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:
Oct. 13, 1992
Filed:
Feb. 26, 1990
James B Blackmon, Irvine, CA (US);
Kenneth W Stone, Huntington Beach, CA (US);
R Andrew Gerrick, Santa Ana, CA (US);
Nelson E Jones, Huntington Beach, CA (US);
McDonnell Douglas Corporation, Long Beach, CA (US);
Abstract
A photovoltaic electric power system for use in space. A self contained sun powered electric power generating system comprising a fresnel mirror array made up of a plurality of quadrilateral mirrors individually mounted on a generally flat supporting structure with the mirrors aimed at a common point above the structure, a photovoltaic array positioned at the common point by a movable strut mechanism, heat exchanger means at the PV array to draw excess heat therefrom, coolant lines from the heat exchanger means running through the struts to transfer heat to heat pipes configured as flat panels at the edges of and perpendicular to the supporting structure, and positioning means attached to a separate structure to enable the system to track the sun. The system is designed to fold into itself in the form of an elongate box for launch, maneuvering and protection.