Patent ID: 8455755
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: F24S,H01L,H02S,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A solar energy system comprising a solar energy collector, said solar energy collector comprising: a cover, a concentrating reflector, a photovoltaic cell, a plurality of ribs, a cell mounting structure with an internal bore, a transparent covered tube, and two end caps, wherein said cover is positioned above the photovoltaic cell and is transparent to solar radiation; said plurality of ribs are located below said cover and above said concentrating reflector, wherein said concentrating reflector directs concentrated solar radiation onto said photovoltaic cell; wherein said cover, said reflector, and said ribs are integrally connected together and support said solar energy collector; said cell mounting structure with an internal bore containing a working fluid; said transparent covered tube and two end caps are positioned about said cell mounting structure and said photovoltaic cell, wherein said transparent covered tube, said two end caps, and said cell mounting structure create a sealed volume about said photovoltaic cell; and said photovoltaic cell is horizontally mounted and in thermal contact with said working fluid; wherein said photovoltaic cell converts part of said concentrated solar radiation into electrical energy, part of said concentrated solar radiation is collected as thermal energy by the solar energy system, and said thermal energy conducts through said photovoltaic cell into said working fluid.