WO2012097260A2

WO2012097260A2 - Fiber-based transmission system for solar energy system and method of providing and using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2012097260A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/021255
Authority: WO
Inventors: John S. Fangman
Original assignee: Cewa Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-01-14
Filing date: 2012-01-13
Publication date: 2012-07-19
Also published as: CN103429967B; MX2013008081A; TW201245642A; WO2012097260A3; BR112013017949A2; EP2663812A4; EP2663812A2; TWI595198B; CN103429967A

Abstract

In some embodiments, a solar energy system can include: (a) at least one solar collector, the at least one solar collector having: (1) one or more fiber optic cables; (2) a receiver with focusing optics configured to focus solar radiation into the one or more fiber optic cables; and (3) at least one concentrating reflector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver; and (b) one or more converting elements coupled to the one or more fiber optic cables, the one or more converting elements configured to convert the solar radiation into one or more other forms of energy. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Description

FIBER-BASED TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AND USING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/432,955, filed January 14, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to a solar energy system and, more particularly, to the utilization of a fiber optic bundle between a solar collector and a remotely-located converting element, as well as methods of providing and using the same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0003] There are primarily four categories of solar energy harnessing technologies. The first of which, denoted as passive solar devices, take the form of solar heaters, and roof top solar panels with pipes running underneath that are simply heated from incident solar radiation; the heat transferring to the fluid or air passing through the passive solar devices. However, passive solar radiation intensity is generally too low to be directly useful for most applications that require heat at high temperatures and pressures (such as running HVAC, industrial process heat, turbines, etc.). Another category of solar technology takes the form of flat panels of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells that contain semiconductor devices. These devices convert incident solar radiation directly into electricity; the electrical energy output is a direct function of the area of the PV cell array.

[0004] Solar "concentrators" are considered as another category and are designed to reflect the incident solar radiation from a large area onto a smaller focal area in order to concentrate (collect) the solar radiation to generate large amounts of heat that can be transferred to a fluid circulating at the focal area (thus achieving higher temperature and pressure), suitable for: (a) various applications where heat of desired quality is needed, such as industrial process heat, HVAC heating and cooling, desalination, dehydration etc.; or (b) steam production to drive turbines in order to generate electricity.

[0005] Recently, a hybrid technology has been explored, where solar collectors are used in conjunction with a special type of PV cell; the solar concentration technology directs a high intensity solar radiation beam onto a specialized small number of photovoltaic cells (called concentrator PV cells) at the focal area of the collectors. Thus, concentrating solar collectors in conjunction with PV cells have an advantage over flat-panel collectors in that they utilize substantially smaller amounts of semiconductor material, while also being more efficient in generating electrical energy.

[0006] In any event, solar concentrator technologies are most widely useful whether the application needs heat or electricity or both. As compared to passive solar technologies or PV cell technologies, solar concentrators provide heat at low-costs and high efficiency.

[0007] Regardless of the type of solar concentrator or collector employed, most conventional systems locate the actual "receiving structure" (PV cells, thermal/fluid elements) with the receiving optics. As a result, the receiving structure is necessarily exposed to the environment, and subject to damage, ambient aging problems, and the like.

[0008] Accordingly, a need or potential for benefit exists for an apparatus or system that allows protection of the receiving structure from the environment and allows a more efficient and less costly solar harnessing technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system, according to a first embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a solar collector of the solar energy system of FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view along line I-I (FIG. 1) of a receiver of the solar collector of FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system, according to a second embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system, according to a third embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system, according to a fourth embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system, according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of converting light from the sun into one or more other forms of energy;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of providing a solar energy system to gather solar radiation;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary embodiment of an activity of providing at least one solar collector, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary embodiment of an activity of coupling the one or more fiber optic cables to the one or more converting elements, according to an embodiment.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. [0024] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

[0025] "Electrical coupling" and the like should be broadly understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electrical signals. "Mechanical coupling" and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.

[0026] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the like near the word

"coupled," and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In some examples, a solar energy system can include: (a) at least one solar collector, the at least one solar collector having: (1) one or more fiber optic cables; (2) a receiver with focusing optics configured to focus solar radiation into the one or more fiber optic cables; and (3) at least one concentrating reflector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver; and (b) one or more converting elements coupled to the one or more fiber optic cables, the one or more converting elements configured to convert the solar radiation into one or more other forms of energy.

