Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion semiconductor device is provided which incorporates a heavily doped n-type region and which, as a consequence, has improved TPV conversion efficiency. The thermophotovoltaic energy conversion device includes an emitter layer having first and second opposed sides and a base layer in contact with the first side of the emitter layer. A highly doped n-type cap layer is formed on the second side of the emitter layer or, in another embodiment, a heavily doped n-type emitter layer takes the place of the cap layer.

Abstract: The TPV generator unit insert has air circulation fans that supply air for both TPV cell cooling and heat transfer and room air circulation. Combustion air is supplied by a blower and mixed with natural gas or propane in a mixing chamber. Fuel and air mixing is enhanced by injecting the fuel counter to the air flow in an air supply tube within the mixing chamber. The fuel and air mixture is then injected into a combustion chamber and burned. The hot combustion gases then heat an IR emitter. Infrared radiation from the emitter is then incident on TPV cells, where electricity is produced. The hot by-product gases then transfer heat to the circulating room air in an upper plenum prior to exiting the room through the flue pipe. The yellow-orange glow from the emitter is visible through a front glass window, which then produces a very aesthetically pleasing effect. The rectangular unit is designed to include at least two cell panels at front and at the back.

Abstract: This invention is a thermoelectric-photovoltaic device for converting electrical energy from both thermal radiation and sunlight. Thermoelectric energy is produced from thermoelectric cells when a temperature difference is present between two different semiconductor materials. Solar energy is produced from photovoltaic cells when two different semiconductor materials are exposed to sunlight. To achieve increased electrical energy production, one of the semiconductor materials is placed in a cell having a reduced pressure atmosphere to increase the radiative energy thermal exchange with the black sky at night.

Abstract: A system for controlling power supplied by a solar array panel to one of either a load or a battery for optimal power consumption is disclosed. The solar array power control system of the present invention includes a power stage for directing the solar array to discharge an appropriate amount of current, a signal conditioner for receiving and conditioning voltage and current signals from the solar array and determining the signs of the time derivatives of solar array voltage and power, a processor for evaluating the signs of the time derivatives of solar array power voltage and for directing operation of either a battery current control mode or a peak power tracking mode and a high gain amplifier for directing an appropriate voltage to the power stage according to the operating mode. The signal conditioner, processor and high gain amplifier cooperate to determine whether the solar array is capable of supplying the power demanded by at least one of the battery and the load.

Abstract: A multiblock robot system for the economical energy generation from sun and wind power, the energy storage and for the energy disposition and delivery, composed of plug connected and optional combinations of multiblock standard parts, having socket flange booster chambers with integrated units as, solar, wind rotor, control computer, checkcard reader, remote control antenna, illuminator and battery units. Rotation flange plug connections rotate the integrated units with solar surfaces and the wind rotor blades always to the optimal, perpendicular position of the sun and wind directions. The battery units are plug connected one behind the other to battery lines for the energy storage, composing checkcard controlled battery dispensers and battery changers for the self operating battery exchange and fully automatic delivery to multiblock robots, electro cars and to the public mains.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing hydrogen by conversion of solar energy into thermal and electrical energy for electrolysis of steam.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes a plurality of thermoelectric junctions embedded in each of a pair of thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive layers, these layers being separated by a thermally and electrically non-conductive layer. The junctions are connected to form a thermopile. An absorbent layer is provided adjacent one of the thermally conductive layers. A liquid such as water is applied to the absorbent layer, so that evaporation of the liquid from the absorbent layer enhances the temperature differential between the two thermally conductive layers.

Abstract: This invention discloses a solar energy system wherein some of the waste heat of a thermophotovoltaic system is made to operate a thermionic power generator. The waste heat of the thermionic power generator is then made to operate an alkali-metal thermal electric converter, and the waste heat from the alkali-metal thermal electric converter as well as the rest of the waste heat of the thermophotovoltaic system is made to operate a methane reformation system. Stored heat from the methane reformation system is made to operate the invention at night. The overall efficiency of the example of the invention shown in the Summary is 42.6%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen gas using an electrolyzer and a metal alloy hydride tank for hydrogen storage, wherein a passive load matching device between the energy source and the electrolyzer maximizes hydrogen output, and the electrolyzer and the metal alloy hydride tank operate at mutually low pressure, near ambient, such that pressurization of the system is not required.

