Solar Energy Collector Apparatus Lens And Method Of Fabrication Thereof And Solar Cell And Method Of Fabrication Thereof

Field Of The Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a solar energy collector apparatus lens and a solar cell.

Background Of The Invention

[0002] Solar energy collector apparatus convert solar energy into other forms of energy that can be used, such as thermal energy or electrical energy, through the use of heat exchangers or solar cells respectively.

[0003] A lens is typically used to focus sunlight onto such solar cells. The efficiency of the lens is reduced by factors such as: i) sunlight being reflected from the lens, rather than being transmitted through the lens to the solar cells; and ii) light, which is reflected from the solar cells, being transmitted through the lens, rather than being reflected back to the solar cells.

[0004] Further, solar cells are typically arranged as an array of solar panels including a gap between each adjacent solar panel to prevent a short circuit between adjacent panels. Such gaps consume area which could be used to integrate more solar panels into the solar cell.

[0005] It would be advantageous to provide improvements in a solar energy collector apparatus lens and to allow for more solar panels to be used in a solar cell.

Summary Of The Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a solar energy collector apparatus lens is provided, including: an upper portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface facing opposite the upper surface; and a lower portion having a light refraction structure, wherein light impinging on the upper portion lower surface is reflected towards the light refraction structure and light impinging on the upper portion upper surface is transmitted towards the light refraction structure, and wherein light having entered the light refraction structure and propagating towards a lower surface of the lower portion leaves the solar energy collector apparatus lens via the lower portion lower surface.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a solar cell is provided, including: a base portion having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface facing opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface is divided into a plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an axis parallel to the second surface; and wherein the first surface has a saw-tooth like structure.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a solar energy collector apparatus is provided, including: a cradle having a base and a side wall, one end of the side wall forming an obtuse angle with respect to the base; a lens supported by the other end of the side wall to be a predetermined distance above the cradle base; and a plurality of solar cells mechanically fixed to the cradle base, the plurality of solar cells positioned to receive light reflected at the surface of the side wall.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger is provided, including: a body having a top portion adapted to have thereupon at least one solar panel; and a fluid pipe formed within the body, wherein the inner surface of the fluid pipe is shaped such that when fluid flows through the fluid pipe, the fluid experiences turbulence.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a solar energy collector apparatus lens is provided, the method including: forming an upper portion; and forming a lower portion having a light refraction structure.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a solar cell is provided, the method including: forming a base portion having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface facing opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface is formed such that the first surface comprises a plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an axis parallel to the second surface, so that the first surface has a saw-tooth like structure; and covering at least one of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces with a separate solar panel.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a solar energy collector apparatus is provided, the method including: forming a cradle having a base and a side wall, one end of the side wall being proximate to the base and forming an obtuse angle with respect to the base; providing a lens at the other end of the side wall to be a predetermined distance above the cradle base; and mechanically fixing a plurality of solar cells to the cradle base, the plurality of solar cells positioned to receive light reflected at the surface of the side wall.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a heat exchanger is provided, the method including: forming a body having a top portion adapted to have thereupon at least one solar panel; forming a fluid pipe within the body, and shaping the inner surface of the fluid pipe such that when fluid flows through the fluid pipe, the fluid experiences turbulence.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0014] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis

instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0015] Figures IA to ID show several views of a solar energy collector apparatus lens built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Figures 2A to 2D show several views of a solar energy collector apparatus lens built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Figures 3A and 3B show a cross-sectional view and a top view of a solar cell built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of a solar cell built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 4A shows a cross sectional view of a solar energy collector apparatus built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Figure 4B shows a top view of a solar energy collector apparatus built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of a heat exchanger built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a fabrication process to manufacture a solar energy collector apparatus lens in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a fabrication process to manufacture a solar cell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 8 shows a flow chart of a fabrication process to manufacture a solar energy collector apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a fabrication process to manufacture a heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

[0026] While embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced. It will be appreciated that common numerals, used in the relevant drawings, refer to components that serve a similar or the same purpose.

[0027] Figures IA to ID show several views of a solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Here, the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 is fabricated using a roll forming process. However, also other fabrication processes may be used.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in Figures IA to ID, the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 has a width 108 (Figure IA) of around 46cm, a length 115 (Figure ID) of around 2.6m and a thickness 110 (Figure IA) of around 4 to 5mm. It will be appreciated that other dimensions are possible, depending on the dimensions of the cradle (refer numeral 400 in Figure 4A) to which the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 is attached.

[0029] Figure IA shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one end of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100, which is labeled 102, in Figure IB.

[0030] Figure IA shows that the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 includes: an upper portion 112; and a lower portion 116. The upper portion 112 has an upper surface 112u and a lower surface 112b, wherein the lower surface 112b faces opposite the upper surface 112u. The lower portion 116 has a light refraction structure 114.

[0031] Light impinging on the upper portion lower surface 112b is reflected towards the light refraction structure 114 and light impinging on the upper portion upper surface 112u is transmitted towards the light refraction structure 114. Light having entered the light refraction structure 114 and propagating towards a lower surface 116b of the lower portion 116 leaves the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 via the lower portion lower surface 116b.

[0032] When the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 is used in a solar energy collector apparatus (compare solar energy apparatus 400 of Figure 4A), the lower surface 116b of the lower portion 116 is positioned to face an array of solar panels in a solar cell (compare solar cell 300 of Figure 3) arranged within the solar energy collector apparatus. The lower portion lower surface 116b reflects a portion of light 118 received from one of the solar panels in the array of solar panels back to the same or another one of the solar panels in the array. In this manner, the lower portion 116 is adapted to reflect light 118 incident from at least one solar panel of a solar energy collector apparatus back to one of the at least one solar panel.

[0033] Similarly, when the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 is used in a solar energy collector apparatus (compare solar energy apparatus 400 of Figure 4A), the upper surface 112u of the upper portion 112 is positioned to face the sun. The upper surface 112u transmits, through light refraction, ambient light 120 from the sun through the upper portion 112. Subsequently the ambient light 120 that

transmits through the upper portion 112 will also pass through the light refraction structure 114, so that the upper portion 112 is adapted to transmit ambient light 120 into the light refraction structure 114.

[0034] To illustrate how the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 operates, consider ambient light 120 impinging on the upper portion upper surface 112u. The ambient light 120 enters the upper surface 112 via refraction and is transmitted towards the light refraction structure 114. In the embodiment shown in Figure IB, a portion of the transmitted refracted light 12Ot will again be refracted at an inclined surface 114s of the light refraction structure 114 facing the upper portion lower surface 112b. Refracted light 12Ot ₁ then propagates through the light refraction structure 114 and leaves the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 via the lower surface 116b of the lower portion 116. The remaining portion 12Or of the transmitted refracted light 12Ot is reflected at the surface 114s to become incident on a surface 114n, which is facing the inclined surface 114s, of the light refraction structure 114. The reflected light 12Or will experience refraction at the surface 114n, where the refracted light will propagate through the light refraction structure 114 towards the lower surface 116b of the lower portion 116 to leave the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 via the lower surface 116b. Alternatively, the reflected light 12Or can again be reflected back to the surface 114s of the light refraction structure 114 for transmission through the light refraction structure 114.

[0035] Similarly, consider light 118t that is impinging on the upper portion lower surface 112b. The light 118t is the transmitted portion of light 118 impinging on the lower surface 116b of the lower portion 116, wherein the light 118 is from, for example, light reflected at one of the solar panels (compare solar cell 300 of Figure 3A). The light 118t is reflected towards the light refraction structure 114, where the reflected light will enter the light refraction structure 114, through a surface 114o of the light refraction structure 114, and leave the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 via the lower surface 116b. It will thus be appreciated that the upper portion 112 increases the amount of light entering the light refraction structure 114 and

propagating towards the lower portion lower surface 116b to leave the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 via the lower portion lower surface 116b, compared to a solar energy collector apparatus lens without the upper portion 112.

[0036] Thus, when the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 is used in a solar energy collector apparatus (compare solar energy apparatus 400 of Figure 4A), the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 facilitates concentration of light upon the solar panels. Further, the upper portion 112 also protects the light refraction structure 114 from surrounding weather conditions.

[0037] The thickness of the light refraction structure 114 is around 2.6 mm, while the thickness of the upper portion 112 is around 1.2mm.

[0038] Figure IB shows a cross-sectional view of the entire solar energy collector apparatus lens 100.

[0039] The solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 further includes a middle portion 104. The middle portion 104 separates the light refraction structure 114 into a first portion 102 and a second portion 106, so that the first portion and the second potion are laterally spaced apart from each other. The middle portion 104 may be transparent.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in Figures IA to ID, the first portion 102 is disposed at one end of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100, while the second portion 106 is disposed at the other end of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100. The structural arrangement of the first portion 102 and the second portion 106 is such that the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 is symmetrical about a central axis 124 perpendicular to the width 108 of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Figures IA to ID, the light refraction structure 114 is a plurality of saw-tooth shaped teeth disposed above a base layer. The ratio of the base layer thickness to the saw-tooth shaped teeth thickness is about 6: 13; while the ratio of the upper portion 112 thickness to the saw-tooth shaped teeth thickness is also about 6: 13.

[0042] As mentioned above, the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100, shown in Figures IA to ID, is produced by roll forming. Under heat welding, an interface 126 between the light refraction structure 114 and the lower surface 112b of the upper portion 112 may melt to form a single structure. In this manner, the light refraction structure 114 becomes integral with the upper portion 112, so that the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 is a singular piece. However, it will also be appreciated that, in other embodiments (not shown), the light refraction structure 114 is only in contact with the upper portion 112. ,

[0043] Figures 1C and ID respectively show a top view and a perspective view of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100. hi both Figures 1C and ID, the shaded portions represent the top and perspective views of both the first portion 102 and the second portion 106 of the light refraction structure 114.

[0044] Figures 2A to 2D show several views of a solar energy collector apparatus lens 200 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Here, in contrast to the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 of Figures IA to ID, the solar energy collector apparatus lens 200 is fabricated using an extrusion process. However, also other fabrication processes may be used. Otherwise, the solar energy collector apparatus lens 200 is structurally similar to the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 of Figures IA to ID, thus like reference numerals used respectively between Figures IA to ID and Figures 2 A to 2D represent the same structures and are therefore not further elaborated.

[0046] In the extrusion process (not shown), the solar energy collector apparatus lens 200 is fabricated as a single piece from an extrusion die, i.e. both the upper portion 112 and the lower portion 116 of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 200 are integral with each other.

[0047] For both the solar energy collector apparatus lenses 100 and 200, a top surface of the light refraction structure 114 facing the upper portion 112 lower surface 112b includes a plurality of saw-tooth shaped teeth, a plurality of hemispherical structures, a plurality of ellipsoid structures, a plurality of convex structures and a plurality of concave structures, or a combination thereof.

[0048] In the embodiments shown in Figures IA to ID and 2A to ID, the top surface of the light refraction structure 114 facing the upper portion lower surface 112b is a plurality of saw-tooth shaped teeth. Each saw-tooth includes an inclined surface 114s (analogous to the hypotenuse of a triangle) that is facing the upper portion lower surface 112b and another surface 114n that faces a surface 114s of an adjacent saw-tooth. The inclined surface 114s extends from a lower vertical position I Hs ₁ towards an upper vertical position 114s ₂ of the surface of the lower portion 116 facing the upper portion lower surface 112b, so that the inclined surface 114s forms an acute angle θ with respect to an axis normal to the lower portion lower surface 116b. The acute angle θ is preferably between around 40° to around 80°. Satisfactory results are also found for the acute angle being between around 57° to around 68°. The surface 114n forms an angle of around 88° to around 90° with a longitudinal axis 116a.

[0049] The solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 includes any one or more of materials consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, acrylic or low iron contained glass. Material having a high optical value may be used as well. In addition, the lower surface 116b of the lower portion 116 and the lower surface 112b of the upper portion 112 may be made more reflective using reflective

coatings or respectively polishing the lower surface 116b and the lower surface 112b.

[0050] Figures 3A and 3B respectively show a cross-sectional view and a top view of a solar cell 300 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The solar cell 300 includes: a base portion 304 having a first surface 304f and a second surface 304s, wherein the second surface 304s is facing opposite to the first surface 304f. The first surface 304f is divided into a plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m inclined at a predetermined angle a with respect to an axis 306 parallel to the second surface 304s. At least one of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m is covered by a separate solar panel 302, wherein the first surface 304f has a saw-tooth like structure.

[0052] Each saw-tooth of the saw-tooth like structure is inclined at the predetermined angle a with respect to a longitudinal axis 306. The saw-tooth like structure elevates an edge (for example, second edge 310) of a solar panel mounting surface 304m from an adjacent edge (for example, first edge 308) of a neighboring solar panel mounting surface 304m. In this manner, a second edge 310 of each solar panel mounting surface 304m is elevated by a distance which is around the thickness of the solar panel 302, from a first edge 308 of a neighboring solar panel mounting surface 304m. This distance elevation electrically isolates adjacent solar panels 302 from each other.

