Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure comprising a structural member having a first surface adapted to engage a support and at least one first flange extending outwardly from a second surface, wherein the first surface is distal from the first flange; and at least one securing member comprising at least one second flange extending outwardly from a surface of the securing member, wherein the securing member is operable to juxtapose with the structural member via the first surface, and engage with the structural member to secure a side of a panel between the first flange and the second flange. The present invention also relates to a mounting structure assembly and method of assembling the same.

Abstract: There is provided a therapeutic method and system for utilizing full spectrum of natural solar radiations with an optimum balance of ultra-violet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) radiations. The disclosed therapeutic method comprising collecting and concentrating the natural solar radiations using a natural solar radiations concentrator; transporting the concentrated natural solar radiations using a transporting medium to an indoor device; optimizing a spot size, an intensity and an ultra-violet range of the natural solar radiations; and directing the optimized natural solar radiations to a desired body part using the indoor device; wherein the full spectrum of natural solar radiations has an optimum balance of ultra-violet, visible and infrared radiations.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (“PV”) module may comprise an array of freeform micro-optics and an array of PV cells. The PV module may be a flat panel with a nominal thickness smaller than the length and width of the flat panel. An array of lenses may be embedded in an array substrate. The lenses may be coupled to light pipes. The lenses may concentrate light through the light pipes to multi junction cells. Diffuse light may be transferred through the array substrate to a silicon cell. The lenses and light pipes may be manufactured using a molding and drawing process.

Abstract: A solar power generation unit includes at least one optical fiber including a light output region including a light output window and a light guide region guiding a light wave to the light output region; a housing of a tube type, the housing having an inner space in which the at least one optical fiber is located; and a power generation part including a solar panel provided at least at a side of the inner space of the housing and configured to generate power in response to the light wave incident thereon from the light output region of the at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems of wireless power distribution are disclosed. Embodiments involve the redirection of collimated energy to a converter, which stores or converts the energy into a more suitable form of energy for at least one specific point-of-use that is coupled to the converter.

Abstract: A photovoltaic chip is designed to receive light energy from a light box arranged above it. The light can be sunlight guided by optical-fibers. For ease of replacement the photovoltaic chips can be supported in a carrier which is movably housed in a block. The blocks are housed on racks and are movable for ease of repair and replacement.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems of wireless power distribution are disclosed. Embodiments involve the redirection of collimated energy to a converter, which stores or converts the energy into a more suitable form of energy for at least one specific point-of-use that is coupled to the converter.

Abstract: The system captures and concentrates sunlight for transmission to interior spaces or to a PV system. A solar collector uses arrayed refractive lenses, opposing concave focusing mirrors, and a movable coupling sheet forming part of a lightguide. The lenses and mirrors have an asymmetric shape, such as having aspect ratios of 3:4 or 1:2, so as to have an asymmetric aperture to better receive light at the different ranges of angles of the sun's rays over the course of a year. The long axis of the apertures is generally oriented in an East-West. The movable sheet contains small angled mirrors, and the sheet is translated to position the angled mirrors at the focal points of the sunlight for maximum deflection of the sunlight to an output of the collection system. A position sensor provides feedback regarding the position of the angled mirrors relative to the focal points.

Abstract: A variety of light-emitting devices are disclosed that are configured to output light provided by a light source. In general, embodiments of the light-emitting devices feature a light source and an extractor element coupled to the light source, where the extractor element includes, at least in part, a total internal reflection (TIR) surface. Luminaires incorporating light-emitting devices of this type are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an multi-effect solar distiller with multiple heat sources. More particularly, the present invention relates to an multi-effect solar distiller with multiple heat sources capable of evaporating and distilling sea water using the solar thermal energy, evaporating the sea water using waste heat generated from a power generation facility in addition to the solar thermal energy, evaporating and distilling the sea water even by condensation heat generated at the time of condensing steam, and using a plurality of absorption reflectors to allow non-used sunlight to maximally evaporate the sea water by being reflected from the sea water surface.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to improved solar photovoltaic systems, and/or methods of making the same. Certain improved building-integrated photovoltaic systems may include concentrated photovoltaic skylights having a cylindrical lens array. The skylight may include an insulated glass unit, which may improve the solar heat gain coefficient. The photovoltaic skylight and lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells and lateral displacement tracking systems. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. A photovoltaic skylight may permit diffuse daylight to pass through into an interior of a building so as to provide lighting inside the building, while the strip solar cells absorb the direct sunlight and convert it to electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems of wireless power distribution are disclosed. Embodiments involve the redirection of collimated energy to a converter, which stores or converts the energy into a more suitable form of energy for at least one specific point-of-use that is coupled to the converter.

