Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed that includes an electron conductor layer and a quantum dot layer. The quantum dot layer may include a plurality of quantum dots. A bridge layer may be coupled to the electron conductor layer and to the quantum dot layer. The bridge layer may include an antibiotic, a sulfur-containing amino acid, a vitamin, and/or a vitamin analogue. In some cases, a hole conductor layer may be coupled to the quantum dot layer.

Abstract: A system and method for a self-charging battery cell are provided in which beta emissions from a Strontium-90 source are obtained by a sensor device and converted into electric energy. In embodiments, a scintillation device is used to intake emissions from a Strontium-90 source, and consequently emit a light or plurality of light flashes. A sensor device, e.g., a photodiode, is utilized to convert the light or plurality of light flashes into electric voltage, current and/or energy.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to sunroof for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof. The sunroof comprises a stationary part to be attached to the vehicle, and at least a front closure member and a rear closure member, movably supported by the stationary part. The closure members are movable between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which they are moved at least partly away from the roof opening. An intermediate member is supported by the stationary part in the area of the rear end of the front closure member and the front end of the rear closure member when they are in their closed position. An electrical part on each of the closure members requires electrical connections between each closure member and the stationary part.

Abstract: Methods are described for integrating a UL compliant power generating system within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.

Abstract: A calibration device and method of using the device to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The device includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Abstract: An automated method causes a terrestrial solar cell array to track the sun. The solar cell system may include motors that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun. An alignment analysis procedure, e.g., a find sun routine, is performed to ensure that the solar cell system is properly aligned with the sun during solar tracking. This procedure may sweep the solar cell system along determined paths (e.g., azimuth and elevation paths) while measuring an output parameter indicative of system performance. The measured data is analyzed to determine if the solar cell system is in misalignment in which case the solar cell system is moved into proper alignment. The alignment procedure may be implemented on a periodic basis or using triggers, and may be automatically executed or manually executed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic circuit configured to supply an output current to a tank module is provided. The photovoltaic circuit comprises a photovoltaic transformation module, a first process module, a plurality of second process modules, and a first control module. The process modules are connected to each other in parallel. The process modules in the parallel connection are connected to the photovoltaic transformation module and the tank module in series. The first control module is connected to the first process module and generates a control signal to the process modules in response to a divided current, a modulation current, and a last output current generated by the first process module. Thereby, the process modules interlacedly output the corresponding modulation current as the output current supplied to the energy reserve module.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a boron added silicon (purified silicon) in an energy saving mode from a reduced silicon obtained by reducing a silicon halide with a metal aluminium. The production process of the invention comprises reducing a silicon halide with a metal aluminium to give a reduces silicon, heating and melting the resulting reduced silicon, and adding boron thereto followed by solidification for purification under the condition of a temperature gradient provided in one direction in a mold. Preferably, after washed with an acid, the reduced silicon is heated and molten, and boron is added thereto. After the reduced silicon is heated and molten under reduced pressure, boron is added thereto. After heated and molten, the reduced silicon is purified by solidification in one direction, then heated and molten, and thereafter boron is added thereto.

Abstract: A system for energizing an energy storage device includes an electric power source, an energy system in communication with the electric power source, and a switching time control multiplexer. The energy storage system includes at least two parallel energy storage devices. The switching time control multiplexer is configured to supply total charging current from the electric power source to the energy storage system such that each storage device is charged in an alternating manner with the total charging current being less than a total charging current required for parallel charging.

Abstract: An unitized curtain wall unit houses energy conversion devices (such as photovoltaic modules), and includes integrated wiring conduits for routing signal and power cables within a building façade or exterior shell structures.

Abstract: A power generating system is manufactured, integrated and operated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The system components—energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and operated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade including both in vision and spandrel areas.

Abstract: An adjustable solar powerer having photovoltaic cells made of either silicon, polycrystalline or single-crystalline located on a stabilizing base converts solar power or artificial light into electric energy. This solar powerer is made up of unilateral flat and movable elements, each having unilaterally installed photovoltaic cells, these elements being connected with each other by a yoke and catch at one end, the yoke and pivot being connected to a tripod.

