Solar reflecting panel

A solar reflecting panel adapted for use with various apparatus for concentrating solar radiation on a close range or distant receiver to produce high temperatures thereat, the apparatus having means for supporting said solar reflecting panel and for moving it independently in both azimuth and elevation so that it reflects the rays of the sun to the receiver, said solar reflecting panel comprising:

• A. a reflecting member formed as a very thin, relatively large area and relatively flexible sheet of base material, said reflecting member presenting a highly specular surface to the rays of the sun, and
• B. a tensioning frame for supporting said reflecting member, said tensioning frame comprising
• 1. an outer frame member which is dimensioned to be substantially coextensive with said reflecting member, said outer frame member being formed of a plurality of elongate frame member sections, each section having means for connecting peripheral portions of said reflecting member to corresponding peripheral portions of said outer frame member,
• 2. an inner frame member disposed within said outer frame member and having a structural configuration such that said inner frame member is capable of withstanding high compressive stresses directed inwardly relative to said inner and outer frame members, and
• 3. a plurality of frame separating devices disposed between said inner and outer frame members at spaced locations around the periphery of said inner frame member for imposing sufficient compressive stress on said inner frame member to cause said outer frame member sections to be forcibly urged outwardly and thereby to impose high linear tensile strain on said reflecting member so that said tensioning frame maintains said reflecting member in a substantially planar and highly tensioned condition.