Solar array augmented electrostatic discharge for spacecraft in geosynchronous earth orbit
US6248950A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Improved solar cell circuit layouts and cell structures that protect solar arrays located on spacecraft disposed in geosynchronous earth orbit from electrostatic discharge. An insulating material, such as RTV adhesive, for example, is used as a barrier that disposed in intercell gaps between solar cells. The use of the insulating material modifies sparking in the gaps caused by electrostatic discharge so that, while the spark still occurs, it has different non-destructive characteristics. The use of the insulating material causes no damage to other solar cell materials, such as a Kapton insulating layer or substrate used to support the solar cells. Furthermore, unique solar cell wiring schemes are provided that limit the voltage between adjacent solar cells to 50 volts or less.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.