Light concentrator system for precision thermal processes

A light concentrator system for precision thermal processes, comprising:

• a stabilizing base;
• a structure attached to the stabilizing base, the structure including support arms;
• an azimuth control for rotating the structure;
• a primary solar collector on the support arms, the primary solar collector rotatable about two axes based on various positions of the sun throughout the day;
• elevation actuators to adjust an angle of the primary solar collector relative to position of the sun;
• collector distancing actuators to adjust distance of the primary solar collector toward and away from the sun;
• a receiver plane;
• a redirecting mirror to beam a concentrated solar spot onto different locations of the receiver plane, the redirecting mirror rotating to translate the concentrated solar spot across the receiver plane, wherein positioning the collector distancing actuators independently controls energy flux density of the concentrated solar spot;
• a shutter immediately before or after the primary solar collector to control aperture size and total flux of the concentrated solar energy at the receiver plane;
• and
• an irradiance sensor to measure direct irradiance of incoming sunlight to inform adjustments of the shutter and maintain consistent power output independent of cloud cover, solar elevation, or other atmospheric effects.

A light concentrator system for precision thermal processes, comprising:

• a stabilizing base;
• a structure attached to the stabilizing base, the structure including support arms;
• an azimuth control for rotating the structure;
• a primary solar collector on the support arms, the primary solar collector rotatable about two axes based on various positions of the sun throughout the day;
• elevation actuators to adjust an angle of the primary solar collector relative to position of the sun;
• collector distancing actuators to adjust distance of the primary solar collector toward and away from the sun;
• a receiver plane;
• a redirecting mirror to beam a concentrated solar spot onto different locations of the receiver plane, the redirecting mirror rotating to translate the concentrated solar spot across the receiver plane, wherein positioning the collector distancing actuators independently controls energy flux density of the concentrated solar spot;
• and
• a compound parabolic concentrator or parabolic reflector for secondary concentration of light from the primary collector onto the receiver plane to achieve higher light concentration ratios and a smaller spot size while increasing uniformity of the solar flux density distribution profile.