Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of photovoltaic cells and relates to a thermo-photovoltaic cell able of converting into electric power the practical totality of the radiant power emitted from an incandescent source and absorbed by the thermo-photovoltaic cell and returning to the incandescent source a large amount of the non absorbed radiation by means of a mirror. The invention also relates to a module comprising such a thermo-photovoltaic cell and a method of manufacturing such a thermo-photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A method and device to collect and convert thermal energy from the surrounding environments to produce usable electric power. The device includes a rectenna that is preferably a narrow bandwidth rectenna. In an embodiment, the rectenna comprises a rectenna complex, which is, in sequence, a high gain antenna, optional matching circuits, an optional narrow bandpass filter, and one or more rectifying diodes. An embodiment may include multiple arrays of linked nanoscale rectenna complexes. When linked in arrays using preselected bandwidths in the infrared and near infrared spectral regions, the rectenna complex acts as a thermally responsive collector capable of extracting heat energy from its surrounding environment to produce usable electric power.

Abstract: Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems and devices with improved efficiencies are disclosed herein. In one example, a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell includes an active layer; a back-surface reflective (BSR) layer; and a spacer layer positioned between the active layer and back-surface reflective layer.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers. The system and method involve an energy-generating device having at least one heating unit. At least one heating unit preheats the energy-generating device in order to expedite the startup time of the energy-generating device, thereby allowing for an increase in efficiency for the production of energy. In some embodiments, the energy-generating device is a CSP thermal absorber. The CSP thermal absorber comprises a housing, a thermal barrier, a light-transparent reservoir containing a liquid alkali metal, at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, an artery return channel, and at least one heating unit. Each heating unit comprises a heating device and a metal fin. The metal fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin.

Abstract: A power unit including multiple generators supplies power to a load or loads that may be variable. The generators can differ, e.g., in generating capacities, rates at which their outputs can be changed, maintenance requirements, and/or different energy-conversion efficiencies. A control unit throttles the generators independently according to a digitally implemented algorithm that may, but need not, use the difference(s) in supplying power to the load. In some cases, the controller regulates monitored power delivered to the load or loads. A power combiner is connected to the outputs of the generators. If desired, a buffer can be used between the generators and the load or loads to provide energy storage that can allow for the load or loads to change at a faster rate than the generators are throttled and for peak loads that temporarily exceed the capacity of the generators.

Abstract: Angle insensitive/angle-robust colored filter assemblies are provided for use with a photovoltaic device to create a decorative and colored photovoltaic device assembly. The filter may be passive or active with an ultrathin reflective layer of high refractive index material, like amorphous silicon (a-Si). A passive filter may have transparent first and second pairs of dielectric materials surrounding the ultrathin reflective layer. An active filter may have transparent first and second electrodes and first and second doped hole/electron transport layer surrounding the ultrathin reflective layer. The filter can transmit a portion and reflect a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to generate a reflected color output with minimal angle dependence. Angle insensitive colored photovoltaic device assemblies having high power conversion efficiencies (e.g., ?18%) including a passive or active colored reflective filter and a photovoltaic device are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a photovoltaic (PV) device that includes a first junction constructed with a first alloy and having a bandgap between about 1.0 eV and about 1.5 eV, and a second junction constructed with a second alloy and having a bandgap between about 0.9 eV and about 1.3 eV, where the first alloy includes III-V elements, the second alloy includes III-V elements, and the PV device is configured to operate in a thermophotovoltaic system having an operating temperature between about 1500° C. and about 3000° C.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic panel assembly including a heat sink and a plurality of thermophotovoltaic modules mounted on the heat sink. Each thermophotovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic element separated from an emitter assembly by a gap. The emitter assembly includes an emitter and applies force towards the photovoltaic element to maintain the gap. The thermophotovoltaic panel assembly may also utilize a force application layer on the emitter and be bolted in place. A housing can be used for protection and to transfer energy to the emitter. The heat sink cantilevers into the housing to define a space between the thermophotovoltaic modules and the inner surface of the housing. Preferably, the housing maintains a vacuum and, in turn, the gap is evacuated. The heat sink can be monolithic and cooled with fluid pumped therethrough. The emitter may be transparent or at least partially transmissive.