Abstract: A photovoltaic concentrator module has miniature concentrating mirrors and photovoltaic cells attached to each mirror. A matrix of small thin mirror substrates are formed by coating a preferentially etched irradiation damaged dielectric substrate with a dielectric film, and etching away the dielectric substrate. The mirror substrates are coated with a reflective metal film to form the collecting optics and first electrode. The photovoltaic cells are formed by preferentially filling the mirror with semiconductor material and metal coating on top of the semiconductor for the second electrode. The mirror cone geometry is useful in preferentially locating material deposits. In the mirror dimensional range of 1 cm to 10 nm the optimization of the mirror photovoltaic cell is expected to occur, resulting in more efficient cooling, interconnections, material utilization, and shunt fault elimination.

Abstract: A thermal electrochemical system in which an electrical current is generated between a cathode immersed in a concentrated aqueous solution of phosphoric acid and an anode immersed in a molten salt solution of ammonium phosphate and monohydric ammonium phosphate. Reactants consumed at the electrodes during the electrochemical reaction are thermochemically regenerated and recycled to the electrodes to provide continuous operation of the system.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a planar luminescent solar concentrator including an optical fiber comprised of laser material. Solar energy collected by the concentrator is processed into laser radiation emitted by the optical fiber with high energy density corresponding to a concentration factor much greater than possible with prior art luminescent solar concentrators.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell having a coverplate made of .beta.-silicon carbide.

Abstract: A reversible thermoelectric converter includes first and second quantum well diodes and an electrical connection between the first and second quantum well diodes without a thermal barrier between them. Each quantum well diode includes first and second electrodes wherein electrons are quantized in discrete energy levels and a dielectric layer providing a potential barrier between the first and second electrodes. When electrons in the first quantum well diode have a higher temperature than the electrons in the second quantum well diode, electric voltage fluctuations resulting from transitions of the electrons between the energy levels in the first quantum well diode are coupled from the first quantum well diode to the second quantum well diode. The reversible thermoelectric converter can be operated for power conversion of thermal energy to electric energy, as a heat pump or a refrigerator, or as an amplifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose solar energy base and in particular to one including a main body portion having a solar energy heat converging circuit therein and a threaded center hole provided with two conductors connected with an electrical wire extending downwardly through a hole of the main body portion to a recess, and a cover engaged with the bottom of the main body portion and having a raised rectangular edge on which is mounted an energy conversion circuit with a rechargeable battery, characterized in that the base may be adapted to various kinds of products thereby rendering it to have many practical uses.

Abstract: A thermionic energy converter comprises an emitter, a transparent collector support generally parallel to an emitting surface of the emitter, a conductive film collector from about 10 to about 3,000 Angstroms in thickness covering a support surface of the collector support, and an enclosure for maintaining a controlled atmosphere in the gap between the conductive film collector and the emitting surface. According to another embodiment an improvement is set forth in a thermionic energy converter comprising an emitter, a collector and an enclosure adapted to maintain a controlled atmosphere in the emitter-collector gap. The improvement comprises an insulator post supportingly attaching the emitter and the collector. The embodiments are advantageously used together.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat pump or power source device is provided with P-type and N-type elements made of either thin films or thick films for use on flexible or nonflexible substrates. For flexible units the film type elements are formed on substrates of such flexible, electrically insulation material as, for example, MYLAR and TEFLON; while for inflexible units the elements are formed on substrates of such materials as, for example, Beryllia, Alumina, ceramics, or plastics. Further, the elements are patterned on the different substrates for particular usages. For example, radial element patterns used for cooling hot spots and ladder element patterns are used for cooling linear hot bodies. Ladder element patterns may also be used on flexible substrates to be folded to form corrugations having cold strips and hot strips on opposing sides to which sheets of suitable material can be attached to form panels, blankets, therapeutic devices or pipe covers for heating or cooling their contents as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an array of thin-film solar cells so that the individual solar cells are electrically connected in series. Individual solar cells are manufactured by depositing and structuring the layers required by each solar cell on a large-area substrate. According to the invention, a first electrode layer is structured before subsequent layers, including a semiconductive material layer and a second electrode layer, are deposited. Preferably, the structures of the subsequently deposited layers are determined by simultaneously applying material in paste form to the first electrode layer.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of solar cells, a monolithic stacked device is constructed comprising a plurality of solar sub-cells adjusted for different bands of radiation. The interconnection between these sub-cells has been a significant technical problem. The invention provides an interconnection which is an extremely thin layer of gold formed between the sub-cells by organometallic chemical vapor deposition. Such a layer tends to form beads which serve as a low resistance shorting interconnect while passing a large fraction of the radiation to the lower sub-cells.

