Solar energy collector - using glass sphere as condensing lens for solar cell or evaporation chamber, used e.g. in a desalination plant

摘要

A solid or liquid-filled hollow glass sphere acts as a condensing lens for the solar ray energy. A solar cell is arranged on a part of a sphere, concentric to the glass sphere, or a hollow chamber for water circulation of the same shape is provided. Used for generation of electric energy by solar rays or prodn. of drinking water from sea water. Such a device needs not to be synchronised with the changing position of the sun during a day. An area of 1 m.2 provides drinking water for one person.