Solar energy collector array

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Briefly stated, the invention in one form thereof comprises a solar energy system which utilizes a plurality of lens-reflector modules to focus and reflect the sun's rays on a collecting or absorbing target.
Different groups of modules have different angles between the lens and the reflector so that at least one or one group of modules always reflects the sun's rays to the target.
The modules are preferably constructed utilizing a fresnel lens having a predetermined focal length to focus the sun's rays at the target.
The reflectors are preferably echelon refractors with a reflective coating on a rear planar surface.
The surfaces of the echelon elements are oriented with respect to the coordinate axes of the associated focusing lens such that at a given azimuth of the sun, one or more or a group of the modules will reflect and focus the sun's rays on the target.
The modules may take several forms.
In one embodiment, the lens, echelon element, and a mirror are three separate elements.
In other embodiments, the echelon element may have a reflective coating on the planar surface.
In still another embodiment, the fresnel lens is formed on one side of a transparent lens, a linear echelon lens is defined on the rear surface, and the echelon prism surfaces are coated with a reflective coating.
The modules are very compact and the lens and echelon element are in very close relation or even stacked relation.
Where the lens and the echelon element are on separate members, the planar surfaces thereof are essentially parallel.
An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved solar concentrating and reflecting system of the type described.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved solar energy concentrating and reflecting system of the type described which is quite compact.
A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved solar energy and concentrating system of the type described which is low cost in manufacture and assembly