WO1994006046A1 - Optical reflector arrays and apparatus using such arrays - Google Patents
Optical reflector arrays and apparatus using such arrays Download PDFInfo
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- WO1994006046A1 WO1994006046A1 PCT/AU1993/000453 AU9300453W WO9406046A1 WO 1994006046 A1 WO1994006046 A1 WO 1994006046A1 AU 9300453 W AU9300453 W AU 9300453W WO 9406046 A1 WO9406046 A1 WO 9406046A1
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- Prior art keywords
- array
- reflecting
- energy
- directing device
- radiation
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B19/00—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics
- G02B19/0033—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/32—Translucent ceilings, i.e. permitting both the transmission and diffusion of light
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage; Sky-lights
- E04D13/03—Sky-lights; Domes; Ventilating sky-lights
- E04D13/033—Sky-lights; Domes; Ventilating sky-lights provided with means for controlling the light-transmission or the heat-reflection, (e.g. shields, reflectors, cleaning devices)
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S11/00—Non-electric lighting devices or systems using daylight
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
- F24S10/70—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits
- F24S10/72—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits the tubular conduits being integrated in a block; the tubular conduits touching each other
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
- F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
- F24S23/77—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with flat reflective plates
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
- F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
- F24S23/79—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with spaced and opposed interacting reflective surfaces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S50/00—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors
- F24S50/20—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for tracking
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S60/00—Arrangements for storing heat collected by solar heat collectors
- F24S60/30—Arrangements for storing heat collected by solar heat collectors storing heat in liquids
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B17/00—Systems with reflecting surfaces, with or without refracting elements
- G02B17/006—Systems in which light light is reflected on a plurality of parallel surfaces, e.g. louvre mirrors, total internal reflection [TIR] lenses
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B19/00—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics
- G02B19/0004—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the optical means employed
- G02B19/0019—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the optical means employed having reflective surfaces only (e.g. louvre systems, systems with multiple planar reflectors)
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B19/00—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics
- G02B19/0033—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use
- G02B19/0038—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use for use with ambient light
- G02B19/0042—Condensers, e.g. light collectors or similar non-imaging optics characterised by the use for use with ambient light for use with direct solar radiation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
- G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
- G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
- G10K11/28—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using reflection, e.g. parabolic reflectors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
- H01L31/0547—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage; Sky-lights
- E04D13/03—Sky-lights; Domes; Ventilating sky-lights
- E04D2013/034—Daylight conveying tubular skylights
- E04D2013/0345—Daylight conveying tubular skylights with skylight shafts extending from roof to ceiling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
- F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
- F24S2023/87—Reflectors layout
- F24S2023/878—Assemblies of spaced reflective elements in the form of grids, e.g. vertical or inclined reflective elements extending over heat absorbing elements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
- Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators
Definitions
- This invention concerns arrays of reflecting elements for focusing, collimating or directing wave-structured energy, such as electromagnetic radiation and acoustic radiation. It also concerns various forms of apparatus which utilise such arrays of reflecting elements, including (but not limited to) improved solar energy collectors, skylights for buildings, desk-illuminators, beam splitters, radar receivers and transmitters, ultrasonic lenses, and underwater sonic energy detectors or hydrophones.
- Reflecting surfaces have been used for many years to focus, or to direct, radiant energy which has a wave-like structure.
- Parabolic mirrors for example, have been used in solar water heaters. Examples of such solar energy concentrating arrangements are found in the specifications of US patents Nos 4,137,897 and 4,195,620.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET plate geometries including a curved array of flat plates for focusing x-ray and neutron beams.
- the latter describes the use of capillary channels with internal reflecting surfaces which have rectangular (preferably square) cross-sections and various orientations.
- transverse waves for example, electromagnetic radiation or surface waves
- longitudinal waves for example, acoustic waves
- the spectral range extends from the vacuum ultra-violet to radio frequencies, including ultraviolet, visible, infra-red and microwave radiation.
- an energy directing device for energy which has a wave-like propagation mode, said device comprising an array of reflecting elements, said array having a surface of curvature (as hereinafter explained), all of the elements of the array being positioned with their reflective surfaces substantially orthogonal to the surface of curvature.
