Inflatable Solar Collector

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable solar collector ( 1 ) comprising an at least partially transparent sleeve divided at least into two chambers ( 3, 4 ) which are separated by a reflector membrane ( 5 ) reflecting on one side and which can respectively receive a gas, and at least one absorber ( 6 ) arranged opposite the reflective side of each reflector membrane ( 5 ). The sleeve is a cylindrical tube ( 2 ) and each reflector membrane ( 5 ) extends along the length thereof. The absorber(s) ( 6 ) is/are arranged along at least one focus line extending along the length thereof. Fillable ballast chambers ( 10 ) can be provided beneath the reflector membrane ( 5 ). Anchoring strips ( 12 ) are used for anchoring and bearing rolls ( 13 ) for support.

1 . An inflatable solar collector comprising an at least partially transparent sleeve divided into at least two chambers which are separated by a reflector membrane that is reflective on one side, and which can be independently acted on by a gas, and comprising at least one absorber oppositely situated from the reflective side of each reflector membrane, wherein the sleeve comprises a cylindrical tube, and each reflector membrane extends in the direction of the length of the tube, and the at least one absorber is situated along at least one focus line extending in the direction of the length of the tube. 
   
   
       2 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 1 , including wires stretched at defined intervals on a side of each reflector membrane opposite the reflective side, transverse to the longitudinal extension of the tube, and wherein each absorber is situated essentially at a center between two wires. 
   
   
       3 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 1 , including at least one ballast chamber with a variable ballast on the side of each reflector membrane opposite the reflective side. 
   
   
       4 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 3 , wherein each ballast chamber is divided into subchambers in the longitudinal direction of the tube which are connected by lines. 
   
   
       5 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 1 , including a ballast which is adjustable in length positioned on the side of each reflector membrane opposite the reflective side. 
   
   
       6 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 1 , wherein each reflector membrane is variably deflectable transverse to its longitudinal extension, and in the state of use is curved in an essentially parabolic or paraboloidal shape. 
   
   
       7 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 1 , including mutually intersecting anchoring bands secured at essentially diametrically opposed, outer sides of the tube. 
   
   
       8 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 1 , including bearing rollers or the like on the exterior of the tube positioned oppositely from each absorber. 
   
   
       9 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 1 , wherein the tube is filled with a buoyancy gas. 
   
   
       10 . An inflatable solar collector according to  claim 9 , including at least one conductor loop connected to a power source and embedded in the tube.