[0028] In many embodiments, a solar energy array can include: (a) two or more solar collectors, each of the two or more solar collectors having: (1) a receiver; (2) one or more concentrating reflectors configured to re-direct light to the receiver; and (3) a first fiber optic bundle, the receiver is configured to concentrate the light into the first fiber optic bundle; (b) a combining device coupled to the first fiber optic bundle of each of the two or more solar collectors and configured to concentrate the light in the first fiber optic bundle of each of the two or more solar collectors into concentrated light; and (c) at least one converting device coupled to the combining device, the at least one converting device configured to transform the concentrated light into one or more other forms of energy.

[0029] Various embodiments concern a method of converting light from the sun into one or more other forms of energy. The method can include: re-directing light from the sun using at least one first concentrating reflector into a first receiver; focusing the light into a first fiber optic bundle at the first receiver; using the first fiber optic bundle to transport the light from the first receiver to at least one converting device; and converting the light into the one or more other forms of energy using the at least one converting device.

Some embodiments concern a method of providing a solar energy system to gather solar radiation. The method can include: providing at least one solar collector, providing the at least one solar collector can include: providing a receiver with focusing optics; providing at least one concentrating reflector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver; providing one or more fiber optic cables; and coupling the focusing optics to the one or more fiber optic cables such that the focusing optics concentrate the solar radiation into the one or more fiber optic cables; providing one or more converting elements configured to convert the solar radiation into one or more other forms of energy; and coupling the one or more fiber optic cables to the one or more converting elements.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system 100, according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a solar collector 120 of solar energy system 100, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view along line I-I (FIG. 1) of a receiver 110 of solar collector 120, according to the first embodiment. Solar energy system 100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Solar energy system 100 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.

Turning to FIGs. 1-3, in some embodiments, solar energy system 100 can include: (a) at least one solar collector 120 (i.e., a solar concentrator); and (b) one or more converting devices or elements 130 configured to convert solar radiation (i.e., light) into one or more other forms of energy (e.g., thermal energy, mechanical energy, and/or electrical energy).

In some examples, solar collector 120 can include: (a) one or more fiber optic cables 111 (i.e., a fiber optic bundle) coupled to converting elements 130; (b) a receiver 110; (c) at least one concentrating reflector 121 configured to re-direct solar radiation to receiver 110; (d) a support structure 122; and (e) a mounting structure 123. Solar energy system 100 can be directed to various improvements in a solar energy system that can be realized by utilizing a fiber optic bundle as a conduit of the collected solar radiation to transport the collected solar radiation to a remotely-located converting element.

In the example shown in FIGs. 1-2, receiver 110 is located at the focal area of concentrating reflector 121. In other embodiments, one or more secondary reflectors are located at the focal area of concentrating reflector 121 (i.e., the primary reflector), and receiver

110 is located at the base of solar collector 120 (e.g., at region 129). In some examples, the secondary reflectors can include a Cassegrain reflector.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, receiver 110 can include: (a) focusing optics 312 configured to focus the solar radiation into fiber optic cables 111; (b) a ferrule structure 313 configured to hold at least a portion of fiber optic cables 111 (e.g., an end of fiber optic cables 111); and (c) a body 314 configured to hold focusing optics 312, ferrule structure 313, and the portion of fiber optic cables 111.

[0036] In some examples, solar radiation, R, is re-directed by concentrating reflector 121 (FIGs.

1-2) into focusing optics 312. Focusing optics 312 can be optically aligned with fiber optic cables 111 to concentrate or focus solar radiation, R, into fiber optic cables 111. That is, in some examples, the incoming solar radiation, R, passes through focusing optics 312 positioned within receiver 110. Fiber optic cables 111 are positioned within ferrule structure 313 disposed within receiver 110 and positioned to receive the focused output from focusing optics 312.

[0037] In some examples, the region 315 between focusing optics 312 and fiber optic cables 111 is filled by air. In other examples, region 315 can be filled with an inert gas. In the same or different examples, the air or inert gas in region 315 can be pressurized.

[0038] In some examples, if a secondary reflector (e.g., Cassegrain reflector) is located at the focal area of concentrating reflector 121 (FIGs. 1 and 2) and if receiver 110 is located at the base of solar collector 120, receiver 110 does not include focusing optics 312 in receiver 110. In these examples, the secondary reflector can function as the focusing optics. In other examples, solar collector 120 can include a secondary reflector and focusing optics 312.

[0039] Focusing optics 312 can include at least one lens. The lens can be configured to focus solar radiation, R, into fiber optic cables 111. In the same or different examples, the lens as well as the fiber bundle can have a broadband anti-reflective coating as well as optical correction coatings. The lens system can also consist of multiple elements including but not limited to a collimating lens coupled with a condensing lens.

[0040] In many examples, fiber optic cables 111 can be a bundle of two or more optical fibers.