Abstract: This plant spinner is designed to rotate potted plants, so as to evenly expose them to the rays of the sun. Primarily, it consists of a simulated flower that is adhered to a window pane, and the petals of the flower are provided with a multiple number of solar cells that convert the rays of the sun to electric current that drives a motor that slowly rotates a potted plant that is suspended from the plant spinner. Each solar cell in the flower is capable of powering a separate plant spinner, and the rotation of such potted plants provides for better growth because of them being evenly exposed to the rays of the sun.

Abstract: Combination hydrocarbon and water level sensor systems for use in connection with underground storage sites, such as gasoline storage tanks, industrial waste sites, and the like, with a solar cell power source and an LCD display located above ground and providing directly viewable indication of the presence or absence in the underground environment of "HYDROCARBON" and/or "WATER", with the absence of such being indicated by "OK". In the preferred form, a pod containing an adsorptive type hydrocarbon gas sensor and a galvanic cell type liquid water sensor is suspended by electrical cable means from a well cap in which the solar cell and LCD display are installed.

Abstract: An improved warning light blinker includes an upper housing member including an integral pedestal extending from an upper surface thereof, the upper housing member being transparent, the upper housing member also including an opening in a lower portion thereof. A lower housing member mates within the upper housing member through the opening. Battery captivating members for captivating a battery so as to substantially eliminate free air from contacting a substantial portion of a battery's outer surface area is provided. A flasher circuit periodically supplies electrical energy to a light bulb. A light dispersing lens is coupled to the pedestal. In the preferred apparatus one or more solar rechargeable batteries are situated within the battery captivating members. The pedestal includes a tapered channel which narrows close to an upper end thereof and a light bulb socket engages in an interference fit near the upper end.

Abstract: This invention deals with a composite electromotive apparatus utilizing solar energy and the like, comprising composite electromotive elements such as a thermoelectromotive unit, a photovoltaic unit, a magnetic electromotive unit utilizing convection, radiation, and/or other phenomena and so forth, to aim to gain electromotive even if momentarily small but as often as possible, with less limits in spite of any conditions, environment, etc., but without taking huge spaces and the like.

Abstract: A solar cell generates an electrical voltage with contributions from both photovoltaic and thermoelectric effects, when a high thermal gradient is impressed across a semiconductor p/n solar cell. To achieve a substantial thermoelectric voltage contribution, the front side of the solar cell is heated to an elevated temperature consistent with efficient operation of the photovoltaic mechanism of the solar cell, and the back side of the solar cell is cooled to a lower temperature. The magnitude of the thermoelectric voltage contribution is increased by reducing the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the solar cell material, by using face electrodes having the proper thermoelectric potentials in contact with the solar cell material, by increasing the light intensity and then the heat input to the front side of the solar cell, and by cooling the back side of the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar panel module for directly mounting to a roof surface comprises a plurality of solar panels and a low profile, elongated frame including a generally flat, rectangular base having a plurality of substantially planar surfaces for supporting the under surfaces of the solar panels. The panels are removably sealed to the frames at the under surfaces thereof, rendering the upper surfaces fully free and unencumbered for receipt of incident solar radiation. The frame includes, integrally therewith, upstanding walls adjacent opposite edges of the panel supporting surfaces, defining raceway channels for concealed passage of electrical wires connected to the solar panels. The channels and walls have provision for overlapping interlocking with similarly fabricated frames for ease of installation, weather-proofing and high-density panel mounting.

Abstract: Two-dimensional arrays of polarized energy-generating or energy-storing elements (20A, 20B, . . . , 20D; 21A, . . . , 21D; 22A, . . . , 22D; 23A, . . . , 23D; 24A, . . . , 24D; 25A, . . . , 25D), such as solar cells, batteries, thermoelectric generators or capacitors are formed as a matrix of rows and columns of elements, with the elements of each column being connected in series and the junctions between the series-connected elements in each column within the matrix being connected, in sequence, first to the corresponding junction in one of the adjacent columns and then to the corresponding junction in the other one of the adjacent columns. By connecting the junctions (32, 33) of alternate pairs of elements in the left hand column of the matrix to the respective junctions (32A, 33A) in the right hand column of a matrix having an even number of columns, the mathematical equivalent of a tubular matrix of elements is formed.

