Aquaflector
The Aquaflector uses patent pending technology to dramatically reduce the costs of concentration. By avoiding rigid mirrors and motors and gears we achieve 80% of the utility for 5% of the cost
First the mirrors are tensioned mirror membranes. The mirrors
are not rigid, but are held in tension which keeps them flat and
mirror like. They are on replaceable spools which can be
quickly replaced. If the mirrors are made of mylar, then they
will cost around $1/m² . The mylar in the picture on
the left is about 7 months old. It should last 1 year easily
Other similar materials can last 10 years or more are more
expensive, but still priced between $10/m² and $20/m²
A row of mirrors are connected together using a very simple adjustable linkage. Each mirror is calibrated to be aligned with all the other mirrors
At the end of each row is a floating
counterweight which is suspended in a liquid in a container. Each container
is plumbed together, so that all the containers maintain identical
liquid levels. The last control system is connected to a computer
controlled pump. This pump sets the liquid level for all the floats, and
thus every floating counter weight will be at exactly the same heighth.
By doing this, large reflective areas can be controlled very economically.
It's unbelievably simple. 1 pump could conceivably control 1000's of mirrors and gravity keeps everything aligned with just simple plumbing.
Just basic physics!
next: Prices