One end of the fiber optic cables 111 can be coupled to receiver 110 to receive solar radiation, R. The other end of fiber optic cables 111 can be coupled to converting elements 130. Converting elements 130 can convert the solar radiation into other forms of energy. [0041] Use of fiber optic cables 111 allow solar radiation, R, to be transported to a location remote from solar collector 120 for conversion into another form of energy. Traditional solar energy systems convert solar radiation to other forms of energy at the receiver. The use of fiber optic cables 111 in solar energy system 100 provides several advantages. First, the converting elements do not have to be co-located with solar collector 120. Thus, for example, converting elements can be placed in a building located apart from solar collector 120 (e.g., 10 meters (m), 100 m, 1000 m, or further away) with fiber optic cables 111 carrying the solar radiation from receiver 110 to converting elements 130. Placing converting elements inside of a building can increase the lifetime of converting elements 130 and decrease the cost of maintenance and installation.

[0042] Additionally, as will be described below in relation to the second embodiment show in

FIG. 4, use of fiber optic cables 111 in FIGs. 1-3 allow combination of the solar radiation from two or more solar collectors into a single concentrated solar beam. Thus, instead of having multiple converting elements, a solar energy system can have a single converting element that is shared between two or more solar collectors. Decreasing the number of converting elements can increase efficiency of the system and significantly decrease the costs.

[0043] Fiber optic cables 111 of FIGs. 1-3 can be multi-mode optical fibers or single mode optical fibers. The size of the individual fibers that makeup the fiber bundle can vary. The optical fibers are constructed of an inner core and an outer sheathing. In some examples, the inner core can be fabricated with one index of refraction and the outer sheathing in constructed from a material (e.g., a transparent material) of a different index of refraction. In various embodiments, the diameter of the fiber bundle can be a function of the size of the solar concentrator and the maximum intensity that a given fiber can tolerate while maintaining maximum transmission efficiency and appropriate life time.

[0044] In one embodiment, fiber optic cables 111 can have a collective diameter of about three millimeters or about one to five millimeters. In one example, each of the optical fibers in fiber optic cables 111 can have a diameter of about nine microns or about five to fifteen microns. Fiber optic cables 111 can have a high energy density that allows concentration of a large amount of solar radiation into fiber optic cables 111 with small energy loss. For example, fiber optic cables 111 can have an energy density of 9 Megawatts per meter-squared with a loss of 1/10 decibel per kilometer-squared. In some examples, each of fiber optic cables 111 can have glass, plastic, or air core with a glass or plastic sheathing around the core. In various embodiments, each of fiber optic cables 111 can be a photonic-crystal fiber. [0045] Concentrating reflector 121 can be configured to reflect incident solar radiation from a large area onto a smaller focus area in order to concentrate (i.e., collect) the solar radiation. In some examples, concentrating reflector 121 can be a parabolic point concentrator. The parabolic point concentrator can include a plurality of curved mirrors arranged to form a parabolic dish that focuses the incoming solar radiation into a single focal area.

[0046] In other embodiments, concentrating reflector 121 can have a spindle toroid geometry

(e.g., see solar collectors 420, 440, 442, and 444 of FIG. 4). That is, in some examples, concentrating reflector 121 can include two or more concentric reflectors (as illustrated in FIG. 4) with each reflector having a spindle toriod geometry. In various examples, each of the concentric reflectors can include two or more separate reflecting petals, held in place in a keystone arrangement. Each of the reflecting petals can have a monocoque construction, where a reflecting surface of the reflecting petals bears the majority of torsional and bending stresses. In still other embodiments, other geometries and designs can be used for concentrating reflector 121 (e.g., solar troughs, Fresnel reflectors, etc.).

[0047] In various embodiments, concentrating reflector 121 can be constructed with glass mirrors (e.g., a reflective surface coating such as silver nitrate and a glass cover to protect the reflective surface). In other examples, concentrating reflectors 121 can have a mirror surface constructed from passivated aluminum (or a layer of passivated aluminum disposed on the surface of another material), a highly reflective dielectric material, a polymer, an ultra-thin glass (e.g., fifty microns or less), or the like. Various alloys and/or surface finishes can be used to provide the desired degree of reflectivity of concentrating reflector 121.

[0048] In some examples, support structure 122 can include a concrete pad or other similar structure configured to securely mount solar collector 120 to the earth. Mounting structure 123 can be used to attach concentrating reflector 121 to support structure 122. Although not shown, in some examples, support structure 122 and/or mounting structure 123 can include servomechanisms and/or other mechanical devices used to manually and/or automatically move concentrating reflector 121 to track the sun's movement during the course of a day or the year.

