Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for growing algae in an aqueous liquid using photosynthesis. The reactor includes a tank for accommodating the aqueous liquid with the algae in it, and a lighting system including a light source with a plurality of LEDs, a mounting structure for supporting the LEDs, and a housing for accommodating the light source and the mounting structure. At least a portion of the housing is transparent for light emitted by the light source. The lighting system is at least partially submerged in the aqueous liquid. Additionally, in operation, the light transmitted through the transparent portion of the housing is of sufficient intensity to substantially prevent growth of the algae on the surface of the transparent portion of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting system for illuminating algae in an aqueous liquid. The lighting system includes a light source comprising a plurality of LEDs, a mounting structure for supporting the LEDs and a housing for accommodating the light source and the mounting structure. At least a portion of the housing is transparent for light emitted by the light source. The housing is at least partly filled with a cooling liquid, such that, in use, heat from the LEDs is transferred by the cooling liquid from the LEDs by means of convection. The invention further relates to a reactor comprising such lighting system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic laminate comprising a photovoltaic semiconductor material. The photovoltaic laminate may be manufactured without the use of adhesive, thereby avoiding light loss through absorption by an adhesive layer. The laminate may be formed by forming a sandwich of the crystalline semiconductor material between layers of non-crosslinked cross-linkable polymer, followed by in situ cross-linking of the polymer. The laminate may be incorporated in a curved surface of a structure, such as a boat hull or boat deck.

Abstract: A pump or turbine is disclosed which includes a housing provided with at least one chamber, a rotor, which is rotatably mounted on a shaft in the chamber, an inlet, which communicates with the chamber at least at the location of the shaft, and an outlet channel, which communicates with the chamber at least at the periphery of the rotor. The pump or turbine moreover comprises at least one bypass channel, a first end of which opens into the outlet channel of the pump and a second end of which forms an inlet. The bypass channel may be used for increasing the propelling force or for pumping slurries, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for powering an electric load with a low-voltage power supply. The apparatus permits the use of low-voltage power cells that are connected predominantly in parallel. The parallel arrangement of the power cells offers significant practical advantages. In a preferred embodiment the low voltage power cells are photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an accumulator (1) of electrical charge comprises an apparatus for supplying electrical current from externally supplied energy and for supplying current at an output voltage differential, and terminals for supplying charging current to an accumulator (1) to be charged at an imposed voltage differential. The apparatus is provided with a second accumulator (9) of electrical charge, comprising at least one electrochemical cell, which is connected in series to the apparatus (6) for supplying electrical current between the terminals (2, 3) r such that a voltage differential across the series—connect ion is larger than the output voltage differential of the current—supplying apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an accumulator of electrical charge comprises an apparatus for generating electrical current by conversion of energy supplied externally in a form other than electrical energy and for supplying current at an output voltage differential, and terminals for supplying charging current to an accumulator to be charged at an imposed voltage differential. The apparatus is provided with a second accumulator of electrical charge, which is connected in series to the apparatus for generating electrical current between the terminals, such that a voltage differential across the series—connection is larger than the output voltage differential of the current—generating apparatus.