Segmented Solar Concentrator Manufacturing and Assembly for Achieving Imaging and Nonimaging Irradiance Properties

Abstract

A large-area optical element such as a primary solar concentrator being a Fresnel lens is cut into segments. Produced parts are reassembled at diametrically translated positions. The resulting segmented concentrator is nonimaging with implications for uniformity of irradiance on receiver as peak irradiance is cut and homogeneity in the focal plane increases. The more segments are produced and assembled, the more homogeneous the irradiance patterns of the resulting concentrator becomes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.