Light-weight-trough type solar concentrator shell

Patent · Tue Jan 06 00:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6334561

Severson, A M

A parabolic cylindrical trough solar concentrator shell is disclosed having a pair of oppositely disposed end support members jointed by spanning structural support members which may be in the form of individual elongated generally triangular polygon members to form the parabolic cylindrical trough. The inwardly directed surface of each polygon member is concave in shape and rendered highly reflective and so disposed such that the composite produces a highly reflective, concave, generally parabolic surface which reflects and focusses radiant energy striking upon it along a line parallel to and above the surface of the trough. A radiant energy receiving and absorbing conduit which carries a fluid heat transfer medium is provided along the focal line. The conduit is structurally supported from the end support members in a manner which allows free rotation of the structure relative to the support. In addition to the composite triangular polygon members, the structure may be fabricated using other shapes or a spanning sheet corrugated for strength covered by a separate reflecting surface.

• Assignee: Honeywell Inc
• Patent Number(s): US 4243019
• OSTI ID: 6334561
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 25 Oct 1978
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTORS
DESIGN
FOCUSING
GEOMETRY
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
PIPES
REFLECTIVITY
ROTATION
SUPPORTS
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
MATHEMATICS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MOTION
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PARABOLIC COLLECTORS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SURFACE PROPERTIES
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators