US4199376A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Luminescent solar collector
Assignee: Siemens Solar Industries LP
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Filing: 1978-11-06
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Granted: 1980-04-22
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Expires: 1998-11-06
Abstract
Abstract A luminescent sheet having two essentially parallel opposed large area surfaces separated by one or more thin edge faces, the sheet being penetrated by one or more tapered, asymmetrically disposed cavities extending from one such surface at least partially through such sheet toward the opposite surface and a corresponding number of photovoltaic cells positioned on such opposite surface in respective concentric alignment with such cavities so that light internally reflected from the convergent side walls of such cavities toward such opposite surface is concentrated onto such cells.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Sill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:28
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/40; H10F77/42; H10F77/45; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; H10F77/488; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A luminescent solar collector comprising a luminescent sheet having first and second essentially parallel opposed large area surfaces separated by at least one thin edge face, said sheet being provided with at least one thin edge face, said sheet being provided with at least one cavity having an inwardly converging tapered annular side wall penetrating said first surface and extending therefrom at least partially through such sheet toward said second surface, said side wall being contoured so that light energy incident thereon within said sheet is internally reflected toward said second surface, and a photovoltaic means supported in fixed relation adjacent the convergent end of each said cavity so as to receive said reflected energy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A luminescent solar collector comprising a luminescent sheet having first and second essentially parallel opposed large area surfaces separated by at least one thin edge face, said sheet being provided with at least one thin edge face, said sheet being provided with at least one cavity having an inwardly converging tapered annular side wall penetrating said first surface and extending therefrom at least partially through such sheet toward said second surface, said side wall being contoured so that light energy incident thereon within said sheet is internally reflected toward said second surface, and a photovoltaic means supported in fixed relation adjacent the convergent end of each said cavity so as to receive said reflected energy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said photovoltaic means is coupled to said second surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said side wall of said cavity is a surface of revolution having an axis normal to said first and second surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein said photovoltaic means is a photovoltaic cell concentric with the axis of said surface of revolution.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein said cavity is tapered in the direction of said second surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 5 wherein the generator of said surface of revolution is a straight line.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 5 wherein the generator of said surface of revolution is a curve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 7 wherein said surface of revolution is concave with respect to light incident thereon within said sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one cavity extends partially through said sheet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one cavity extends completely through such sheet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said luminescent sheet has an irregular shape.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said sheet contains a plurality of said cavities in spaced apart relation, each of said cavities having a photovoltaic means positioned adjacent its convergent end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said edge face is totally reflective.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said side wall of said at least one cavity is provided with external reflective means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said photovoltaic means is embedded within said luminescent sheet.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said second surface is provided with diffuser means adjacent to the interface between said photovoltaic means and said sheet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-04-22 | 1983-10-22 | 1984-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-04-22 | 1987-10-22 | 1988-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-04-22 | 1991-10-22 | 1992-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |