Solar array for deployment in two dimensions

The present invention relates on the one hand a deployable solar generator, comprising a foldable solar generator panel and a support structure for Stiffening of the foldable solar generator panel, on the other hand a process for Folding and unfolding of a deployable solar generator.

Solar generators with support structures to reinforce the solar generator panel are from the prior art already known from DE 1257593 and DE 1801777 known. Both documents describe respectively a flexible solar array panel, which is stabilized by a support structure, the inflatable structure as a framework from formed hoses. The solar generator panel forms each a boom only one either by development or by developing in develops spatial direction or is rolled out. A similar device is known from JP 2001-106 196a known.

EP 0754625 describes on one hand flexible solar generators, the support structure a have made rigid braces for stiffening of a flexible solar generator panel, On the other hand there hybrid solar generators are described, they both rigid as also have flexible solar generator panels.

US 6,423,895 describes a deployable, flexible solar generator using a truss structure with crossbeams is deployed in a spatial direction and in unfolded state is stabilized by the struts and cross-members.

WO 2003/077324 A1 describes a sequential deployment of a solar generator panel first in a first direction in space, followed by a deployment in a second spatial direction. Here, to stiffen the solar generator panel Longitudinal ribs provided.

However, a disadvantage of such solar generators to the art of relatively high demand for storage space for accommodating the solar generators. This is particularly disadvantageous for use of solar generation in space, since only a very limited storage space is available on spacecraft available and optimum utilization of the available storage space to house Operating components and payload components on spacecraft for economic and technical aspects is extremely important. Also occurs in applications in space the problem that solar generators that require lots of storage space form and in particular in the jammed state long packets or rollers adversely affect position control characteristics of the spacecraft, since the Moment of inertia of a structure is a quadratic function of the length of the structure. Such moments occur precisely at multiple deployment processes particularly disruptive to.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide solutions for solar generators provide that a more compact storage of solar generators and a Deployment with minimal disturbance torques permit. This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 10. FIG.

A first object of the present invention relates to a deployable in particular a flexible solar generator comprising a foldable Solar generator panel and a support structure for stiffening the foldable Solar generator panel. The deployable solar generator includes means for Deployment of the foldable solar generator panel in two directions in space. According to the present invention it is provided that the devices for Deployment of the foldable solar generator panel for simultaneous deployment in two Spatial directions are formed. By unfolding and the solar generator panel in two directions in space is a more compact stowage of the solar generator panel possible as the only in the arrangements according to the prior art a spatial direction are unfolded and the solar generator panels in the folded State form elongated packets or rolls. Here, when a purely flexible Solar generator panel is chosen, also a decisive advantage results towards hybrid panel structures, as known from the prior art are in which to stabilize the assembly rigid panels with large must be provided dimensions mandatory. By designing the Solar generator for simultaneous deployment in both spatial directions can continues the disturbing torques occur during the deployment time as ideally also quantitatively minimized.

Preferably, the support structure may at the same time as a device for the simultaneous be formed two-dimensional deployment. It is thus not necessary, one of the provide support structure separate device for two-dimensional display, but the support structure performs both functions: on the one hand the deployment of the foldable solar generator from the folded to the unfolded state and on the other hand the stabilization of the foldable solar generator in the unfolded state. Thus, the number of required components can be reduced and thus the mass of the whole assembly are minimized. This is particularly for space applications very important.

In particular it can be provided that the supporting structure at least partially as inflatable structure is formed. This allows a very simple and safe Thus, a deployment of the solar generator can be realized, as by inflatable Error-prone structures, mechanical actuators can be avoided. It may additionally be provided that an inflation of the structure according to one Curing the structure, in particular a curing of the support structure takes place, either by chemical action, such as by chemical Reactions of substances that are introduced during inflation, or by physical action, for example by the action of sunlight on the unfolded state. So it is in this case at least partially inflatable Structure as a support structure provided in addition to the task of reinforcing the Solar generator in the unfolded state of the solar generator panel simultaneously be used for carrying out the deployment of the solar generator panel can. To be separate facilities for the deployment and stabilization the solar generator panel unnecessary. Inflatable structures allow two-dimensional extension such as tube structures also in a very simple way the realization of the invention simultaneous deployment in two spatial directions. In principle, however as Support structure and means for simultaneous two-dimensional deployment also any other type of structure may be used, for example, a suitable Arrangement of prestressed elastic support elements such as elastic pipes or leaf springs.

