Systems and methods for obtaining energy in shadowed regions
US12173934B2 · kind B2 · utility
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86References
19Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for directing radiant energy to permanently shadowed or occasionally shadowed regions such as on the floors of craters or in valleys in lunar polar regions to provide illumination, thermal power, electricity, communications, and other services. Embodiments of the systems include reflector elements to provide diffuse illumination, focused illumination, and thermal power, structures to support the reflectors and other elements, communications devices for varied signal types, and methods for installing the system. The structure can be compactly folded and delivered to be automatically installed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.