Patent ID: 8993949
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: F24S,G01S,H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A photodetector apparatus for use with a solar concentrator of a type having a curved mirror adapted to focus light onto a solar energy collector mounted at a focal position wherein the solar energy collector casts a shadow along a central axis of the curved mirror when the mirror is at an optimum orientation with respect to the sun, the apparatus comprising: a first array of at least three light sensitive elements arranged successively one after another along a first linear direction, wherein each respective one of said elements has an output adapted to provide a respective output signal responsive to light impinging on said respective element; the first array configured to be mounted across the central axis of the curved mirror so that the shadow cast from the solar energy collector falls across at least one of the light sensitive elements to create an energy profile across the first array including a dip in the energy profile centered along the first array, the energy profile being an optimum energy profile when the mirror of the solar concentrator is optimally oriented with respect to the sun; and a housing having light diffusing means for diffusing light incident on a surface of the housing into an interior of the housing, the first array received within the interior of the housing.