[0053] In comparison with existing solar cells without such an elevation arrangement, a separation gap has to be present to prevent a short circuit between adjacent solar panels. In conjunction with eliminating the need for the separation gap, more solar panels 302 can be mounted, for the same length 3041 of the base portion 304, and thus more electrical power is generated by the solar cell 300 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] Each separate solar panel 302 is of a corresponding size to each of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m.

[0055] A panel interconnect element 322 is disposed on one of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m, so that the solar panel 302 mounted on the solar panel mounting surface 304m is contacted by the panel interconnect element 322 from below. The panel interconnect element 322 protrudes from the at least one solar panel mounting surface 304m in a direction towards an adjacent one of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m, so that the protruding portion 322p of the panel interconnect element 322 contacts a solar panel 302 mounted on the adjacent solar panel mounting surface 304m from above.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the panel interconnect element 322 is substantially flat so that the protruding portion 322p of the panel interconnect element 322 is substantially parallel to the solar panel mounting surface 304m.

[0057] The panel interconnect element 322 extends substantially across the surface of one of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m, and the protruding portion 322p of the panel interconnect element extends substantially across the surface of one of the solar panels 302 mounted on an adjacent solar panel mounting surface 302m. In this regard, the substantial extension of the panel interconnect element 322 refers to the panel interconnect element 322 extending from a second edge of the solar panel mounting surface 304m to reach, or be proximate, a first edge 308 of the same solar panel mounting surface 304m. Similarly, the substantial extension of the protruding portion 322p refers to the protruding portion 322p of the panel interconnect element 322 extending from a first edge of a solar panel 302 to reach, or be proximate, a second edge of the same solar panel 302, wherein the first edge of the solar panel 302 is opposite to the second edge of the solar panel 302.

[0058] The panel interconnect element 322 includes any one or more of a group of elements consisting of a strip and a wire. It will be appreciated that other elements can also be used.

[0059] The panel interconnect element 322 electrically connects adjacent or neighboring solar panels 302 together in a series arrangement, whereby the polarity of the adjacent or neighboring solar panels 302 are opposite to each other.

[0060] Compare the panel interconnect element 322 with a known solar panel electrical interconnect, which is an electrical wire bent into a "U-shaped" loop with one end of the electrical wire connected to one end of a solar panel and the other end of the electrical wire connected to one end of an adjacent solar panel, wherein both ends of the solar panels are also adjacent to each other. The "U-shaped" electrical wire is susceptible to breakage, from stress experienced at the loop portion due to thermal expansion and contraction of the solar panels. On the other hand, the panel interconnect element 322 is more resistant to mechanical failures resulting from thermal expansion and contraction of the solar panels 302.

[0061] Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of a solar cell 350 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The solar cell 350 is structurally similar to the solar cell 300 of Figures 3A and 3B, with the exception that the solar cell 350 does not use the panel interconnect element 322 from Figures 3 A and 3B. Like reference numerals used respectively between Figures 3 A to 3 C represent the same structures and are therefore not further elaborated.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3 C, it will be appreciated that electrical connection between adjacent solar panels 302 is achieved by having a second end 302se of a solar panel 302 coupled to a first end 302fe of an adjacent panel 302 using a looped electrical wire 352.

[0063] Returning to Figure 3A, a first output terminal 324 is disposed on a first end 304fe of the base portion first surface 304f, and a second output terminal 320 is disposed on a second end 304se of the base portion first surface 304f. The second end 304se is opposite to the first end 304fe.

[0064] Electrical power generated by the solar cell 300 can be tapped from the first output terminal 324 and the second output terminal 320.

[0065] The first output terminal 324 extends in a direction towards the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m to contact, from above, a solar panel 302 mounted on a solar panel mounting surface 304m positioned adjacent to the base portion first end 304fe. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first output terminal 324 extends substantially across the surface of the solar panel 302 mounted on the solar panel mounting surface 304m positioned adjacent to the base portion first end 304fe.

[0066] The second output terminal 320 extends in a direction towards the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m, so that the second output terminal 320 is disposed on a solar panel mounting surface 304m positioned adjacent to the base portion second end 304se. In this manner, the second output terminal 320 contacts a solar panel 302 mounted on the solar panel mounting surface 304m positioned adjacent to the base portion second end 304se from below. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the second output terminal 320 extends substantially across the surface of the solar panel mounting surface 304m positioned adjacent to the base portion second end 304se.

