Transparent sound barriers suitable for other applications - consist of at least one acrylic] type plastic sheet with embedded element for energy prodn. such as for solar heating

摘要

A transparent plastic sound barrier has at least one plastic sheet and a fixing device for it. At least onne energy-absorbing element is embedded in the sheet concerned, and this element is the type suitable for use in producing solar heating. The plastic sheet is pref. polymethyl-methacrylate. ADVANTAGE - The prod. has additional applications without being in any way affected in its originally intended application. In an example, an acrylic sheet (2) measuring 3m x 2m x 0.02m has a transparency of more than 90%, is colourless, and has a DIN 4 109 sound absorbency of 29 dB. It has holes (10) along the sides for fixing into a suitable mounting. Its top half has two embedded solar modules (3). Each module (3) is 75 cm x 50 cm and is made before being embedded. It consists of three lower units (4) connected by wires (5) to leads (6) in the top edge (7). These units (3) are commercially available types consisting of 150 solar cells. Many variations on this general theme can be used.