Solar concentrator construction

Abstract

The solar concentrator includes a base with a support frame that is rotatably connected thereto. A torsion box is tiltably mounted to the support frame to provide a wide range of movement of the torsion box and the finish surface thereon, which is preferably of a single plane parabolic shape that carries linear mirror strips. A receiver is mounted above the surface of the mirror strips at the focus of the parabola by a bracket to optimize reflection of radiation thereto. Plumbing transports liquid, such as water, through the receiver for heating thereof for various purposes, such as water desalinization. Thus, the solar concentrator is an optimized low cost and easy to manufacture solar concentrator.

1 . An improved solar concentrator, comprising:
 a hollow torsion box having a top surface, height and width with a single plane parabolic shape across the width thereof; the single plane parabolic shape having a focal point;   a plurality of substantially flat mirror strips affixed to the top surface of the hollow torsion box and positioned vertically across the length thereof in parallel with each other; and   a receiver affixed to the hollow torsion box and located approximately at the focal point.   
     
     
         2 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow torsion box is made of fiberglass. 
     
     
         3 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 1 , where the hollow torsion box is filled with particulate material. 
     
     
         4 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 3 , wherein the particulate material is sand. 
     
     
         5 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mirror strips are affixed by an adhesive to the top surface of the torsion box. 
     
     
         6 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver includes a pipe configured for the transport of liquid. 
     
     
         7 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pair gimbal mount pins respectively affixed to opposing sides of the torsion box;   a support frame defining a pin holes respectively located on opposing sides of the frame configured for respective receipt of the pair of gimbal mount pins to provide a gimbal mount;   a base; the support frame being rotatably mounted to the base.   
     
     
         8 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 means connected to the support frame and torsion box for mechanically controlling the gimbal mount.   
     
     
         9 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 8 , wherein the means connected to the support frame is selected from the group consisting of an actuator and a worm drive. 
     
     
         10 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 means connected to the base for mechanically rotating the support frame and torsion box gimbal-mounted thereon relative to the base.   
     
     
         11 . The improved solar concentrator of  claim 10 , wherein the means connected to the base is a motor.