell with light gathering and concentrating means; Figure 7 illustrates an interchangeable module in¬ corporating infrared converting means;

Figure 8 shows an interchangeable infrared convert¬ ing module with light gathering and concentrating means;

Figure 9 shows an interchangeable infrared convert- ing module additionally reducing convective circulation; Figure 10 shows an interchangeable module with a radiant electric cell and fiber optic concentrating means;

Figure 11a shows an internally circulated solar converter with radiant energy electric converting means and light gathering and concentrating means; Figure lib is the same device as 11a but without electric converting means and light gathering means; and Figure 12 shows a fiber optic lasing element.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION: in Figure 1 the device shown generally at 10, com prises a body of revolution defining a sphere. The devic is formed of a pair of shells, outer shell 12 and inner shell 14, mounted in spaced relationship and affixed to¬ gether to form a gas-tight space 16 therebetween. The space 16 is evacuated to provide an insulating medium be¬ tween the shells 12 and 14 to insulate the interior of th container formed thereby. The shells 12 and 14 are forme of some transparent material such as, for example, glass the like. A central tube 18 is disposed along the axis of t housing formed by the shells 12 and 14, exiting at the to end thereof and connecting with a conduit 20 connected to some load 22 such as a storage device. The conduit 20 th returns to the device 10 entering the housing formed by t shells 12 and 14 in an outlet manifold 24, concentrically disposed with respect to the tube 18. As is best seen in Figure 2, a series of corrugated panels 26, preferably ar mounted on the tube 18 extending radially therefrom towar the wall of the inner shell 14. Preferably occurring at about 30 intervals longitudinally and latitudinally, the panels 26 are semicircular in configuration and are sized to conform closely in spaced relationship to the inner sur face of the shell 14. Exact angles and dimensions are not to be limited by the above descriptions. As is best seen in Figure 3, the panels indicated generally there are at 26 are composed of a corrugated substrate 28 of some suitable material such as aluminum, glass, plastic, or the like. Superimposed on the substrat 28 are radiant energy converting means 30,^*composed of a suitable material, such as, for example, selenium, silicon infrared converting means or the like, as is well known in the art of solar cell, thermo-electric and solar energy x conversion. The cell 30 is preferably composed of radia¬ tion converting means in corrugated sheet form and adhered to the substrate 28. Electrical leads 32A and 32B are con¬ nected to the cell 30 and to an electrical load 34, for example, such as a storage battery or the like. However, solar cells are not necessary to the function of the device as strictly a thermal unit.

Shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are means for modifying the energy output of the unit with inter- changeable modular radiant converting means.

Figure 5 shows the interchangeable module consist¬ ing of a ridged, corrugated panel substrate 39 (preferably with thirty degree corrugations) which extends out radially from its core, preferably at about 30 degree opening inter- vals intersecting longitudinally and latitudinally. Upon substrate 39 is disposed electric conversion cells 130, which may be photovoltaic, thermoelectric or the like. These cells generate an electric current when exposed to a radiant light source. Research has shown there to be no known body which can absorb and convert a radiant light source completely. The present invention therefore focuses on methods of trap¬ ping light by causing it to reverberate thus converting a greater amount of energy with every successive reverbera- tion. A wave form with about 30° intervals to that approxi¬ mating a sine wave produces this desired reverberation of light and is thereby used extensively in the apparatus here¬ in disclosed.

Figure 6 shows another module construction as Fig- _ure 5 but additionally equipped with light gatering and concentrating means shown generally at 40. This device permits the gathering of and focusing of light through the use of fiber optics material, which extend out radially from the unit so as to accomplish 360° collection. Light is then channelled through the fiber optic material to optic boule 41, where all fibers converge, the ends of 41 being polished as well as the extreme ends of 40. Another construction would employ partial mirror coatings on the ends of fiber means 252 as is shown in Figure 12. Being less reflectiv coating 251 at 41 will thereby emit radiation more readil than at the end 250 at 40. When adequately illuminated t fiber means 252 will produce a lasing effect 253, thus pe mitting the unit to have electrical, thermal, and optical outputs.

Figure 7 is a module constructed as is shown in Figure 5; however, the apparatus in Figure 7 contains no electrical converting means and is instead coated with in frared reconverting material 42, and functions strictly o a thermal basis.

The apparatus in Figure 8 shows a design similar to Figures 6 and 7, wherein the thermal and optical prope ties of sunlight are used as herein disclosed, but no ele tricity is produced within the unit.

Figure 9 shows infrared converting material 43 re sembling wadded cotton or insulating material, with infra red converting coating. Material converts radiant energy into useful thermal energy, and also helps to retain heat

_* by decreasing internal convective circulation.

The embodiment shown in Figure 10 provides apparatu to channel high concentrations of radiation as herein dis closed to the surface of a radiation conversion cell 278 for the purpose of increased extraction of electricity or other useful energies. In operation radiant energy is transmitted to transparent manifold brackets 275 by fiber optic means 276 in the manner herein disclosed.

Manifold 25 maintains a certain distance between the fiber optic means thereby permitting the circulation of thermal transfer fluid across its surface from inlet junction 18.

