Challenge
A conventional parabolic trough requires a separate support structure to hold the single-axis curved mirror in place. Glass has an exceptional load-bearing capacity that is rarely exploited. What would a structural system look like that explicitly makes use of glass's load-bearing properties?
Invention
The RES Self-Supporting Parabolic Trough uses two curved glass panels arranged with their concave sides facing each other. These panels are rigidly connected longitudinally to form a self-supporting glass tube. While the first panel is transparent and exposed to sunlight, the second panel is mirrored. A receiver is coaxially arranged to the focal line of the mirrored panel on the first glass panel.
Advantages
- Make use of the load-bearing properties of glass
- Minimum support structure
- Significant reduction in wind load thanks to the all-round closed tube
- The receiver is supported by the transparent panel
- Protection against environmental impacts and pollution
- Cold bending of the glass panels on site
Applications
- Provision of an economical CPVT system
- The self-supporting tubes can be arranged either vertically or horizontally
- Sun protection system for buildings