[0049] Converting elements 130 can be configured to convert solar radiation (i.e., light) into one or more other forms of energy (e.g., thermal energy, mechanical energy, and/or electrical energy). Converting elements 130 are optically and mechanically coupled to fiber optic cables 111 and are configured to receive the concentrated solar radiation from fiber optic cables 111. [0050] In some examples, converting elements 130 can include a thermal receiver (e.g., a

Sterling engine). In some embodiments, the concentrated solar radiation from fiber optic cables 1 1 1 can be directed (i.e., focused) into a thermal transfer medium (e.g., various fluids, gases, or salts). The concentrated solar radiation can heat the thermal transfer medium and can be employed for various usages including, industrial process heat, HVAC heating and cooling, desalination, dehydration, etc. or for steam production to drive turbines to generated electricity.

[0051] In other examples, converting elements 130 can be configured to covert the solar radiation directly into electrical energy. For examples, converting elements 130 can include one or more photovoltaic cells (e.g., concentrator photovoltaic cells). In this example, the concentrated solar radiation from fiber optic cables 1 1 1 is concentrated onto a small area of solar photovoltaic material, which converts the light into electricity. In one example, multi- junction photovoltaic cells can be used.

[0052] Additionally, solar energy system 100 can create an alternating current (AC) electrical output signal from the concentrated solar radiation by incorporating an optical modulating device (such as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer) with converting elements 130. By using a conventional electrical power signal as the data input to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the concentrated solar radiation can be converted into an AC electrical output signal.

[0053] In still other embodiments, converting elements 130 can include a combination of the various converting elements. For example, a first portion of the concentrated solar radiation from fiber optic cables 1 1 1 can be directed into the thermal receivers and a second portion of the solar radiation can be directed into one or more photovoltaic cells.

[0054] In many embodiments, converting elements 130 are located within a first building, and solar collector 120 is located apart from or at least outside of the first building. In the same or different examples, converting elements 130 are not mechanically coupled to solar collector 120 except for the coupling with fiber optic cables 1 1 1. That is, converting elements 130 can be housed inside a building or any suitable structure and protected from damage or aging, far removed from the physical location of solar collector 120. Moreover, fiber optic bundles from multiple solar collectors can be directed into a single receiving structure, providing a significant increase in efficiency and a significant decrease in initial cost and maintenance cost solar energy system 100, in general, and solar collector 120 and converting elements 130, in particular over traditional solar energy systems. The efficiency can be increased from about 14% to about 42%, and the cost can be reduced by about 66%. As an example, typical solar collector systems has an dollar per watt of electricity (W) cost without subsidies of about $6/W while solar energy system described herein can have a cost of about $2/W. Additionally, it is possible to extend the fiber optic bundle path into a residence (or business) premises, with the photovoltaic cells/thermal cells, or the like, directly located in the building that will be using the convert the solar energy into another form. A principal problem with current approaches to concentrated photovoltaic cells is heat, which reduces photovoltaic cells efficiency and reduces the life of the cells. In many instances to reduce the heating effect, filters are used to remove those wavelengths that do not produce electrical energy. The unwanted wavelengths can be discarded to the atmosphere. In some examples, receiver 130 can split out the wavelengths of light for use as concentrated photovoltaic cells and used for that purpose while sending the remaining wavelengths to a thermal converter for heat generation.

[0055] Turning to another embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system 400, according to a second embodiment. Solar energy system 400 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Solar energy system 400 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.

[0056] In some embodiments, solar energy system 400 can be a solar collector array and can include: (a) two or more solar collectors 420, 440, 442, and 444; (b) at least one converting device or element 430 configured to configured to convert solar radiation (i.e., light) into one or more other forms of energy (e.g., thermal energy, mechanical energy, and/or electrical energy); (c) fiber optic cables 411, 441, 443, 445, and 451; (d) a combining device 450 configured to receive solar radiation from fiber optic cables 411, 441, 443, and 445 and configured to concentrate the light fiber optic cables 411, 441, 443, and 445 into fiber optic cables 451.

[0057] In some examples, solar collector 420 can include: (a) a receiver 410; (b) two or more concentrating reflectors 424 and 425; (c) at least one secondary reflector 412; (d) a support structure 422; and (e) a mounting structure 423. In various embodiments, fiber optic cables 411, 441, 443, and 445 can be considered part of solar collectors 420, 440, 442, and 444, respectively, and can be similar to or the same as fiber optic cables 111 (FIG. 1). Solar energy system 400 can be directed to various improvements in a solar energy system that can be realized by utilizing a fiber optic bundle as a conduit of the collected solar radiation to transport the collected solar radiation to a remotely-located converting element.

[0058] Secondary reflector 412 can be located at the focal area of concentrating reflectors 424 and 425 (i.e., primary reflectors), and receiver 410 can be located at the base of solar collector 420. In some examples, concentrating reflectors 424 and 425 re-direct solar radiation to secondary reflector 412, which reflects the radiation on to receiver 410. In some examples, solar collector 420 can be considered a Cassegrain system.

[0059] In some examples, receiver 410 can be similar to or the same as receiver 110 of FIG. 3.

Similarly, converting element 430 can be similar or the same as converting element 130. Solar collectors 440, 442, and 444 can be similar to or the same as solar collector 420. In many embodiments, fiber optic cables 411, 441, 443, and 445 can couple the receivers of solar collectors 420, 440, 442, and 444, respectively, to combining device 450.

[0060] Combining device 450 can be configured to concentrate the solar radiation from fiber optic cables 411, 441, 443, and 445 into fiber optic cables 451. Fiber optic cables 451 can transport the concentrated solar radiation from combining device 450 to converting element 430. In some examples, combining device 450 can include an integrating sphere (e.g., an Ulbrict sphere). An integrating sphere is does not necessarily have to be a sphere but, in some examples, have another shape.

[0061] Combining device 450 can be coupled to fiber optic cables 411, 441, 443, and 445 to create a concentration of solar energy that is significantly greater than what is possible with conventional systems (on the order of, for example, thousands of "suns" of energy).

[0062] In various examples, solar collectors 420, 440, 442, and 444 are spaced apart from combining device 450 and converting element 430. In many embodiments, combining device 450 and converting element 430 are located in a first structure 460, and solar collectors 420, 440, 442, and 444 are not located in or coupled to the first structure. Solar collectors 420, 440, 442, and 444 are located at predetermined non-zero distances (e.g., 5 m, 50 m, 500 m or further distances) from first structure 460.

[0063] Turning to still another embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system 500, according to a third embodiment. Solar energy system 500 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Solar energy system 500 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.

[0064] In some embodiments, a solar energy system 500 can be a solar collector array and can include: (a) two or more solar collectors 520, 540, 542, 544, and 546; (b) at least one converting device or element 530 configured to configured to convert solar radiation (i.e., light) into one or more other forms of energy (e.g., thermal energy, mechanical energy, and/or electrical energy); (c) fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545, and 547; and (d) a combining device 550 coupled to fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545, and 547. In some examples, fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545, 547 can be considered part of solar collectors 520, 540, 542, 544, and 546, respectively.

[0065] Solar collectors 520, 540, 542, 544, and 546 can be similar to or the same as solar collectors 120 or 420 of FIGs. 1 and 4, respectively. Fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545, and 547 couple solar collector 520, 540, 542, 544, and 546, respectively, to combining device 550, and can be similar to or the same as fiber optic cables 111 (FIG. 1), 411, 441, 443, and/or 445 (FIG. 4). In some examples, combining device 550 can be an integrating sphere.

[0066] In some examples, converting elements 530 can include: (a) two or more thermal converting elements 531, 533, 534, 535, and 536; and (b) a thermal exchanger 537. Thermal converting elements 531, 533, 534, 535, and 536 can be positioned within combining device 550. Each of thermal converting elements 531, 533, 534, 535, and 536 are disposed to receive the signal propagating along fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545 and 547, respectively. The thermal energy from all of fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545 and 547 then passes through thermal exchanger 537, which includes a thermic fluid input/output path, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545 and 547 are congregated to form an optical boiler, configured to generate thermal energy that is orders of magnitude improved over traditional thermal systems based on solar radiation.

[0068] Additionally, using solar energy system 500, it is further possible to create an AC electrical output signal from the incoming radiation propagating along fiber optic cables 511, 541, 543, 545 and 547 by incorporating an optical modulating device (such as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer) with converting elements 530. By using a conventional electrical power signal as the data input to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the concentrated solar radiation can be converted into an AC electrical output signal.

[0069] Combining device 550 and converting elements 530 can be positioned at a distance remote from solar collectors 520, 540, 542, 544, and 546. In some examples, combining device 550 and converting elements 530 are housed in a protective structure which solar collectors 520, 540, 542, 544, and 546 are located outside of the protective structure. Combining device 550 can be an integrating sphere but also can use any optical technique that allows for combining two or more optical fibers into a single fiber. In some embodiments, the output of two or more solar collectors can be combined into a single fiber bundle to reduce the cost of transmitting energy to a remote location. Combining the output of two or more solar collectors has an additive effect to the total concentration ratio (increased energy density). This increase in the total concentration ratio can be particularly beneficial for generating super heated steam for steam turbines.

[0070] Turning to still a further embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system 600, according to a fourth embodiment. Solar energy system 600 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Solar energy system 600 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.

