Variable aperture, variable flux density, aerospace solar collector
US4888063A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S136/292
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A trough-type reflecting solar concentrator and receiver system for aerospace use is disclosed. The reflecting surface is a thin flexible sheet attached to and disposed between curved ribs. The amount of the sheet reflecting sunlight can be changed by winding the unnecessary quantity of sheet onto a roll. The focal length of the curved ribs and therefore the sheet can be changed by flexurally deforming the curved ribs by applying end loads, causing a change in the flux density at the receiver. A similar result is achieved by changing the distance between the reflecting surface and the receiver. The receiver is a photovoltaic array, thermal absorber, or a combination of both. Means for proportioning the amount of energy incident on each type of receiver is disclosed. A spectral splitting thermal absorber with scattering capability is disclosed as a pre-filter for the photovoltaic array.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.