Michael John Milbourne

US Patent:

20080142000, Jun 19, 2008

Filed:

Dec 15, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/640052

Inventors:

Michael Milbourne - El Granada CA, US

Assignee:

Sol Focus, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

F24J 2/10

US Classification:

126688

Abstract:

A solar energy system, including a front panel and at least two mirrors, is provided. The mirrors are used to focus light onto a photoconductive cell. In the preferred embodiment, three or more nubs are an integral part of at least one of the mirrors. When the system is assembled, these nubs are configured between the panel and a mirror to provide a substantially uniform gap for an adhesive. The mirror is secured to the panel by the adhesive. Thus, the nubs assist with desired attachment and alignment of a mirror to the panel in the solar energy system.

US Patent:

20080264468, Oct 30, 2008

Filed:

Apr 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/796485

Inventors:

Peter Young - San Francisco CA, US
Michael Milbourne - El Granada CA, US

Assignee:

Sol Focus, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

H01L 31/042

US Classification:

136246

Abstract:

The present invention is a solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly. An outer structure for the solar power unit serves as an enclosure for the solar power unit and incorporates integral features for aligning components within. The integral alignment features reduce the need for costly tooling which is typically required to align optical elements in a solar power unit. Solar energy units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array.

US Patent:

20080264469, Oct 30, 2008

Filed:

Apr 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/796486

Inventors:

Michael Milbourne - El Granada CA, US
Peter Young - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

Sol Focus, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

H01L 31/042

US Classification:

136246

Abstract:

A solar power unit which uses at least two mirrors to focus light onto a solar receiver assembly is disclosed. A primary structure for the solar power unit comprises a primary mirror and supporting walls integrally formed around the perimeter of the primary mirror. The integral construction of the primary mirror and supporting walls improves the alignment of components within the solar power unit. Solar power units may be joined together with interlocking features to form a solar energy array.

US Patent:

20090101207, Apr 23, 2009

Filed:

Feb 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/032696

Inventors:

Michael Milbourne - El Granada CA, US
Harold Ackler - Sunnyvale CA, US

Assignee:

SolFocus, Inc. - Mountain View CA

International Classification:

H01L 31/0232
H01L 31/18

US Classification:

136259, 295921

Abstract:

The present invention is a hermetic receiver package for improving reliability of optical components within a solar concentrator system. The hermetic receiver package includes a non-imaging concentrator and a solar cell sealed within a shell structure to provide protection from environmental degradation. The non-imaging concentrator and solar cell are guarded from degradation caused by the outside environment as well as by sources within the solar concentrator system. Features are incorporated into the non-imaging concentrator and shell which allow the hermetic receiver package to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

US Patent:

20090107540, Apr 30, 2009

Filed:

Oct 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/927817

Inventors:

Michael Milbourne - El Granada CA, US

Assignee:

SolFocus, Inc. - Mountain View CA

International Classification:

H01L 31/042
B29C 65/00

US Classification:

136246, 156 60

Abstract:

The present invention is a solar energy system which includes an optical assembly and a non-imaging concentrator. The optical assembly includes a primary mirror and a secondary mirror. The optical assembly reflects solar radiation to the non-imaging concentrator where the radiation is output to a photovoltaic cell for conversion to electricity. Spacing nubs, or protrusions, may be configured on one or more surfaces of the non-imaging concentrator or the optical assembly to set a uniform gap for adhesive to fill and to assist in alignment of the components being bonded together.

US Patent:

20090114213, May 7, 2009

Filed:

Jan 28, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/021238

Inventors:

Mark McDonald - Milpitas CA, US
Gill Shook - Santa Cruz CA, US
Michael Milbourne - El Granada CA, US

Assignee:

SolFocus, Inc. - Mountain View CA

International Classification:

F24J 2/13

US Classification:

126689

Abstract:

The present invention is a solar concentrator system incorporating a square primary mirror, a square secondary mirror, and an optical receiver. The square secondary mirror provides highly efficient throughput of light in combination with the square primary mirror, with minimal shading. Manufacturing features may be incorporated into the square secondary mirror to assist in simplifying fabrication issues and assembly steps related to its non-circular shape. An optional heat shield around the optical receiver may be included, further enhancing performance of the solar concentrator system.

US Patent:

20090114265, May 7, 2009

Filed:

Jul 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/175456

Inventors:

Michael Milbourne - Los Altos CA, US
Hing Wah Chan - San Jose CA, US
Jason Ellsworth - Mesa AZ, US
Darrel Bailey - Gilbert AZ, US
Gill Shook - Santa Cruz CA, US
Eric Prather - Santa Clara CA, US

Assignee:

SOLFOCUS, INC. - Mountain View CA

International Classification:

H01L 31/052
H01L 31/18

US Classification:

136246, 427123, 29825

Abstract:

The present invention is an improved solar concentrator array utilizing a monolithic array of primary mirrors with a metal layer deposited on its backside for electrical purposes and for dissipating heat. The array of primary mirrors may be formed by glass slumping. The size of the primary mirrors is chosen to accommodate design aspects related to performance, manufacturing processes, cost, and thermal management. An electrical package, which in one embodiment is a molded leadframe, provides the electrical circuitry between a solar cell and the metal layer. The electrical package may be configured with features such as an aperture or side edges to enhance manufacturability of the solar concentrator array. An array of secondary mirrors may be integrally formed with a front panel of the solar concentrator.

US Patent:

20100139768, Jun 10, 2010

Filed:

Aug 26, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/548410

Inventors:

Michael Milbourne - Los Altos CA, US
Evan Green - San Jose CA, US
Mark McDonald - Milpitas CA, US

Assignee:

SOLFOCUS, INC. - Mountain View CA

International Classification:

H01L 31/00

US Classification:

136259

Abstract:

The present invention is a heat conducting system for a solar energy device. The system includes a shield made of a heat conducting material that conforms to the convex side of a hollow curved mirror in a solar energy device. The present invention may reduce the temperature differential over an area of the mirror via passive heat conduction. The conductance of the shield of this invention is greater than the conductance of the mirror. The shield may be a layer of metal such as a metal tape. The tape may be applied as one or more strips that have ends which are separated by a seam or gap. The ends of the strips may be oriented in the same direction in an array of mirrors in a manner that provides for minimal exposure to concentrated solar irradiation at the gap or seam.