Solar panel with flexible optical elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar arrays for spacecraft face challenges in achieving high energy output per unit area while meeting geometrical and mechanical requirements for both stowed and deployed states, with a need for cost reduction and improved dynamic performance during launch.
Innovation Solution
A solar array design featuring repositionable concentrator reflector sheet members with reflective areas on opposite surfaces, allowing for a compact stowed state and efficient deployment, along with a flexible support panel that can be bent to increase stiffness and resonance frequency, reducing the number of photovoltaic cells required and minimizing stowage volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid box-like concentrator structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but stowage volume increases and mechanical robustness during launch deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrator structure transitions from a static rigid box-like form to a dynamic deployable structure with movable reflective sheet members that can be repositioned between stowed and deployed states, allowing the structure to adapt its volume and configuration based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid box-like structures with flexible thin-film reflective sheet members that can be folded and repositioned, significantly reducing stowage volume while maintaining the optical concentrating function when deployed
2Power
If more photovoltaic cells are used, then energy output is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the reflective sheet members, which serve both as optical reflectors and as structural supports for the photovoltaic cells, reducing the need for additional components and allowing more efficient use of each photovoltaic cell
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using reflective sheet members with specific reflectivity characteristics and geometric configurations to concentrate sunlight more effectively onto the photovoltaic cells, increasing energy output per cell
3Volume of moving object
If flexible support panels are used, then stowage volume is reduced, but structural stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can be bent into different configurations, providing compact stowage when folded and adequate structural stiffness when deployed in its operational configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved or bent configurations of the flexible support panel to provide structural stiffness through geometric shaping, allowing the panel to maintain its form and resist deformation when deployed while remaining flexible enough for compact stowage
4Productivity
If concentrator reflector sheet members are repositioned to extended state, then energy concentration efficiency is improved, but mechanical robustness during launch deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective sheet members are designed to be repositionable between retracted and extended states, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration for optimal energy concentration during operation while maintaining a compact, robust form during launch
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features and constraints that ensure the reflective sheet members are securely held in their appropriate configurations (retracted for launch, extended for operation), preventing accidental displacement and ensuring mechanical robustness when needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves a reduced number of photovoltaic cells, lower costs, and improved dynamic performance by allowing the solar array to maintain mechanical robustness and efficiency in both stowed and deployed states, while minimizing the risk of mechanical resonances during launch.
Implementation Method 1
reflective areas configured for reflecting solar radiation towards the photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 2
powering spacecraft based on photovoltaic (PV) conversion of solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A solar array (50) for a spacecraft (10), comprising a solar concentrator that is provided with photovoltaic cells and reflective areas configured for reflecting solar radiation towards the photovoltaic cells, wherein the reflective areas and the photovoltaic cells are provided on opposite surfaces of concentrator reflector sheet members (56) that are repositionable from a retracted state wherein the concentrator reflector sheet members are in a substantially flat arrangement, to a extended state wherein the concentrator reflector sheet members are raised to allow the reflective areas to reflect solar radiation towards the exposed photovoltaic cells.Alternatively or in addition, the solar array may comprise a support panel, which may be at least partially flexible for retaining the support panel in a bent panel shape when the solar array is in the stowed state fixed at a position near a body of the spacecraft.