Patent · US Expired

Solar concentrator - radiator assembly

US4947825A · kind A · utility

77Cited by
11References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 11, 1989
Grant dateAug 14, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 11, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/44
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A combined solar concentrator and radiator assembly (10) is provided in a relatively lightweight and compact geometry adapted particularly for use in electrical power generation systems in space. The solar concentrator - radiator assembly comprises a solar reflector of the Cassegrain type having primary and secondary reflelctor surfaces (14) and (26) for concentrating incident solar ration upon a thermal powered generator unit (16). The primary reflector surface (14) is formed on one side of an array of interleaved panels (30) adapted for movement between a compact stowed profile to fit within the cargo bay of a transport vehicle, and an extended deployed configuration. The reverse sides of these panels define a space radiator of extended surface area connected to the generator unit (16) by heat transfer members such as heat pipes (34) for purposes of dissipating excess heat to the surrounding space environment.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.