Abstract: A sag-bending glass sheet mold is disclosed. The sheet mold comprises a plurality of lateral support members, a plurality of longitudinal support members arranged perpendicular to the lateral support members, each of the plurality of lateral support members extending between two of the plurality of longitudinal support members, each of the plurality of longitudinal support members having an upper surface, and the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of longitudinal support members combined to form a mold support surface. The sheet mold can also comprise a glass-bearing support sheet disposed atop the mold support surface, the glass-bearing support sheet extending across the plurality of longitudinal support members and above the lateral support members, the glass-bearing support sheet having a curved upper surface.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective member, a second reflective member, a photovoltaic receiver comprising at least one photovoltaic solar cell unit, and a support structure coupled to the first and second reflective members and the photovoltaic receiver. The first reflective member is shaped to concentrate sunlight in front of the first reflective member, and has an edge region extending inward from an edge adjacent the second reflective member. The edge region is formed in a shape which curves away from the photovoltaic receiver near the first edge.

Abstract: A sag-bending system is disclosed. The sag-bending system comprises a sag-bending glass support mold and a perimeter thermal manager. The sag-bending glass support mold has a quadrilateral shape, a collective upper surface, and a periphery. The support mold comprises a plurality of rib members extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of rib members having a curved upper surface shaped to form the collective upper surface having a position and shape to support a quadrilateral-shaped sag-bent glass sheet into a desired contour, each of the rib members further having a lower surface, and a plurality of support members extending in a second direction between at least two of the plurality of rib members, the second direction traverse to the first direction.

Abstract: The area of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) require reliable, robust and durable reflectors capable of withstanding different environments, weather and transportation conditions. It is therefore important to use a method for fabricating a reflector which seals a reflector edge against moisture, corrosion and contaminants and protects the edge from cracks and damage. Embodiments of this method include depositing a clear sealant over the reflector edges, extending a reflective film over the edges of the reflector then sealing from the back and laminating a flexible strip of a clear polymer such as PVB and EVA around the top edge, a bottom edge, and all side edges of the reflector. Another embodiment includes performing hemming process on a front assembly of the reflector over the edges of a back assembly forming a sacrificial layer at the back of the reflector to prevent delamination.

Abstract: A sag-bending system is disclosed. The sag-bending system comprises a sag-bending glass support mold and a perimeter thermal manager. The support mold comprises a plurality of rib members extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of rib members having a curved upper surface shaped to form the collective upper surface having a position and shape to support a quadrilateral-shaped sag-bent glass sheet into a desired contour, each of the rib members further having a lower surface, and a plurality of support members extending in a second direction between at least two of the plurality of rib members, the second direction traverse to the first direction. The perimeter thermal manager is sized and positioned to surround, to extend at least partially over, and to extend at least partially under the periphery of the support mold.

Abstract: A sag-bending system is disclosed. The sag-bending system comprises a sag-bending glass support mold and a perimeter thermal manager. The support mold comprises a plurality of rib members extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of rib members having a curved upper surface shaped to form the collective upper surface having a position and shape to support a quadrilateral-shaped sag-bent glass sheet into a desired contour, each of the rib members further having a lower surface, and a plurality of support members extending in a second direction between at least two of the plurality of rib members, the second direction traverse to the first direction. The perimeter thermal manager is sized and positioned to surround, to extend at least partially over, and to extend at least partially under the periphery of the support mold.

Abstract: A sag-bending glass sheet mold is disclosed. The sheet mold comprises a plurality of lateral support members, a plurality of longitudinal support members arranged perpendicular to the lateral support members, each of the plurality of lateral support members extending between two of the plurality of longitudinal support members, each of the plurality of longitudinal support members having an upper surface, and the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of longitudinal support members combined to form a mold support surface. The sheet mold can also comprise a glass-bearing support sheet disposed atop the mold support surface, the glass-bearing support sheet extending across the plurality of longitudinal support members and above the lateral support members, the glass-bearing support sheet having a curved upper surface.