Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing solar energy with solar cells, which are arranged on a supporting structure and are connected electrically to one another and have an external connection for discharging the electrical energy. Several solar cells are parts of a frameless solar cell element, in which the solar cells are enclosed next to one another between film strips or panels. At least one side of the laminate, which faces the sunlight, is flat and transparent. The solar cell laminate lies on a supporting structure, which comprises two covering layers and a supporting foam layer therebetween, the support being formed with a recessed circumferential edge. The laminate lies on the edge, flush with the upper side of the supporting structure. The support body is constructed in undulating fashion between two parallel sections of edge, in order to support the solar cell laminate on the higher sections and to provide, with the lower sections, ducts for conducting coolant as well as for accommodating electrical conductors.

Abstract: A water-jet propulsion system for ships, which are intended to be used in shallow waters. A semi-axial, bladed turbine wheel with a vertical axis of rotation is disposed so that it can rotate in a well-shaped pressure housing. Into the pressure housing, the driving mechanism for the turbine wheel is introduced from above through a cover plate. At the lower end, the pressure housing is closed off by a bottom plate, which has a concentric, centrally disposed water inlet for axial flow against the turbine wheel and at least one water outlet with a shallow inclination. A guiding apparatus in which the flow energy of the water conveyed by the turbine wheel is largely converted into pressure energy is disposed between the outlet end of the conveying channels of the turbine wheel and the at least one water outlet.