[0071] In some embodiments, a solar energy system 600 can be a solar collector array and can include: (a) two or more solar collectors 620, 640, and 642; (b) at least one converting device or element 430 configured to configured to convert solar radiation (i.e., light) into one or more other forms of energy (e.g., thermal energy, mechanical energy, and/or electrical energy); (c) one or more fiber optic cables 611; and (d) a receiver 610 coupled to fiber optic cables 611. In some examples, receiver 610 and fiber optic cables can be considered part of solar collectors 620, 640, and 642.

[0072] In some examples, solar collector 620 can include: (a) at least one concentrating reflector

621; (b) a support structure 622; and (c) a mounting structure 623. Solar energy system 600 can be directed to various improvements in a solar energy system that can be realized by utilizing a fiber optic bundle as a conduit of the collected solar radiation to transport the collected solar radiation to a remotely- located converting element 430. Solar collectors 640 and 642 can be similar to or the same as solar collector 620.

[0073] In this example, solar energy system 600 has a solar power tower configuration. That is, instead of each of solar collectors 620, 640, and 642 having its own receiver, a receiver 610 is located at power tower 615.

[0074] Solar collectors 620, 640, and 642 re-direct solar radiation to receiver 610. Receiver 610 focuses the re-directed solar radiation to fiber optic cables 61 1. In some examples, receiver 610 can be considered part of one or more of solar collectors 620, 640, and 642. Fiber optic cables 611 transports the concentrated radiation from receiver 610 to remotely located converting elements 430. Fiber optic cables 611 can be similar to or the same as fiber optic cables 111 (FIG. 1), 411, 441, 443, 445, 447 (FIG. 4), 511, 541, 543, 545, and/or 547 (FIG. 5), respectively. Also, in some embodiments, fiber optic cables 611 can be considered part of one or more of solar collectors 620, 640, and 642.

[0075] Turning to still a further embodiment, FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a solar energy system 700, according to a fifth embodiment. Solar energy system 700 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Solar energy system 700 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.

[0076] In some embodiments, solar energy system 700 can include: (a) at least one solar collector 720; and (b) one or more converting devices or elements 130 configured to convert solar radiation (i.e., light) into one or more other forms of energy (e.g., thermal energy, mechanical energy, and/or electrical energy).

[0077] In some examples, solar collector 720 can include: (a) one or more fiber optic cables 711 coupled to converting elements 130; (b) a receiver 710; (c) at least one concentrating reflector 721 configured to re-direct solar radiation to receiver 710; (d) a support structure 722; and (e) a mounting structure 723. Solar energy system 700 can be directed to various improvements in a solar energy system that can be realized by utilizing a fiber optic bundle as a conduit of the collected solar radiation to transport the collected solar radiation to a remotely-located converting element 130.

[0078] In this embodiment, concentrating reflector 721 can be a parabolic trough collector. A parabolic trough collector uses an elongated reflective trough having a parabolic cross-section to concentrate the solar radiation along a focal line extending through the focal points of the parabolic elements forming the trough. In this embodiment, receiver 710 is located along the focal line of the parabolic trough. Receiver 710 includes focusing optics that are configured to focus the solar radiation re-directed by concentrating reflector 721 into fiber optic cables 711. Fiber optic cables 711 transports the concentrated radiation from receiver 710 to remotely located converting elements 130.

[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 800 of converting light from the sun into one or more other forms of energy. Method 800 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 800 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes of method 800 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes of method 800 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes in method 800 can be combined or skipped.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 8, method 800 includes an activity 870 of re-directing light from the sun using at least one first concentrating reflector into a first receiver. As an example, the concentrating reflector can be similar or identical to concentrating reflector 121, 424, 425, 621, or 721 of FIGs. 1, 4, 4, 6, and 7, respectively. The first receiver can be similar or identical to receiver 110, 410, 510, 610, or 710 of FIGs. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

Subsequently, method 800 of FIG. 8 includes an activity 871 of focusing the light into a first fiber optic bundle at the first receiver. As an example, the first fiber optic bundle can be similar or identical to fiber optic cables 111, 411, 511, 611, or 711 of FIGs. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. In some examples, the first receiver can include focusing optics that can be used to focus the light into the first fiber optic bundle.

Next, method 800 of FIG. 8 includes an activity 872 of using the first fiber optic bundle to transport the light.

Method 800 in FIG. 8 continues with an activity 873 of re-directing light from the sun using at least one second concentrating reflector into a second receiver. In some examples, activity 873 can be similar or identical to activity 870.