Abstract: A solar powered aircraft having segmented wings that can be reconfigured during flight to optimize collection of solar energy are described. The aircraft have rigid construction that is resistant to inclement weather and is configured to rely on free flight control at high altitude and under conventional conditions, thereby providing flight duration in excess of 2 months. The aircraft is particularly suitable for use as part of a telecommunications network. A telecommunications network incorporating such aircraft is also discussed.

Abstract: A glass unit includes an energy collecting layer attached to a light directing device for collecting a light energy from the light directing device, and an energy converting layer electrically coupled to the energy collecting layer for converting the light energy into an electric energy, and the light directing device includes a number of nanometer particles to direct the light energy toward the energy collecting layer. The light directing device includes one or more glass layers, and a light collecting panel attached to the glass layer with a bonding layer and made of polymer materials which are mixed with the nanometer particles to form the light collecting panel.

Abstract: A solar radiation absorber element for a thermal concentrating solar power plant is achieved by forming a selective coating on an outer surface of a substrate made from stainless steel, chosen from stainless steels presenting an aluminum content of more than 0.5% by weight. Formation of the selective coating includes a surface treatment step of the substrate, by polishing, and a heat treatment step of the substrate, in an oxidizing atmosphere, in a temperature range included between 550° C. and 650° C. The heat treatment in particular enables at least one intrinsically selective superficial thin layer to be formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An optical system for light energy concentration may comprise a light concentrator including two or more light-converging elements, a light splitting element to receive the converging light from the light-converging elements and to produce light having a first spectral component and light having a second spectral component, and a light directing element to direct the light having the first spectral component through a light guide and to direct the light having the second spectral component to a location external to the light guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for generating photovoltaic power. The system for generating photovoltaic power is characterized by including: a light collection part shaped like a dome bulged outward and having a light condenser lens unit for condensing incident light rays; a light diffusion part having a light diffusion lens unit for diffusing the light rays collected by the light collection part; and a solar panel for receiving the light rays diffused by the light diffusion part.

Abstract: A luminaire having an array of light emitting diodes on a circuit board, and a generally planar lens element adjacent each of the LEDs, wherein each lens element has a plurality of concentric ridges projecting from a surface of the lens member to define Fresnel facets for redirecting light emitted from the corresponding LED, providing more uniform light distribution in a compact configuration.

Abstract: A solar receiver is provided, comprising a receiver housing extending along a longitudinal axis, having front and rear ends; a window configured to allow radiation to pass therethrough, the window being mounted at the front end and projecting within the housing; a receiver chamber defined between the housing and the window, the receiver chamber having a working fluid inlet for ingress of working fluid to be heated therewithin, and a working fluid outlet for egress therethrough of the heated working fluid; and a solar radiation absorber configured for absorbing the radiation and heating the working fluid thereby, the absorber being located within the receiver chamber and surrounding at least a portion of the window, the solar radiation absorber being formed with channels and made of a foam material, such as a ceramic or metallic foam material, having a characteristic average pore diameter.

Abstract: A solar collector system is for support in a building opening to furnish heated air to the interior of the building. The solar collector system includes a collector shell supported at the opening and including a front heating chamber, at least one air intake channel and at least one air outlet channel and a fan disposed within the collector shell for providing a closed loop air circulation from the air intake channel, through the heating chamber and to the air outlet channel. The front heating chamber is defined in part by a parabolic reflector having a focal point facing out from the heating chamber. A heat exchanger is disposed within the parabolic reflector for absorbing solar energy directed to the heating chamber.

