Patent ID: 6543725
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: B64G,Y10S

Abstract:
A solar generator for space vehicles, comprising at least one foldable array with a current-conducting track system integrated in the array, the array comprising a plurality of flexible blankets with solar cells, each individual blanket extending perpendicular to a direction of unfolding of the array, hinges interconnecting said blankets for folding and unfolding the array, the solar cells being connected on the array by a plurality of parallel and series connections, said current-conducting track system comprising an inner current-conducting track and an outer current-conducting track, the inner and outer current-conducting tracks system each being arranged outside the blankets carrying the solar cells, said series connections of the solar cells being U-shaped, in which ends of two branches, extending across the entire array in the direction of unfolding, of electrically interconnected solar cells at the outer margin located away from the space vehicle, are connected in series by electrical lines in the outer current-conducting track, ends of the series connection being connected in parallel at the inner margin of the array by electrical lines at the inner current-conducting track to energy processing systems of the space vehicle.