LIGHTWEIGHT LOW-COST SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a Lightweight low-cost solar concentrator comprising two sheets which are connected or sealed to each other on their outer periphery to define a gasproof chamber which is inflated with air or gas (5) in order to form the inflated mirror. One sheet is transparent (1) for sunlight (3) and the other sheet has a reflecting mirror-like surface (2). The periphery of the two connected sheets is fixed to a rigid support or envelopes it. The rigid support, such as a support frame (6), which is further fixed to a mirror support structure (7), defines the outline of the inflatable mirror and provides stability. For a defined adjustment of the pressure in the air or gas (5) which is enclosed in the gasproof chamber means for inflating or deflating the mirror (4) and a device for the generation of a defined pressure in the air or gas (72) are provided. The device for the generation of a defined pressure is an automatic device which is constantly or occasionally in conjunction with the gasproof chamber in such a way, that a defined overpressure is automatically generated and maintained in the air or gas enclosed in the inflatable mirror, in order to ensure a constant focal distance of the inflatable mirror. The inflatable mirror comprises a receiver (10) for concentrated electromagnetic radiation (8) which is either fixed on a rigid (9) or on an adjustable receiver support structure (11).
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Citations
98 Claims
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1-77. -77. (canceled)
- 78. An inflatable light concentrating mirror comprising two sheets, one of the sheets being transparent and the other sheet being reflective, the sheets being connected or sealed to each other to define a chamber therebetween which is adapted to be inflated with air or gas to form the inflated mirror, wherein each sheet has an outer periphery or rim with the outer periphery or rims being connected or sealed to each other so as to define an air- or gasproof chamber therebetween and wherein the transparent sheet is transparent or almost transparent for a defined range of electromagnetic radiation and wherein the other sheet has essentially a reflecting mirror-like surface which is reflecting or substantially reflecting for a defined range of electromagnetic radiation and wherein means are provided for inflating or deflating the mirror by adjusting the pressure in the air or gas, which is enclosed in the chamber and wherein the means for inflating or deflating the mirror comprise a device for the generation of a defined pressure in the air or gas which is enclosed in the chamber and wherein the device for the generation of a defined pressure comprises an automatic device, which is either constantly or temporarily in communication with the chamber such that a defined overpressure is automatically generated and maintained in the air or gas enclosed in the chamber.
Specification