Patents Assigned to Tecstar Power Systems
  • Patent number: 6188012
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Tecstar Power Systems
    Inventor: Eugene L. Ralph