- the array will be a curved array, with the surface of curvature of
- the array may be a flat array (or have any other required shape) with the orientation of the reflective surfaces of the array defining its "surface of curvature". If the device of the present invention is to be used to focus radiating energy to a point, it is preferable that the reflecting elements of the array are internally reflecting channels which have a rectangular cross-sectional shape (a square is a special case of a rectangle).
- the channels may contain a medium having a refractive index which is greater than 1.0.
- Figure 1 is a ray diagram showing how a collimated beam of radiation (for example, light from a distant source) can be brought to a focus by a circularly-curved convex array of flat mirrors.
- a collimated beam of radiation for example, light from a distant source
- Figure 2 is a ray diagram showing how a collimated beam of radiation is spread from a virtual focus by a circularly-curved concave array of flat mirrors.
- Figure 3 illustrates a flat array which has a surface of curvature (as this expression is used in this specification) which are equivalent to that of the arrays illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET Figure 4 shows an arcuate array of planar mirrors, in which the envelope of corresponding points on elements of the array is not the surface of curvature of the array.
- Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an arcuate two-dimensional array of square-section channels having reflecting internal surfaces, which illustrates the geometric principles upon which the present invention is based.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a solar collector, which utilises a cylindrical array of elements, constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a practical form of a solar water heater of the type indicated in Figure 5.
- FIGS 8 and 9 are schematic illustrations of variations to the solar collector of Figure 5, which may be incorporated into the solar water heater of Figure 6.
- FIGS 10 and 11 are schematic illustrations of skylights which incorporate the present invention.
- Figure 12 illustrates how the present invention may be used as a light concentrator for a desk or work bench.
- Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the use of the present invention to concentrate and direct heat radiation.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the use of the present invention as a beam splitter.
- Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of a hydrophone assembly utilising the present invention.
- F i gure 17 shows an array combination that is equivalent to a Keplerian telescope.
- Figure 18 shows an array combination that is equivalent to a Galilean telescope.
- Figures 1 and 2 illustrate, in two dimensions, the way in which curved arrays of double-sided planar reflecting elements, with their planar surfaces at right angles to the curvature of the envelope of corresponding points (such as the outer edges) of the reflecting elements of the array, act in the manner of a lens, in the focusing of radiant energy.
- Figure 1 shows a convex array 10 of seven spaced apart flat mirrors 12. The outer edges of the mirrors 12 of the convex array 10 have an envelope 19, which has a centre of curvature 16. Since the flat mirrors 12 have their reflecting surfaces at right angles to the envelope 19, the envelope 19 is also a "surface of curvature" of the array 10. For convenience, the spaces 13 between the mirrors 12 will be called “channels".
- Figure 1 shows how the array 10 of mirrors 12 is able to bring parallel incident rays of light 14 from a distant source, such as the sun, to a common focus 15 located behind (that is, on the concave side of) the array 10. Since the outer edges of the mirrors lie on the envelope 19, which is an arc of a circle of radius R, and centre 16, and the planes of the mirrors 12 are orthogonal to that arcuate surface, the array 10 acts like a convex refractive lens with the focus 15 located a distance %R behind the array.
- the angle at which the incident radiation meets the array changes (by moving off-axis upwards), and the focal point of the radiation falling on the "lens" created by the mirrors 12 will change to position 18 on a 'focal circle' of radius R.
- Figure 3 shows a flat array 10b of flat mirrors 12.
- the mirrors are positioned in the array with their reflective surfaces at right angles to the dashed curve 39, which is the arc of a circle of centre 35 and radius R.
- the flat array 10c of Figure 3 is the equivalent of the array 10 of Figure 1 in respect of radiation incident upon the array from the right of the array 10c, and is equivalent to the array 10b of Figure 2 with regard to radiation incident upon the array from the left of array 10c.
- the dashed curve 39 is the surface of curvature (as this term is used in this specification) of the array 10c, and the point 35 corresponds to points 15 and 15a in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.
- Figure 4 illustrates a curved array lOd of flat mirrors 12 which has a surface of curvature 39 that is not the same as the envelope 36 of the outer edges of the mirrors of the array.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET slots extending along the array in an axial direction relative to the surface of curvature of the array. These slots may be sub-divided to form shorter slots.
- the sub-division is used to produce cell-like channels having a rectangular, preferably square, cross-section, with each wall of the channels constituted by a reflective surface. If corresponding points on the reflective elements of the array 10 or 10a have a spherical or part spherical envelope, the channels could, in principle, form "great circle” slots, but in practice they will normally be cell-like channels, with reflective walls, as illustrated in Figure 5.
- Figure 5 depicts an array 30 of "cells", the inner edges of which have an envelope which is a portion of the surface of a sphere of radius R.
- the "cells” are identical and define channels 32 of square cross-section. All four internal walls of each channel 32 are reflective for multiple reflections.
- cartesian coordinates (X, Y and Z) have been imposed upon the array 30.
- the centre of the envelope of the inner edges of the cells of the array (which, in this case, is also the surface of curvature of the array) is at C, and the intended focus of radiation from a distant source which lies on the Z axis is at S.
- the Z axis is also the optical axis of the array.
- a channel 32a located at (x,y) will be considered.
- An incident ray 34 passing through this channel and emerging as reflected ray 34a is directed
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET array 50 of flat double-sided reflectors 52 surrounds an elongate array of tubes 56 which contain water.
- the envelope 59 of the outer edges of the array 50 is a cylinder of circular cross-section.
- the surfaces of the tubes 56 are located approximately at the half-radius of the envelope of the array 50.
- the sun's ecliptic is indicated by arc 58 and a light beam 60 is drawn for the sun near its zenith at 62.
- Another light beam 64 is drawn for a position (66) of the sun low in the sky. It will be seen that, whatever the position of the sun, a significant proportion of the component rays of each beam that is incident upon the array 50 will be brought to a line focus on a surface of a tube 56, determined by the angle of the sun.
- the beam 60 of solar radiation from the sun at its zenith position 62 is divided (for the purpose of illustration) into groups of rays according to the manner in which they are reflected (or not reflected) by the mirrors 52 of the cylindrical array.
- the central rays 66 (shown dashed) are essentially parallel to the reflective surfaces of the mirrors. These central rays pass through the channels or slots formed by the mirrors without deflection, to strike a tube 56 at or close to the desired focus 70 for the beam 60.
- the rays 68 (shown as solid lines) are reflected only once in a channel formed by the mirrors before striking a tube 56. These rays are also directed to the region of the desired focus 70 for the beam 60.
- the outer rays 72 of the beam 60 are reflected twice within a channel formed by the mirrors and are not focused at 70. As shown in Figure 6, some of these rays 72 may fail to strike a tube 56.
- Figure 7 is a transverse cross-section of one prctical realisation of a solar water heater of the general type shown in Figure 6.
- This heater is designed to be mounted on the pitched roof of a house. In the southern hemisphere, the roof preferably faces north. In the northern hemisphere, the roof preferably faces south. In each case, the cylindrical axis of the heater should be oriented in a generally north-south direction.
- the heater consists of cylindrical hot-water tank 80 encased in an insulating plastic-foam moulding 82 that also forms the base portion 85 of the heater assembly.
- a series of substantially parallel water tubes 86 mounted in close proximity to each other, are arranged concentrically above the tank 80.
- the tubes 86 are insulated from the tank 80.
- One end of each tube 86 is provided with a heat-sensitive valve (not shown) which opens to permit heated water to flow from the tube into the tank 80 via a tank inlet at the uppermost end of the tank 80.
- Cold (or cool) water leaves the tank 80 through an outlet 88 in the lower-most end of the tank 80.
- This arrangement allows the tubes 86 and the tank 80 to form a thermal siphon which continuously
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET circulates water when one or more of the tubes 86 is heated by radiation incident upon the dome-like array of reflectors 90.
- the precise construction of the water-circulating arrangement of the solar water heater is not an essential feature of the present invention. Any suitable water-circulating arrangement may be used. Many such arrangements (some including heat exchangers, pumps and/or hot-water extractors) are known in this art.
- the array 90 may be formed from long reflective strips, glued together to form an elongate, dome-like shell of uniform circular cross-section, subtending an angle of about 270°.
- the shell 90 may be made by packing the reflective strips on a cylindrical mould or support, clamping them in position, applying a suitable cement to the strips, then removing the clamps when the cement has cured.
- an alternative (and preferred) way of constructing the array 90 is by an injection moulding technique, followed by a metallising of the surfaces of the moulded shell.
