Parabolic solar collector for cutting torch - uses supple reflecting material carried on umbrella type frame and rotated such that centrifugal force stiffens reflector

摘要

The reflector is carried on a frame which is rotated to provide rigidity against wind and allows orientation of the reflector. The unit is mounted on a pedestal (1,2) which can be positioned about a vertical axis by a motor (3), and is pivoted (4) so that a hydraulic cylinder (7) can be used to tilt the unit to adjust its elevation. Hydraulic cylinders (10') are mounted on rods extending from the support unit (8), and when operated open out the reflecting surface (18), which is carried on curved spines (14), in the manner of an umbrella. The opened reflector has the spines aerodynamically shaped to aid rotation of the motor driven reflector. The rigidity and the degree of reflection of the reflector is varied by variation of its speed of rotation.