Abstract: A solar heater for space heating is formed by a frame that provides structural support for a plate that absorbs sunlight. In one aspect, the plate is directly molded into the frame. In another aspect, the plate is incorporated into an assembly which is then sealed to the frame. The solar heater is configured such that multiple similarly configured solar heaters may be coupled together in a series and/or parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A solar collector/heat exchanger includes a first panel of corrugated heat conductive material, a second panel of corrugated heat conductive material, and a third panel of corrugated material. A mounting structure mounts the first and second panels with the third panel sandwiched between the first and second panels. The mounting structure further defines an air flow path across the first and second panels. The corrugations of the first and second panels extend parallel to the air flow path and the corrugations of the third panel extend perpendicular to the air flow path so as to cause turbulence in air passing between the first and second panels.

Abstract: The absorber pipe 10 according to the invention features a thermal opening 14, on which means are provided that reduce the radiation 26 emitted outwards from the absorbing surface 13 as a result of its operating temperature to an increasing extent as the operating temperature increases.

Abstract: A solar chimney includes a solar collector which heats air in the chimney, producing updrafts which can be harnessed to perform useful work. The solar collector may be located inside or outside the chimney. The device may include a reservoir for storing a heat transfer fluid, thus enabling the device to be used during both day and night. The solar chimney may be equipped with both internal and external solar collectors, operating in parallel. The solar chimney may also be equipped with multiple external solar collectors, connected in parallel to a reservoir. The solar chimney of the invention provides a convenient and practical way to convert solar energy into electrical power.

Abstract: A solar air conditioning device (100) comprises a solar collector assembly (30), an inlet assembly (10) at an entrance of the solar collector assembly, and an outlet assembly (50) at an exit of the solar collector assembly. The solar collector assembly includes a heat-absorbing set (31) and a transparent panel (38) being assembled to a top of the heat-absorbing set. The heat-absorbing set comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing units (32) engaged with each other. A distance between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly is equal to a longitudinal length of single heat-absorbing unit. The heat-absorbing set defines an air channel with the transparent panel and a heat-absorbing channel below the air channel. The inlet and outlet assemblies are in fluidic communication with the heat-absorbing channel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photovoltaic power generating structure in which a solar cell module is arranged on a base member, wherein a closed space portion cut off from the air is provided between the base member and the solar cell module. Thus, there can be provided a photovoltaic power generating structure which can be easily constructed at a low installation cost, can maintain a good output as a photovoltaic power generating system, is excellent in environmental resistance, and can improve fireproofness.

Abstract: This nontracking solar concentrator can be larger than a football field and produce a 20 sun focus. A tank holds panels to collect light and water to guide light to the focus. The tank has a wide field of view that eliminates the need for a sun-tracking mechanism.

Abstract: A thermal panel (10) for passive temperature control includes a cell (28) having a transparent side (14) and a base side (24). The cell (28) has a heatable plate (12) contained therein. The heatable plate (12) is passively disposable between a warming position and a cooling position. The heatable plate (12) is heated by a plurality of light waves (34) when the plate (12) is passively disposed in the warming position. Further, the cell also has an insulating medium (30) contained therein. The insulating medium (30) shields the heatable plate (12) from the light waves (34) when the heatable plate (12) is in the cooling position.

Abstract: A central solar receiver comprises an axisymmetric housing having front and rear ends and having an aperture at the front end, an elongated tubular window mounted in the aperture co-axially with the housing, a volumetric solar absorber disposed within the housing and extending around and along the elongated window for absorbing solar radiation, that has passed therethrough; and working fluid ingress and egress formed in the housing so as to, respectively, inject thereto, and withdraw therefrom, a pressurized working fluid in a manner enabling the working fluid interaction with the volumetric absorber. The window has an open front end which is secured to the housing at the front end thereof, and a closed rear end which is disposed adjacent the rear end of the housing and is free of any securing thereto.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting apparatus wherein a heat-absorbing plate for absorbing the solar radiation is installed in a vacuum vessel, the solar heat accumulated in the heat-absorbing plate is transmitted to a working medium in a pipe connected to the heat-absorbing plate, an upper surface layer for passing the solar radiation irradiated on the heat-absorbing plate therethrough and reflecting the infrared radiation emerging from the heat-absorbing plate is formed on the upper surface of the heat-absorbing plate, a lower surface layer for reflecting the infrared radiation emerging from the heat-absorbing plate is formed on the lower surface of the heat-absorbing plate, a space-diving film is formed between the lower surface of the heat-absorbing plate and the bottom surface of the vacuum vessel, a reflection layer is formed on the bottom surface of the vacuum vessel, a film for passing the solar radiation and reflecting the infrared radiation is provided between the upper surface of the heat-absorbing plate and t

