Abstract: Methods and systems for solar energy converter with increased photovoltaic and thermal conversion efficiencies including a collection optics for receiving and concentrating incident sunlight, or radiation from any other directed electromagnetic energy source, an optical filtering unit for separating and redirecting infrared light and ultraviolet light from incoming solar light, a thermal distribution unit redirecting heat from the optical filtering unit into a thermal-loop, and a photovoltaic for receiving the filtered light from the filtering system and converting the light into energy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for solar energy converter with increased photovoltaic and thermal conversion efficiencies including a collection optics for receiving and concentrating incident sunlight, or radiation from any other directed electromagnetic energy source, an optical filtering unit for separating and redirecting infrared light and ultraviolet light from incoming solar light, a thermal distribution unit redirecting heat from the optical filtering unit into a thermal-loop, and a photovoltaic for receiving the filtered light from the filtering system and converting the light into energy.

Abstract: A metal-air battery including (a) an anode, (b) a cathode, (c) a separator between the anode and the cathode, and (d) a container having at least one air access port has (e) a membrane between the cathode and the container that has a variable thickness.

Abstract: A zinc/air button cell having an adhesive sealant applied to a portion of the inside surface of the cell's cathode casing. The adhesive sealant can be applied to the inside surface of a recessed annular step surrounding the cell's positive terminal on the cathode casing. The adhesive is preferably applied in a pattern which conforms to the shape of the annular recessed step. An electrolyte barrier sheet, preferably of Teflon, can be applied to the adhesive pattern on the inside surface of said recessed step, preferably so that the adhesive bonds the edge of the barrier sheet to the step. The adhesive prevents electrolyte from leaking from the cell. The adhesive is applied preferably by preparing a plate having a desired pattern etched thereon, filling the etching in the plate with an adhesive mixture, applying a silicon pad to the etching to transfer the adhesive pattern to the pad, then applying the pad to the inside surface of the cathode casing step to transfer the adhesive pattern thereto.

Abstract: An anode composition for zinc/air cells comprises a metal binder added to particulate zinc. The metal binder in contact with the particulate zinc is heated to above its melting point. Upon cooling the metal binder solidifies and adheres to the zinc particle surfaces to form agglomerates wherein individual zinc particles are held bound to each other by the metal binder. Gelling agent and electrolyte can then be added to form an anode mixture. The metal binder has a melting point desirably above about 35° C. and below the melting point of zinc. A preferred metal binder for the particulate zinc is an alloy of indium and bismuth (In/Bi). Other desirable metal binders, for example, can be an alloy of indium, bismuth and tin (In/Bi/Sn) or alloy of indium and tin (In/Sn) as well as indium metal. Use of the metal binder in the anode mixture improves conductivity of the zinc particles and replaces the need to add mercury to the anode composition.

Abstract: A metal-air battery including (a) an anode; (b) a cathode; (c) a separator between the anode and the cathode; and (d) a container having a louver is disclosed.

Abstract: A bifunctional air-electrode for use in electrochemical energy cells discharges a satisfactory current on the first discharge cycle and operates for a relatively large number of charge-discharge cycles without gas forming between the electrolyte side of the air electrode and the electrolyte. The active layer of the electrode includes an oxygen reduction catalyst having a first oxygen evolution potential and an oxygen evolution catalyst having a second oxygen evolution potential less than the first oxygen evolution potential, the oxygen reduction catalyst being present in a greater concentration proximate the electrolyte side than proximate the air side and the oxygen evolution catalyst being present in a greater concentration proximate the air side than proximate the electrolyte side.