Abstract: A system and method for financial modeling of energy efficiency retrofitting cost of an energy system. According to the method, using a monitoring and evaluation system, signals from a number of sensors positioned in predetermined locations of a structure considered for energy efficiency retrofitting are received. The received signals are compared with benchmarks retrieved from a benchmark database. Using results of the comparison, one or more energy consuming components of the structure are identified as candidates for retrofitting. Based on a normalized payback time or other rate of return approach determined by using data retrieved from a retrofit-cost database, a financing model, in relation to an interest rate, for evaluating a cost of retrofitting the one or more component is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for crack detection in an object using a first and a second beam of light. According to the method, a surface of the object is scanned by directing onto the object a first and a second beam of light. The first beam of light forms a localized grating pattern on the scanned surface and the second beam of light probes the scanned surface where the localized grating pattern is formed. A reflected probing beam is received. The reflected probing beam comprises a reflection of the second beam of light from the scanned surface where the localized grating pattern is formed. The reflected probing beam is analyzed to detect a signature of a crack in the object.

Abstract: In the field of building energy efficiency, an analysis and control system is provided to design, retrofit and/or manage operation of the HVAC and/or hot water systems in a building, so as to minimize energy usage. The present system is an end-to-end computer software based approach for full time commissioning of mechanical systems in a building. It uses standard and advanced fluid dynamics modeling techniques in terms of air circulation, refrigerating, heating and hot water systems.

Abstract: A computer based method and apparatus for simulating and optimizing design of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning system) in a building. Conventional software tools for this purpose use the well known Navier-Stokes partial differential equations used to describe motion of fluid substances by means of computational fluid dynamics using a finite element method to solve the equations and optimize design of building air ducts for carrying warm and cool air through a building. Instead here the HVAC system is initially simulated using an electrical circuit design tool such as SPICE, where room volumes correspond to electrical capacitances, heat sources correspond to electrical resistances, and air flows to electrical currents in a complex R-C electrical circuit. The goal is to improve energy efficiency in terms of the amount of energy used to heat and cool air, and also the amount of energy used to circulate the air through the air ducts.

Abstract: A solar cell concentrating apparatus includes a parabolic or similar reflector focusing a beam of light on an array of photovoltaic cells to generate electric current. The reflector includes a large number of hexagonal mirrors each provided with an infra red reflective coating. A suitable reflective coating material is aluminum oxide, but a number of others are well known. Further aspects of the apparatus include use of a Fourier transform lens to alter an intensity profile of the light beam incident on the solar cells, and/or a beam altering device including a bundle of optical fibers that are interleaved and of varying lengths, for the same purpose.

Abstract: Properties of thin electrically conductive films are measured using plasmons. The plasmons are excited in the film using a suitable pump beam of electromagnetic radiation. A probe beam of electromagnetic radiation is directed onto the excited film and is diffracted thereby and the diffracted beam is detected. The detected signal indicates film properties such as thickness and surface roughness.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to optically measure properties of a metallic film using an excitation beam and a probe beam. The excitation beam creates a surface acoustic wave in the metallic film while the probe beam causes electron density waves (plasmons) in the metallic film. The detected intensity of the reflected probe beam indicates, e.g., a thickness of the metallic film.

Abstract: A set of optical lens elements coupled with a diode array spectrophotometer employed to measure thickness of thin films especially on semiconductor substrates is disclosed. The system comprises an optical sample compartment and deep ultraviolet diode array spectrophotometer manufactured by Hewlett-Packard. The sample compartment consists of a pair of prisms coupled with a pair of convex lenses. Prisms and convex lenses are used in a reflective mode instead of their usual transmissive mode, and therefore act like mirrors. This enables the ultraviolet beam to converge at the surface of semiconductor wafer sample at a single point with an almost normal incident angle, thereby introducing a large depth of focus with a small spot size. Also a condensing lens in front of the Deuterium lamp slowly reduces the beam diameter. Diode array spectrophotometer employs a sealed spectrophotometer that includes an entrance slit, a holographic grating, and a diode array detector.