Abstract: In order to provide an insulation system for internal thermal insulation of a pressure chamber which can be subjected to pressure by a gas flow, the system being constructed for arrangement at an inner surface of an outer jacket of the pressure chamber and comprising at least one layer of insulating material, whereby good thermal insulation can be obtained with little maintenance work, it is proposed that the insulation system should comprise means for equalizing pressure between the insulating material and an internal chamber, which means are arranged over a large area relative to a surface of a layer of insulating material.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for utilizing solar energy includes an outer shell body (11), an inner body (40) inside it, and a hollow body (30) provided in between which are formed in a shape of a uniform polyhedron, in particular a dodecahedron. The shell body (11) and the hollow body (30) are provided with at least one opening (12, 13, 15) for the entrance of solar rays. The shell body (11) is therein disposed above a reflector pan (20) and has a partial polyhedron form, in particular in dodecahedral form. The solar energy concentrated in the shell body (11) is converted and conducted further to a consumer. With this cost-effectively produced apparatus (10) an improved efficiency relative to know apparatus is attained.

Abstract: A combined thermal-insulation/thermal-collector assembly for the outside walls or roofs of buildings has a heat-insulating layer which is transparent to solar radiation and is designed with a transparent structure. The heat-insulating material including a multiplicity of adjacent channels is disposed in essentially the same direction as the flow of heat. The heat-insulating layer is made up of elements which are thin relative to the thickness of the layer. The channels running across the heat-insulating layer are open, have an essentially uniform diameter, and thus form a transparent structure.

Abstract: An improved pressure vessel which has a fluid flowing through it can be simply manufactured and has a high operational safety. The fluid may be heated by radiation, such as solar radiation. A guiding device with inlet and outlet stream guides is arranged in the interior of the pressure vessel to guide a stream of the fluid. The inlet stream guide and the outlet stream guide are separate from one another, and are formed in the vessel interior by the guiding device. The stream of fluid is guided from the inlet stream guide to the outlet stream guide. Additionally, a branch stream of the stream of fluid is returned from the outlet stream guide to the inlet stream guide via a passage of the guiding device due to a lower pressure that is created in the inlet stream guide.

Abstract: The device for collecting solar energy and transferring it to a reception body to be heated includes a plurality of parallel profiled elements and a closure mechanism. The profiled elements are spaced apart and superposed in order to form a curtain having an outer face suitable for being exposed to solar radiation and an inner face suitable for being located on the reception body side. The profiled elements have two reflecting faces and a shape such that when the inner face is vertical, the profiled elements slope downwardly from the inner face to the outer face. The profiled elements define a plurality of air channels directed upwards from the outer face to the inner face when the inner face is vertical. The profiled elements and the two reflecting faces thereof are formed of an insulating material so as not to conduct heat from the outer face to the inner face.

Abstract: A central solar receiver with a volumetric solar absorber. The volumetric absorber comprises an array of absorber members mounted on a base body and facing a window that admits concentrated solar radiation. Working fluid is injected into the volumetric absorber so as to flow in directions which intersect the absorber members.

Abstract: This invention the multiple reflection solar energy absorber makes possible the direct absorption of solar energy into a transparent working fluid, thereby heating the fluid and discharging it through a nozzle to produce power. The invention comprises a method for producing an ultra high concentration of solar flux and a means to circulate the working fluid into an interior cavity confining the ultra high energy concentration producing absorption of heat energy. The apparatus of the invention comprises a primary and a secondary solar energy concentrator, a multiple reflection chamber, a working fluid, a nozzle and thermal insulation. The invention can be constructed in several embodiments suitable for heating both liquids and gases.