Composite backed prestressed mirror for solar facet
First Claim
1. A method for forming a glass structure comprising:
- providing a glass member with a front surface and a rear surface;
forming a rigid interlayer on the rear surface of the glass member by applying a first resin to the rear surface of the glass member and curing the first resin such that the rigid interlayer applies a compressive force to the rear surface of the glass member;
securing a reinforcing structure directly to the rigid interlayer opposite the rear surface of the class member, the reinforcing structure formed by applying a second resin in a liquid state to a reinforcing member; and
securing a support member to the reinforcing structure to support the glass structure and to facilitate mounting the glass structure.
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.
35 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A method for forming a glass structure comprising:
-
providing a glass member with a front surface and a rear surface; forming a rigid interlayer on the rear surface of the glass member by applying a first resin to the rear surface of the glass member and curing the first resin such that the rigid interlayer applies a compressive force to the rear surface of the glass member; securing a reinforcing structure directly to the rigid interlayer opposite the rear surface of the class member, the reinforcing structure formed by applying a second resin in a liquid state to a reinforcing member; and securing a support member to the reinforcing structure to support the glass structure and to facilitate mounting the glass structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. 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 first resin to the rear surface of the mirror to; curing the first resin to form a rigid interlayer, the first resin shrinking as it cures to apply a compressive force to the rear surface; securing a reinforcing structure directly on the rigid interlayer, the reinforcing structure formed by applying a second resin in a liquid state to a reinforcing member; and curing the second resin to secure the reinforcing structure to the rear surface of the mirror, the reinforcing structure supporting the mirror and facilitating mounting of the mirror. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. 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 first resin in a liquid state to a surface of the glass member opposite the light reflecting surface; curing the first resin to form a rigid interlayer, the first resin shrinking as it cures and applying 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; applying a second resin in a liquid state to a reinforcing member to form a reinforcing structure; securing the reinforcing structure directly to the rigid interlayer; coupling at least one support structure to the reinforcing structure; curing the second resin such that the rigid interlayer, the reinforcing member and the support structure cooperate to support the glass member and facilitate mounting of the mirror assembly.
-
Specification