Self-erecting portable photovoltaic panel system and method
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsDonald P. Cox, Donald R. McMonagle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A photovoltaic power system includes a flexible panel (105) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (305) configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The photovoltaic power system also includes an inflatable support frame (110) coupled to the flexible support panel, where the inflatable support frame is configured to support to the flexible panel when inflated by a gaseous solution. In addition, the photovoltaic power system may include a control canister (115) configured to store the gaseous solution and to provide the gaseous solution to the inflatable support frame.
Claims20
A photovoltaic power system comprising:
- a flexible panel (105) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (305) configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy;
- an inflatable support frame (110) coupled to the flexible support panel, the inflatable support frame configured to support to the flexible panel when inflated by a gaseous solution;
- and
- an inflation connection point (140, 145) configured to receive the gaseous solution.
A method comprising:
- erecting a support frame (110) by injecting a gaseous solution into a cavity of the support frame to inflate the support frame to a preformed shape;
- unfurling a photovoltaic panel (105) coupled to the support frame;
- and
- converting solar energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic panel.
An electrical system comprising:
- a photovoltaic power system comprising:
- a flexible panel (105) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (305) configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy;
- an inflatable support frame (110) coupled to the flexible support panel, the inflatable support frame configured to support to the flexible panel when inflated by a gaseous solution;
- and
- an inflation connection point (140, 145) configured to receive the gaseous solution;
- and
- an electrical controller (510) configured to couple an electrical load to the photovoltaic power system (505).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.