Darrell N Summers

US Patent:

6429368, Aug 6, 2002

Filed:

Mar 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/812981

Inventors:

Darrell L. Summers - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

H01L 31045

US Classification:

136245, 136244, 136292, 244173

Abstract:

A foldable solar cell array ( â) with multiple hinged panels, each with a segment of solar cells on a first face of each panel. Maximum power demands are met by employing a shortened outermost panel ( â) to minimize mass and inertia of the array. In a folded configuration, power generated from solar cells on the shortened outermost panel ( â) are supplemented by power generated from an additional segment of solar cells on a second face of the panel adjacent to the outermost one.