Development Effort on Sheet-Molding Compound (SMC) Parabolic-Trough Panels

摘要

The approach taken to develop integrally molded reflective glass with sheet molding compound into parabolic trough solar reflectors is described in detail. Results indicate that mirrored glass sheets, if properly strengthened to withstand the temperature and pressure of the molding process, can be successfully molded with sheet molding compound in a single press stroke using standard compression molding techniques. The silver reflective surface must be coated with an adhesive mixture that provides both protection of the silver and adhesion to the sheet molding compound. The sheet molding compound must provide the strength and stiffness required of a structure backing material. (ERA citation 07:062914)