Low-Cost Mirror Concentrator Based on Double-Walled Metallized, Tubular Films. Second Semiannual Technical Progress Report, August 20, 1978-February 19, 1979

摘要

A potentially, low cost, air inflatable, tubular plastic, nontracking 3X solar collector is being developed. The design employs joined truncated cylindrical sections which reduce both cover and mirror material requirements by 40% compared with a conventional cylindrical design. Aluminum foil-plastic laminates have been selected as an alternative to aluminized polyester films because of their low cost, ease of fabrication, good durability, high strength, and acceptable reflectivity. Specially uv-stabilized and polyester scrim reinforced flexible polyvinyl chloride film has been selected for use as the outer transparent cover material because of its mechanical and optical durability, acceptable transmission characteristics and its potential low cost. At the completion of the first year of effort the materials for the concentrator have been selected and an improved material-efficient design has been proposed. These should provide the basis for a successful completion of the development during the second year of the program. Recommendations to accomplish this development are made. (ERA citation 05:008366)