Subsequently, method 800 of FIG. 8 includes an activity 874 of focusing the light from the at least one second concentrating reflector into a second fiber optic bundle at the second receiver. In some examples, activity 874 can be similar or identical to activity 871. In other examples, the light from the at least one second concentrating reflector is focused into the first fiber optic bundle at the first receiver.

Next, method 800 of FIG. 8 includes an activity 875 of using the second fiber optic bundle to transport the light. In some examples, activity 875 can be similar or identical to activity 872. In other examples, the light from the second concentrating refiector is transported using the first fiber optic bundle. In further examples, method 800 can include additional activities similar to activities 873-875 for additional concentrating reflectors and receivers.

Subsequently, method 800 of FIG. 8 includes an activity 876 of combining the light from the first receiver with the light from the second receiver. In some examples, the light from the first receiver and the light from the second receiver can be combined using combining device (e.g., combining device 450 or 550 of FIGs. 4 and 5, respectively).

Method 800 in FIG. 8 continues with an activity 877 of converting the light into one or more other forms of energy using the at least converting element. In some examples, the light can be converted into thermal, mechanical, and/or electrical energy. As an example, the converting element can be similar or identical to converting element 130, 430, or 530 of FIGs. 1, 4, and 5, respectively. FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 900 of providing a solar energy system to gather solar radiation. Method 900 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 900 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes of method 900 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes of method 900 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes in method 900 can be combined or skipped.

Referring to FIG. 9, method 900 includes an activity 970 of providing at least one solar collector. As an example, the solar collector can be similar or identical to solar collector 120, 420 (and/or 440, 442, 446), 520 (and/or 540, 542, 544, 546), 620 (and/or 640, 642), or 720 of FIGs. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. In some embodiments, FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary embodiment of activity 970 of providing at least one solar collector, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, activity 970 includes a procedure 1082 of providing a receiver with focusing optics. As an example, the receiver can be similar or identical to receiver 110, 410, 510, 610, or 710 of FIGs. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The focusing optics can be similar or identical to focusing optics 312 of FIG. 3.

Activity 970 in FIG. 10 continues with a procedure 1083 of providing at least one concentrating reflector configured to re-direct solar radiation to the receiver. As an example, the concentrating reflector can be similar or identical to concentrating reflector 121, 424, 425, 621, or 721 of FIGs. 1, 4, 4, 6, and 7, respectively.

Subsequently, activity 970 of FIG. 10 includes a procedure 1084 of providing one or more fiber optic cables. As an example, the fiber optic cables can be similar or identical to fiber optic cables 111, 411, 511, 611, or 711 of FIGs. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

Next, activity 970 of FIG. 10 includes a procedure 1085 of coupling the focusing optics to the one or more fiber optic cables such that the focusing optics focus solar radiation into the one or more fiber optic cables. The focusing optics can be coupled to the one or more fiber optic cables in a manner similar to or identical to the coupling of fiber optic cables 111 to focusing optics 312, as shown in FIG. 3. After procedure 1085, activity 970 is complete.

Referring back to FIG. 9, method 900 in FIG. 9 continues with an activity 971 of providing one or more converting elements configured to convert the solar radiation into one or more other forms of energy. As an example, the converting element can be similar or identical to converting element 130, 430, or 530 of FIGs. 1, 4, and 5, respectively.

[0095] In some examples, method 900 of FIG. 9 includes an optional activity 972 of providing a combining device configured to combine the solar radiation from two or more solar collectors.

As an example, combining device can be similar or identical to combining device 450 or 550 of FIGs. 4 and 5, respectively.

[0096] Subsequently, method 900 of FIG. 9 includes an activity 973 of coupling the one or more fiber optic cables to the one or more converting elements. In some examples, FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary embodiment of activity 973.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 11, activity 973 includes a procedure 1182 of coupling the one or more fiber optic cables to the combining device.

[0098] Activity 973 in FIG. 11 continues with a procedure 1183 of coupling the combining device to the one or more converting elements. After procedure 1183, activity 973 and method

900 is complete.

[0099] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that activities 870-877 of FIG. 8, activities 970-973 of FIG. 9, procedures 1082-1085 of FIG. 10, and procedures 1182-1183 of FIG. 11 may be comprised of many different activities, procedures and be performed by many different modules, in many different orders that any element of FIGs. 1-11 may be modified and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.

[00100] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A solar energy system comprising:

at least one solar collector, the at least one solar collector comprising:

one or more fiber optic cables;

a receiver, the receiver comprising:

focusing optics configured to focus solar radiation into the one or more fiber optic cables; and

at least one concentrating reflector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver; and

one or more converting elements coupled to the one or more fiber optic cables, the one or more converting elements configured to convert the solar radiation into one or more other forms of energy.

