Flexible, foldable solar generator for spacecraft, contg. foldable array(s) with integrated system of current conductor strips and blankets carrying solar cells

摘要

The individual blankets (2) are interconnected by hinges vertically w.r.t the unfolding direction of the array (1). The solar cells are fitted in several parallel and series circuits. The current conductor strip system consists of an inner system (4) and an outer one (5) outside of the cell carrying blanket. The parallel circuits are meander-shaped, and the series circuits are U-shaped, electric conductors (10) provide interconnection of cells in the parallel circuits, while conductors (9) carry the current from the inner system to the energy processors of the spacecraft.