Abstract: An electrical management device for a vehicle power supply that includes a single converter to minimize the number of components required to simultaneously control two energy sources, such as a photovoltaic source and a thermoelectric source, on board a motor vehicle that includes at least one electrical energy storage battery.

Abstract: A solar-powered LED street light that can immediately report its power data. The disclosed LED street light has a solar cell, a switch power supply unit, and a power cable data communicating unit. The mains power cable of the LED street light connects to the switch power supply unit for providing it with DC power. The solar cell has a solar board, a battery and a charge controller. The charge controller can also provide the LED street light with DC power. The charge controller has a power data digital output interface for connecting with the power cable data communicating unit, outputting the power data of the solar cell to the power cable data communicating unit. Through the mains power cable, the status of solar cell of each LED lamp is monitored.

Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.

Abstract: A solar powered apparatus that includes a battery, at least one photovoltaic cell (which may be part of a solar module comprising multiple photovoltaic cells), and a DC-capable AC appliance, such as a compact fluorescent light. The solar powered apparatus may also include a first DC to DC converter that receives a first electrical signal from the at least one photovoltaic cell and provides a charging signal to the battery, and a second DC to DC converter that receives a second electrical signal from the battery and provides a DC power signal to the DC-capable AC appliance.

Abstract: A solar panel cleaning device includes a solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in rows and embedded in the solar panel with space between the rows. A transparent dielectric overlay is affixed to the solar panel. A plurality of electrode pairs each of which includes an upper and a lower electrode are arranged on opposite sides of the transparent dielectric and are affixed thereto. The electrodes may be transparent electrodes which may be arranged without concern for blocking sunlight to the solar panel. The solar panel may be a dielectric and its dielectric properties may be continuously and spatially variable. Alternatively the dielectric used may have dielectric segments which produce different electrical field and which affects the wind “generated.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting distribution system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates all components.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system, method and apparatus are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a first and second inputs adapted to couple to a first and second rails of a photovoltaic array; an inverter configured to convert DC power from the photovoltaic array to AC power; and an interface portion coupled to the first and second inputs and the inverter, the interface portion configured to isolate at least one of the first and second inputs from the inverter and to modulate an application of a voltage from the photovoltaic array to the inverter so as to increase a load on the photovoltaic array and to reduce the voltage applied from the photovoltaic array to the inverter.

Abstract: The supply unit comprises a box type profile frame (1), whose base rests on wheels (2) and on whose top side (3), a square frame (16), as seen from above, is placed, said frame containing a solar panel (7). This can be swiveled about a horizontal axis (8) and is so connected to one of the top sides of the box type profile frame (1). A peripheral, square frame (5) of same size, each containing a solar panel (6), is connected in a swiveling way to each side of this square frame (16), so that out of the five square frames (16;5), a cube is formed when these frames are swiveled down. The peripherally connected square frames (5) can be swiveled to the plane of the central square frame (16) and can be locked in this position to the central square frame (16).

Abstract: A solar power plant (10) capable of generating electricity comprising a light pipe carrying highly concentrated solar light (19), a hot reservoir (24), a cold reservoir (20), and a plurality of large-scale solid-state nano-structured photonic crystals (12) that are capable of recycling out-of-band photons with transition energies associated with a photovoltaic cell (13) into photons with in-band energies associated with the same photovoltaic cell (13) when photon energy is subjected to propagation through a thermal temperature gradient that is held across a suitably nano-structured photonic crystal (12). The input thermal photons from the hot thermal reservoir (24) are shifted in energy to the optimal photovoltaic cell energy for electron-hole pair generation by work that is expanded by the heat engine to convert said input photons into phonons and then back to photons again at a new wavelength through a process of phonon rethermalization occurring inside the nano-structured photonic crystal (12).

Abstract: A power source system to be mounted in electrical devices is provided. The power source system includes a fuel cell which supplies electric power generated by consuming fuel, a fuel storage portion which stores the fuel and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell, a container which contains the fuel cell and the fuel storage portion, and a case which is provided so as to surround the container. A space for allowing air used for the reaction in the fuel cell to circulate therethrough is provided between the container and the case.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting water to produce hydrogen having at least one photoelectrochemical cell. The photoelectrochemical cell includes at least one water permeable photoelectrode having a light sensitive, nano-crystalline catalytic material layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane, a metallic substrate disposed between the light sensitive nano-crystalline catalytic material layer and the polymer electrolyte membrane adjacent to the polymer electrolyte membrane layer, and at least one photovoltaic device connected in series to the light sensitive nano-crystalline material layer and disposed between the light sensitive nano-crystalline catalytic material layer and the metallic substrate layer.

