Abstract: A photosensor includes: a support; a thermoelectric conversion material section that is disposed on a first main surface of the support and that includes a plurality of first material layers each having an elongated shape, a plurality of second material layers each having electrical conductivity and an elongated shape, and an insulating film, the first material layers and the second material layers each being configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy; a heat sink that is disposed on a second main surface of the support and along an outer edge of the support; a light-absorbing film that is disposed in a region surrounded by inner edges of the heat sink as viewed in a thickness direction of the support so as to form temperature differences on the first main surface of the support in longitudinal directions of the first material layers.

Abstract: A calorimeter board is provided for power calibration of a laser emission. The board includes a flat metal plate, a sinuous groove and a resistance temperature detector wire. The flat metal plate has obverse and reverse surfaces separated by a thickness. The groove is cut into the reverse surface and penetrates to a depth being part of the thickness. The wire is disposed within the groove at the depth. The wire connects to an instrument that measures electrical resistance responsive to the laser emission on the obverse surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method monitor fluid loss from one or more casks during a maturation process. The apparatus comprises a multi-pass absorption cell arranged in fluid communication with one or more fluid conduits, a pump and a monitoring system. The pump and fluid conduits transport a fluid sample (e.g. vapor sample) from a perimeter of the one or more casks to the multi-pass absorption cell. The monitoring system detects and identifies fluid within the multi-pass absorption cell.

Abstract: An energy management system for controlling energy to one or more loads powered by a thermoelectric module, the system is comprised of a load prioritization circuit having a monitoring system interfaced to receive sensor data from at least one sensor. A data processing device receives the sensor data. The data processing device acts upon the sensor data to produce energy management instructions. A control system receives the energy management instructions using them to control energy to all loads.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a first temperature difference between first heat entry and discharge parts on a first heat transfer path extending from a portion of a surface of the object to the first heat discharge part using a first thermopile, and measuring a second temperature difference between a second heat entry and discharge parts on a second heat transfer path extending from another portion of the surface of the object to the second heat discharge part using a second thermopile, and measuring a reference temperature at a predetermined position on the first or second heat transfer path using a temperature sensor, and calculating the internal temperature of the object using the measured first and second temperature differences, and the reference temperature, and at least one predetermined value excluding a physical property value of a non-heating part of the object located at a surface side of the object.

Abstract: The invention, the Concentrated Solar Thermoelectric Power System, herein abbreviated as C-STEPS, is a thermo-optical system configuration for the purpose of achieving a high solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency based on thermoelectric (TE) devices that use the Seebeck effect. It does so by implementing a system for concentrated solar energy using a design that combines a dual-function reflector/radiator component with an active or passive heat convection mechanism to ensure that TE module operation is maintained in a safe elevated temperature range with respect to the ambient temperature. Unsafe module temperatures are avoided by automatically adjusting the TE module hot side temperature directly or indirectly by regulating the TE cold side temperature using a variety of passive or active mechanisms, including the reflector/radiator component, phase change material, or convection/conduction mechanisms.

Abstract: Provided herein are solar collectors having reflective sheets which are slidably insertable and/or removable for quick installation, construction, removal, repair, and/or replacement. Also provided are solar collectors having reflective sheets under tension. Further provided are methods for constructing solar collectors. In another aspect, provided herein are guide rails for guiding and/or retaining slidably removable reflective sheets and holding the reflective sheets in a prescribed shape.

Abstract: A device for producing energy and power utilizing incoming solar radiation to invoke a thermal differential inside the device to produce an electric current utilizing a phenomenon more commonly known as the Seebeck effect, which produces energy by heating the junction between two dissimilar metals to create an electric current stemming from both their other ends.

Abstract: A solar tracking device for overcoming the disadvantages of a conventional solar energy system utilizing motors and to lower electricity consumption and decrease cost is provided. The device includes a solar module or solar collector supported by two springs under both ends and two water tanks on both ends. The solar module or solar collector, similar to a heliostat, is adapted to slowly revolve in response to the imbalanced water tanks filled with different amount of water.

Abstract: A novel multilayer photoconductive I.R. detector is formed by incorporating alternate p and n-type layers, such that many layers occupy the detector thickness. The detector may be considered as a n-type photoconductor containing buried isolated p-type regions which give rise to internal electric fields the effect of which is to enhance minority carrier lifetime and inhibit motion of minority carriers towards surfaces.

Abstract: This invention concerns a thermoelectric sensor of the air-backed type comprising a thin-film thermopile with a receiving area of approximately 1 mm.sup.2 under a protective atmosphere of atmospheric pressure. To increase the responsivity of such sensors the sensing junctions of at least 25 thermocouples whose legs have comparable coefficients of thermal conductivity are arranged in the receiving area with the legs having an average breadth-to-length ratio of at least 1:20.

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: An electromagnetic energy collection device is provided which does not require a solar tracking capability. It includes an energy receiver positioned between two side walls which reflect substantially all incident energy received over a predetermined included angle directly onto the energy receiver.