A proof-of-concept subscale prototype of a lightweight, low-cost inflatable heliostat features a spherical inflatable structure with a reflective Mylar membrane mirror on its equatorial plane. The reflective surface is protected from rain, dust, sand, and wind by the transparent upper hemisphere, and can be shaped to achieve varying focal distances through differential air pressure between the upper and lower hemispheres. While the prototype transparent surface is made of heat-seamed optical vinyl panels, a potential production application would use single-sheet thermoformed Tefzel, which features high transparency, long field life, and a self-cleaning characteristic. The inflated sphere is stably supported by a combination of polar bearings and base rollers, and the entire sphere can be precisely pointed in elevation and azimuth angle using two stepper control motors. Preliminary estimates indicate that inflatable heliostats could potentially reduce heliostat cost from around $192/m2 for conventional glass mirror heliostats down to around $67/m2...
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
August 2002
Solar Scenery
Low-Cost Inflatable Heliostat for Solar Thermal Powerplants
Mithra Sankrithi
Mithra Sankrithi
RSV Invention Enterprises, 17602 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, e-mail: sankrithi@msn.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Mithra Sankrithi
RSV Invention Enterprises, 17602 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, e-mail: sankrithi@msn.com
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Aug 2002, 124(3): 205 (1 pages)
Published Online: August 1, 2002
Article history
Online:
August 1, 2002
Citation
Sankrithi , M. (August 1, 2002). "Low-Cost Inflatable Heliostat for Solar Thermal Powerplants ." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. August 2002; 124(3): 205. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1504094
Download citation file:
57
Views
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Mass Flow Control Strategy for Maximum Energy Extraction in Thermal Energy Storage Tanks
J. Sol. Energy Eng (December 2025)
Related Articles
Truncation of the Secondary Concentrator (CPC) as Means to Cost Effective Beam-Down System
J. Sol. Energy Eng (August,2010)
Comparison and Optimization of Heliostat Canting Methods
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2009)
A New Troughlike Nonimaging Solar Concentrator
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2002)
Guest Editorial
J. Sol. Energy Eng (November,2009)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Development of a Two-Stage Solar Concentrator Using Fresnel Lens and Dish Reflector
Inaugural US-EU-China Thermophysics Conference-Renewable Energy 2009 (UECTC 2009 Proceedings)
A Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Strategy for Superheater Process in Thermal Power Plant
International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Technology (ICMET-London 2011)
Research on Site Selection of Thermal Power Plants Based on Improved TOPSIS
International Symposium on Information Engineering and Electronic Commerce, 3rd (IEEC 2011)