Deployable vertically oriented solar collectors utilizing all-inflated polymer construction

We realize the first all-inflated and vertically oriented solar trough concentrator that targets a low-concentration, low-cost regime. First, we derive the maximum concentration for a circular mirror coupled to a circular receiver based on the full collection condition. We then develop the structural framework for mechanically permissible vertical collectors using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and present a novel Monte Carlo ray tracing algorithm that applies to mirrors that deflect due to wind-loading. The coupled structural and optical study, along with experimental flux mapping and a new methodology involving lasers, informed the development of a final prototype measuring 12" in diameter and 9 ft tall that achieves a flux concentration of 2.13. The final on-sun experiment resulted in an outlet temperature of 40°C and an outlet power of approximately 10 W at an efficiency of 2 - 4%. Experimental results were then verified using a thermal simulation using Simulink.