Cable tensioned membrane solar collector module with variable tension control
Disclosed is a solar collector comprising a membrane for concentrating sunlight, a plurality of elongated structural members for suspending the membrane member thereon, and a plurality of control members for adjustably tensioning the membrane member, as well as for controlling a focus produced by the membrane members. Each control member is disposed at a different corresponding one of the plurality of structural members. The collector also comprises an elongated flexible tensioning member, which serves to stretch the membrane member and to thereafter hold it in tension, and a plurality of sleeve members, which serve to provide the membrane member with a desired surface contour during tensioning of the membrane member. The tensioning member is coupled to the structural members such that the tensioning member is adjustably tensioned through the structural members. The tensioning member is also coupled to the membrane member through the sleeve members such that the sleeve members uniformly and symmetrically stretch the membrane member upon applying tension to the tensioning member with the control members.
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4552438
- OSTI ID:
- 5904589
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 9 Jan 1984; Other Information: PAT-APPL-569085
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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