Importance

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Abstract

A solar energy collecting system is disclosed, especially adapted for suspended installation from overhead support members at a roof or other enclosure which includes energy-transmissible portions for enabling the solar energy to be rendered incident on the system. The system comprises a flexible, relatively thin sheet, which includes a solar energy-reflecting surface. Frame means are provided, which are securable to a plurality of parallel spaced, strip-like zones on the sheet, the frame means being adapted to form the sheet at the said zones into parabolic arcs, with the reflective surface residing on the concave side of such arcs. The frame means are adapted to maintain the sheet in a taut condition between the spaced parabolically-arced zones, thereby maintaining the sheet in the configuration of a line-generated parabolic surface. Energy conversion means are disposed along the line of foci of the surface, for receiving reflected solar energy and converting same into a further utilizable energy form. Support means are provided for the frame means and energy conversion means, for disposing the system to receive incident solar energy onto the concave parabolic surface; and means are provided for rotating the frame means together with the parabolic surface about the line of foci, to at least partially track the incident solar radiation.

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First Claim