The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 30, 1992
Filed:
Apr. 22, 1991
Richard D Cummings, Reading, MA (US);
Electric Power Research Institute, Inc., Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
An extensive photovoltaic array for generating electric power from solar radiation as in a power plant includes an extensive unitary structural grid having substantial extent in both x and y directions and supported on a pedestal. The unitary structural grid is defined by a multiplicity of structural members connected to one another at angles and defining spaces therebetween. The structural grid has a depth sufficient to provide structural rigidity to the photovoltaic array. A large multiplicity of lens assemblies, each including at least one lens, is directly supported by and in spaces defined between structural members of the unitary structural grid. The lens assemblies close the upper side of the unitary structural grid. All other sides of the unitary structural grid are also closed. A plurality of solar cells are located within spaces defined between structural members of the structural grid and positioned to receive solar radiation that passes through respective lenses of the lens assemblies. The lens assemblies and the structural members of the structural grid have an integrated relationship.