STIFFENING MEMBERS FOR REFLECTORS USED IN CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

摘要

A solar collector system includes a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib (60a) associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of the rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided.