Plastics Honeycomb Core Solar Coverplate.

摘要

The feasibility of producing a solar collector coverplate by bonding two thin,transparent plastic skins to both sides of a honeycomb core was studied. A properly designed coverplate using this concept would result in a light-weight structural panel with lower heat losses than a typical two pane glass coverplate. A honeycomb core coverplate could be fabricated so that it would be as strong as a glass coverplate,yet,by the proper selection of skin materials,it could be made resistant to catastrophic damage from flying objects (i.e. hail,sticks,rocks,etc.). The reduced weight of this coverplate would be a significant advantage in reduced handling and shipping costs. (Two panes of 1/8inch thick glass 3feet by 8feet weigh approximately 69pounds. A Mylar honeycomb core of the same area with two skins of 0.025inch thick glass reinforced polyester weighs approximately 9.5pounds.) The consideration of different materials for the transparent skins and honeycomb core,details of fabrication,economic evaluation of the fabrication and distribution of the coverplate,and determination of the solar collector efficiency were covered. (ERA citation 04:044628)