Solar Energy Collecting Device

Abstract

A solar energy collecting device includes a spherical concentrator, a track, a sliding element, and at least one solar panel. The track is curved and has a center overlapping with that of the spherical concentrator. The sliding element is disposed on the track, and is controlled to move along the track according to the motion of the Sun during the course of a day. The solar panel is mounted on the sliding element to move along with the sliding element. The solar panel faces the spherical concentrator. Thus, the sunlight can be focused on the solar panel by the spherical concentrator throughout the day.

1 . A solar energy collecting device, comprising:
 a spherical concentrator;   a track being curved and concentric with the spherical concentrator;   a sliding element disposed on the track and driven to move along the track in accordance with a motion of the Sun; and   at least one solar panel mounted on the sliding element and facing the spherical concentrator;   wherein the solar panel is moved along with the sliding element such that the spherical concentrator focuses the light onto the solar panel.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the spherical concentrator is a solid sphere made of glass. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the spherical concentrator is a solid sphere made of polyurethane. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the spherical concentrator is a hollow sphere having an exterior shell and an interior space filled with a liquid. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the exterior shell of the hollow sphere is made of transparent polyurethane. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the exterior shell of the hollow sphere is made of transparent glass.