The challenge

A biaxial tracked solar dish collector concentrates solar radiation on one focal point or on one focal ring, each of which imposes difficulties for the arrangement of multi-junction solar cells concerning their exposure to the concentrated radiation, the provision of a cooling system and the implementation of electric wiring. How would an optical system look like, that is capable to unbundle the concentrated sun rays in order to optimally expose the cells and to create space for the implementation of a cooling circuit?

The invention

The RES-Dish Collector uses an optical system made of ring-shaped lenses or prisms which are concentric to the focal point or the focal ring of the parabolic mirror to unbundle the concentrated sun rays and to distribute them on several new focal rings surrounding the primary focal point or focal ring.

The advantages

  • Provision of a 500-fold concentration system for multi-junction solar cells
  • CPVT-System with PV >35% and thermal 45% efficiency
  • Provision of solar modules suited for industrial prefabrication
  • Protection against environmental impacts and pollution
  • Local production of the load-bearing system and the biaxial tracking devices
  • Minimal maintenance and durable components
  • The parabolic dish can be replaced by a Fresnel lense

The applications

  • Depending on their specific diameter, the modules may be designed for an electrical output of 200 W up to 10 KW
  • Decentralized generation of electrical power
  • Integration of solar collectors in urban environments
  • Special application in an agricultural solar plant including a water supply system for irrigation and thermal conditioning of the ground