I have finished several iterations of a parabolic reflector array design now, and have settled on one that is cheap, simple and modular, and relatively lightweight.
We will be testing out production of one section of the parabolic array in the coming weeks.
On to reflector design. Because we want to capture heat energy, rather than just visible light, from the sun, the reflector material should 'reflect' this choice...
Gold baby, gold.
Gold has a relatively High IR band reflectivity, while slightly lower visible spectrum and UV reflection. Other options are silver, or aluminum. reflection coatings can be applied over these materials to increase their efficiency.
I would love to test energy capture with different materials, but to do so could be expensive - having materials sourced, cut, coated, polished...
Unless we had a ready source of cheap reflector substrates... which we do. CD's are perfectly shaped for our needs. The largest drawback is their acrylic nature. However, electroplating on plastics is possible (actually, its electro-less and then electro-plating...)
But his seems overly complicated for "rev 1", so another source will be pursued, with this idea of metal plating CD's to be investigated later. (nickel plating substrate and then electroplating. can metallic evaporates be polymer adhered in a vacuum?)
Hard drive platers.
These 3" discs are pretty reflective on their own, but electro-plating them with Gold and applying a reflective clearcoat would be a neat test.
As an added benefit, both of these reflectors come ready made with holes in the center. Which is great, because these holes can be used to help affix and align the reflectors.
Quick CAD sketches to come this weekend.
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