Abstract: An energy conversion element is disclosed which is capable of efficiently converting light and thermal energies into electrical energy. The element comprises a thermoelectric material and a photoelectric material which are different in type and joined together and is capable of efficiently converting solar energy incident on the junction between the both materials into electrical energy. The thermoelectric material is most suitably formed of a transition element-silicon compound.

Abstract: An iron silicide thermoelectric conversion element wherein a part of one of components of the silicide is substituted by oxygen atom to form either Si-O bond or Fe-O bond in a matrix of the compound to provide either p-type conductivity or n-type conductivity as desired.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element wherein connecting members for effecting electrical connection and mechanical engagement are attached securely to the cold-end portion of a thermoelectric elemental body consisting of a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor joined with each other to form a pn junction therebetween. A support member surrounds the end portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a thermoelectric generator includes: cyclically producing increasing then decreasing temperature differences in the thermoelectric material of the generator; and generating a cyclically increasing then decreasing electrical generator output signal, in response to such temperature differences, to transmit electrical power generated by the generator from the generator. Part of the thermoelectric material reaches temperatures substantially above the melting temperature of the material. The thermoelectric material of the generator forms a part of a closed electrical loop about a transformer core so that the inductor voltage for the loop serves as the output signal of the generator. A thermoelectric generator, which can be driven by the described method of operation, incorporates fins into a thermopile to conduct heat toward or away from the alternating spaces between adjacent layers of different types of thermoelectric material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device sensitive to a temperature gradient or to a heat flow comprising at least one elementary cell formed by a thin layer made from a first electric conductor or semiconductor, such as constantan, coated with a very thin electrolytic layer of a second electric conductor or semiconductor, such as copper.It has been discovered that induced electric currents flow through the surface separating the conductors, the electric voltages observed in each of the conducting or semiconducting layers being proportional to the instantaneous spatial mean of the surface thermal gradient.The invention also relates to the application of such cells for measuring temperature gradients and heat flows and for converting heat energy into electric energy.

Abstract: A very thin insulator having a dipole structure such as a dielectric material having ferroelectric, pyroelectric and or thermodielectric properties, is used as the insulator insulating an electrode of an electrode pair from a semiconductor body sandwiched between said electrode pair forming a MIS structure. Radiation and solar energy conversion systems based on establishment of an inversion layer by the thermally released bound charges of a polarizable dielectric layer or an electret and irradation of the semiconductor to separate the electron-hole pairs and subsequent collection of mobile carriers. Since there is no metalurgical junction, the generated carriers are not junction limited therefore the generated voltage could be higher than in an ordinary junction solar cell and could also be, an alternating current voltage which can be transformed or rectified.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator panel and heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger, in a preferred form, is comprised of a water compartment or chamber, fixed relative to the normally cool side of a solar panel, comprised of a substantial plurality of substrate strips, each strip carrying a plurality of thermocouples, printed in series, and in metallic inks, along one side of the respective strips. Terminal tabs are provided on opposed ends of each strip of thermocouples which are electrically interconnected, in parallel, and a voltage regulator, connected between the panel strips and a pump, serves to energize the pump when the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage level, to circulate water from any suitable source, such as ground water, through the water chamber to enhance the cooling of the normally cool side of the thermocouple panel.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator panel and heater device is disclosed. A heater element is disposed along the normally cool side of a solar panel, comprised of a substantial plurality of substrate strips carrying a plurality of thermocouples, printed in series, and in metallic inks, along one side of the respective strips. Terminal tabs are provided on opposed ends of each strip of thermocouples which are electrically interconnected, in parallel, and a voltage regulator, connected between the panel strips and a heater device, monitors the voltage to maintain a predetermined voltage, 12 volts for example.

