Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for using aggregated loads from a plurality of distributed energy resources to perform a function at a power distribution feeder. The invention includes a plurality of distributed energy resources, wherein at least one distributed energy resource includes a renewable energy resource, a communication network, a control device, a power distribution feeder coupled to the control device, and an energy storage system coupled to the power distribution feeder. The control device sends a signal to the plurality of distributed energy resources via the communication network. The signal is a request to switch a status of one or more of the distributed energy resources if one or more distributed energy resources is within a predetermined condition. Loads from the one or more of the distributed energy resources that switched status are aggregated to perform a function at the power distribution feeder.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of forecasting solar energy irradiance potential and subsequent photovoltaic output in a region. The apparatus and method includes collecting meteorological data for a given region and then estimating irradiance levels using parameters collected from the meteorological data. Solar energy production is then simulated using the collected meteorological data, estimated irradiance levels, and physical characteristics of a solar generating system in the given region at a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for using aggregated loads from a plurality of distributed energy resources to perform a function at a power distribution feeder. The invention includes a plurality of distributed energy resources, wherein at least one distributed energy resource includes a renewable energy resource, a communication network, a control device, a power distribution feeder coupled to the control device, and an energy storage system coupled to the power distribution feeder. The control device sends a signal to the plurality of distributed energy resources via the communication network. The signal is a request to switch a status of one or more of the distributed energy resources if one or more distributed energy resources is within a predetermined condition. Loads from the one or more of the distributed energy resources that switched status are aggregated to perform a function at the power distribution feeder.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for using aggregated loads from a plurality of distributed energy resources to perform a function at a power distribution feeder. The invention includes a plurality of distributed energy resources, wherein at least one distributed energy resource includes a renewable energy resource, a communication network, a control device, a power distribution feeder coupled to the control device, and an energy storage system coupled to the power distribution feeder. The control device sends a signal to the plurality of distributed energy resources via the communication network. The signal is a request to switch a status of one or more of the distributed energy resources if one or more distributed energy resources is within a predetermined condition. Loads from the one or more of the distributed energy resources that switched status are aggregated to perform a function at the power distribution feeder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-supporting chimney apparatus. The chimney apparatus having at least one inflatable compartment. In some embodiments, the chimney apparatus may have a plurality of toroidal compartments, with the dimensions of the toroidal compartments calculated to maximize the structural integrity of the chimney apparatus, and with the pressure in the compartments dynamically adjusted to minimize deflection under wind loading. The self-supporting chimney apparatus may be used to construct an improved solar updraft tower, with the shape of the tower, the greenhouse surrounding its base, and the ground under the greenhouse optimized together to minimize energy losses. The efficiency of the power plant based on the design is further enhanced by combining solar thermal energy generation with photovoltaic energy generation and utilizing the waste heat of the latter.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of forecasting solar energy irradiance potential and subsequent photovoltaic output in a region. The apparatus and method includes collecting meteorological data for a given region and then estimating irradiance levels using parameters collected from the meteorological data. Solar energy production is then simulated using the collected meteorological data, estimated irradiance levels, and physical characteristics of a solar generating system in the given region at a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of forecasting solar energy irradiance potential and subsequent photovoltaic output in a region. The apparatus and method includes collecting meteorological data for a given region and then estimating irradiance levels using parameters collected from the meteorological data. Solar energy production is then simulated using the collected meteorological data, estimated irradiance levels, and physical characteristics of a solar generating system in the given region at a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for delivering energy using a renewable resource. The method includes providing a photovoltaic energy source and applying energy storage to the photovoltaic energy source via a battery storage unit. The energy output from the photovoltaic energy source and the battery system is controlled using a battery control system. The battery control system predicts peak load, develops a schedule that includes when to begin discharging power and when to stop discharging power, shifts power to the battery storage unit when excess power is available, and prioritizes the functionality of the battery storage unit and the photovoltaic energy source.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for using aggregated loads from a plurality of distributed energy resources to perform a function at a power distribution feeder. The invention includes a plurality of distributed energy resources, wherein at least one distributed energy resource includes a renewable energy resource, a communication network, a control device, a power distribution feeder coupled to the control device, and an energy storage system coupled to the power distribution feeder. The control device sends a signal to the plurality of distributed energy resources via the communication network. The signal is a request to switch a status of one or more of the distributed energy resources if one or more distributed energy resources is within a predetermined condition. Loads from the one or more of the distributed energy resources that switched status are aggregated to perform a function at the power distribution feeder.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for delivering energy using a renewable resource. The method includes providing a photovoltaic energy source and applying energy storage to the photovoltaic energy source via a battery storage unit. The energy output from the photovoltaic energy source and the battery system is controlled using a battery control system. The battery control system predicts peak load, develops a schedule that includes when to begin discharging power and when to stop discharging power, shifts power to the battery storage unit when excess power is available, and prioritizes the functionality of the battery storage unit and the photovoltaic energy source.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of forecasting solar energy irradiance potential and subsequent photovoltaic output in a region. The apparatus and method includes collecting meteorological data for a given region and then estimating irradiance levels using parameters collected from the meteorological data. Solar energy production is then simulated using the collected meteorological data, estimated irradiance levels, and physical characteristics of a solar generating system in the given region at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A fault detection system for use with a solar hot water system may include a data acquisition module which may, in turn, include a plurality of sensors. Input data may include a sensed condition. The system may also include a neural network to receive the input data which may be a multi-layer hierarchical adaptive resonance theory (ART) neural network. The neural network may perform an analysis on the input data to determine existence of a fault or a condition indicative of a potential fault. The fault and the condition indicative of the potential fault are prioritized according to the analysis performed by the neural network. A warning output relating to the fault and the condition indicative of the potential fault is generated responsive to the analysis, and is displayed on the user interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing samples in-line in a microfluidic system, comprising methods of and means for introducing a first fluid sample into a flow-tube at a first end at a first velocity via a first conduit; methods of and means for introducing a second fluid sample into the flow-tube at the first end at a second velocity, the second velocity different from the first velocity, via a second conduit, wherein the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample converge in the flow tube to form an interface; whereby the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample mix at the interface within the flow-tube, wherein fluid flow at the first end of the flow-tube is laminar and fluid flow at a second end of the flow-tube is laminar, and wherein the flow-tube has a constant diameter between the first end and the second end of the flow-tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing samples in-line in a microfluidic system, comprising methods of and means for introducing a first fluid sample into a flow-tube at a first end at a first velocity via a first conduit; methods of and means for introducing a second fluid sample into the flow-tube at the first end at a second velocity, the second velocity different from the first velocity, via a second conduit, wherein the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample converge in the flow tube to form an interface; whereby the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample mix at the interface within the flow-tube, wherein fluid flow at the first end of the flow-tube is laminar and fluid flow at a second end of the flow-tube is laminar, and wherein the flow-tube has a constant diameter between the first end and the second end of the flow-tube.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus is provided comprising: first driving means for driving a plurality of reagent samples from a plurality of respective source wells into a first fluid flow stream; second driving means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of reagent samples in the first fluid flow stream; means for driving a second fluid flow stream comprising a plurality of particles; a junction device comprising: a first inlet port for receiving the first fluid flow stream; a second inlet port for receiving the second fluid flow stream; a reaction zone for forcing mixing between the first fluid flow stream and the second fluid flow stream to thereby form a reaction product stream; and an outlet port for allowing the reaction product stream to exit the junction device; a reaction zone where the plurality of reagent samples and the plurality of particles mix to form a plurality of reaction products, the reaction zone communicating with the outlet port; reaction product driving means for driving the