Abstract: A solar powered apparatus that includes a battery, at least one photovoltaic cell (which may be part of a solar module comprising multiple photovoltaic cells), and a DC-capable AC appliance, such as a compact fluorescent light. The solar powered apparatus may also include a first DC to DC converter that receives a first electrical signal from the at least one photovoltaic cell and provides a charging signal to the battery, and a second DC to DC converter that receives a second electrical signal from the battery and provides a DC power signal to the DC-capable AC appliance.

Abstract: A base body comprises two frames to put lens and solar cells. The working process is simple and the weight and the cost of the base body is reduced.

Abstract: A self-contained regenerative power system includes a fuel cell operative to generate electric energy from hydrogen and oxygen, generating water as a byproduct, and an electrolyzer operative to generate hydrogen and oxygen from water by consumption of electric energy. A bi-directional DC-to-DC converter interfaces between the fuel cell and the electrolyzer on one side and the system to be powered on the other. A switch selectively connects either the fuel cell or the electrolyzer with the bi-directional DC-to-DC converter. The products of the fuel cell process can be supplied to the electrolyzer process, and vice versa. Alternately, the self-contained regenerative power system comprises a unitary fuel cell and electrolyzer.

Abstract: A power generation system for an airship includes a solar array and an Earth array for converting solar radiation and albedo radiation, respectively, into electrical energy. The airship also carries a power distribution controller to receive the electrical energy for transfer to a power storage device and/or electrical components carried by the airship. The airship may also receive a man-made radiation source purposefully directed at the Earth array.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is recharged by generating light from a light source of a wireless optical charger, converting the light from the charger into an electrical signal using a photovoltaic cell of the portable electronic device and charging the portable electronic device using the electrical signal. The wireless optical charger may include a proximity sensor that switches on the light source when a portable electronic device is close to the light source.

Abstract: A solar electrolysis power source includes a solar panel, an electrolysis unit, a hermetically sealed compressor, a hydrogen tank, and a fuel cell. By utilizing the electrolysis of water powered by solar energy, the solar electrolysis power source enables a safe, environmentally benign, and cost-effective method of power generation. Furthermore, by combining the production, the compression, the storage of hydrogen, as well as the delivery of the hydrogen to the fuel cell in one hermetically sealed unit currently existing problems with the production, storage delivery, and refueling of hydrogen can be eliminated. The solar electrolysis power source uses hydrogen gas that is hermetically sealed from production to use.

Abstract: A vehicle sunroof including a sunroof frame mounted to a vehicle roof opening and having opposing lateral sides. The sunroof frame has an outer edge adjacent to the outer surface of the vehicle roof and an inner edge located within the vehicle cabin. The vehicle sunroof also includes a number of solar panels. Each solar panel includes a solar collection surface for collecting sunlight for producing solar energy. The solar panels extend between and are connected to the opposing lateral sides of the sunroof frame.

Abstract: Rectangular PV modules (6) are mounted on a building roof (4) by mounting stands that are distributed in rows and columns. Each stand comprises a base plate (10) that rests on the building roof (4) and first and second brackets (12, 14) of different height attached to opposite ends of the base plate (10). Each bracket (12, 14) has dual members for supporting two different PV modules (6), and each PV module (6) has a mounting pin (84) adjacent to each of its four corners. Each module (6) is supported by attachment of two of its mounting pins (84) to different first brackets (12), whereby the modules (6) and their supporting stands are able to resist uplift forces resulting from high velocity winds without the base plates (10) being physically attached to the supporting roof structure (4). Preferably the second brackets (14) have a telescoping construction that permits their effective height to vary from less than to substantially the same as that of the first brackets (12).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for mounting a flexible material, such as a web of photovoltaic material, onto a surface, such as a roof. The system and method comprises providing a first and a second elongated web of flexible material and disposing the first and second webs on the surface in a longitudinally aligned relationship with one another, wherein a first edge of said first web abuts a first edge of said second web to form a longitudinal engagement point to produce a substantially triangular shape. At least one clamping strip is secured onto the longitudinal engagement point, wherein the clamping strip(s) is adapted to secure the longitudinal engagement point in a stable position for the length of the web. At least one batten cap is clamped onto the clamping strip(s), wherein the batten cap(s) is adapted to secure the clamping strips.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaically powered display, which may be utilized in a wide variety of display contexts including retail shelf systems, is described. The photovoltaic cell is preferably activated by ambient light (e.g., fluorescent or incandescent).

