Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. One exemplary method of forming a solar mirror film involves providing a weatherable layer having a first major surface and a second major surface; masking a portion of the first major surface of the weatherable film using a masking material; applying a reflective layer to the first major surface of the reflective film; and removing the masking material. Another exemplary method involves providing a weatherable layer having a first major surface and a second major surface; shielding a portion of a reflective material source; and applying a reflective material to the first major surface of the reflective film using the shielded reflective material source.
Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. Some embodiments relate to a method of making a solar mirror film comprising: providing a weatherable layer having a first major surface and a second major surface; depositing a reflective material on the first major surface of the weatherable layer; and mechanically removing a portion of the reflective material.
Abstract:
A specular reflector includes a rigid substrate having a front major surface and an opposing back major surface and a multilayer specular reflective film disposed on the front major surface. A portion of the multilayer specular reflective film is wrapped around an edge surface of the rigid substrate and fixed to the back major surface. The multilayer specular reflective film has a film edge surface and a sealing material is disposed on the film edge surface.
Abstract:
A concentrating solar mirror panel assembly having a reflective sheet with a reflective major surface and an opposing major surface and a corrugated stiffener having ridges and troughs each having an outer surface with land areas, wherein the land areas of at least a portion of the ridges are joined to at least a portion of the opposing major surface of the reflective sheet. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is non-planar and substantially rigid. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is assembled such that a desired non-planar shape is maintained: either using a locking sheet or having the corrugated stiffener attached so that its principal axes of corrugation are substantially perpendicular to the axis of curvature of the assembly. Methods of making the concentrating solar mirror panel assembly are also disclosed. Concentrated solar power systems and solar collection devices are also disclosed.