Solar module array with reconfigurable tile
US6350944B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/906
Abstract
A reconfigurable solar panel system having a plurality of solar cells arranged in a predefined pattern on a printed circuit board having a predefined pattern of interconnection paths to form at least one solar cell module. The solar panel being made of at least one solar cell module and having the capability to be configured and reconfigured by programming at least one integrated circuit that communicates with each and every solar cell on the solar module. The present invention is capable of monitoring, controlling, and protecting the solar panel, as well as being reconfigured before, during and after the panel is assembled. With the present invention it is also possible to reconfigure the solar panel after it has been employed in an application, such as a satellite that is in orbit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.