Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a communication fleet includes: an airborne communication payload subdivided into multiple payload sections; and a plurality of airborne platforms each including a payload section, wherein each airborne platform comprises an airframe, a propulsion system, a power system, and flight control electronics, wherein the propulsion system is configured to provide propulsion power and thrust to maintain level flight, ascend, descend and maneuver the airborne platform, wherein the power system provides electrical power to the propulsion system, the flight control electronics, and the payload section, and wherein the flight control electronics provide capability to control a position, speed, and flight pattern of the airborne platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a communication fleet includes: an airborne communication payload subdivided into multiple payload sections; and a plurality of airborne platforms each including a payload section, wherein each airborne platform comprises an airframe, a propulsion system, a power system, and flight control electronics, wherein the propulsion system is configured to provide propulsion power and thrust to maintain level flight, ascend, descend and maneuver the airborne platform, wherein the power system provides electrical power to the propulsion system, the flight control electronics, and the payload section, and wherein the flight control electronics provide capability to control a position, speed, and flight pattern of the airborne platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of providing wireless communication services includes: receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal from a first area by a distributed airborne communication payload, wherein the distributed airborne communication payload is comprised of sections located on respective ones of a plurality of airborne platforms; relaying the RF signal along the sections located on different airborne platforms; and transmitting the RF signal to a second area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided. An airborne wireless communication system may include: an airborne fleet comprising a plurality of airborne platforms; a distributed communication payload subdivided into parts, each distributed on respective airborne platforms. The communication payload comprises air-to-user link equipment and air-to-air link equipment to provide communications between the airborne wireless communication system and end-users and between individual airborne platforms; and payload control electronics to control the air-to-user and air-to-air equipment and manage operation of the airborne wireless communication system. The air-to-user link equipment comprises an RF antenna to produce an RF beam in a direction towards the ground. A communication cell is defined on the ground and in the airspace below the fleet bounded by a boundary of the RF beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for using a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy. In some embodiments, the method may include generating electric energy from a renewable form of energy at a plurality of locations at which reside an electric power line associated with an electric power grid. The electric energy generated at each location may be transferred to the electric power line to thereby supply electric energy to the electric power grid.

Abstract: A stretchable photovoltaic device, a stretchable photovoltaic module and a carrier for facilitating formation of a stretchable photovoltaic device and/or module are provided. The stretchable photovoltaic device includes a stretchable part, at least one photovoltaic cell and a surface over which that at least one photovoltaic cell is disposed. The stretchable part has a given length that is operable to change in response to a force being applied to the device. The given length may, for example, elongate when the force causes the device to elongate. Alternative and/or additionally, the given length may compress when the force causes the device to compress.

Abstract: A hydro-thermal exchange unit (HTEU) for desalinating feed water in accordance with a humidification-dehumidification includes feed water, fresh water and gas conduit circuits for transporting feed water, fresh water, and gas, respectively. The unit also includes an evaporator through which a portion of the feed water conduit and the gas conduit pass. The evaporator causes evaporation of a portion of the feed water to produce vapor that is transported through the gas conduit. The unit also includes a condenser through which a portion of the gas conduit and the fresh water conduit pass. The condenser has input and output ports for coupling the gas and fresh water conduit circuits. The condenser extracts moisture from the vapor transported therethrough by the gas conduit. The extracted moisture is discharged through the fresh water conduit.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided which includes a plurality of junction layers. Each junction layer includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected to one another. At least one of the junction layers is at least in part optically transmissive. The junction layers are arranged in a stack on top of each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, an airborne wireless communication node includes: an airborne fleet comprising a plurality of airborne platforms having flight control electronics configured to control flight of individual airborne platforms and coordinate a flight plan of the airborne fleet as a whole; and a distributed communication payload, wherein the communication payload is subdivided into constituent parts, wherein the parts are distributed and positioned on respective ones of the plurality of airborne platforms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an adaptable solar airframe are provided herein. In some embodiments, an adaptable solar airframe includes an expandable body having an aerodynamic cross-section that reduces parasitic air drag at any given thickness of the body, further being able to change its shape in flight in response to changes in the relative position of the sun; and a flexible solar PV system attached to the surface of the expandable body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to harvest renewable energy are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method to harvest renewable energy includes providing an aircraft suitable for untethered flight in an open airspace and an airborne kinetic energy conversion system attached to the airframe, the airborne kinetic energy conversion system comprising a turbine, a generator connected to the turbine, and electrical storage means connected to the generator; flying the aircraft; gaining excess kinetic energy; and converting excess kinetic energy into electricity using the kinetic energy conversion system.

