Abstract: A concentrated photovoltaic and thermal system is disclosed. The system compromises a photovoltaic receiver assembly that produces highly concentrated solar energy, resulting in efficient energy conversion that requires fewer photovoltaic receivers than an arrangement that lacks such high concentration levels. The receiver assembly comprises a primary optical element that concentrates the source light onto an electromagnetic energy receiver, a secondary optical element to aid in further concentration of the light source, a thermal energy converter and a heat dissipation unit. The photovoltaic receiver assembly is preferably mounted on a tracking system to maximize sun exposure.

Abstract: An electrical energy generating system is mounted on a structure and includes a ducted shroud facing the wind and concentrating its flow through Coanda effect to inlet mouths each directed to a respective one of a plurality of small centrifugal or axial turbines connected to brushless DC generators. The air exits each turbine axially and is directed to flow along the wall, merging with the natural vertical airflow and is discarded at the top of the structure where another deflector creates a negative pressure helping the residual airflow to merge with wind blowing over the top. The efficiency of generation is proportional to the difference between the front wind pressure and the back air pressure. While each wind cell generates only a few tens of watts, the array can generate a large amount of electricity to be used for the structure and/or to be made available to a grid.

Abstract: A light distribution system is used in a method for converting solar or artificial light into AC electricity by collecting, concentrating and time-sharing light to a number of photovoltaic cells. The cells are arranged in an array arranged such that the beam traverses relative to the photovoltaic cells so as to fall repeatedly on each of the cells as the drive arrangement causes movement of a light deflecting member. The cells are arranged in pairs connected to a primary winding of a transformer by a resonant circuit for delivering from the transformer the AC power supply substantially in a sinusoidal waveform. The movement can be in a single direction or reciprocating. The transformer can be connected to a power grid and the movement synchronized to the frequency and phase of the grid by an optical or radio link.

Abstract: A light distribution system is used in a method for converting solar or artificial light into electricity by collecting, concentrating and time-sharing light to a number of photovoltaic cells. A convergent lens and an optional optical collimator provide an intense parallel beam directed onto a spinning mirror reflecting the beam in a radial plane to its axis of rotation and time-distributing it to a number of photovoltaic cells which are in an inside surface of a cylinder in the plane. The apparatus has DC or AC output capability, in accordance with the connecting pattern of the PV cells and is protected against burnout due to spinning mirror failure by stopping the beam at a window. A light pipe can be used to carry the light from the collector to the mirror. The device can be used to transmit power in a laser beam to a remote station such as a robot.

Abstract: An electromagnetic linear drive has a stationary unit, a mobile unit centered and coaxially placed with respect to the stationary unit and an enclosing assembly made of diamagnetic material to support and protect the stationary unit and the mobile unit. The stationary unit contains a coil, wound around a bobbin made of non-conductive and diamagnetic material including a stationary magnet coaxially attached to the lateral face of the bobbin. The mobile unit includes a mobile magnet fastened to a shaft made of diamagnetic material which holds, positions and further transfer the linear motion of the mobile magnet to the driven device. Two stationary units are used to obtain controlled movement in both direction. The permanent magnets are magnetized in the direction of their thickness, coaxially positioned and arranged to repulse each other. The coils are connected in series with the magnetic fields opposed.