Christopher Todd Lashley

US Patent:

6118067, Sep 12, 2000

Filed:

Nov 20, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/196806

Inventors:

Christopher M. Lashley - Columbia MD
Stephen J. Krein - Highland MD
Rosemary Schmidt Thorpe - Clarksville MD

Assignee:

Swales Aerospace - Beltsville MD

International Classification:

H01L 2500

US Classification:

136245

Abstract:

A lightweight photovoltaic concentrator is disclosed. The concentrator comprises at least two sections each comprising a cell panel, a radiator panel and a reflector panel. In one embodiment, the concentrator system of the present invention comprises at least two hinged sections each comprising a solar cell panel, a flat radiator panel, and a curved reflective concentrator panel. The solar cell panel comprises at least one photovoltaic cell for generating electrical power in response to radiation. The solar cell panel is aligned with the radiator panel at an angle less than 180 degrees but not less than 90 degrees facing the reflective concentrator panel. In another embodiment, the cell panels on adjoining sections are angled in opposite directions with respect to the radiator panels and wherein the reflective concentrator panels are located on opposite sides of the radiator panels. A heat pipe or loop heat pipe is located in the radiator panel to dissipate heat from the solar cells.