Abstract: A method for producing ultra-lightweight concrete (ULWC), includes: generating CO2 foam including nanobubbles; forming a brine paste including nanocrystals and nanopores by mixing the nanobubbles with a brine solution; generating the CO2 foam including microbubbles, where pore sizes of the microbubbles are larger than pore sizes of the nanobubbles; mixing the microbubbles into the brine paste, where the nanocrystals comprised in the brine paste distributes along a surface of each microbubble; and mixing fiber hairs into the brine paste and the microbubbles. Ultra-lightweight aggregate (ULWA) may be formed using the ULWC. A method for producing ULWC panels, includes: printing creases on alkali-resistant fiber paper sheets; folding the fiber paper sheets along the creases; affixing the folded fiber paper sheets into a 3D structure with open channels; injecting atomized brine water into surfaces of the open channels; and injecting CO2 gas into the open channels until filled with carbonate crystals.

Abstract: A photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system for coupling to a solar panel, includes: thermal parts, including: a copper sheet comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the first side is for coupling to a back of the solar panel; at least a first plurality of heat pipes coupled to the second side of the copper sheet; and at least a first manifold coupled to ends of the first plurality of heat pipes; and an insulation layer coupled to the thermal parts, where if the thermal parts are coupled to the back of the solar panel, the copper sheet receives heat transferred from the solar panel and transfers the heat to the first plurality of heat pipes, and the first plurality of heat pipes transfers the heat to the first manifold. The PVT system manages the temperature of the solar cells in the solar panel.

Abstract: Thermoelastic constants of cellular and lattice materials are tailored with pre-stress using four configurations. First, a tube-core composite uses lightweight materials as a core. A screw cap is used to adjust the pressure on the lightweight material core, tailoring the thermoelastic constants of the overall composite. Second, pre-tensioned fibers or metal wires are embedded in the lightweight material during the fabrication and curing process to form a composite. After the lightweight material is solidified, the pre-tension is released from the frame and transferred to the composite. Third, the lightweight material is fabricated in a mold with fiber or wire reinforcements, where the ends extend beyond the lightweight material and are coupled to bolts. Post-tension is applied by adjusting the bolts. Fourth, the ends of the fiber are coupled to a spool. Post-tension is applied to the fibers or wires by turning the spool using a single screw bolt.

Abstract: The solar personal rapid transit (PRT) system is configured to provide a transportation system with higher material, energy, environmental, and economic sustainability. The solar PRT system includes autonomous vehicles or “pods” that travel on a rail guideway above the pods. The pods are configured for moving people and objects from one location to another along the rail guideway. Each pod is coupled to a drive unit via a hanger for moving the pods through the guideway. The drive unit includes wheels with flanges proximate to the outside edges of the guideway rails. A combination of tongue tracks and a switch blade is used to route the pods onto different tracks. A pre-tension frame supports each section of the guideway and includes a smart cushion that changes the length of the section based on environmental temperature. The smart cushion is further used with a BIPV module for a roof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing warm foam mix asphalt are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: injecting an ethanol additive into asphalt binder having a temperature below the auto ignition point of ethanol to form a foamed asphalt stream; adding the foamed asphalt stream to a mixing zone; adding at least one of aggregate and reclaimed asphalt pavement to the mixing zone; adding a foaming agent to the mixing chamber; heating at least one of the mixing zone and the at least one of aggregate and reclaimed asphalt pavement; mixing the foamed asphalt stream and the at least one of aggregate and reclaimed asphalt pavement to form a warm foam mix asphalt; collecting emissions from the mixing zone, the emissions including ethanol vapors; and recycling the emissions to the mixing zone.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing warm foam mix asphalt are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: injecting an ethanol additive into asphalt binder having a temperature below the auto ignition point of ethanol to form a foamed asphalt stream; adding the foamed asphalt stream to a mixing zone; adding at least one of aggregate and reclaimed asphalt pavement to the mixing zone; adding a foaming agent to the mixing chamber; heating at least one of the mixing zone and the at least one of aggregate and reclaimed asphalt pavement; mixing the foamed asphalt stream and the at least one of aggregate and reclaimed asphalt pavement to form a warm foam mix asphalt; collecting emissions from the mixing zone, the emissions including ethanol vapors; and recycling the emissions to the mixing zone.

Abstract: Solar panels and solar heating systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the solar panels include the following: a top protective layer; a thin-film photovoltaic layer adjacent the top layer; a bottom polymeric substrate layer opposite the top layer; and a functionally graded material interlayer positioned between the top and bottom layers, the interlayer including a first homogeneous polymeric composite layer below the thin film photovoltaic layer, a second homogeneous polymeric composite layer including water tubes below the first composite layer, and a substantially polymeric layer below the second composite layer and adjacent the bottom layer.

Abstract: Net zero energy building systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems include the following: roofing panels positioned on a roof of a building, the roofing panels being made of an array of horizontal elliptic glass vacuum tube solar collectors attached upon a reinforced light weight concrete panel; electricity generators; an insulated fluid storage tank; and a fluid circulation sub-system joined with the panels, generators, and tank.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a strain gauge which includes a composite film including a non-metallic matrix and magnetically active particles. At least a portion of the magnetically active particles form one or more chain structures, such that the resistivity of the composite film can vary in response to an applied strain on the composite film. The strain gauge also includes two or more leads affixed to the composite film and electrically coupled with the chain structures. Methods of fabrication and methods of use of the strain gauge based on chain-structured magnetically active particles included in a non-metallic matrix are also disclosed.