Composite backed prestressed mirror for solar facet
First Claim
1. A method for forming a glass structure comprising:
- providing a glass member with a generally planar surface; and
securing a rigid interlayer to the glass member such that the rigid interlayer applies a compressive force to the surface of the glass member.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A method for forming a glass structure comprising:
-
providing a glass member with a generally planar surface; and
securing a rigid interlayer to the glass member such that the rigid interlayer applies a compressive force to the surface of the glass member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method for forming a mirror assembly comprising:
-
providing a mirror having a front surface that is associated with light reflection and a rear surface;
applying a resin to the rear surface of the mirror; and
curing the resin;
wherein the resin shrinks as it cures and applies a compressive force to the rear surface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A method for forming a mirror assembly comprising:
-
providing a glass member having a glass panel with a thickness that is less than about 0.4 inch thick and a reflective material that is associated with a surface of the glass panel to effect light reflection, the glass member having a front surface and a rear surface;
forming the glass member such that the light reflecting surface conforms to a predetermined shape;
applying a resin to a surface of the glass member opposite the light reflecting surface;
applying a reinforcing member and at lest one support structure to at least one of the surface of the glass member opposite the light reflecting surface and the resin; and
curing the resin such that the resin, the reinforcing member and the support structure cooperate to form a rigid interlayer that supports the glass member and facilitates mounting of the mirror assembly;
wherein the resin shrinks as it cures and applies a compressive force to the surface of the glass member opposite the light reflecting surface, the compressive force having a magnitude such that the entire cross-sectional thickness of the glass member is maintained in a state of compression.
-
Specification