Concentrated radiation from fiber optic means pass through the transparent bracket and transfer medium strik ing the radiation converting means, such as, for example, photovoltaics, thermoelectrics and the like, thereby pro¬ ducing useful extractable energy. Circulating thermal transfer medium may consist of any suitable substance, but preferably contains fluid electronic junctions with electrically conducting means 277 thereby provides the means for replacement of spent junction material and elimination of the surface electrode when the poles are suitably insulated. The circulating system also prevents the overheating of the cell thereby heating the medium which may then perform useful work.

Referring again to Figure 1, it can be seen that the leads 32A and 32B are disposed proximate to the tube 18 to exit from the device 10 for connection to the load 34. The leads 32A and 32B are preferably connected through the medium of a bus or collector from each of the panels 26, as is well known in the electrical art. Structural details of the device include an annular support 25 between the bototm of the shells,and a support 27 between the tops of the shells to transfer loads between the shells and increase the structural efficiency of the de¬ vice. Support 27 is necessary only if the unit is to be re- opened. Evacuation of the space between the shells may be accomplished through valve conduit 29, and may be repeated if need be due to opening of the device.

The unit may further be equipped with an optical auxiliary heating means 44, which helps to maintain a more constant temperature, thereby overcoming many problems en¬ countered with traditional concentrator systems. The aux¬ iliary heating means additionally provides back-up heat for times of insufficient solar output, allowing the device to continue operations. Another important feature of heat element 44 is the decreased amount of time necessary to bring the unit up to operating temperature by maintaining minimum temperature at times of inactivity. A problem with heliostat central collector units (to which this unit is most adaptable) of known art, is a tendency to degrade due to extreme fluctua¬ tions of temperature created by the mangification of a changeable light source, the sun. By maintaining minimum - 12 -

minimum temperature heating element 44 is helpful with t problem, also, as it prevents the unit from flash heatin from low temperature.

Furthermore, since the collecting means is immer in the heat transfer medium, it has twice the surface ar to remove heat from since it removes thermal energy fro its front surface as well as the rear; the transferred medium therefore remains at substantially the same tempe ture on light exposed and shadowed sides of the collecto thereby preventing internal stresses from occurring. With the aforementioned structure complete, the interior of the housing formed by the inner shell 14 is filled with a suitable transfer medium 36 such as, for e ample, water, xenon, gas or the like.

Pump means 37 are provided in the conduit 20 to circulate the liquid 36 from the manifold 24 to the tube In operation, the device is exposed to the rays the sun. The rays of the sun penetrate the transparent shells 12 and 14, and are focused by the transfer medium within the inner shell onto the solar panels 26, whereup radiant energy is converted and extracted from the devic 10 through the leads 32A and 32B while thermal energy is extracted through manifold 24. The sun's rays impinging on the solar panels also raises the temperature thereof, thereby heating the interior of the shell 14. The insul tion provided around the shell 14 by the evacuated space holds the heat generated within the shell, thereby raisin the temperature of the transfer medium 36. Circulation o the transfer medium by the pump means 37 provides withdra of heated transfer medium through manifold 24 from the to portion of the inner shell 14, and entry of cooled transf medium through the manifold 24 via tube 18 to the bottom the shell. Heat is removed from the circulated medium 26 the load 22. The circulation of the_. medium thereby provi for removal of useful heat from the device 10 and, at the same time, for cooling of the colar cells 30. The presen of the transfer medium 36 within the inner shell 14 furth - -

provides for optical focusing of the sun's rays on the solar panel 26.

The soj-ar device shown in Figure 11A and B is de¬ signed to incorporate all the radiation converting means as disclosed within this document. Resembling the unit in Figure 1, this unit's main- difference lies in the en¬ closure of the ciruclating means.

In operation cool liquid would enter unit along pipe 318 passing through center of manifold 324 extending up through the center at junction of panels 326. At mani¬ fold 350 fluid is subdivided into the appropriate number of conduits 351 corresponding to the number of panels 326. Along conduits 351 are spaced holes facing corrugated panels and situated so as to emit water to channel created by two corrugated panels laid together inversely and bonded. Thermal conducting fluid convects upward in the interior of panel 326 to conduits 352 where fluid enters via spaced holes and culminates at manifold 324. Heated fluid is then removed from the unij via pipe 320. Fiber optic concentrated means 340 is similar in construction to the converting unit,^• as shown in Figure 6. Fiber optic material extending out radially from the junc¬ tions of panels 326 where the fibers culminate and bend to¬ ward optical end piece 341. End piece 341 is clear or partially mirrorized to produce reverberation between it and the slightly more reflective coating at the other end of the fiber, thus producing a lasing effect. When ade¬ quately illuminated, a coherent beam will emerge from 341, which may then perform useful work. The unit as described is then complete, but may be enclosed within a transparent special container.

