Patent ID: 7664350
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: F24S,G02B,H01L,Y02E,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A solar concentrator, comprising: a plurality of optical elements disposed adjacent each other with each of the plurality of optical elements including: (a) a concentrator element for collecting and repositioning input light; and (b) an associated redirecting element which is associated with and separate from the concentrator element for receiving the light from the concentrator element wherein the concentrating element of each of the plurality of optical elements is separated from at least one portion of the associated redirecting element by a layer within which the light does not undergo a repositioning change of direction and the layer being contiguous between at least one portion of each of the associated redirecting elements; and the solar concentrator further including: a stepped waveguide for receiving the light from the at least one portion of the associated redirecting element which is constructed to reposition the light into the stepped waveguide for accumulation; and (c) a light receiver for receiving the light from the stepped waveguide.