Flexible, foldable solar generator for spacecrafts

US6543725B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• ASTRIUM GMBH · DE

Inventors

• René Meurer · Bruckmühl, DE
• Gunter Küchler · Uetersen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 4, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 8, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 4, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S136/292
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A flexible foldable solar generator having an array of a plurality of blankets carrying solar cells hingeably connected to be folded and unfolded. The solar cells are connected together by branches and the branches are connected by connector lines in inner and outer current conducting tracks system arranged outside the blankets. The branches connect the solar cells with the connecting lines in the outer track to form a U-shaped series connection of the cells and the U-shaped series connected cells are connected in parallel by the connecting lines in the inner track where they can be connected to energy systems of the space vehicle.