Abstract: Energy storage systems are disclosed. The systems may store energy as heat in a high temperature liquid, and the heat may be converted to electricity by absorbing radiation emitted from the high temperature liquid via one or more photovoltaic devices when the high temperature liquid is transported through an array of conduits. Some aspects described herein relate to reducing deposition of sublimated material from the conduits onto the photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A method for powering an internal combustion engine or other device powered by combustion includes a step of feeding a first stream of biogas to a catalytic reforming reactor in which the first stream contacts oxygen to form a first product stream comprising synthesis gas. The first product stream is combined with a second stream of biogas to form a second product stream. The second product stream is provided to a device powered by combustion. A system implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relates to photovoltaic, thermophotovoltaic, and laser power beaming devices which convert solar light, thermal radiation, or laser radiation into electric power. Said devices have a reflective interference “greenhouse” filter placed in front of a semiconductor cell and a reflective mirror on the back of the cell. The front filter is transparent for high energy (short wavelength) photons, but traps low energy (long wavelength) photons emitted by photocarriers accumulated near the semiconductor bandgap. In the optimized PV device, the chemical potential of photoelectrons near semiconductor bandgap exceeds the chemical potential of photoelectrons above the photonic bandgap established by the filter (i.e., the device is in chemical nonequilibrium). The greenhouse filter reduces the emission losses, decreases the semiconductor cell thickness, and provides PV conversion with reduced nonradiative losses.

Abstract: A solar cell panel includes a solar cell; a sealing member for sealing the solar cell; a first cover member positioned at a first surface of the solar cell on a first side of the sealing member; and a second cover member positioned at a second surface of the solar cell on a second side of the sealing member. The first cover member includes a base member and a colored portion having a lower light transmittance than the base member and partially formed on the base member to form a colored region. The second cover member includes a cover portion having a lower brightness than the colored portion and positioned at least an inactive region where the solar cell is not positioned.

Abstract: A selective emitter exhibiting heat resistance up to 1000° C., comprising a metal body, a first dielectric layer provided on one surface of the metal body, a composite layer provided on another surface of the first dielectric layer at an opposite side to the metal body side, and a second dielectric layer provided on another surface of the composite layer at an opposite side to the first dielectric layer, the composite layer being a layer provided with a metal or semiconductor dispersed in an oxide of the metal or the semiconductor.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a product includes an array of three dimensional structures, where each of the three dimensional structure includes a semiconductor material; a cavity region between each of the three dimensional structures; and a first material in contact with at least one surface of each of the three dimensional structures, where the first material is configured to provide high energy particle and/or ray emissions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to compositions including a doped material, batteries including the composition, photovoltaic devices including the battery, and the like.

