| Abstract: | Thermal receivers, systems, and methods are disclosed that efficiently
capture concentrated solar energy into a plurality of heat absorption
bodies for conversion into thermal energy. In an embodiment, the thermal
receivers, systems, and methods enable simultaneous electricity
conversion and thermal energy capture. The receiver design enables a high
penetration of concentrated sunlight deep into the thermal receiver to
increase light trapping and reduce thermal losses. The thermal receiver
is integrated with a photovoltaic (PV) receiver platform that converts
some of the incident light to electricity while passing the remaining
light to the thermal receiver. In another embodiment, other thermal
receivers, systems, and methods are disclosed that efficiently capture
concentrated solar energy into a sheet of falling particles. In an
embodiment, the thermal receivers, systems, and methods enable
simultaneous electricity conversion and thermal energy capture. |