Methods and systems for a solar cell concentrator
AssigneeTecstar Power Systems, Inc.
InventorEugene L. Ralph
Life of this patent
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention is a solar cell array intended for use in space. The solar cell array includes a lightweight, compressible concentrator which can be efficiently deployed. The solar cell array includes a first column of solar cells and a second column of solar cells. A reflective concentrator may be positioned between the first column of solar cells and the second column of solar cells. The reflective concentrator may include a thin film material, where the reflective concentrator is compressible to a first height when in the stowed position. A spring may be coupled to the concentrator, wherein the spring urges the reflective concentrator to a second height when the reflective concentrator is deployed.
Claims41
A solar cell array intended for use in space, said solar cell array including a lightweight, modular, compressible concentrator apparatus which can be efficiently deployed, said solar cell array comprising:
- a first column of solar cells;
- a second column of solar cells;
- a first reflective concentrator positioned between said first column of solar cells and said second column of solar cells, said reflective concentrator including a thin film material, wherein said reflective concentrator is compressible to a first height when in the stowed position;
- and
- a spring coupled to said concentrator, wherein said spring urges said reflective concentrator to a second height when said reflective concentrator is deployed.
A method of assembling a solar cell array, said method comprising:
- providing a first column of solar cells on an array panel;
- providing a second column of solar cells on said array panel;
- and
- providing a reflective concentrator apparatus formed at least partly from thin film material, said reflective concentrator apparatus positioned between said first column of solar cells and said second column of solar cells, wherein said reflective concentrator apparatus is compressible to a first height for stowing and said reflective concentrator apparatus extends to a second height for deployment.
A solar cell array, comprising:
- a first means for converting solar energy into electrical energy, including a plurality of solar cells;
- a second means for converting solar energy into electrical energy, including a plurality of solar cells;
- a reflective means for concentrating light on said first means for converting solar energy and said second means for converting solar energy, said reflective means for concentrating light positioned between said first means for converting solar energy and said second means for converting solar, wherein said reflective means for concentrating light is compressible to a first height and is extendible to a second height.
A system intended for use in space comprising:
- a first string of solar cells on a panel;
- a second string of solar cells on said panel;
- and
- a concentrator, said concentrator positioned between said first string of solar cells and said second string of solar cells, said concentrator having a tent shape with a first height when deployed and said concentrator having a second height when stowed, where said first height is greater than said second height.
A system intended for use in space comprising:
- a first column of solar cells on a first array panel;
- a second column of solar cells on said first array panel;
- and
- a thin film concentrator, said thin film concentrator positioned between said first column of solar cells and said second column of solar cells, said thin film concentrator having a first height when deployed;
- a second array panel which compresses said thin film concentrator to a second height when in a stowed position, where said first height is greater than said second height;
- and
- a space vehicle coupled to said first array panel and said second array panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.