Focusing solar collector and method for manufacturing same

Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:865277

Murphy, Lawrence M ^[1]

---

1. Lakewood, CO

Disclosed is a solar collector comprising an annular-shaped frame and a composite membrane member for concentrating and focusing sun radiation. The composite membrane member is supported and tensioned by the frame and consists of first and second differentially pretensioned sheet members which are integrally bonded to one another. The frame and one of the two sheet members are adapted to allow tensions in both of the sheets to be adjusted. Subsequent to bonding and upon adjusting a tension in one of the two sheet members, both of the two bonded sheet members react with one another so as to cause the composite membrane member to have a contoured configuration, which enables the membrane member to be focusable. Additionally, adjusting the tension in one of the two sheet members provides a reciprocal adjustment in a focus provided by the membrane member.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EG-77-C-01-4042
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4487196
• OSTI ID: 865277
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

focusing
solar
collector
method
manufacturing
disclosed
comprising
annular-shaped
frame
composite
membrane
concentrating
sun
radiation
supported
tensioned
consists
differentially
pretensioned
sheet
integrally
bonded
adapted
allow
tensions
sheets
adjusted
subsequent
bonding
adjusting
tension
react
contoured
configuration
enables
focusable
additionally
provides
reciprocal
adjustment
focus
provided
collector comprising
composite membrane
solar collector
focusing solar
bonded sheet
/126/38/359/