Abstract: Disclosed embodiments facilitate exceptionally fast charging of electric vehicles that may be stationary or in motion. Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is accomplished by use of high frequency power supplies, transmitting antennas, vehicle receivers and high capacity capacitors within the vehicles. The capacitors may be quickly charged and may be then used to directly power a vehicle and/or charge a vehicle's native battery. A vehicle receiver may wirelessly receive a wave of electrical power and cover the power to DC for further use or transition to the capacitors or vehicle battery.

Abstract: A solar collector (100) is provided having increased efficiency and operating life, and reduced size and cost over conventional collectors. Generally, the collector (100) includes a three-dimensional array (110) of cells (104), including a base-layer (112) and at least one elevated-tier (114) above and separated from the base-layer, so that at least some light passes between cells of the tier to the base-layer. Preferably, the tier (114) includes cells (104) oriented to receive light reflected from the base-layer (112). More preferably, the array (100) is within an enclosure (108) having a bottom-wall (120) and sidewalls (122, 124) that reflect a portion of light incident thereon onto the cells (104). In one embodiment, the cells (104) include types of monolithic cells sensitive to different wavelengths of light, and the collector (100) further includes voltage converters (144) to match voltages from the different types of cells to a common output voltage.

Abstract: A solar collector (200) is provided having increased efficiency and reduced cost over conventional collectors. The collector includes an array (218) of substrates (202A, 220B) each having a substantially planar surface with a photovoltaic cell (208) formed thereon. Generally, the array (218) includes at least first and second substrates (202A, 220B) oriented at an angle (&agr;) relative to each other, and to a direction of propagation of light received on the surface of the first substrate such that light reflected from the first substrate is reflected onto the surface of the second substrate, thereby increasing efficiency of the collector (200). The efficiency of the collector (200) varies inversely with the angle between the first and second substrates (202A, 220B) for angles between 140° and 20°.

Abstract: A solar collector (100) is provided having increased efficiency and operating life, and reduced size and cost over conventional collectors. Generally, the collector (100) includes a three-dimensional array (110) of cells (104), including a base-layer (112) and at least one elevated-tier (114) above and separated from the base-layer, so that at least some light passes between cells of the tier to the base-layer. Preferably, the tier (114) includes cells (104) oriented to receive light reflected from the base-layer (112). More preferably, the array (100) is within an enclosure (108) having a bottom-wall (120) and sidewalls (122, 124) that reflect a portion of light incident thereon onto the cells (104). In one embodiment, the cells (104) include types of monolithic cells sensitive to different wavelengths of light, and the collector (100) further includes voltage converters (144) to match voltages from the different types of cells to a common output voltage.

Abstract: A solar collector (100) is provide having increased efficiency and operating life, and reduced size and cost over conventional collectors. Generally, the collector (100) includes a three-dimensional array (110) of cells (104), including a base-layer (112) and at least one elevated-tier (114) above and separated from the base-layer, so that at least some light passes between cells of the tier to the base-layer. Preferably, the tier (114) includes cells (104) oriented to receive light reflected from the base-layer (112). More preferably, the array (100) is within an enclosure (108) having a bottom-wall (120) and sidewalls (122, 124) that reflect a portion of light incident thereon onto the cells (104). In one embodiment, the cells (104) include types of monolithic cells sensitive to different wavelengths of light, and the collector (100) further includes voltage converters (144) to match voltages from the different types of cells to a common output voltage.