Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric – Photoelectric – Panel or array
Patent
1999-04-06
2000-11-14
Nguyen, Nam
Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric
Photoelectric
Panel or array
136292, 244173, H01L 31045, B64G 144
Patent
active
061472948
ABSTRACT:
The power to weight ratio obtained with a spacecraft's solar array (3) is enhanced by a factor of at least two to five through use of support structure for individual solar panels or solar arrays (31a-17a) containing a curved outwardly bowed surface as deployed that packs essentially flat for storage. Defining a D-shaped wing (15a) in cross-section as deployed, the support structure (4 & 6) for a string of solar cells (10, FIG. 3) provides greater inertia and thereby greater rigidity than prior designs. One member (4) to the support structure is relatively flexible. One-hundred and eighty degree strain energy hinges (19) carried by the other support member (6) outwardly bows that flexible to define a curved sector when the support structure is released from the stowed condition in which the support structure is held relatively thin and flat.
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Dailey Dean R.
Elliott Lee E.
Goldman Ronald M.
Miggins Michael C.
Nguyen Nam
TRW Inc.
Yatsko Michael S.
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