Survivable solar power-generating systems for use with spacecraft
US5089055A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 1989 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S136/292
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A survivable solar power-generating system for use with spacecraft is disclosed comprising optical means positioned to collect and concentrate solar energy flux, a flexible solar energy flux transmission line for conducting the concentrated solar flux towards a solar energy converter, and solar energy conversion means including an array photovoltaic cells for converting the solar energy flux to electrical power to be applied to on-board equipment of the spacecraft. A protected enclosure is positioned about the photovoltaic cells to shield them from destructive radiation and particulate matter. The transmission line includes a plurality of optical fiber waveguides whose input ends are positioned to receive the concentrated solar energy flux. Means are provided for moving the input ends of the optical fiber waveguides to optimize the quantity of concentrated solar flux entering the waveguides.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.