- the outside of the array 90 may be provided with a non-reflective coating 70 which is adapted to maximise penetration of solar radiation into the array.
- the inside surface of the array 90 may be provided with a selective coating 71 which transmits the in-coming solar radiation but reflects energy radiated (at much longer wavelengths) from the tubes 86. In this way, the array 90 and its coatings 70 and 71 form a shell which acts in the manner of a greenhouse (glasshouse). The finished shell is then fitted into place
- a particular advantage of the use of a shell, comprising an array of relecting elements with at least one coating applied to its surface, is that convective losses from the tubes 86 to the atmosphere are limited and the water in the tubes or pipes 86 is prevented from freezing during frosty nights.
- Another advantage of this type of solar heater construction is that the cylindrical focal region of the array of reflectors is located behind the array, and not in front of the reflector (as in the case of a solar heater which uses a conventional parabolic mirror). This feature avoids the significant thermal losses that occur, in many water heaters having parabolic mirror collectors, when delivering water heated by the collected solar energy to a storage tank at the earth's surface. Those thermal losses have been estimated to be up to 40 per cent of the energy collected by the parabolic reflector.
- a further beneficial feature of the wide collection angle of the arrays 50 and 90 of the heaters shown in Figures 6 and 7 is that these arrays permit the collection, and utilisation for heating, of radiation which is not received directly from the source (the sun).
- the arrays will collect diffused radiation, which is present on cloudy days, and solar radiation that is scattered from almost any direction.
- the construction variations shown in the schematic drawings of Figures 8 and 9 utilise this feature.
- the solar water heater illustrated in Figure 8 has a flat surface 73 positioned on each side of the elongate array 90.
- the surface 73 is preferably a highly polished surface (a mirror).
- beneficial results are also achieved when this surface 73 is a scattering surface - for example, a surface of aluminium foil, which reflects in a diffusive manner due to its micro-roughness. It will be apparent from the rays drawn in Figure 8 that a significant proportion of the radiation reflected by the polished surface (or scattered by the micro-roughness of the scattering surface) 93 will be collected by the array 90 and used to heat water (in some cases to produce steam) in the tubes connected to the absorber.
- the array of reflectors and the array of heat-absorbing tubes with its associated water storage tank are raised slightly by an insulating plinth 76, and an inclined reflecting surface (or a scattering surface) 77 is positioned on each side of the water heater, to further improve the collection of solar radiation.
- the operational benefits, with regard to off-axis incident radiation, of the heater illustrated in Figure 9 are similar to those of the heater depicted in Figure 8.
- a further variation in the construction of water heaters of the type illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 of the accompanying drawings involves the inclusion of a medium having a refractive index, n, which is greater than 1.0, in the region between the inner surface of the array 90 and the water-containing tubes 86.
- n refractive index
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET may improve the efficiency of the collection of t h e solar radiation, because the radius of the array of tubes 86 will b e reduced, and there will be a higher concentration of solar energy on a tube of the array. Care has to be taken, however, to ensure that the concentration of energy benefits are not cancelled by the absorbtion of energy by the medium.
- the array of tubes 86 When a high concentration of solar energy is required (for example, in the generation of steam using solar energy ) , the array of tubes 86 will be replaced with a single tube an d this tube will be moved ("tracked") to ensure t h at it is always in a position where radiation from the sun is focused. If the aray 90 should be a parabolic array and not a spherical array, it would be necessary to track t h e array for maximum heating of the tube throughout the d ay.
- t h e solar collector may comprise a remote water tan k , a spherical array 90 and a spherical array of tubes or pipes 86.
- the reflective or scattering surface 73 may be used, but it will be a disc-shaped surface surrounding the array, and the surface 77 wil l be frusto-conical in shape.
- An advantage of the use of a substantially spherical array 90 and a generally spherical pipe or tube configuration is that, for optimal collection of solar radiation, it is not
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET necessary to mount the heater on an inclined surface and use a mechanical arrangement to track the sun.
- the array of reflectors is a spherical array (in the form of a dome) of internally reflective channels, and the incident radiation is to be sharply focused onto a spherical surface at the half-radius of the array
- the cross-section of the channels must be rectangular (preferably square).
- an array having an essentially spherical surface may be formed in sections, with each section consisting of a sub-array of channels having (i) a rectangular cross-section and (ii) reflecting walls.
- the array sections may be formed into an icosahedral, dodecahedral or globe-like array structure, or a structure which is a non-regular polyhedron - such as mixture of pentagons and hexagons, and triangles of different shapes. Each of such structures is a reasonable approximation to a sphere.
- the present invention may also be used in the construction of a skylight for a building.
- Skylights are being used in increasing numbers to provide natural illumination in rooms that normally do not receive any direct sunlight (or that receive too little direct sunlight) .
- skylights Two examples of skylights which include the present invention are shown in the schematic sectional diagrams of Figures 10 and 11. Both of these skylights are designed for use with a light well that projects through the roof of a building.
- Light wells usually comprise tubular structures having highly reflective internal walls, which facilitate the transmission of light through straight or curved pathways within a building, to a translucent or semi-opaque plate (such as a frosted glass panel) which is mounted in the ceiling - or sometimes in the wall - of a room in the building.
- the dome-like array 101 of reflective channels is preferably ellipsoidal in shape and directs incident radiation towards the light well 102.
- the light well has a substantially circular cross-section, in which case the dimensions of the ellipsoidal array 101
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET should be such that the focal point of the array is approximately at the internal wall of the light tube most remote from the light source.
- the light from the sun is focused at a spot or zone on the reflective wall of the light well, just inside the top of the light well. This focal spot or zone moves from one side of the light well to the other side of the light well during the course of one day.
- the light from the sun is reflected by the wall of the light well 102 to fall on a translucent plate 103, mounted in the ceiling 104 of a room.
- the translucent plate 103 thus provides a source of additional (diffused) light for the room.
- the ellipsoidal array shown in Figure 10 is a truncated or annular array. This form of array may be used when it is perceived that when the sun has an elevation which exceeds a predetermined value, ample illumination, via the light well 102 and plate 103, is provided without the need to focus the sun's rays into the light well 102.
- a full height ellipsoidal array is featured in the light well arrangement of Figure 11.
- FIG. 10 Another optional feature of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 10 is the inwardly curved top end 105 of the wall of the light well 102. If, as shown in Figure 10, the focal spot or zone is on this inwardly curved part of the wall of the light well, a light ray which is reflected into the light well will penetrate further into the light well
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET before it is reflected a second time by the wall of the light well than a light ray which does not fall on this inwardly curved region.
- a light beam reflected from the end region 105 of the light well will experience fewer reflections at the wall of the light well before striking the translucent plate 103.
- Figure 11 illustrates how an array 110 of reflecting channel elements may be used to direct sunlight into a light well 112 which is divided into two light ducts 114 and 116, each of which terminates in a respective translucent plate 113.
- the light well 112 is also provided with an inwardly projected top end region 115.
- the reflecting channels of the arrays 101 and 110 of the skylights illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 have rectangular cross-sections (to focus incident light on to the end regions 105 and 115, respectively, of the light wells), it is not essential for that incident sunlight to be focused to a spot or zone. Thus it is not essential for the channels of the arrays 101 and 110 to be rectangular in cross-section. In fact, any convenient cross-sectional shape may be used for the internally reflecting channels. In addition, it is not essential for the array of reflecting channels to be an ellipsoidal array.
- the arrays 101 and 110 will be provided with an optically transparent protective cover, which will be connected (directly or indirectly) in a weather-tight manner to the roof on which the skylight is mounted.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET A n optional conical reflector or scattering plate, surrounding the array 101 or 110 in the manner shown for the solar collector of Figure 9, may be used to increase the effective collection area of the skylight. Such a conical reflector will be particularly beneficial on cloudy days, when the natural light is from a partially diffuse source.
- FIG. 1 Another use of the present invention without the need for sharp focusing of incident radiation is as a light concentrator for a desk or work region.
- FIG. 12 One example of this application of the present invention is shown in F igure 12, in which an array 120 of internally reflecting channe l s 120, each having a non-rectangular cross-section, is mounted at one end of a flexible support 121. The other end of the flexible support 121 is connected to a heavy base 122 or is securely mounted on a desk, work-bench, s h elf, wall or any other convenient structure.
- the array 120 is an array of reflective channels having a circular cross-section, so that the array focuses incident light radiation with a lower concentration ratio than that which is achieved with channels of rectangular cross- section.