Abstract: A communication apparatus with solar cell charging capability includes a hand-held communication device and a solar cell plate movably received in the hand-held communication device. The hand-held communication device includes an accommodation groove defined on one side of the hand-held communication device and the solar cell plate movably is movably received in the accommodation groove. The solar cell plate can be pulled out from the accommodation groove when the battery of the hand-held communication device is insufficient. Therefore, the solar cell plate can charge the battery of the hand-held communication device.

Abstract: A solar energy charging device includes a main body having a plurality of grooves disposed at a top surface thereof for inserting batteries or electronic devices; a plurality of indicator lights disposed at a peripheral portion of the top surface; a first solar panel pivotally attached to the top surface, the first solar panel is rotatable, and covers the grooves when the first solar panel is closed; at least one second solar panel attached at a side wall of the main body, the second solar panel is embedded in the main body when it is not in use, and will be take out when it is in an operation state.

Abstract: A suction cup has a cup portion and a head attached to the cup portion. A solar cell is positioned within the head or the cup portion. The solar cell can be placed in a cavity in the head or cup portion or may be molded or formed into the suction cup. The contacts of the solar cell may be positioned so that an object can be hung on the suction cup and be powered by the solar cell. One can also provide a sensor and transmitter or alarm in or on the suction cup and connected to the solar cell such that when the suction cup is moved an alarm will sound.

Abstract: A photovoltaically powered cathodic protection system for an automotive vehicle uses electrical energy arising from a photovoltaic array positioned upon an exterior surface of the vehicle, with the cathodic protection current being controlled by a controller which is also connected with an electrical storage device and with at least one electrogalvanic cell sensor. The controller and associated sensors function to assure that sufficient charge passes through conductors applied to the body of the vehicle to maintain cathodic protection on a consistent basis.

Abstract: A water permeable electrode for electrochemical splitting of water having a light sensitive catalytic material layer which includes a light sensitive catalytic material and a semiconductor, a polymer electrolyte membrane layer, a metallic substrate layer disposed there between adjacent the polymer electrolyte membrane layer, and at least one photovoltaic device connected in series to the light sensitive catalytic material layer and disposed between the light sensitive catalytic material layer and the metallic substrate layer.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates each component.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating pulsed chemical reactions in a small volume of gaseous reactants. An emitter stimulates the reactions of a fuel oxidizer mixture and a collector converts the vibrational energy of the resulting products into useful energy. The device may also include a reaction region, a collector, and reactants such as fuel and oxidizer. In one embodiment, air including exhausts is made to flow into and out of the reaction region, and fuel is made to flow into the reaction region. The device may be configured in several geometries, including but not limited to, a V-channel, a box and a plane.

Abstract: A nanocomposite having enhanced energy conversion between thermal, electron, phonons, and photons energy states. The composition comprises a synergistic blend of nanoscale powders wherein the powders have nanoscale layered surface modifiers and a conductive medium. The powders and conductive medium are optionally altered through non-thermal modifiers and made into energy conversion devices.

Abstract: A solar co-generator for producing both heat energy and electricity is disclosed. A solar concentrator directs sunlight into a container lined with solar cells and filled with a thermal transfer fluid. The fluid is transparent with respect to certain wavelengths of light that may be converted to electricity by the solar cell, but is opaque with respect to longer wavelengths, particular the infrared band. The infrared portion of the sunlight heats the thermal transfer fluid, which then transfer that heat through a storage facility using a heat exchange mechanism. The thermal transfer fluid increases the efficiency of photovoltaic generation by preventing heating of the solar cells due to infrared radiation. The thermal transfer fluid may be a mixture containing barium sulfate and a suspension of zinc sulfide phosphors. A fluorescing anti-reflective coating may be applied to the solar cells to further increase efficiency.

