Abstract: A method for bonding a protective cover to a solar cell is described comprising the steps of depositing onto a substrate a metallic gridwork corresponding to that which surrounds and defines the active photovoltaic areas of the solar cell; overlaying a protective cover, such as of glass, in contact with the gridwork on the substrate, heating under light pressure to soften the cover and impress the gridwork into a surface of the cover, and removing the cover and gridwork assembly from the substrate; applying a thin metallic adherent layer and, optionally, a compatibility layer on the solar cell in configuration corresponding to that of the intended gridwork of the solar cell; overlaying the cover and gridwork assembly onto the solar cell with the gridwork aligned with the layer(s); and bonding the gridwork to the layer(s).

Abstract: A nondissipative current distribution circuit for a power source, such as magnetohydrodynamic generator, that delivers its output current through a first plurality of positive electrodes and a second plurality of negative electrodes (including plural positive and negative electrode pairs) and provides a predetermined current distribution among the electrodes, is described, and comprises a transformer including first and second windings, the second winding including means for connection to a load, the first winding having plural adjustable taps intermediate its ends, an inductor connected at one end to one end of the first transformer winding and at the other end to a plurality of capacitors connected respectively to each electrode, and a first plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers connected, respectively, between each positive electrode and a tap or the second end of the first transformer winding, and a second plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers connected, respectively, between each negative elect

Abstract: An improved power plant incorporating a gas turbine and a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generating means is provided wherein a plurality of coolant conducting fins are disposed in the diffuser region of the duct between the MHD generator and the turbine. The cooling fins are provided with means to supply compressed coolant to the diffuser duct for mixing with the combustion gases to provide optimum gas pressure, temperature and velocity for driving the turbine.

Abstract: An improved vertical junction solar cell is provided which comprises a thin single-crystalline silicon chip having on one surface thereof a plurality of short channels etched therein in a desired array, the length l of the channels being related to the depth d of the channels by a relationship approximating d=l/2.sqroot.3. The resulting structure provides improved light utilization at end-of-life condition, conversion efficiency, mechanical strength and radiation resistance.

Abstract: An improved vertical junction solar cell is provided which comprises a thin silicon chip having on one surface thereof a plurality of holes therein closely spaced in a desired array, the walls of the holes defining the vertical junction of the cell. The resulting structure provides improved light utilization during the entire life of the cell, and improved radiation resistance, as compared to grooved structure cells.

Abstract: An improved magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator is provided by increasing the electrical conductivity of the working fluid by raising the temperature of the fluid. This is accomplished by providing an additional source of heat for the combustion products within the combustor. The additional source of heat in the combustor is provided by an electrical arc discharge within the combustor. The arc is energized by feeding back a part of the electrical output power from the MHD generator to the arc electrodes. In a typical nominal 20 megawatt system the thermal efficiency of the system is typically increased from approximately 20% to approximately 24.5% by such enthalpy augmentation.