Abstract: A solar thermophotovoltaic system includes a heat exchange pipe containing a heat exchange fluid, and a thin-film integrated spectrally-selective plasmonic absorber emitter (ISSAE) in direct contact with an outer surface of the heat exchange pipe, the ISSAE including an ultra-thin non-shiny metal layer comprising a metal strongly absorbing in a solar spectral range and strongly reflective in an infrared spectral range, the metal layer having an inner surface in direct contact with an outer surface of the heat exchange pipe. The system further includes a photovoltaic cell support structure having an inner surface in a concentric configuration surrounding at least a portion of the ISSAE; and an airgap separating the support structure and the outer surface of the metal layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, composite layers are described herein demonstrating phase-separated architectures which, in some embodiments, can mitigate performance disadvantages of prior organic layers of optoelectronic devices. A composite organic layer described herein comprises nanocluster nodes and carbon nanoparticles disposed in a conjugated polymeric host, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are substantially phase separated from the conjugated polymeric host forming lamellar structures of carbon nanofibrils radiating from the nanocluster nodes.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy converter includes a thermal emitter to generate photons of energy in response to receiving heat and a thermal receiver arranged at a distance from the thermal emitter. The thermal receiver includes a photovoltaic cell converting the received photons into electric energy. The thermal emitter includes a first layer of material arranged on a surface of the thermal emitter closest to the thermal receiver. The thermal receiver includes a second layer of material arranged on a surface of the thermal receiver closest to the thermal emitter. The first layer of material and the second layer of material have surface resonant frequencies above a bandgap of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Energy storage systems are disclosed. The systems may store energy as heat in a high temperature liquid, and the heat may be converted to electricity by absorbing radiation emitted from the high temperature liquid via one or more photovoltaic devices when the high temperature liquid is transported through an array of conduits. Some aspects described herein relate to reducing deposition of sublimated material from the conduits onto the photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A modular infrared radiation source is provided, including a support provided with a flat wall; a membrane including front and rear faces essentially parallel to each other, the membrane being configured to emit infrared radiation by the front and rear faces, and being maintained in suspension with respect to the support, the rear face facing the wall at a distance therefrom, the wall being configured to reflect infrared radiation; and an electrostatic actuator including first and second electrodes arranged facing each other, configured to vary the distance by application of a difference in electrostatic potential between the first and second electrodes, the membrane and the electrostatic actuator arranged such that, for each wavelength, infrared radiation emitted by the rear face is reflected by the wall, passes through the membrane from the rear face to the front face, and interferes with infrared radiation emitted by the front face.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, devices and systems for excimer fluorescence energy conversion from isotopes. Unprocessed spent nuclear fuel can be used as an isotope, and processed spent nuclear fuel can be used as an isotope. A method includes placing an excimer in the path of radiation decay from the isotope. The excimer is selected according to the isotope to absorb the radiation decay and emit photons in response. Surrounding environment is shielded from the radiation decay. Photons generated from the fluorescence of the excimer are received with photovoltaic material to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy is applied to a load. Systems of the invention can be based upon spent storage casks and handle unprocessed spent nuclear fuel, or can be greatly reduced in size and handle processed fuel, with single isotope isolation allowing consumer battery sized systems.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a quantum cell from top to down including: an N-type ohmic contact electrode, an N-type ?-orbital semiconductor substrate, an N-type ?-orbital semiconductor epitaxy layer, a SiO2 passivation layer, a graphite contact layer, a Schottky contact electrode, a binding layer, and a radioisotope layer. The N-type ?-orbital semiconductor substrate includes an organic semiconductor material with an aromatic group or a semiconductor material with a carbon-carbon bond. The N-type ?-orbital semiconductor epitaxy layer has a doping concentration of 1×1013-5×1014 cm?3 and is formed by injection of a cationic complex in a dose of 6×1013-1×1015 cm?3.

Abstract: A solar cell module including: a solar cell; a first protection member provided on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell; a second protection member provided on the rear surface side of the solar cell; an encapsulant layer, including a first encapsulant layer disposed between the solar cell and the first protection member, and a second encapsulant layer disposed between the solar cell and the second protection member, which seals the solar cell; and a wavelength conversion substance, contained in at least the first encapsulant layer, which absorbs light having a specified wavelength, and converts the wavelength. The concentration of the wavelength conversion substance is higher in the first encapsulant layer than in the second encapsulant layer, and a resin constituting the second encapsulant layer has a smaller diffusion coefficient of the wavelength conversion substance than the diffusion coefficient of a resin constituting the first encapsulant layer.

Abstract: Thin-film integrated spectrally-selective plasmonic absorber/emitter (ISSAE) that is simultaneously (i) an efficient sunlight absorber; (ii) an efficient heat insulator that enables modest sunlight concentration to produce a high temperature by reducing infrared emission by a hot surface; (iii) a spectrally-selective infrared emitter that supplies infrared photons of the right energy to a targeted photovoltaic cell, thereby matching its bandgap. Additionally, said ISSAE is sufficiently thin to enable its use as a wrapping/cloaking material for use with hot storage pipes containing heat exchange fluid. Said ISSAE is incorporated into a number of solar-conversion apparatus, taking advantage of the unique properties of said ISSAE.

Abstract: Switchable radiative energy harvesting systems and methods of harvesting radiation are disclosed. A system includes an optical filter that includes at least one of an active material and a passive material. The optical filter is switchable between a shield mode and a harvesting mode such that the at least one of the active material and the passive material is in a reflecting state during the shield mode such that the optical filter blocks passage of radiation from a thermal emitter to a thermophotovoltaic cell and a transmitting state during the harvesting mode such that that the optical filter allows the radiation to pass from the thermal emitter to the thermophotovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a nuclear radiation particle power converter and method of forming such power converter are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the power converter can include first and second electrodes, a three-dimensional current collector disposed between the first and second electrodes and electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a charge carrier separator disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the three-dimensional current collector. The power converter can also include a hole conductor layer disposed on at least a portion of the charge carrier separator and electrically coupled to the second electrode, and nuclear radiation-emitting material disposed such that at least one nuclear radiation particle emitted by the nuclear radiation-emitting material is incident upon the charge carrier separator.

