| Abstract: | A photovoltaic solar concentrator is disclosed with one or more
transverse-junction solar cells (also termed point contact solar cells)
and a lens located above each solar cell to concentrate sunlight onto the
solar cell to generate electricity. Piezoelectric actuators tilt or
translate each lens to track the sun using a feedback-control circuit
which senses the electricity generated by one or more of the solar cells.
The piezoelectric actuators can be coupled through a
displacement-multiplier linkage to provide an increased range of movement
of each lens. Each lens in the solar concentrator can be supported on a
frame (also termed a tilt plate) having three legs, with the movement of
the legs being controlled by the piezoelectric actuators. |