[0067] The first output terminal 324 and the second output terminal 320 include any one or more of a group of elements consisting of a strip and a wire. It will be appreciated that other elements can also be used.

[0068] Each of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m has a substantially flat surface.

[0069] Within the saw-tooth like structure, each of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m includes a first edge 308 spaced a first distance 308d from the second surface 304s and a second edge 310 spaced a second distance 31Od from the second surface 304s. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, wherein the second surface 304s is relatively flat, the second distance 310d is greater than the first distance 308d.

[0070] Thus, the first edge 308 is at a shorter distance 308d from the base portion second surface 304s, while the second edge 310 is at a greater distance 310d from the base portion 304 second surface 304s. Each second edge 310 is located adjacent to each first edge 308 of a neighboring solar panel mounting surface 304m.

[0071] The base portion 304 may be made from good heat conducting materials, such as aluminium. The base portion 304 may have the following dimensions: a length 3041 of around 2100mm; and a width 304w of around 140mm.

[0072] hi the embodiment shown in Figures 3 A and 3B, the entire first surface 304f of the base portion 304 is divided into a plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, only a portion of the base portion 304 is divided into the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces 304m.

[0073] Figure 4A shows a cross sectional view of a solar energy collector apparatus 400 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The solar energy collector apparatus 400 is pivotable around an axis (not shown), for receiving as much sunlight as possible.

[0074] The solar energy collector apparatus 400 includes the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100 of Figures IA to ID, a cradle 402 and one or more heat exchangers 404.

[0075] The cradle 402 has a base 420 and a side wall (406, 408). One end of the side wall 406 forms an obtuse angle 412 with respect to the base 420. A lens 100 is supported by the other end of the side wall 406 to be a predetermined distance above the cradle base 420. The one or more heat exchangers 404 is mechanically fixed to the cradle base 420. The solar cell 300 of Figures 3A and 3B is mounted or integrally formed on a top surface of each of the one or more heat exchangers 404. Thus, a plurality of solar cells 300 is mechanically fixed to the cradle base 420, whereby the plurality of solar cells is positioned to receive light reflected at the surface of the side wall 406.

[0076] The obtuse angle 412 is fabricated such that light, reflected at a portion of the side wall 406 extending from a position 4061 close to the lens 100 to a position 406m around the middle of the side wall 406, is incident upon at least one of the plurality of solar cells 300. Further, the obtuse angle 412 is fabricated such that light, reflected at a portion of the side wall extending from the position 4061 close to the lens to a portion 406c close to the plurality of solar cells, is incident upon at least one of the plurality of solar cells 300.

[0077] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the obtuse angle 412 is around 106° to around 126°.

[0078] The solar energy collector apparatus 400 further includes a fluid pipe 430 having a plurality of first portions (430a, 430b). Each of the plurality of first portions (430a, 430b) is disposed between one of the plurality of solar cells 300 and the cradle base 420, wherein the fluid pipe further has second portions 430c (Figure 4B) having a loop like shape, wherein first portions of two neighboring solar cells 430 are connected by one of the fluid pipe second portions 430.

[0079] The fluid pipe 430 being arranged between two neighboring solar cells 300 allows for fluid flowing into the first portion 430a to loop around the second portion 430c and subsequently pass through the other first portion 430b. Thus, a longer duration of heat transfer between fluid in the fluid pipe 430 and the two neighboring solar cells 300 is achieved when compared to using a fluid pipe that does not loop.

[0080] The plurality of heat exchangers 404 is disposed on the cradle base 420, where as mentioned above, each of the plurality of solar cells 300 is mechanically fixed to the cradle base 420 by being formed on the top of a respective one of the plurality of heat exchangers 404. The plurality of first portions (430a, 430b) of the fluid pipe 430 may be formed within the plurality of heat exchangers 404. The fluid pipe 430 may further include an inlet port (not shown) accessible externally of the cradle 402; and an outlet port (not shown) accessible externally of the cradle 402.

[0081] hi the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the width 410 of the cradle 402 opening is around 46cm, while the width 418 of the cradle base 420 is around 20 cm. The height 414 of the cradle 402 is around 28cm. The length (represented as an "arrow" 416 in Figure 4A, but also see reference numeral 416 in Figure 4B) of the cradle base 420 is the same as the length 415 (refer Figure 4B) of the cradle 402 opening. The length 415 (refer Figure 4B) of the cradle 402 opening is around 2.6m. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the length of the cradle base may not be the same as the length of the cradle opening.

[0082] The side walls 406 and 408 of the cradle may be made of aluminum. Heat insulating material such as mineral wool is placed in the gap between the side wall 408 and exterior wall 408e. Similarly, heat insulating material such as wood is placed in the gap between the side wall 406 and exterior wall 406e. The surfaces of the side walls 406 and 408 that are facing the one or more heat exchangers 404 are

reflective, from having materials such as glass mirrors, to reflect light towards the one or more heat exchangers 404.

[0083] Light, which reaches the solar cells 300 on the one or more heat exchangers 404, comes from different manners from five operating zones, namely zones 1, 2, 3, 2' and 1'.

[0084] The light, contributed from zones 1 and 1', is from reflection off the respective portions, within zones 1 and 1', of the side walls 406 and 408. The light, contributed from zones 2 and 2', is a combination from reflection off the respective portions, within zones 2 and 2', of the side walls 406 and 408; and from direct transmission through, the respective portions within zones 2 and 2', of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100. The light, contributed from zone 3 is from direct transmission through the respective portion within zone 3 of the solar energy collector apparatus lens 100.

[0085] Figure 4B shows a top view of the solar energy collector apparatus 400 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. From Figure 4B, it-will be appreciated that the length 3041 of the solar cells 300 is longer than length 416 of the cradle base 420.

[0086] Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of a heat exchanger 504 built in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0087] The heat exchanger 504 includes a body 506 having a top portion 506u adapted to have thereupon at least one solar panel 500. A fluid pipe 530 is formed within the body 506, wherein the inner surface 530i of the fluid pipe 530 is shaped such that when fluid flows through the fluid pipe 530, the fluid experiences turbulence.

[0088] The fluid experiences turbulence such that the fluid spirals as it travels downstream through the heat exchangers 504. Compared to a fluid pipe that has a smooth inner surface, the fluid in the fluid pipe 530 gets heated to a higher temperature. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the fluid can be heated to a temperature of around 5O ⁰ C to around 8O ⁰ C.

[0089] The fluid pipe inner surface includes a spiraling structure 530s along the fluid pipe inner surface to create the fluid turbulence. The spiraling structure 530s includes any one or more of a group of structures consisting of a ridge and a groove. When the spiraling structure 530s includes a plurality of ridges, the ridges are arranged with respect to each other such that a spline-like gear structure is formed.

[0090] The at least one solar panel 500 may be integral with the top portion 506u. In another embodiment, the at least one solar panel 500 may be detachable from the top portion.

[0091] Figure 6 shows a flow chart 600 of a fabrication process to manufacture a solar energy collector apparatus lens in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0092] The fabrication process begins at step 602 with the forming of an upper portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface facing opposite the upper surface. In step 604, a lower portion having a light refraction structure is formed.

[0093] Figure 7 shows a flow chart 700 of a fabrication process to manufacture a solar cell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0094] The fabrication process begins at step 702 with the forming of a base portion having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface facing opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface is formed such that the first

surface comprises a plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an axis parallel to the second surface, so that the first surface has a saw-tooth like structure. In step 704, at least one of the plurality of solar panel mounting surfaces is covered with a separate solar panel.

[0095] Figure 8 shows a flow chart 800 of a fabrication process to manufacture a solar energy collector apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0096] The fabrication process begins at step 802 with the forming a cradle having a base and a side wall, so that one end of the side wall being proximate to the base forms an obtuse angle with respect to the base. Step 804 involves providing a lens at the other end of the side wall to be a predetermined distance above the cradle base. Step 806 involves mechanically fixing a plurality of solar cells to the cradle base, so that the plurality of solar cells is positioned to receive light reflected at the surface of the side wall.

[0097] Figure 9 shows a flow chart 900 of a fabrication process to manufacture a heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0098] The fabrication process begins at step 902 with forming a body having a top portion adapted to have thereupon at least one solar panel. Step 904 involves forming a fluid pipe within the body. In step 906, the inner surface of the fluid pipe is shaped such that when fluid flows through the fluid pipe, the fluid experiences turbulence.

[0099] While embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended

claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.