Depolyable retractable photovoltaic concentrator solar array assembly for space applications
US5131955A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S136/292
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A deployable/retractable photovoltaic concentrator solar array assembly for space applications that includes a plurality of solar array panels that are carried by a pantograph arm arrangement that is deployable to position the panels in a predetermined canted arrangement for receipt of solar radiation. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced cylindrical off axis parabolic mirrors that concentrate the reflected light on a line that falls upon a series of photovoltaic cells arranged longitudinally along the back of each mirror. The cylindrical parabolic mirrors are aligned with the cylindrical axis perpendicular to the axis about which the panels are canted, so that such canting causes no loss of focus. The array panels may be hardened to resist perceived threats and the pantograph arm arrangement is operable to position the array panels in a preferred orientation according to the nature of the threat. A preferred method of making the parabolic concentrator mirrors and assembling them into array panels is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.