Abstract: A structural element for a building or like structure comprising a panel member; said panel member including first and second, parallel, external faces and having at least one pair of parallel opposing sides, said panel member having an edge portion extending along each of said opposing sides, each of said edge portions being adapted in use to interconnect with an adjacent structural element; a first one of said edge portions comprising first and second flange members extending longitudinally along one side of said panel member, said first and second flange members being spaced to define between them a first recess which extends longitudinally along said one side of the panel member; and the second one of said edge portions comprising third and fourth flange members extending longitudinally along the opposing side of said panel member, said third and fourth flange members being spaced to define between them a second recess which extends longitudinally along said opposing side of the panel member; said first f

Abstract: A heat-to-electricity converter, particularly adaptable for use by high-atude platforms such as aerostats and space stations, for changing heat energy of radiation from the earth to electric power during day and/or night. The converter includes an array of heat-collector sources and radiator heat sinks interconnected by thermoelectric n- and p- doped material elements. The array is fabricated on thin films of plastic and may be mounted on a high-altitude platform. The collectors absorb infrared (IR) heat from the earth and conduct the heat to the thermoelectric elements. The elements convert the heat to electricity. The absorbed heat less the heat converted to electricity is emitted to space by the radiator heat sinks.

Abstract: The invention comprises the conversion of thermal power into electrical energy. Two dissimilar metals, such as aluminum and brass, are separated by a heat conductive and electrical conductive material. Water makes a good separator. When a fluid is used, it is heated and caused to flow between the dissimilar metals. The metals may be in the form of rectangular plates and they act as electrodes from which the electrical power is tapped by suitable lines. In the above case the fluid is heated and passed between the metals, the internal temperature being greater than the outside of the metal plates. If desired, the outside of the metal plates may be additionally cooled. In a variation, the heat may be applied to the outside of one metal and passed through the metal, the separator, in this case preferably solid, and through the other metal. Again the other metal plate may be independently cooled. The heat can be applied in any conventional manner and solar heat can readily be used.

Abstract: An improved collector is provided for a thermionic energy converter. The collector comprises a p-type layer of a semiconductor material formed on an n-type layer of a semiconductor material. The p-n junction is maintained in a forward biased condition. The electron affinity of the exposed surface of the p-type layer is effectively lowered to a low level near zero by the presence of a work function lowering activator. The dissipation of energy during collection is reduced by the passage of electrons through the p-type layer in the metastable conduction band state. A significant portion of the electron current remains at the potential of the Fermi level of the n-type layer rather than dropping to the Fermi level of the p-type layer. Less energy is therefore dissipated as heat and a higher net power output is delivered from a thermionic energy converter incorporating the collector.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is disclosed which comprises the formation of a multiplicity of thermocouples on a substrate in a narrow strip form, the thermocouples being formed by printing with first and second inks formed of suitable different powdered metals with a proper binder or flux. The thermocouples are formed in series and the opposed coupled areas are melted to form an intermingling of the two metals and the strips may be formed in substantial lengths and rolled onto a reel, or in relatively short strip form and disposed in a side-by-side abutting relationship in substantial numbers to define a generally rectangular panel form with opposed ends in electrical connection. The method of forming the panels includes the steps of feeding a suitable substrate, either in a continuous roll or sheet form, through first and second printers to form the series connected multiplicity of thermocouples thereon.

Abstract: A generator of electric energy by the transformation of thermal, solar energy, or of heat of any source, consisting in one or more thermocouples combined with a cooling device, cooling down the weldings of the thermocouples on which heat is produced by the Peltier effect, also producing a very high thermal gradient. The cooling device exploits, for the functioning thereof, the phenomena which can be observed along the thermocouples. The system for the use of such a generator provides a particular disposition of the same in parabolic collectors, as to increase the sun ray concentration onto the weldings exposed to the heat and as to allow a decentralization in the electric energy supply by means of a plurality of generators consisting in only one thermocouple, said generators being interconnected.

Abstract: A method of storing solar energy in the immediate vicinity of available solar energy comprising the steps of generating electrical current with the available solar energy and charging a strip of electret producing material directly with the electrical current so that the strip of material is changed into a strip of electret means that can be subsequently utilized to produce work, such as forming part of an electrostatic separator unit, whereby the available solar energy need not be transmitted in any form other than by the produced electret means.

Abstract: A solar electric generator comprises a concentrator of the sun radiation consisting of a system of lenses which focalize the sun radiation into a vessel of which the bottom--that is the wall opposite to the radiation inlet--comprises a thermoionic stage, that is a high temperature electron emitter and a collector which are separated by a low pressure gaseous mixture. At thermal contact with the receiver of the thermoionic stage, a thermoelectric stage is provided, that is a plurality of couples of semiconductor material bars, one of the P type and the other of the N type. One of the ends of each couple is in contact with the collector of the thermoionic stage and the other end is in contact with a heat draining means for transferring the heat from the thermoelectric stage to the atmosphere.The electrical output from said two stages is taken out of the generator and suitably transformed to meet the user's requirement.

