Abstract: A solar collector is made primarily of plastic materials. A wide variety of collector configurations may be made from similar parts, and thus the collector may be adapted to mount in locations where traditional flat panel collectors may not be feasible. The collector may conveniently be used with a nanofluid as the heat transfer fluid, to increase the heat transfer characteristics of the heat transfer fluid. A control system for stagnation remediation, freeze protection, or both may be utilized. For example, when the collector is in danger for stagnation or freezing, water may be circulated through a ground coupled heat exchange loop to cool or heat the collector. Preferably, the stagnation remediation mode does not sacrifice thermal energy previously collected and stored.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically configuring a thermoelectric power generation system in accordance with the requirements of a load. The apparatus includes a thermoelectric generator that generates electric power when subjected to a temperature differential, at least one configurable component that affects at least one aspect of the power generated by the thermoelectric generator, a monitor that senses at least one aspect of the power generated by the thermoelectric generator and provides at least one signal characterizing the power generated by the thermoelectric generator, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the at least one signal and configure the at least one configurable component based on the at least one signal in accordance with the requirements of a load to which power is supplied by the thermoelectric generator. The configurable component may be a matrix switch that can reconfigure the interconnections between banks included in the thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system generates electricity from a temperature differential using a thermoelectric module. At least one side of the temperature differential is supplied by a thermal element having a fluid flowing through it. The fluid contains suspended nanoparticles to enhance the transfer of heat between the fluid containing the nanoparticles and the thermal element, as compared with a similar fluid not containing the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may include metal ions, for example silver ions, copper ions, or both. The system may further include an ion generator for generating the ions within the fluid.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a mechanical building block system independent of mechanical tolerances of generator stack elements consisting of multiple parallel in plane elements that can be mass produced and mass assembled without sorting or lapping or machining in place. This implementation allows for simple maintenance of interchangeable unmatched parts.

Abstract: An integrated energy system for a home or other building utilizes a heated reservoir for energy storage. The reservoir is mainly heated by one or more solar collectors. The system also includes an environment-coupled piping loop through which a cooling fluid is circulated such that heat is exhausted from the cooling fluid to the environment. The thermal energy from the reservoir and the cooling fluid are then used in an integrated set of systems that provide space heating, space cooling, and electrical generation. Electricity is generated by a thermoelectric generator that exploits the temperature differential between the reservoir and the cooling fluid. The system may include heating and storage for domestic hot water, and may use excess power for hydrogen production. Backup heating and electrical systems may be provided for.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically configuring a thermoelectric power generation system in accordance with the requirements of a load. The apparatus includes a thermoelectric generator that generates electric power when subjected to a temperature differential, at least one configurable component that affects at least one aspect of the power generated by the thermoelectric generator, a monitor that senses at least one aspect of the power generated by the thermoelectric generator and provides at least one signal characterizing the power generated by the thermoelectric generator, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the at least one signal and configure the at least one configurable component based on the at least one signal in accordance with the requirements of a load to which power is supplied by the thermoelectric generator. The configurable component may be a matrix switch that can reconfigure the interconnections between banks included in the thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules that generate electrical power when subjected to a temperature differential. The generator also includes a plurality of first thermal elements to which heat is supplied by a first fluid and a plurality of second thermal elements from which heat is removed by a second fluid. The first and second thermal elements are arranged in a stack of alternating first and second thermal elements having one of the plurality of thermoelectric modules between each adjacent pair of first and second thermal elements. Each thermoelectric module is in contact on its first side with one of the first thermal elements and in contact on its second side with one of the second thermal elements such that no face of any thermal element contacts more than one of the thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: An L.E.D. lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture comprises at least one heat transfer mounting bar, at least one emitter plate secured to the mounting bar, and an array of L.E.D. lights secured to each emitter plate. A method for providing light is also provided.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a mechanical building block system independent of mechanical tolerances of generator stack elements consisting of multiple parallel in plane elements that can be mass produced and mass assembled without sorting or lapping or machining in place. This implementation allows for simple maintenance of interchangeable unmatched parts.

Abstract: An L.E.D. lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture comprises at least one heat transfer mounting bar, at least one emitter plate secured to the mounting bar, and an array of L.E.D. lights secured to each emitter plate. A method for providing light is also provided.