LIGHTWEIGHT LOW-COST SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
Disclosed is a Lightweight low-cost solar concentrator comprising two sheets which are connected or sealed to each other on their outer periphery to define a gasproof chamber which is inflated with air or gas (5) in order to form the inflated mirror. One sheet is transparent (1 ) for sunlight (3) and the other sheet has a reflecting mirror-like surface (2). The periphery of the two connected sheets is fixed to a rigid support or envelopes it. The rigid support, such as a support frame (6), which is further fixed to a mirror support structure (7), defines the outline of the inflatable mirror and provides stability. For a defined adjustment of the pressure in the air or gas (5) which is enclosed in the gasproof chamber means for inflating or deflating the mirror (4) and a device for the generation of a defined pressure in the air or gas (72) are provided. The device for the generation of a defined pressure is an automatic device which is constantly or occasionally in conjunction with the gasproof chamber in such a way, that a defined overpressure is automatically generated and maintained in the air or gas enclosed in the inflatable mirror, in order to ensure a constant focal distance of the inflatable mirror. The inflatable mirror comprises a receiver (10) for concentrated electromagnetic radiation (8) which is either fixed on a rigid (9) or on an adjustable receiver support structure (11 ).