Inflatable concentrator for concentrating radiation and method for its manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable concentrator (1) for concentrating radiation, in particular solar radiation, in an absorber that can be fastened thereto, comprising a sleeve (2), which is substantially tubular in an inflated operating state and which has a transparent inlet window (3) for coupling the radiation in, and a reflector film (4), which divides the sleeve (2) into at least two hollow chambers (5) and which has a mirror surface (4') that reflects the coupled-in radiation in the direction of the absorber, wherein the sleeve (2) is made of individual film elements connected to each other by means of joining connections (11; 11', 17), wherein the sleeve (2) can be arranged in a rolled-up transport position when not inflated, wherein at least one joining connection (11') is provided that extends substantially across the entire length of the sleeve (2) and that defines a longitudinal edge of the sleeve (2) when the sleeve (2) is not inflated.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to an inflatable light collector for concentrating radiation, in particular sunlight, in an absorber which can be fastened to the light collector, having an essentially tubular shape in the inflated operating state The housing, the housing has a light-transmissive entrance window for incoupling radiation, and also has a reflective film that divides the housing into at least two cavities, and the reflective film has a function of reflecting the coupled-in radiation in the direction of the absorber mirror surface. [0002] The invention also relates to a method for producing at least one inflatable light collector for concentrating radiation, in particular sunlight, on an absorber that can be fixed on the light collector, said light collector The optical device has an essentially cylindrical housing in an inflated operating position, the housing has a light-transmissive inlet window for coupling in radiation, and a reflective membran...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A further disadvantage of this known solution of inflatable solar concentrators, as well as conventional dish-shaped trough power plants consisting of mirrors and steel structures, is that the construction is usually only done on site, since the length can be, for example, 50 m The size of the above large equipment makes transportation difficult; however, assembly on site requires trained personnel, which are not available at many sites of use

On the other hand, high transport costs arise when transporting the finished concentrator due to the still high space requirement even in the uninflated state, which keeps the unit price of the concentrator high

However, as mentioned at the outset, the known solar concentrators are unsuitable or only very limitedly suitable for transportation in a compact state.

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