Abstract: Radiant energy traps are disclosed which comprise diffuse radiant energy concentrators with at least one reflector and receiver. A diffuse light concentrator (DLC) with optimizable flexibility may be used in multiple applications, such as solar electric, thermal (air or water), hybrid or a combination system.

Abstract: Radiant energy traps are disclosed which comprise diffuse radiant energy concentrators with at least one reflector and receiver. A diffuse light concentrator (DLC) with optimizable flexibility may be used in multiple applications, such as solar electric, thermal (air or water), hybrid or a combination system.

Abstract: A radiant energy trap. This diffuse and direct radiant energy concentrator comprises at least one reflector, a refractor substantially prism shaped and a receiver interfaced with the refractor. The invention is capable of a solid angle of acceptance of radiant energy, equivalent to that of a flat panel collector, while maintaining a relatively high concentration ratio of diffuse light. The invention can be embodied as an effective hybrid solar electric and thermal collector. A unique yet simple geometry results in relatively high optical and thermal efficiency. The invention can be embodied as a low profile 3-D diffuse light concentrator, combining reflection, refraction, and total internal reflection to approach the thermodynamic limit. It minimizes materials cost to the limits of cost reduction with relatively high efficiency PV cells. The invention increases the utilization of available solar energy and greatly reduces installed system payback periods, compared to prior art.

Abstract: The invention is a radiant energy trap. As a solar collector it can combine diffuse light concentration and hybrid electric and thermal conversion. A refractor comprises a plurality of non-imaging concentrators, each interfaced with a corresponding receiver, adjacent to a reflector, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, with optically independent or dependant sections. The refractor can be a composite of layers, solid or nested fluid layers. The fluid can be a transparent refractive component or be optically independent from the refractive function of the invention and can flow through the refractor as a thermal transfer medium. The refractor can selectively direct radiant energy without reducing the collectors angle of acceptance (AOA) of ambient radiant energy, can take advantage of total internal reflection and can be thermally isolated. The invention has a relatively high concentration (CR) of diffuse light when the AOA is equivalent to that of a flat panel collector.

Abstract: A radiant energy trap. This diffuse and direct radiant energy concentrator comprises at least one reflector, a refractor substantially prism shaped and a receiver interfaced with the refractor. The invention is capable of a solid angle of acceptance of radiant energy, equivalent to that of a flat panel collector, while maintaining a relatively high concentration ratio of diffuse light. The invention can be embodied as an effective hybrid solar electric and thermal collector. A unique yet simple geometry results in relatively high optical and thermal efficiency. The invention can be embodied as a low profile 3-D diffuse light concentrator, combining reflection, refraction, and total internal reflection to approach the thermodynamic limit. It minimizes materials cost to the limits of cost reduction with relatively high efficiency PV cells. The invention increases the utilization of available solar energy and greatly reduces installed system payback periods, compared to prior art.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for a user to practice a golf swing. The method includes: (a) standing on a balance board; and (b) performing at least a portion of the golf swing while standing on the balance board. If the user performs the portion of the golf swing while maintaining the user's front-to-rear weight distribution within a threshold range, then the balance board maintains a balanced orientation. If the user performs the portion of the golf swing without maintaining the user's front-to-rear weight distribution within the threshold range, then the balance board tilts either forward or rearward to indicate to the user that the user's front-to-rear weight distribution is outside the threshold range. Other embodiments include balance boards for golf training.