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Status
Electronic Resource
Call number
Publication
1256; Report; September 1986.
Language
Library's review
ABSTRACT:
The stressed membrane reflective assembly offers a unique and innovative approach to heliostat design and fabrication. The concept is simple: two circular membranes or diaphragms are attached at their perimeter to a ring. The plenum formed by the membranes and ring is evacuated to provide
The stressed membrane reflective assembly offers a unique and innovative approach to heliostat design and fabrication. The concept is simple: two circular membranes or diaphragms are attached at their perimeter to a ring. The plenum formed by the membranes and ring is evacuated to provide
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focus. Stiffness is provided through membrane tension; the ring prevents collapse of the structure. Although simple in concept, the stressed membrane design provides for a substantial cost and weight reduction over conventional structures. The first generation of stressed membrane design provides more than a twenty percent cost reduction (from $71 to $55 per square meter) over second generation glass/metal concentrators of similar size. Weight reduction is achieved through the unique fashion in which the concentrator carries its load. The stressed membrane concentrator offers many benefits including lower weight, lower cost and simplicity. Our analysis indicates these benefits are gained without impairing performance. Show Less