Abstract: Offshore solar energy harvesting and storage systems for onshore power generation. Solar energy harvesting and storage systems to enhance power generation per acre on land. Thermal energy storage systems and methods that include near-black body concentrated sunlight receivers disposed in thermal storage media for storing sunlight and extracting thermal energy for multiple end-use applications. The thermal energy storage systems are modular and transportable and can be scaled-up in capacity.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage systems and methods that include near-black body concentrated sunlight receivers disposed in thermal storage media for storing sunlight and extracting thermal energy for multiple end-use applications. The concentrated sunlight receivers are characterized by absorption of sunlight of at least 95%. The thermal energy storage systems are modular and transportable and can be scaled-up in capacity. Solar concentrators may be integrated with the thermal energy storage systems.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage systems and methods that include near-black body concentrated sunlight receivers disposed in thermal storage media for storing sunlight and extracting thermal energy for multiple end-use applications. The concentrated sunlight receivers are characterized by absorption of sunlight of at least 95%. The thermal energy storage systems are modular and transportable and can be scaled-up in capacity. Solar concentrators may be integrated with the thermal energy storage systems.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure the pollution level of the surface of a photovoltaic module. A resistance change on the surface of a photovoltaic module is sensed to effectively measure the pollution level on the surface of the photovoltaic module and secure a proper cleaning cycle of the module during solar light power generation. The apparatus includes a glass substrate attachably mounted on the surface of a photovoltaic module. A reactive coating layer is coated on one side of the glass substrate, has a structure that pollutants are accumulated on one side surface, and causes a resistance change by contact with the pollutants. A signal processor connected to the reactive coating layer to receive a signal of the resistance change, operationally process the signal to measure a change in the resistance value caused by accumulation of the pollutants, and output a discrimination signal on pollution.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying patterns of human behavior based on color preferences. The system includes a plurality of color representations comprising a primary set of color representations, a secondary set of color representations, an achromatic set of color representations, and an intermediate set of color representations. One's favorite and least favorite color representations are selected to identify patterns of human behavior. The system permits assigning of a value to each color representation based upon its ranking. The values assigned to each color representation are compared with one another to identify predicted patterns of human behavior.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying patterns of human behavior based on color preferences. The system includes a plurality of color representations comprising a primary set of color representations, a secondary set of color representations, an achromatic set of color representations, and an intermediate set of color representations. At least one set of indicia, which identifies at least one human behavior, is associated with each of the color representations. One's favorite and least favorite color representations are selected to identify a pattern of human behavior.

Abstract: A calendar and method for providing personalized messages based on color preferences. The calendar includes a plurality of color representations configured to permit the selection of at least one favorite color representation and at least one least favorite color representation. Each color representation is associated with a different period of time on the calendar. A message is provided which is varied with each period of time and is determined based upon whether the color representation associated with the current period of time corresponds with the favorite and least favorite color representations.

Abstract: A device and method for harmonizing color. The color harmonizing device of the present invention includes a plurality of color representations defined as base colors. Each base color is associated with a complementary color representation, a pair of split complementary color representations, and a pair of triadic match color representations. The complementary color representation, each split complementary color representation, and each triadic match color representation are associated with a quality such as a personality trait or mood. Each color representation, including the base color, is divided into a spectrum of colors based upon hue. Each color of the spectrum of the base color may be matched with the colors in the spectrums of the complementary color representation, the pair of split complementary color representations, and the pair of triadic match color representations based upon a desire for one of the qualities.

Abstract: Methods for producing a combustible fuel product from a biological sludge are provided. A removable bulking agent is mixed with the sludge and the mixture aerobically composted under conditions effective to substantially reduce the level of pathogenic microorganisms and provide a fuel product with a heating value of about 3,800 Btu/lb after removal of the bulking agent.