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:
Sep. 06, 1994
Filed:
Nov. 16, 1992
Theodore G Stern, San Diego, CA (US);
Mickey Cornwall, San Diego, CA (US);
General Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems Division, San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
A self supporting solar concentrator cell array adapted for use in space applications that includes a plurality of cylindric parabolic reflective mirror surfaces, each of which focus recipient sunlight forwardly onto a focal line which is positioned approximately on the backside of an adjacent mirror surface on which is secured a solar element for converting the focussed sunlight into electricity. A front element extending upwardly from the leading edge of each mirror surface cooperates in providing an aperture through which the focussed sunlight passes and side elements close each cell element. The backside of each mirror is provided with a thermally emissive surface to provide mirror thermal control and allows the mirror to act as a thermal radiator fin for the solar cell elements. The mirror surface is provided with a highly reflective coating such as aluminum or silver to optimize reflectivity. The solar cell concentrator cell array is made by forming an uncured advanced organic composite part blank over a highly polished tool surface to impart the desired mirror surfaces. The solar concentrator cell array is cured, for example, by heated press means to form a unitary integral cell array that is entirely self supporting and provides structural stability while providing optimum electrical power output for minimum weight.