Solar energy collection

Claim 1

Apparatus for use in collection and utilization of solar energy, said apparatus comprising: at least one generally conical-shaped, non-imaging, primary solar energy concentrator element, said element including a substantially circular solar energy entrance aperture of a diameter d1, a substantially circular solar energy exit aperture spaced apart from said entrance aperture and having a diameter d2 which is less than the diameter d1 of said entrance aperture, and solar energy reflective wall means extending from said entrance aperture to said exit aperture for directing solar energy entering the element at said entrance aperture toward said exit aperture, the profile curve of said wall means revealing symmetrical substantially concave curved segments, said solar energy concentrator element comprising means, including the dimensions of said apertures, the distance separating said apertures and the curvature of said wall means, which permits concentration of solar energy by a factor of (d1/d2)2 with the concentration element in a fixed position and without tracking of apparent solar motion, for a time period, in hours, equal to, (24/ pi ) arc tan (Sin theta max/cos T) wherein: theta max is the half field of view of the concentrator element, and T is equal to pi /2 minus the angle, Alpha , between the earth''s axis of rotation and the earth-sun direction; and a hollow solar energy trap means disposed at said exit aperture of said concentrator element.