Abstract: A thermo-photovoltaic system including an infrared radiation emitter including a body including a first external surface and a second external surface, the first and second external surfaces being distinct, the first external surface facing a concentrator for receiving a concentrated solar radiation, the second external surface facing a thermo-photovoltaic cell, and the body further including at least one gas and/or liquid combustion chamber therein, and an igniter is provided for causing combustion in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A solid-state energy conversion device in combination with an ultra-high energy density buoyant combustor generating high radiant, and high emissivity “heat” achieves ultra-high energy conversion efficiency and ultra-high radiant/emissive “flame” preferably creating electromagnetic waves, hot carriers, photons, phonons and/or plasmons created within the high buoyancy combustor to achieve high energy conversion rates. The buoyant combustor can alternatively operate void of the solid-state energy conversion to replace a traditional burner for boiler/furnace.

Abstract: Photovoltaic module (11) comprising a plurality of electrically connected photovoltaic cells (12), characterized in that it has a square shape and comprises at least two contact pads (17, 18) in each corner of the module so as to comprise at least four connectors (14, 15) on each edge (21; 22; 23; 24) of the module.

Abstract: Fabrication methods and structures are provided for the formation of monolithically isled back contact back junction solar cells. In one embodiment, base and emitter contact metallization is formed on the backside of a back contact back junction solar cell substrate. A trench stop layer is formed on the backside of a back contact back junction solar cell substrate and is electrically isolated from the base and emitter contact metallization. The trench stop layer has a pattern for forming a plurality semiconductor regions. An electrically insulating layer is formed on the base and emitter contact metallization and the trench stop layer. A trench isolation pattern is formed through the back contact back junction solar cell substrate to the trench stop layer which partitions the semiconductor layer into a plurality of solar cell semiconductor regions on the electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: An array of backup battery units that can be reconfigured to provide different currents and/or voltages depending upon load conditions. The backup battery units are attached to a bus and can be reconfigured, for example, between a configuration in which the battery backup units are wired in series to a configuration where the battery backup units are wired in parallel. Additional embodiments are directed to an array of backup battery units that can isolate a single battery backup unit so that the battery backup unit can be removed from the bus while the bus is under load. The removed battery backup unit can then be tested, maintained, and/or replaced.

Abstract: A backup battery unit that can be reconfigured to provide different currents and/or voltages depending upon load conditions. The backup battery unit can be reconfigured, for example, between a configuration in which battery cells for the battery unit are wired in series to a configuration where the battery cells are wired in parallel. Additional embodiments are directed to a backup battery unit that can isolate a battery cell and remove the cell from a circuit for the battery while the battery is under load or being charged. The isolated cell can then be serviced or tested.

Abstract: An autonomous, modular energy generation, storage and transmission apparatus, system, and method is provided. An apparatus is tube shaped and includes solar and thermionic energy conversion layers, and a battery module. A system of modular apparatuses may be connected together to form an transmission network. Such devices are particularly suited for outdoor application on highway jersey walls, and for indoor application on office cubicle walls. A method of charging battery modules in the apparatus is provided, along with a method of distributing the same in commerce.

Abstract: A system for controlling power utilization from hybrid energy sources to reduce energy consumption costs and maximize use of renewable energy; the system comprises a plurality of switches for switching power between a plurality of power sources; a control unit for controlling the switches to switch between the power sources to supply power from at least one of said power sources to said loads; the control unit preventing back-feeding of power between the power sources; the control unit reducing excess power generated from multiple inverters equally or storing it in a battery bank; the control unit diverting the excess power to the battery bank in the event that loading of at least one of said power sources falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: Self-powered portable electronic devices are disclosed that have the capacity to generate their own electrical power, store electrical charge, and distribute electrical power to similarly designed devices in close proximity. Devices generate power in part using one or more non-solar thermal energy sources that have increased stability and efficiency compared to current solar cell powered devices. Devices comprise components including, control processors, data storage, energy storage, dedicated energy and power management processors, and thermophotovoltaic cells that convert thermal energy into electrical power. Devices are capable of transmitting and receiving energy, power, voice and data information using standard frequencies associated with portable devices. Additionally, the invention discloses methods, systems, and apparatuses comprising circuitry that can control power generation from multiple thermophotovoltaic cells and traditional power sources.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter includes spectrally-selective metamaterial emitters disposed on peripheral walls of an all-metal box-like enclosure, and associated photovoltaic (PV) cells configured to efficiently convert in-band photons having optimal conversion spectrums into electricity. The peripheral walls surround a substantially rectangular interior cavity having an inlet opening through which heat energy (e.g., concentrated sunlight) is supplied, and an outlet opening through which waste heat exits the cavity. Concentrated sunlight passing through the box-like enclosure heats the peripheral walls to a high temperature (i.e., above 1000° K), causing thermally excited surface plasmons generated on the emitters' concentric circular ridges to produce highly-directional radiant energy beams having a peak emission wavelength roughly equal to a fixed grating period separating the ridges.

