Solar collector array
A method and apparatus for efficient manufacture, assembly and production of solar energy. In one aspect, the apparatus may include a number of modular solar receiver assemblies that may be separately manufactured, assembled and individually inserted into a solar collector array housing shaped to receive a plurality of solar receivers. The housing may include optical elements for focusing light onto the individual receivers, and a circuit for electrically connecting the solar receivers.
1. A solar collector array comprising:
a housing having a first optical element and a receiver plate, the receiver plate having an opening therethrough, a seal groove surrounding said opening, and conductor strip segments positioned on an inside surface thereof adjacent said opening, said conductor strip segments running substantially a length of said receiver plate and terminating in a pair of tabs extending into said opening;
a modular solar collector having a receiver and a heat sink assembly, said modular solar array shaped to be inserted into said opening and mounted on said housing, said modular solar collector including a pair of conductor clips shaped and positioned to engage and form an electrical connection with said conductor strip segments, said modular solar collector including a concentrator cell assembly connected to said conductor clips so that said pair of conductor clips connects said concentrator cell assembly to said conductor strip segments, said modular solar collector including a gasket attached to said heat sink assembly, wherein said receiver is thermally isolated from said heat sink by said gasket; and
a seal mounted on said housing around said seal groove of said housing and positioned to extend around said opening, said seal providing a thermal and environmental barrier between said modular solar collector and said housing.
2. The solar collector array of claim 1 , wherein said concentrator cell assembly includes a photovoltaic cell for converting incident solar radiation to electrical energy.
3. The solar collector array of claim 2 , wherein said modular solar collector includes a heat sink in direct thermal contact with said photovoltaic cell.
4. The solar collector array of claim 3 , wherein said modular solar collector includes a secondary optical element for directing solar energy onto said photovoltaic cell.
5. The solar collector array of claim 1 , wherein said modular solar collector includes a receiver.
6. The solar collector array of claim 5 , wherein said receiver includes a plurality of bayonet fittings and said receiver plate has a plurality of slots for receiving said bayonet fittings.
7. The solar collector array of claim 1 , wherein said pair of conductor clips are spring-biased away from said inside surface and engage said tabs.
8. The solar collector array of claim 7 , wherein said modular solar connector is shaped to be inserted into said opening and rotated to engage said spring-biased clips with said electrical element.