Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for automatically controlling service to be performed in various spaces in a facility allowing for the automatic scheduling and generation of service orders while allowing for dynamic adjustment to the type of service and time scheduled for the service to be performed. The system allows for increased accuracy of the type of service to be performed, it allows for dynamic changes to the service scope, while it also greatly increases the efficiency such that the service is completed in a more cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for dynamically adapting task assignments in real-time, or near-real time, based on information received from a remote property management system or at least one or a plurality of mobile devices. Utilizing current room status information a dynamic list of rooms to service can be generated for each housekeeper and provided to each housekeeper through a mobile device. According to one embodiment, rooms can be assigned to multiple housekeepers. Additionally, room status can be update though the mobile devices. When room status information is updated, either by the property management system or through a mobile device, the task assignments can be dynamically updated. The first available housekeeper can then service rooms in a timelier and more efficient manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for monitoring the performance of dynamically assigned tasks and generating an indication of progress for a selected task assignment based on a status update received from a mobile device. According to one embodiment, a dynamic list of rooms to service can be generated for each housekeeper and provided to each housekeeper through a mobile device. As the housekeepers proceed to perform the tasks on each list, they can provide, through the mobile devices, status updates for each task. These status updated can be received and used to monitor progress and performance. According to one embodiment, a graphical representation of a timeline can be generated for each housekeeper based on these received status updates.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight. The assembly includes one or more solar cells that each include a light-receiving surface. A fraction of light incident upon the light-receiving surface is reflected. The assembly includes a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film of transparent material such as plastic positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-receiving surface. The PV enhancement film includes a substrate positioned proximate to or abutting the light-receiving surface. The film includes a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) elements on the substrate opposite the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film. The method includes providing an extrusion device with an embossing roller engraved to have a pattern corresponding to a set of absorption enhancement structures. The method includes feeding a web of substantially transparent material, such as an UV-stabilized blend of polycarbonate or acrylic. The method includes rolling the embossing roller against a first side of the web to form the absorption enhancement structures. The absorption enhancement structures each include a light receiving surface that directs at least a portion of light that passes through a second side of the web toward the first side back toward the second side (e.g., the structures may be configured to provide total internal reflection when applied to a PV device). The structures refract incident light to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.10 in the PV device.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers, This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: A concentration system or solar concentrator for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a lens array with linear lenses focusing light received on an outer surface onto a number of focal point or focused lines of light. The system includes a light wafer with a substantially planar body formed of a thickness of a light transmissive material. The body includes a top surface facing the lens array and receiving the focused light from at least one the linear lens and further includes a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The light wafer includes a ray splitter, in the form of a triangular air gap, paired to each linear lens at or near a focal point of the paired lens to direct the received focused light into the body or towards edges or sides of the body where a solar collector such as a thermal or photovoltaic collector is positioned.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying concentrated solar energy. The system includes a cylindrical absorber tube carrying the working fluid and a concentrator assembly, which includes an array of linear lenses such as Fresnel lenses. The concentrator assembly includes a planar optical wafer paired with each of the linear lenses to direct light, which the lenses focus on a first edge of the wafers, onto the collector via a second or output edge of the wafers. Each of the optical wafers is formed from a light transmissive material and acts as a light “pipe.” The lens array is spaced apart a distance from the first edges of the optical wafers. This distance or lens array height is periodically adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the Sun's position, such that the focal point of each linear lens remains upon the first edge of one of the optical wafers yearlong.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for optimizing configuration of absorption enhancement structures for use in a photovoltaic enhancement film that is applied onto a PV device to improve absorption. The method includes receiving optimization run input defining a PV enhancement film including defining absorption enhancement structures with differing configurations. The method includes modeling a PV device including PV material such as a silicon thin film. A first ray tracing is performed over a range of incidence angles for the PV device. The method includes determining a set of base path angles for the PV material layer based on this first ray tracing. A second ray tracing is performed for the PV device with the enhancement film, which has absorption enhancement structures. Enhanced path lengths are determined based on the second ray tracking, and path length ratios are determined by comparing the enhanced path lengths to the base path lengths.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film. The method includes providing an extrusion device with an embossing roller engraved to have a pattern corresponding to a set of absorption enhancement structures. The method includes feeding a web of substantially transparent material, such as an UV-stabilized blend of polycarbonate or acrylic. The method includes rolling the embossing roller against a first side of the web to form the absorption enhancement structures. The absorption enhancement structures each include a light receiving surface that directs at least a portion of light that passes through a second side of the web toward the first side back toward the second side (e.g., the structures may be configured to provide total internal reflection when applied to a PV device). The structures refract incident light to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.10 in the PV device.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight. The assembly includes one or more solar cells that each include a light-receiving surface. A fraction of light incident upon the light-receiving surface is reflected. The assembly includes a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film of transparent material such as plastic positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-receiving surface. The PV enhancement film includes a substrate positioned proximate to or abutting the light-receiving surface. The film includes a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) elements on the substrate opposite the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for optimizing configuration of absorption enhancement structures for use in a photovoltaic enhancement film that is applied onto a PV device to improve absorption. The method includes receiving optimization run input defining a PV enhancement film including defining absorption enhancement structures with differing configurations. The method includes modeling a PV device including PV material such as a silicon thin film. A first ray tracing is performed over a range of incidence angles for the PV device. The method includes determining a set of base path angles for the PV material layer based on this first ray tracing. A second ray tracing is performed for the PV device with the enhancement film, which has absorption enhancement structures. Enhanced path lengths are determined based on the second ray tracking, and path length ratios are determined by comparing the enhanced path lengths to the base path lengths.

Abstract: A packaged container for producing a graphical image. The packaged container includes a container having a side wall defining an interior space and a recessed surface. An interlaced image is provided on the recessed surface, and the packaged container includes a lens element positioned on the side wall to extend across the recessed surface proximate to the printed image and to leave a focusing gap between the lens element and the interlaced image. The lens element includes a plurality of lenses each having a focal point on or about the interlaced image. The lenses have a focal length determined by the thickness of the lens element combined with a depth of the recessed surface as measured from a side of the lens element to the interlaced image. The lens element can be provided in a wrap around label attached to the side wall on both sides of the recessed surface.