Abstract: A solar power system includes a sunlight concentrating system (e.g., a heliostat), a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter and a thermal power system. The TPV converter includes a metamaterial emitter formed on a box-like enclosure, and an associated photovoltaic (PV) cell. The sunlight concentrating system directs the concentrated sunlight through an inlet opening of the box-like enclosure to heat the metamaterial emitter above 1000° K. Bull's eye structures formed on outward-facing surfaces of the box-like enclosure utilize concentric circular ridges spaced at a fixed grating period that, when heated, generate a radiant energy beam having a peak emission wavelength roughly equal to the grating period. The PV cell converts the radiant energy to produce primary electrical energy. Unconverted solar “waste” heat energy exits the box-like enclosure and is converted by the thermal power system (e.g., using a steam generator) to produce secondary electrical energy.

Abstract: An object is to provide a method for manufacturing a wavelength selective heat radiation material in which a surface roughness of an upper portion of a cavity wall defining each microcavity is suppressed or in which microcavities each having an aspect ratio larger than 3.0 are formed. For the wavelength selective heat radiation material, a base material having a mask having predetermined openings tightly adhered to a surface thereof, or a base material in which depressions are previously formed on one surface thereof by pressing a die having projections arrayed so as to correspond to positions of microcavities thereagainst, is subjected to anisotropic etching, thereby providing a wavelength selective heat radiation material in which the surface roughness of the upper portion of the cavity wall defining each of the microcavities is suppressed or a wavelength selective heat radiation material having microcavities whose each aspect ratio is larger than 3.0.

Abstract: A small sized power generator is provided, being highly efficient in power generation. The power generator can include a heat-light conversion element for converting heat to infrared light and a semiconductor power generation cell for converting the infrared light to electrical energy. The heat-light conversion element can include a material in which reflectance is higher on a long wavelength side of a predetermined infrared wavelength, relative to reflectance on a short wavelength side thereof. The material can cause radiation of the infrared light upon being heated. Heat from a heat source is transferred to the heat-light conversion element, thereby radiating the infrared light. The semiconductor power generation cell converts this infrared light to electrical energy, thereby performing thermal power generation.

Abstract: A device for producing electricity. The device comprises an indium gallium phosphide semiconductor material comprising a plurality of indium gallium phosphide material layers each layer having different dopant concentrations and doped with either n-type dopants or p-type dopants, a first terminal on a first surface of the semiconductor material, a beta particle source proximate the first surface for emitting beta particles that penetrate into the semiconductor material, and a second terminal on a second surface of the semiconductor material; the semiconductor material for producing current between the first and second terminals responsive to the beta particles penetrating into the semiconductor material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling battery backup resources in a computer system differently in certain situations, such as catastrophic events, based upon an assigned layer of the datacenter components to which the battery backup resource provides backup power. The layer can be based, for example, on criticality of the resource to the system. Less critical layers can shed load or gracefully shut down to respond to the event, and the battery resources can be reallocated or reconfigured to provide battery power to the more critical layers.

