Patent ID: 8071930
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: F24S,H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A photovoltaic solar energy collector suitable for use in a solar energy collection system that includes the collector, a stand that supports the collector and a tracking system that causes the collector to track movements of the sun along at least one axis, the collector comprising: at least one reflector panel that extends in a longitudinal direction; at least one solar receiver, each solar receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell, the at least one reflector panel being arranged to direct incident sunlight to the at least one solar receiver; and a space frame support structure that physically supports the at least one reflector panel and the at least one solar receiver, the space frame support structure including a multiplicity of linear struts that are connected at nodes to form a multiplicity of triangular structures; including a first triangular structure and a second triangular structure wherein: the first triangular structure is arranged to help physically support the at least one solar receiver and includes first, second and third vertices, the first vertex of the first triangular structure being adjacent to and underlying the at least one solar receiver; and the second triangular structure is arranged to help physically support the at least one reflector panel and includes first, second and third vertices, the first vertex of the second triangular structure being positioned at the periphery of the collector wherein the second vertex of the second triangular structure is the second vertex of the first triangular structure.