Radiation heat collector and method for making the same

Abstract

Provided is a heat collector comprising a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid; a base member provided with a front surface defining a trough-shaped recess partly surrounding the heat collector member; and a plate member fitted in the recess and provided with a reflective front surface. Preferably, the plate member is engaged by the base member at both side edges thereof, and placed under a compressive load so as to undergo a buckling deformation and substantially conform to a surface contour of the recess.

1 . A radiation heat collector, comprising: 
 a linear tubular heat collector member defining an internal passage for conducting fluid;    a base member provided with a front surface defining a trough-shaped recess partly surrounding said heat collector member; and    a plate member fitted in said recess and provided with a reflective front surface.    
     
     
         2 . A radiation heat collector according to  claim 1 , wherein said base member is made of heat insulating plastic material.  
     
     
         3 . A radiation heat collector according to  claim 1 , wherein said plate member is engaged by said base member at both side edges thereof, and placed under a compressive load so as to undergo a buckling deformation and substantially conform to a surface contour of said recess.  
     
     
         4 . A radiation heat collector according to  claim 3 , wherein a projection is provided at least on one lateral side end of said recess for engaging an edge of said plate member.  
     
     
         5 . A radiation heat collector according to  claim 1 , wherein a gap is defined between said reflective plate member and an opposing surface of said recess.  
     
     
         6 . A radiation heat collector according to  claim 5 , wherein a plurality of ribs extending in a lengthwise direction are provided on a surface of said recess opposing said reflective plate member.  
     
     
         7 . A radiation heat collector according to  claim 1 , wherein said reflective plate member is provided with a central ridge, and said reflective surface substantially defines a CPC surface.  
     
     
         8 . A method for manufacturing a radiation heat collector, comprising the steps of: 
 preparing a base member having a trough-shaped recess on a front side thereof;    providing an engagement portion on each lateral side end of said recess; and    preparing a reflective plate member having a prescribed width, and engaging each side edge with a corresponding one of said engagement portions in such a manner that said plate member is placed under a compressive load and thereby undergo a buckling deformation until said plate member substantially conforms to a surface contour of said recess.    
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein a gap is defined between said reflective plate member and an opposing surface of said recess.  
     
     
         10 . A radiation heat collector according to  claim 9 , wherein a plurality of ribs extending in a lengthwise direction are provided on a surface of said recess opposing said reflective plate member.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein said reflective plate is provided with a central ridge, and said reflective surface substantially defines a CPC surface.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein said base member is made of heat insulating plastic material.