- the incident light from a range of directions is projected by the elements of the array 120 towards a zone or bright region 123 on the desk, work bench or the like.
- the zone or bright region 123 has an area which is smaller than the area of the array 120.
- the flexible support 121 enables the array 120 to be moved to a position in which it concentrates light from a window or an array of fluorescent lights (or any other source of lighting) onto the bright region 123.
- Figure 13 illustrates the use of the present invention as both a concentrator and director of infra-red (heat) radiation.
- a focusing array 130 of internally reflecting channels is positioned in front of an infra-red radiator 129.
- the heat radiation from the radiator 129 is focused to a zone 131 and is excluded from the zone 132.
- This arrangement may be used in any situation where it is desired to concentrate infra-red radiation, and/or where it is required to exclude heat from a particular region.
- One example of a situation in which heat is to be excluded from a particular region is a kitchen, in which heat from a stove is preferable excluded from a region of the kitchen in which food is prepared.
- the present invention may be used in a similar manner with microwave radiation.
- directive arrays may be used in diathermy, where it is highly desirable to ensure that an operator of the diathermy equipment is protected from unwanted reflected radiation, or in a microwave oven to concentrate microwave energy in a particular region.
- Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the use of the present invention as a beam splitter for vacuum ultra-violet radiation.
- a flat array 140 of parallel elongate reflectors is positioned so that, when viewed from the
- the array 140 is thus an array in accordance with the present invention, with a surface of curvature (as this term is used in this specification) ( i) having a radius of curvature which is infinite, and (ii) which is inclined at an angle ⁇ (which must be less than 45°) relative to the axis of the array.
- the incident collimated beam 141 having an intensity I 0
- part of the beam passes directly through the array and the remainder of the beam, whic h impinges upon the reflectors, is reflected by an angle 2 ⁇ .
- the area of the array is A
- the reflectivity of the reflectors is R( ⁇ )
- Two flat arrays of parallel elongate reflects arranged as shown in Figure 15, will act as a beam splitter which
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET produces two beams, each deflected by an angle 2 ⁇ , from a collimated beam of radiation.
- a particular advantage of the use of the present invention with equipment for processing radiation of differing wavelengths is that, prior to the use of the equipment, the required alignment of the components can be established with precision using optical techniques.
- a parallel array of elongate reflectors can be used for one- dimensional focusing (line focusing) of radiation.
- Two such parallel arrays, crossed at right angles, will create the equivalent of square channels with two-dimensional focusing.
- a two-dimensional focusing array can be constructed from two arrays of parallel reflector strips. This use of two crossed arrays not only provides a convenient method of manufacturing a two-dimensional focusing array; it also enables the surfaces of the reflectors to be polished and tested before manufacturing
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET t h e array permits the surfaces to be coated (optionally with multiple layers) to improve the reflectivity of the surfaces or to make the surfaces selectively reflective at particular wavelengths.
- T h e arrays o f the present invention can also be used as acoustic l enses for ultrasound (ultrasonic radiation) purposes, particularly in ultrasound medical diagnosis equipment.
- hydrophones One particular use of the present invention in the field of acoustics is in hydrophones.
- telemetric d ata f rom the hydrophones the type, direction of movement, speed and depth of the sound-emitting source can be computed.
- Figure 16 is a schematic plan view, from above, of a hydrophone assembly which includes the present invention.
- a cylindrical array 160 of reflectors (compare Figure 6 ) surrounds an annular array of hydrophones 161.
- the hydrophones have their signal outputs connected to a data processing and/or transmitting unit 162.
- An incident beam 163 o f acoustic energy from a distant sound source is f ocuse d onto a hydrophone of the array 161.
- the incident radiation causes a signal to be transmitted by the
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET hydrophone to the unit 162 which, in turn, transmits data indicating information about the received energy beam 163.
- reception - and, by the principle of reciprocity, transmission - of radiofrequency beams can be effected using suitable arrays of reflectors around, or partly surrounding, arrays of radiofrequency receivers and/or transmitters.
- the present invention in one or more forms, can be used in a wide range of technologies for the focusing, directing or dispersing of energy which is propagated in a wave-like manner, provided the dimensions of the reflector arrays are chosen to suit the wavelength of the radiation being processed.