The container, depending on size, could be composed from geometrical sections of a transparent spherical con¬ tainer. The interior of the sphere is either evacuated or filled with dry non-reactive gas or irradiant gas such as xenon. Optional manifold 353 can introduce, evacuate or circulate the atmosphere within the sphere through pipes 354 and 355. Should an irradiant gas such as xenon be

OMPI IPO - 14 -

within the sphere when a high intensity electro-magneti beam enters (such as micro-wave) , a brilliant flash woul occur. This flash would pump the radiation converting means to high output levels. Further, the flash would pulse the fiber lasing means with which it is in initima contact. In this manner the. unit could continue to func tion in times of no light if it were illuminated by a microwave source. Such a source could be a geo-synchron orbiting solar converting station transmitting converted energy in the form of microwaves to earth: Another sour could be high altitude balloons with solar converting me transmitting energy in same manner.

The solar device as shown in Figure 11B is con¬ structed according to the device in Figure 11A, but does not contain radiation converting means or fiber optic concentrators. It, therefore, functions as strictly a thermal unit.

While the invention has been herein shown and des cribed in what is presently conceived to be the most prac tical and preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appar to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifica¬ tions may be made thereof within the scope of the inventi which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and devices.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. Solar radiation converting apparatus comprising solar radiation responsive means for transforming incident radiation into another energy form, a pair of spaced trans¬ parent housing members with complimentary curved surface, said members defining a fluid tight volume with said radia¬ tion responsive means within sai volume, and means for circulating fluid into, through, and out said volume so that said solar radiation responsive means are cooled and said fluid is heated.

2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said solar radiation responsive means comprise a central support, a plurality of surfaces extending generally radially out¬ wardly from the central support, and means for detachably mounting said central support within said volume.

3. Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said surfaces each comprise photovoltaic material.

4. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said surfaces are corrugated.

5. Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said surfaces each comprise .thermo-electric material.

6. Apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said surfaces are corrugated.

7. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein acces¬ sory heating means disposed within said vol e in heat- transferring relationship with fluid within said volume.

8. Apparatus for conversion of solar radiation, comprising a solar radiation responsive surface for trans¬ forming incident radiation into solar energy form, and means attached to said surface for polarizing and magnify- ing radiation incident upon said means, and transmitting coherent polarized, magnified radiation to said surface.

9. Apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said means attached to said surface comprise a plurality of ra¬ diation conducting fibers extending outwardly from said surface.

10. Apparatus as recited in claim.9 wherein each fiber has one end thereof attached to said-surface and a free end thereof remote from said surface, and wherein said free end has a higher reflective index than said attached end.

11. Apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said fibers are of clear fiber optic mateiral.

12. Apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein sai fiber optic material is selected from the group consistin of saphires and rubies.

13. Apparatus as recited in claim 8 further com¬ prising a housing containing said surface, said housing comprising spaced transparent housing members with irrad iant gas disposed therebetween.

14. Solar radiation converting apparatus compris ing a solar radiation responsive surface for transforming incident radiation into another energy form, and means associated with said surface for trapping radiation incid ent upon said surface has a reflected component thereof that impinges upon other portions of said surface.

15. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein sai radiation trapping means comprise regular surface manifes tions formed on said surface.

16. Apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein sai regular surface manifestations comprise corrugations.

17. Apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein sai corrugations approximate a sine wave.

18. Apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein sai corrugations include peaks, valleys, and connecting porti between said peaks and valleys, said connecting portions being generally planar and making an angle of about 30° w incident radiation.

19. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 further com- •prising a substrate for supporting said surface, integral- ly attached thereto and having substantially the same con¬ tour as said surface.

^ξ

20. Apparatus as recited in claim 14. further com¬ prising means attached to said surface for concentrating radiation incident upon said means onto said surface.

21. Apparatus as recited in claim 20 wherein said concentrating means comprises a plurality of radiation conducting fibers extending outwardly from said surface.

22. Apparatus as recited in claim 21 wherein said fibers have the end thereof remote from said surface mirrored.

23. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 further com¬ prising means attached to said surface for polarizing and magnifiying radiation incident upon said means and trans¬ mitting the coherent, polarized, magnified radiation to said surface.

24. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said surface consists of photovoltaic material.

25. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said surface consists of thermo-electric material.

26. Apparatus for conversion of solar radiation, comprising a solar radiation responsive surface for trnas- forming incident radiation into another energy form, and means attached to said surface for polarizing and magnify¬ ing radiation incident upon said means, and transmitting coherent polarized, magnified radiation to said surface.

27. Apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein said means attached to said surface comprise a plurality of radiation conducting fibers extending outwardly from said surface.

28. Apparatus as recited in claim 27 wherein each fiber has one end thereof attached to said surface and a free end thereof remote from said surface and wherein said free end has .a higher reflective index than said attached end.

29. Apparatus as reci'ted in claim 26 wherein said fibers are of clear fiber optic material.

30. Apparatus as recited in claim 29 wherein s fiber optic material is selected from the group consist of sapphires and rubies.

31. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein s surface consists of photovoltaic mateiral.

32. Apparatus as recited in claim 26 further c prising a housing containing said surface, said housing comprising spaced transparent housing members with irrad gas disposed therebetween.

33. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 further c prising a housing containing said surface, said housing comprising spaced transparent housing members with irra iant gas disposed therebetween.