Abstract: Illustratively, an electrical generator includes a photovoltaic element which converts light produced by a surface into electrical power, the surface located in thermal communication with exhaust gases produced by an exothermic chemical reaction; a heat exchanger which takes at least a majority of thermal energy in the exhaust gases, after the thermal communication, and transfers the thermal energy to air input to the reaction; a catalytic converter, inside the heat exchanger, located to ensure that at least most of the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter and that heat generated by operation of the catalytic converter is transferred to the air input to the reaction; a sensor in the heat exchanger, located to monitor the reaction before the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter; a sensor located to sense after the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter, whether the catalytic converter is functioning properly.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a hybrid solid-state propulsion system for aerial vehicles. The hybrid propulsion system includes a combustor, a thermophotovoltaic generator, and a thermoelectric generator. The combustor burns a chemical based fuel to produce radiation and heat that are converted into electricity used to power the aerial vehicle. The thermophotovoltaic generator is positioned to receive radiation and remnant heat generated by flames in the combustor while the thermoelectric generator receives heat from exhausted flue gases from the combustor.

Abstract: A combustor applied in thermophotovoltaic system comprises a combustion device and a reversed tube covering the combustion device. The combustion device includes a combustion body made of a transparent and temperature resistant material and a burning unit disposed in the combustion body. When a burning-supported medium is adopted during burning via the burning unit, the radiant intensity is increased. The reversed tube then further redirects the hot product gas for reheating an outer wall of the combustion body in combustion. Therefore, uniform illumination is accordingly resulted for enhancing the radiant intensity. Accordingly, a photovoltaic cell plate connected to the combustor preferably transforms light into electricity. The present invention fully utilizes a micro system as well as miniature energy to offer advanced electricity.

Abstract: A power unit including multiple generators supplies power to a load or loads that may be variable. The generators can differ, e.g., in generating capacities, rates at which their outputs can be changed, maintenance requirements, and/or different energy-conversion efficiencies. A control unit throttles the generators independently according to a digitally implemented algorithm that may, but need not, use the difference(s) in supplying power to the load. In some cases, the controller regulates monitored power delivered to the load or loads. A power combiner is connected to the outputs of the generators. If desired, a buffer can be used between the generators and the load or loads to provide energy storage that can allow for the load or loads to change at a faster rate than the generators are throttled and for peak loads that temporarily exceed the capacity of the generators.

Abstract: A method and device for producing secure, high-density tritium bonded with carbon. A substrate comprising carbon is provided. A precursor is intercalated between carbon in the substrate. The precursor intercalated in the substrate is irradiated until at least a portion of the precursor, preferably a majority of the precursor, is transmutated into tritium and bonds with carbon of the substrate forming bonded tritium. The resulting bonded tritium, tritium bonded with carbon, produces electrons via beta decay. The substrate is preferably a substrate from the list of substrates consisting of highly-ordered pyrolytic graphite, carbon fibers, carbon nanotunes, buckministerfullerenes, and combinations thereof. The precursor is preferably boron-10, more preferably lithium-6. Preferably, thermal neutrons are used to irradiate the precursor. The resulting bonded tritium is preferably used to generate electricity either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A colored photovoltaic module and method for its production, where the module includes: a photovoltaic cell; and an appearance modifying film, encapsulant or glazing; where the appearance modifying film, encapsulant or glazing includes: a light-control film; graphic material; a phosphor; a dichroic film; nano-particles; micro-dots; metal flakes; paint; an additive material for 3-D printing, Selective Laser Augmentation (SLA) or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS); or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A system for integrating and co-generating renewable energies which achieves a combined powerful AC/DC electricity output, includes an enclosed volume chamber having an inner surface including a plurality of thermophotovoltaic cells located thereon and an opening for admitting a condensed high-temperature solar energy beam. A heat absorbing member located within the chamber for receiving a portion of the solar energy beam and acts as a thermal storage as well as a thermal emitter to supply thermal energy to the thermophotovoltaic cells to create DC electricity. Air is fed into the chamber to capture thermal energy from the emitter and any waste thermal energy, which is then converted into AC electricity. The system relies on the power of simplicity using a new twist in solar physics to allow for the highest conversion of sunlight energy to electricity at zero carbon emission while occupying significantly less space than typical solar energy systems.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell is provided, including a first silicon layer that absorbing sunlight, a first layer of a structure of photonic crystals formed on the first silicon layer, and a second silicon layer formed on the first layer of a structure of photonic crystals and absorbing sunlight, wherein the first silicon layer and the second silicon layer absorb sunlight at different wavelengths and the first layer of structure of photonic crystals selectively reflects light of a wavelength absorbed by the second silicon layer.