Abstract: A power generation device includes an enclosed circuit through which a working medium circulates. The working medium is heated at a first location in the enclosed circuit, and cooled at a second location. The differential heating and cooling causes the working medium to circulate within the enclosed circuit. The circulating medium is used to drive a turbine, which in turn may drive an electric generator.

Abstract: An asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC) coupled with a photovoltaic cell is disclosed according to some embodiments. The disclosed ACPC can concentrate solar light from a large full acceptance angle toward the photovoltaic cell. In some embodiments, the ACPC can be submerged within a liquid (e.g., water). The liquid can increase the full acceptance angle, provide temperature damping, and provide structural inertia to the system. In some embodiments, the ACPC can be constructed from acrylic or other resins.

Abstract: A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.

Abstract: A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.

Abstract: An asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC) coupled with a photovoltaic cell is disclosed according to some embodiments. The disclosed ACPC can concentrate solar light from a large full acceptance angle toward the photovoltaic cell. In some embodiments, the ACPC can be submerged within a liquid (e.g., water). The liquid can increase the full acceptance angle, provide temperature damping, and provide structural inertia to the system. In some embodiments, the ACPC can be constructed from acrylic or other resins.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for an asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC), a liquid light guide, and an algae mixer. These embodiments may be used singularly or in combination, for example, as part of a bioreactor. In various embodiments an ACPC may be used to capture light without the aid of motors or positioning. As such, the ACPC may be used despite seasonal solar variations. The illuminating light guide may be used to guide light, for example, from an exit aperture of an ACPC, through walls substantially perpendicular to the entrance window of the illuminating light guide. In some embodiments, the illuminating light guide may provide substantially uniform light distribution through a vertical profile. Other embodiments include, for example, an algae mixer and bioreactors.

Abstract: A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.

Abstract: A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.