2. The solar energy system of claim 1, wherein:

the focusing optics comprise a lens configured to focus the solar radiation into the one or more fiber optic cables.

3. The solar energy system of claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the receiver is coupled to the at least one concentrating reflector and located at a focus area of the at least one concentrating reflector.

4. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:

the at least one concentrating refiector comprises:

a secondary refiector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver; and a primary reflector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the secondary reflector.

5. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein:

the at least concentrating reflector comprises:

a first concentrating reflector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver; and

a second concentrating reflector located adjacent to the first concentrating reflector and configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver.

6. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein:

the one or more converting elements are located within a first building; and

the at least one solar collector, except for at least a portion of the one or more fiber optic cables, is located outside of the first building.

7. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein:

the one or more converting elements are not mechanically coupled to the solar array except for the coupling with the one or more fiber optic cables.

8. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein:

the one or more converting elements comprise a thermal receiver.

9. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein:

the one or more converting elements comprise a concentrator photovoltaic cell.

10. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein:

the one or more converting elements are configured to at least partially covert the solar radiation into electrical energy.

11. The solar energy system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, further comprising: an integrating sphere; and

at least one second solar collector, the at least one second solar collector comprising:

one or more second fiber optic cables;

a second receiver, the second receiver comprising:

second focusing optics configured to focus second solar radiation into the one or more second fiber optic cables; and

at least one second concentrating reflector configured to re-direct the second solar radiation to the second receiver,

wherein:

the integrating sphere is coupled to the one or more fiber optic cables and the one or more second fiber optic cables and configured to combine the solar radiation in the one or more fiber optic cables and the second solar radiation in the one or more second fiber optic cables into concentrated solar radiation; and the one or more converting elements are configured to convert the concentrated solar radiation into the one or more other forms of energy.

12. A solar energy array comprising:

two or more solar collectors, each of the two or more solar collectors comprising:

a receiver;

one or more concentrating reflectors configured to re-direct light to the receiver; and a first fiber optic bundle, the receiver is configured to concentrate the light into the first fiber optic bundle;

a combining device coupled to the first fiber optic bundle of each of the two or more solar collectors and configured to concentrate the light in the first fiber optic bundle of each of the two or more solar collectors into concentrated light; and

at least one converting device coupled to the combining device, the at least one converting device configured to transform the concentrated light into one or more other forms of energy.

13. The solar energy array of claim 12, wherein:

the combining device comprises an integrating sphere.

14. The solar energy array of claim 12 or 13, wherein:

the two or more solar collectors, except for a portion of the first fiber optic bundle, are spaced apart from the combining device and the at least one receiving device.

15. The solar energy array of claim 12, 13, or 14, wherein:

the combining device and the at least one converting device are located in a first structure; the receiver and the one or more concentrating reflectors of each of the two or more solar collectors are not located in the first structure; and

the receiver and the one or more concentrating reflectors of each of the two or more solar collectors are located at predetermined non-zero distances from the first structure.

16. A method of converting light from the sun into one or more other forms of energy, the method comprising:

re-directing sunlight from at least one first concentrating reflector to a first receiver;

focusing the sunlight into a first fiber optic bundle at the first receiver; using the first fiber optic bundle to transport the sunlight from the first receiver to at least one converting device; and

converting the sunlight into the one or more other forms of energy using the at least one converting device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

before converting the sunlight, combining the sunlight from the receiver with other sunlight from one or more second receivers.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

re-directing other sunlight using at least one second concentrating reflector into a second receiver;

focusing the other sunlight into a second fiber optic bundle at the second receiver; using the second fiber optic bundle to transport the other sunlight from the second receiver to the at least converting device; and

converting the other sunlight into the one or more other forms of energy using the at least one converting device.

19. A method of providing a solar energy system to gather solar radiation, the method comprising:

providing at least one solar collector comprising:

providing a receiver with focusing optics;

providing at least one concentrating reflector configured to re-direct the solar radiation to the receiver;

providing one or more fiber optic cables; and

coupling the focusing optics to the one or more fiber optic cables such that the focusing optics concentrate the solar radiation into the one or more fiber optic cables;

providing one or more converting elements configured to convert the solar radiation into one or more other forms of energy; and

coupling the one or more fiber optic cables to the one or more converting elements.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

providing a combining device coupled to the one or more fiber optic cables and configured to combine the solar radiation from two or more solar collectors of the at least one solar collector into concentrated solar radiation,

wherein:

coupling the one or more fiber optic cables to the one or more converting elements comprises: coupling the one or more fiber optic cables to the combining device; and coupling the combining device to the one or more converting elements.