Abstract: An ice resistant structure is provided which includes a self-supporting, structural platform, a retaining, protective layer and a subsurface anti-icing (AI) and/or de-icing (DI) layer. The retaining, protective layer is disposed over the self-supporting, structural platform. The subsurface anti-icing (AI) and/or de-icing (DI) layer is located between the self-supporting, structural platform and the retaining, protective layer. The subsurface Al and/or DI layer is a functional layer such that an Al and/or DI agent is released to a surface of the retaining protective layer by an activation mechanism responsive to a change in an environmental condition.

Abstract: A stretchable photovoltaic device, a stretchable photovoltaic module and a carrier for facilitating formation of a stretchable photovoltaic device and/or module are provided. The stretchable photovoltaic device includes a stretchable part, at least one photovoltaic cell and a surface over which that at least one photovoltaic cell is disposed. The stretchable part has a given length that is operable to change in response to a force being applied to the device. The given length may, for example, elongate when the force causes the device to elongate. Alternative and/or additionally, the given length may compress when the force causes the device to compress.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thin film of a copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)-type material are disclosed. The method includes providing first and second targets in a common sputtering chamber. The first target includes a source of CIGS material, such as an approximately stoichiometric polycrystalline CIGS material, and the second target includes a chalcogen, such as selenium, sulfur, tellurium, or a combination of these elements. The second target provides an excess of chalcogen in the chamber. This can compensate, at least in part, for the loss of chalcogen from the CIGS-source in the first target, resulting in a thin film with a controlled stoichiometry which provides effective light absorption when used in a solar cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a distributed communication payload includes: a payload control electronics module; an air-to-user link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms and end-user devices; and an air-to-air link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms; wherein the air-to-user and air-to-air link modules are subdivided into multiple sections that can be disposed on different airborne platforms.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a distributed communication payload includes: a payload control electronics module; an air-to-user link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms and end-user devices; and an air-to-air link module to provide wireless communication links between airborne platforms; wherein the air-to-user and air-to-air link modules are subdivided into multiple sections that can be disposed on different airborne platforms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thin film of a copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)-type material are disclosed. The method includes providing first and second targets in a common sputtering chamber. The first target includes a source of CIGS material, such as an approximately stoichiometric polycrystalline CIGS material, and the second target includes a chalcogen, such as selenium, sulfur, tellurium, or a combination of these elements. The second target provides an excess of chalcogen in the chamber. This can compensate, at least in part, for the loss of chalcogen from the CIGS-source in the first target, resulting in a thin film with a controlled stoichiometry which provides effective light absorption when used in a solar cell.

Abstract: A method of: providing one or more spent sputtering targets comprising a photovoltaic compound and grinding the photovoltaic compound in an inert environment to form a powder.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided which includes a plurality of junction layers. Each junction layer includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected to one another. At least one of the junction layers is at least in part optically transmissive. The junction layers are arranged in a stack on top of each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an adaptable solar airframe are provided herein. In some embodiments, an adaptable solar airframe includes an expandable body having an aerodynamic cross-section that reduces parasitic air drag at any given thickness of the body, further being able to change its shape in flight in response to changes in the relative position of the sun; and a flexible solar PV system attached to the surface of the expandable body.