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Full-Text Articles in Architecture
Portable, Linear-Focused Solar Thermal Energy Collecting System, James C. Fletcher, Charles G. Miller, Jens G. Pohl
Portable, Linear-Focused Solar Thermal Energy Collecting System, James C. Fletcher, Charles G. Miller, Jens G. Pohl
Architecture
A solar heat collection system is provided by utilizing a line-focusing device that is effectively a cylindrically curved concentrator within a protected environment formed by a transparent inflatable casing. A target, such as a fluid or gas carrying conduit is positioned within or near the casing containing the concentrator, at the line focus of the concentrator. The casing can be inflated at the site of use by a low pressure air supply to form a unitary light-weight structure. When deflated, the collector, including casing, concentrator and target, is readily transportable. A system constructed from a plurality of such line-focusing devices …
Three-Dimensional Tracking Solar Energy Concentrator And Method For Making Same, James C. Fletcher, Charles G. Miller, Jens G. Pohl
Three-Dimensional Tracking Solar Energy Concentrator And Method For Making Same, James C. Fletcher, Charles G. Miller, Jens G. Pohl
Architecture
A tracking three-dimensional solar energy concentrator is provided by a stretched aluminized polymeric membrane supported by a hoop, the polymeric membrane being formed to a desired curvature by differential loading. The loading on the polymeric membrane determines its curvature. The loading can be varied by utilizing a plastic membrane that has a non-uniform radial distribution of thickness with uniform differential pressure or by applying a non-uniform differential pressure on a membrane having uniform thickness. Reflector membranes having a non-uniform radial distribution of thickness can be obtained by selective spraying of a dissolved plastic such as Krylon on the underside of …