Abstract: A current generator is disclosed located in a temperature gradient between a heat source region and a heat sink region. The generator comprises a first continuous material having thermoelectric characteristics and having a repetitive shape with one portion extending between the source and sink and the other portion between the sink and source, and a second material having thermoelectric characteristics electrically connected with only one of said first or second portions of the first material. A thermopile is thus formed and plating techniques can be employed to connect the second material to the first material in the repetitive first or second portions of the first material. In this way, the thermopile is formed of a repetitive series of thermocouples.

Abstract: A thermocouple and thermopile formed of conductor elements. The conductors are joined at thermocouple junctions, with the junction areas being relatively large compared with the normal cross-sectional area of the conductor elements. By providing large cross-sectional areas of the thermocouple junctions, reduction in resistance and heat concentration is achieved, so that the resulting thermocouple and thermopile may easily be used for solar energy collection to produce an electrical current and voltage related to the available solar energy.

Abstract: Energy storage is accomplished for use with a thermoelectric generator in which thermopiles are provided. The source of solar energy irradiates upon the latent heat storage device to enable the heat to be stored at a relatively constant temperature to serve as the source of heat for a greater period of time than that which the solar source is providing energy. Apparatus is provided to enhance the temperature gradient in which the thermopile is located in order to increase the thermoelectric energy generated.

Abstract: A very thin insulator having a dipole structure such as a dielectric material having ferroelectric properties and, preferably, also having thermodielectric properties, is used as the insulator insulating an electrode of an electrode pair from a semiconductor body sandwiched between said electrode pair. The utilization of the charge storage and transfer ability serves as a large scale memory device. Radiation detection and solar energy conversion systems based on establishment of an inversion layer by the bound charge of thermodielectric layer or an electret and irradiation of the semiconductor to separate the electron-hole pair and subsequent collection of minority carriers. Since there is no physical junction, the voltage is high, and can be an alternating current voltage which can be transformed. In one embodiment the dielectric material exhibiting thermodielectric properties provides the bound charge and is used in a thermal imaging system.

Abstract: A solar-energy-process-converter system whereby the energy from the sun is accumulated and projected by a parabolic reflector so as to impinge upon a cluster of thermocouples to create electrical energy for activating an electrolysis unit through which hydrogen and oxygen are generated and stored. The system can also include a steam-turbine electrical-generator plant that is adapted to be operated by the burning of the hydrogen and oxygen, and the gases can further be used to establish heat to drive a thermocouple electrical-generator plant, wherein the stored hydrogen is further employed as a fuel for vehicle and other engines.

Abstract: The hereinproposed solar power unit comprises a solar energy collector made up of mirror facets and a solar energy receiver. A sun-light-sensitive surface of the receiver is exposed to a radiation flux reflected by the collector. Each facet of the collector is hermetically enclosed in a radiation-transparent convex shell filled with a reducing agent. The shells have a radius of curvature of 20 to 200 mm.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power from sunlight, comprising a focussing diffraction grating or other focussing, spectrally dispersive means and a photocell array. The diffraction grating focuses sunlight into a spectrally dispersed band. The photocell array is composed of cells with different spectral sensitivities, located in positions in the dispersed band corresponding to the cell spectral sensitivities so that the net conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity exceeds the conversion efficiency attainable with nondispersive collectors and single material photocells. Alternate embodiments of the invention provide sun tracking means, reflective or transmissive diffraction gratings, flat or curved diffraction grating surfaces, on- or off-axis focus, and optical coatings on the photocell surfaces.

Abstract: A directionally controlled array of solar power units includes a supporting frame having conduits for flow of hot and cold water to each of the units supported on the frame, and each unit includes a solar cell which directly converts solar energy into electrical energy, the solar energy being concentrated on the cells by lenses. The solar cells are electrically connected for desired use of the electrical energy produced thereby, and the hot and cold water conduits are connected with the cells for flow of cold water in heat exchange relationship with the cells to cool the cells and heat the water and the hot water is available for work. Thermocouples and controls are connected with the units for moving the units to keep them pointed at the sun to thus utilize maximum energy therefrom throughout daylight hours.