- the invention comprises an array of reflecting channels
- the ratio of the length of the channel to the width of the channel determines the size of a focused spot or zone, and should be optimised for the particular application of the invention. The optimal value of this ratio varies according to the wavelength of the radiation.
- FIG. 17 shows how two arrays of the present invention can be positioned to act in a manner equivalent to a Keplerian telescope or collimator
- Figure 18 shows the use of two arrays in a manner equivalent to a Galilean telescope or collimator.
- the focusing of incident radiation by an array may be used to produce hot water or steam, while diffuse light incident on the array may be used to generate electricity from photo-voltaic cells.
- arrays of the present invention can have any required form.
- Arrays having a hyperbolic "surface of curvature” will be used for imaging purposes, and arrays having a parabolic "surface of curvature” will be used for high concentration of incident, collimated radiation.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU49357/93A AU4935793A (en) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-09-06 | Optical reflector arrays and apparatus using such arrays |
EP93918799A EP0663077A4 (en) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-09-06 | Optical reflector arrays and apparatus using such arrays. |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AUPL457592 | 1992-09-04 | ||
AUPL4575 | 1992-09-04 | ||
AUPL777593 | 1993-03-12 | ||
AUPL7775 | 1993-03-12 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO1994006046A1 true WO1994006046A1 (en) | 1994-03-17 |
Family
ID=25644325
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU1993/000453 WO1994006046A1 (en) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-09-06 | Optical reflector arrays and apparatus using such arrays |
Country Status (2)
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EP (1) | EP0663077A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1994006046A1 (en) |
Cited By (24)
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WO1995033220A1 (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 1995-12-07 | The Australian National University | Lenses formed by arrays of reflectors |
WO1996013734A1 (en) * | 1994-10-27 | 1996-05-09 | Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh | X-ray spectrometer |
AU680768B2 (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 1997-08-07 | Australian National University, The | Lenses formed by arrays of reflectors |
EP0807230A1 (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1997-11-19 | Solar Raps Pty. Ltd. | Solar flux enhancer |
WO1998003823A1 (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 1998-01-29 | Stirling Thermal Motors, Inc. | Solar energy diffuser |
GR1003092B (en) * | 1997-11-13 | 1999-03-11 | Production of energy thermodynamically from solar radiation focused by concave mirrors and its storage | |
WO1999057484A1 (en) * | 1998-05-04 | 1999-11-11 | Signer Ingenieurunternehmen Ag | Device for guiding light |
EP0996170A3 (en) * | 1998-10-02 | 2000-07-26 | Hughes Electronics Corporation | Solar power source with textured solar concentrator |
WO2007088474A1 (en) * | 2006-02-02 | 2007-08-09 | Ryno Swanepoel | Cylindrical solar energy collector |
WO2008074900A1 (en) * | 2006-12-18 | 2008-06-26 | Munoz Saiz Manuel | Concentrator system for solar energy captors |
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WO2011008304A1 (en) * | 2009-07-13 | 2011-01-20 | Zettasun, Inc. | Advanced tracking concentrator employing rotator input arrangement and method |
US7910392B2 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2011-03-22 | Solaria Corporation | Method and system for assembling a solar cell package |
US7910035B2 (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2011-03-22 | Solaria Corporation | Method and system for manufacturing integrated molded concentrator photovoltaic device |
US7910822B1 (en) | 2005-10-17 | 2011-03-22 | Solaria Corporation | Fabrication process for photovoltaic cell |
US20110197968A1 (en) * | 2008-08-16 | 2011-08-18 | Derek Montgomery | Solar collector panel |
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US8049098B2 (en) | 2007-09-05 | 2011-11-01 | Solaria Corporation | Notch structure for concentrating module and method of manufacture using photovoltaic strips |
JP2012064368A (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-29 | Material House:Kk | Daylighting device and daylighting method to indoor space region |
US8227688B1 (en) | 2005-10-17 | 2012-07-24 | Solaria Corporation | Method and resulting structure for assembling photovoltaic regions onto lead frame members for integration on concentrating elements for solar cells |