Abstract: A bi-layer photovoltaic cell, and method (100) of making same, with an electric field applied at the p-n heterojunction interface. The cell includes a first semiconductor layer including a binder, nanocrystals of an n-type semiconductor, and spatially bound cations and a second semiconductor layer contacting the first semiconductor layer that includes a binder, nanocrystals of a p-type semiconductor, and spatially bound anions. The cell further includes a p-n heterojunction at the contacting interface between the first and second semiconductor layers. An electric field is created by the spatially bound cations and anions that are located in the layers proximal to the p-n heterojunction. The nanocrystals are single crystals of organic semiconductors that are less than 50 nanometers in size and that comprise a majority of the volume of their respective layers. The binder is a polymer matrix, such as an epoxy. The cell includes electrical contacts abutting the semiconductor layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coated synthetic shingle that exhibits increased resistance to ultra-violet radiation. The shingle is useable for roofing applications and includes a substrate having a substrate surface and a base coat that is applied to the substrate surface. The base coat preferably includes a first fluoropolymer component. The shingle can also include a top coat that is applied to the base coat. The top coat preferably includes a clear acrylic coating. A method for manufacturing the shingle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roof cover type solar cell module includes a roof cover base member and a power generating unit. The roof cover base member has a mounting surface to which the power generating unit is mounted, and an underlap that can mate with an adjacent roof cover. The power generating unit is mounted to the mounting surface, leaving a part of the mounting surface uncovered. Thus, a roof cover type solar cell module for which a variety of materials can be used for the roof cover base member, which can be produced at low cost, and which is excellent in stability when placed on the roof surface, and also excellent in workability, weather resistance and design property, is provided.

Abstract: In a power generation system of this invention, the outputs from power generation layers electrically connected in series are input to corresponding power conversion devices, and boosted outputs are connected in parallel and fed to a load. Alternatively, the output from one of power generation layers electrically connected in series is input to a first power conversion device, and the serial output and the boosted output from the first power conversion device are connected in parallel, input to a second power conversion device, boosted, and fed to the load. Since the two power generation layers can be individually output-controlled, each power generation layer can be optimized basically without considering current balance. Since the optical spectrum utilization efficiency increases, the power generation efficiency increases. In addition, since the power can be fed not to separate loads but to one load, the convenience largely increases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that converts energy provided by a chemical reaction into energy for charging a quantum well device. The disclosed apparatus comprises a catalyst layer that catalyzes a chemical reaction and captures hot electrons and hot phonons generated by the chemical reaction, and an interface layer placed between the catalyst layer and a quantum well. The interface layer facilitates the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons from the catalyst layer into the quantum well layer. The interface layer can also convert hot electrons into hot phonons, and vice versa, depending upon the needs of the particular quantum well device. Because the hot electrons and the hot phonons are unstable and readily degrade into heat energy, the dimensions of the catalyst layer and the interface layer are very small. To improve the efficiency of the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons to the quantum well, other interface layers, such as a catalyst interlayer and a catalyst interface, may be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy is provided. In one aspect the method includes using chemical reactions to generate vibrationally excited molecules, such as high-quantum-number-vibrationally-excited gas molecules in a region. The vibration energy in the vibrationally excited molecules is converted into hot electrons when the excited molecules contact a conductor. A geometry is provided so that the excited molecules may travel, diffuse or wander into a conductor before loosing a useful fraction of the vibrational energy. Optionally, the generating and the converting process may be thermally separated, at least in part. The short lived hot electrons are converted into longer lived entities such as carriers and potentials in a semiconductor, where the energy is converted into a useful form.

Abstract: Supporting frame structure for installing solar cell module plates and incidental facilities on a house roof is provided. The supporting structure has a shape of pluralities of slope structure accompanied with cleaning accesses mounted on a rectangular cube frame. Side view of the slope structure forms a rectangular triangle on a square. The angle between the sloped top surface and the horizontal base is 3 to 75 degrees depend on the latitude of the geometric location of the place where the solar cell plate modules are installed. The maintenance access is a space through which a worker easily access to the solar cell module plates to clean the surface thereof and to replace the plates.