A special development of this subject invention provides that the Supporting structure is designed as inflatable frame structure that the solar generator panel encloses. It therefore is completely mechanical unrolling devices waived. Another advantage is that the deployment in two spatial directions, and due to the frame structure just the inventive simultaneous unfolding in two spatial directions, in a single operation by inflating the can be carried out frame structure. Next forms such a frame structure is an ideal Stabilization for a foldable solar generator panel such as a flexible Solar generator panel.

An advantageous further development of this inventive object provides that the Solar generator panel in the folded state initially in a first spatial direction is folded and then folded in a second direction in space. It can a single or multiple folding in a first direction in space, and then a single or multiple folding in a second spatial direction occur. For example, a square solar generator panel first zigzag-shaped in a first direction in space, and then zigzag shape in a second Spatial direction are folded. The resulting package is then in turn foursquare, but with significantly smaller dimensions than a package that only by folding in a Spatial direction arises. For other forms of solar generator panels as triangular or round, a different, possibly more suitable Folding to get voted.

Thus, the invention relates to a a deployable solar generator comprising Foldable solar generator panel and a support structure for stiffening the foldable Solar generator panel. According to the invention is provided in particular that the support structure of the deployable solar generator at least partly as a inflatable structure for the development of the solar generator panel into two Spatial directions is formed. It is at least partially in this case inflatable structure as a support structure provided in addition to the task Stiffening of the solar generator in the unfolded state of the solar generator panel at the same time for carrying out the deployment of the solar generator panel is used. To be separate facilities for the deployment and the Stabilization of the solar generator panel unnecessary.

A foldable solar generator according to the present invention can basically comprise flexible and / or rigid panels. If in addition to or instead of a flexible Solar generator panel at least one solar generator panel with certain rigid Properties are provided, then this is preferably of rigid sub-panels are formed which are interconnected by pivotal connections. These pivotal connections connect two sub-panels to each other and allow the panels to pivot about an axis against each other can. The pivotal connections, for example, as joints or flexible Elements, such as flat spring elements are formed.

can also for this embodiment of the invention with rigid sub-panels be provided in that the supporting structure as an inflatable frame structure is trained. The corresponding advantages and further possible details of a such a structure have already been described above.

Further, may also be provided in this embodiment of the invention, that the solar generator panel in the folded state initially first in a Spatial direction is folded and then folded in a second direction in space. Also here is for benefits and more details on the above occurred referenced embodiments.

As mentioned above, a solar generator according to the present invention in particular find use in a spacecraft. Such spacecraft can be either a satellite, a spacecraft, a launch vehicle, a Space Shuttle or Space Station be.

Another object of the present invention is a method for folding and development of a deployable solar generator comprising a foldable Solar generator panel and a support structure for stiffening the foldable Solar generator panel. According to the present invention it is provided that a simultaneous deployment of the foldable solar generator panel into two Spatial directions takes place. The simultaneous deployment of the solar generator panel in two directions in space is a more compact stowage of the solar generator panel possible as the only in the arrangements according to the prior art a spatial direction are unfolded and the solar generator panels in the folded State form elongated packets or rolls. Furthermore, during deployment are occurring disturbing moments in time as ideally minimizes magnitude.

It can be provided in particular that the simultaneous deployment in two spatial directions at least partially by blowing inflatable carried elements of the support structure. For more details on this in principle on already made explanations of the above arrangements within the scope referenced to the invention.

A folding of the solar generator panel can especially initially in a first Spatial direction and then carried out in a second spatial direction. It can while a single or multiple folding in a first direction in space then a single or multiple folding in a second spatial direction done. For example, a square solar generator panel initially Zigzag-shaped in a first direction in space, and then zigzag shaped in a second spatial direction are folded. The resulting package is then in turn quadrangular, but with much smaller dimensions than a package that only by Fold in one direction in space arises. For other forms of solar generator panels as triangular or round, a different, possibly more appropriate Folding type can be selected. The simultaneous unfolding in two directions in space preferably takes place by inflating a frame-like support structure the solar generator panel surrounds.

A specific embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7th

Show it:<dl tsize="7"><dt>Fig. 1:</dt><dd>Deployment of a solar generator according to the invention in a first spatial direction</dd><dt>Fig. 2:</dt><dd>Deployment of a solar generator according to the invention in a second spatial direction</dd><dt>Fig. 3:</dt><dd>Inventive solar generator with inflatable frame structure in folded state</dd><dt>Fig. 4:</dt><dd>Inventive solar generator with inflatable frame structure according to Fig. 3 in unfolded condition</dd><dt>Fig. 5:</dt><dd>Sectional diagram of a solar generator according to FIG. 1 with rigid Sub-panels</dd><dt>Fig. 6:</dt><dd>Illustration analogous to FIG. 1 for a solar generator with rigid sub-panels</dd><dt>Fig. 7:</dt><dd>Illustration analogous to FIG. 2 for a solar generator with rigid sub-panels</dd></dl>

Fig. 1 and 2 show the development of a solar generator with a solar generator panel 1 according to the present invention in two spatial Richtunge n x, y. The Solar generator panel 1 can take place either as a single, flexible panel be formed, which is divided by folding into individual sub-areas. 4 The solar generator panel may also consist of single, rigid sub-panels 14 are formed which are interconnected by pivotal connections 5, as shown in Fig. 5-7. A flexible solar generator panel can for example, consist of a substrate film, on which is also flexible solar cells or solar cell modules 3, for example, thin film solar cells or appropriate Modules are applied (see also Fig. 3).

In both cases, an unfolding of the folded solar generator panel 1 takes place in a first spatial direction x and in a second spatial direction y. This development may Although in principle, initially only in the first spatial direction x, and then only in the second spatial direction y occur, as for various arrangements of the prior known art. According to the invention, however, the development is carried out in the two spatial directions x, y virtually simultaneously.

The folding of the solar generator panel 1 before for stowing the solar generator the development is as follows: It is first a convolution of Solar generator panel in a first spatial direction y analogous to FIG. 2, then there is a further folding the already folded solar generator panel 1 in a second spatial direction x. With a flexible solar array panel 1 a is such Fold due to the flexible properties of the solar generator panel 1 without Another possible.

In a solar generator panel 1, the corresponding of rigid sub-panels 14 Fig. 5 is to 7, this convolution is pivotal connections 5 as joints or springs allows connecting the sub-panels 14 to each other. To are in square sub-panels corresponding pivotal connections 14 5 mounted on at least two side edges of the sub-panels 14th figures 6 and 7 show in an analogous manner to Fig. 1 and 2, the folding of a solar generator panel 1 of rigid sub-panels 14 initially in a first spatial direction y, then in a second spatial direction x.

To unfold the solar generator panel 1 an inflatable structure 2 is provided, in addition to the implementation of the deployment at the same time in the unfolded State of the solar generator panel 1 as a support structure for stiffening the solar generator serves. The inflatable structure 2, by hoses or hose-like Structure can be realized, wherein in Fig. 4, the tubes a frame-shaped form structure. 6 by a supply of compressed air or other gas may in the Tubes 2 are routed so that they are inflated. It can entire frame-like structure of the tubes are simultaneously inflated 2, whereby deployment of the solar generator panel 1 in both directions in space x, y simultaneously. But it could in principle also by a corresponding Interpretation of the tubes and their connections for feeding (for example, by separate feeders, valves or the like) out the hoses 2 be inflated in a first spatial direction x extending, and then the tubes, which extend in a second spatial direction Y to first a deconvolution in the x direction and then a development in the y direction to realize. The material of the hoses and / or to inflate the hoses gases supplied and any blended substances designed be, that after the inflation of a stiffening of the hoses 2 and a Curing of the hoses 2 by chemical and / or physical processes is carried out in order to guarantee a long-term stability of the hoses second

Fig. 3 shows a four-cornered, in particular square Solar generator according to FIG. 1 and 2 or according to Fig. 5 to 7 in the folded state, the reverse of the Sequence of Figs. 1 and 2 or 6 and 7 folded was, as already described above. This gives rise to a likewise quadrangular, especially square package, The very compact size has. In contrast, results from a convolution Solar generator according to the methods of the prior art each have a relatively long packet, which has a particularly negative in applications in space Influences brings to the position control of a spacecraft. In addition to the Possibility of simpler accommodation arises in the present invention through the compact package has the chance to solar generator with a few use adjustments for many different applications, especially in space for many different types and missions of Spacecraft. Here now are the not yet inflated tubes 2 in Border area of ​​the package together. Inside the package are, according to Embodiment of the invention, the sub-areas 4 and the rigid sub-panels 14 of the solar generator panel 1 sequentially, in turn, solar cells or Solar cell modules 3 have.

The invention has the advantage that the solar generator on the one hand with a Minimum of facilities for the development and stabilization manages, and so the Mass of the solar generator can be minimized, on the other hand by the compact Folding and simultaneous unfolding and in two spatial directions a maximum solar panel surface in the folded state in the smallest possible space can be stowed to disturbing influences by the solar array to another Structures to minimize possible.