CN103196242A (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2013-07-10 | 中国石油大学(华东) | Glass-cover-free tubular solar thermal collector |
WO2016005964A1 (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2016-01-14 | Solight Ltd. | System for collecting electromagnetic radiation from a moving source |
EP2877646A4 (en) * | 2012-07-27 | 2016-04-27 | Replex Mirror Company | Skylight with improved low angle light capture |
JP2016157654A (en) * | 2015-02-26 | 2016-09-01 | 株式会社 マテリアルハウス | Sunlight incidence structure comprising light incidence adjustment member |
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Cited By (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO1995033220A1 (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 1995-12-07 | The Australian National University | Lenses formed by arrays of reflectors |
AU680768B2 (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 1997-08-07 | Australian National University, The | Lenses formed by arrays of reflectors |
US5982562A (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 1999-11-09 | The Australian National University Of Acton | Lenses formed by arrays of reflectors |
WO1996013734A1 (en) * | 1994-10-27 | 1996-05-09 | Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh | X-ray spectrometer |
EP0807230A1 (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1997-11-19 | Solar Raps Pty. Ltd. | Solar flux enhancer |
EP0807230A4 (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1998-07-08 | Solar Raps Pty Ltd | Solar flux enhancer |
WO1998003823A1 (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 1998-01-29 | Stirling Thermal Motors, Inc. | Solar energy diffuser |
AU734473B2 (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 2001-06-14 | Stm Power, Inc. | Solar energy diffuser |
GR1003092B (en) * | 1997-11-13 | 1999-03-11 | Production of energy thermodynamically from solar radiation focused by concave mirrors and its storage | |
WO1999057484A1 (en) * | 1998-05-04 | 1999-11-11 | Signer Ingenieurunternehmen Ag | Device for guiding light |
EP0996170A3 (en) * | 1998-10-02 | 2000-07-26 | Hughes Electronics Corporation | Solar power source with textured solar concentrator |
CN101027524B (en) * | 2004-08-31 | 2010-06-09 | 国立大学法人东京工业大学 | Sunlight collecting reflection device and sunlight energy utilizing system |
US7910822B1 (en) | 2005-10-17 | 2011-03-22 | Solaria Corporation | Fabrication process for photovoltaic cell |
US8227688B1 (en) | 2005-10-17 | 2012-07-24 | Solaria Corporation | Method and resulting structure for assembling photovoltaic regions onto lead frame members for integration on concentrating elements for solar cells |
WO2007088474A1 (en) * | 2006-02-02 | 2007-08-09 | Ryno Swanepoel | Cylindrical solar energy collector |
ES2302475A1 (en) * | 2006-12-18 | 2008-07-01 | Manuel Muñoz Saiz | Concentrator system for solar energy captors |
WO2008074900A1 (en) * | 2006-12-18 | 2008-06-26 | Munoz Saiz Manuel | Concentrator system for solar energy captors |
US7910392B2 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2011-03-22 | Solaria Corporation | Method and system for assembling a solar cell package |
US8049098B2 (en) | 2007-09-05 | 2011-11-01 | Solaria Corporation | Notch structure for concentrating module and method of manufacture using photovoltaic strips |
US7910035B2 (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2011-03-22 | Solaria Corporation | Method and system for manufacturing integrated molded concentrator photovoltaic device |
US20110197968A1 (en) * | 2008-08-16 | 2011-08-18 | Derek Montgomery | Solar collector panel |
EP2364508A1 (en) * | 2008-08-16 | 2011-09-14 | Zonda Solar Technologies Llc | Solar collector panel |
EP2364508A4 (en) * | 2008-08-16 | 2014-04-23 | Zonda Solar Technologies Llc | Solar collector panel |
WO2011008304A1 (en) * | 2009-07-13 | 2011-01-20 | Zettasun, Inc. | Advanced tracking concentrator employing rotator input arrangement and method |
CN102191836A (en) * | 2010-03-12 | 2011-09-21 | 王英 | Pantile condenser battery assembly |
JP2012064368A (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-29 | Material House:Kk | Daylighting device and daylighting method to indoor space region |
EP2877646A4 (en) * | 2012-07-27 | 2016-04-27 | Replex Mirror Company | Skylight with improved low angle light capture |
CN103196242A (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2013-07-10 | 中国石油大学(华东) | Glass-cover-free tubular solar thermal collector |
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Also Published As
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EP0663077A1 (en) | 1995-07-19 |
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