Photovoltaic Concentrator for Spacecraft Power Comprising an Ultra-Light Graphene Radiator for Waste Heat Dissipation
OwnerMark J. O'Neillinventor
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Abstract
This invention includes an optical concentrator which focuses incident sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell or group of photovoltaic cells which is mounted in thermal contact with a radiator comprising ultra-light graphene sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the optical concentrator comprises a thin Fresnel lens, the photovoltaic cell or group of photovoltaic cells comprises a high-efficiency multi junction device, and the graphene radiator comprises a very thin and light sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the graphene radiator is deployed and supported in space as a stressed membrane by employing tension in one or more directions.
Claims15
A photovoltaic concentrator comprising at least one optical element for producing a focus of concentrated sunlight onto at least one photovoltaic cell mounted in thermal contact with at least one radiator at least partially comprising graphene.
A waste heat rejection radiator for a space photovoltaic concentrator, said concentrator comprising at least one optical element for producing a focus of concentrated sunlight onto at least one photovoltaic cell mounted in thermal contact with said waste heat radiator, said waste heat radiator at least partially comprising graphene.
A waste heat rejection radiator for a space photovoltaic concentrator, said concentrator comprising at least one optical element for producing a focus of concentrated sunlight onto at least one photovoltaic cell mounted in thermal contact with said waste heat radiator, said waste heat radiator at least partially comprising graphene supported as a thin stressed membrane by tension from two or more of its edges.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.