Abstract: A method for the preparation of an electrode comprising a substrate made of an aluminium based material, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and an electrically conductive polymer matrix, the method comprising the following successive steps: (a) synthesising, on a substrate made of an aluminium based material, a carpet of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes according to the technique of CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) at a temperature less than or equal to 650° C.; (b) electrochemically depositing the polymer matrix on the carbon nanotubes from an electrolyte solution including at least one precursor monomer of the matrix, at least one ionic liquid and at least one protic or aprotic solvent. Further disclosed is the prepared electrode and a device for storing and returning electricity such as a supercapacitor comprising the electrode.

Abstract: A method for providing a substrate made of a porous carbonaceous material with vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, the method having a first step of depositing a ceramic underlayer on the substrate followed by a second step of synthesizing, by catalytic chemical vapour deposition, the vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on the substrate obtained after the first step, the carbon source necessary for the synthesis during this second step being injected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate and at a pressure less than 8104 Pa (800 mbar). The use of the substrate for preparing an electrode such as a supercapacitor electrode.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an electrode comprising a substrate made of an aluminium based material, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and an electrically conductive polymer matrix, the method comprising the following successive steps: (a) synthesising, on a substrate made of an aluminium based material, a carpet of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes according to the technique of CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) at a temperature less than or equal to 650° C.; (b) electrochemically depositing the polymer matrix on the carbon nanotubes from an electrolyte solution including at least one precursor monomer of the matrix, at least one ionic liquid and at least one protic or aprotic solvent. Further disclosed is the prepared electrode and a device for storing and returning electricity such as a supercapacitor comprising the electrode.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for operating an energy installation and include multiple photovoltaic modules linked to at least one inverter. Switching means are provided to electrically arrange the photovoltaic modules in at least two configurable series of photovoltaic modules parallel to each other, so that each module can be individually connected to or disconnected from any of the series of photovoltaic modules. Current values and voltage values supplied individually by each photovoltaic module are measured. Intermediate electrical magnitudes are calculated or chosen corresponding respectively to a plurality of configurations of the series of photovoltaic modules. The intermediate electrical magnitudes are compared with each other or with a reference magnitude. A configuration is selected of each series of photovoltaic modules according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Method of operating and device for controlling an energy installation comprising photovoltaic modules (401) and inverters (402), in which a selection and control unit (404) selects combinations of connections of the photovoltaic modules and controls a switching unit so as to establish combinations.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for operating an energy installation and include multiple photovoltaic modules linked to at least one inverter. Switching means are provided to electrically arrange the photovoltaic modules in at least two configurable series of photovoltaic modules parallel to each other, so that each module can be individually connected to or disconnected from any of the series of photovoltaic modules. Current values and voltage values supplied individually by each photovoltaic module are measured. Intermediate electrical magnitudes are calculated or chosen corresponding respectively to a plurality of configurations of the series of photovoltaic modules. The intermediate electrical magnitudes are compared with each other or with a reference magnitude. A configuration is selected of each series of photovoltaic modules according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Method of operating and device for controlling an energy installation comprising photovoltaic modules (401) and inverters (402), in which a selection and control unit (404) selects combinations of connections of the photovoltaic modules and controls a switching unit so as to establish combinations.

Abstract: A device for collecting solar radiation without guiding the orientation thereof relative to the sun position is disclosed. The device includes at least one photovoltaic solar collector having a face sensitive to the solar radiation, at least one reflecting surface for reflecting the solar radiation towards the sensitive face of the collector, and an orientation apparatus for supporting the solar collector. The orientation apparatus providing an orientation and an inclination to the sensitive face of the collector in relation to the reflecting surface. The reflecting surface is conformed so that, at least during predetermined periods of a day and at least during predetermined days of a year, solar radiation reflected by the reflecting surface reaches the sensitive face of the solar collector with a minimized angle of incidence when the device is arranged in a predetermined orientation.