Warren W. Gonder

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an approach for collecting solar energy which consists of one or more solar energy collectors attached to a frame which floats on a pool of water, and means for orienting the frame relative to the azimuthal direction of the sun.

Abstract: A solar collector structure and method of fabrication are disclosed, the solar collector being of the linear, parabolic reflector-type. The parabolic reflector body includes an elongated layered structure having a concave parabolic reflective surface. The reflector body is supported and reinforced by a longitudinal beam member bonded to the convex backside of the layered structure. The layered structure includes a first reflective layer and a supporting molded layer formed of an amorphous hard-curing adherent material such as concrete or stucco. The entire reflector body structure is fabricated on an elongated convex mold. The method of fabrication includes forming the mold using a screed-moving apparatus which moves longitudinally along the mold. As the parabolic reflector body is formed on the mold, the screed-moving apparatus is again used to shape portions of the reflector body. A means for fabricating a parabolic reflector body, including both the elongated mold and the molded and reflective portions of the reflector body, together with the reinforcing longitudinal beam member, is also disclosed.