Abstract: At best, photovoltaic solar modules only convert 20% of solar energy into electrical energy, the rest of this energy being dissipated. This heat stored in the photovoltaic module reduces efficiency, which decreases in an inversely proportional manner to the temperature of the photovoltaic module. To dissipate and recover this heat, it is common to associate the photovoltaic module with a heat exchanger which, in addition to cooling the photovoltaic module, will supply heat, for example to heat the sanitary water of a building. This assembly forms a hybrid solar module, whose main limitation is its weight and relatively short service life. The invention described in the present document solves these two problems by replacing the first layer of the hybrid solar module, which is conventionally a glass sheet, with a material which is lighter, less rigid, more transparent, and more compatible with the material from which is constructed the heat exchanger, which now provides the system with its rigidity.

Abstract: A wasted heat harvesting device for harvesting electricity including a switching device configured to convey a magnetic field from a first region to at least a second region when the temperature of the switching device crosses a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the top surface of the substrate. A transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber with the substrate together. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube composite material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic-charged secondary battery system is provided, in which an electrode for optical power generation and an electrode for charging and discharging generated electrical energy are integrated into a single cell structure, and the potential difference between the electrodes is systematically controlled, thus maximizing the conversion efficiency of optical energy, maximizing the utilization rate of cell energy, and extending the life span of the battery. Thus, the photovoltaic-charged secondary battery system may include a transparent electrode capable of transmitting light; a PN semiconductor layer formed on the transparent electrode and generating a current by incident light; and a secondary battery layer, formed on the PN semiconductor layer, in which the current generated by the PN semiconductor layer is charged.

Abstract: The electric power generation and heating system using solar energy is disclosed, which comprises a solar cell module; a heat collection part; a heat exchange storage tank; a turbine part; a generator generating electric power; a condenser; a heating part; a water supply pump; and a battery.

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 light energy conversion (LEC) system includes a fluid circuit having a working fluid flowing therethrough and a plurality of light concentrating (LC) modules for converting light energy into electrical energy and for transforming the light energy into thermal energy. The LC modules including a first LC module coupled in series with a second LC module along the fluid circuit. The working fluid absorbs thermal energy while flowing through the first and second LC modules. At least the first LC module includes a light concentrating optical element that is configured to direct light energy toward a focal region and a receiver held at the focal region. The receiver includes a housing having a chamber that holds an energy conversion member. The energy conversion member transforms light energy received from the optical element into electrical and thermal energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoelectrical and photo-thermal sunlight tile which has a waterproof performance as in ordinary tiles as well as a function of conducting photoelectrical and photo-thermal conversion. The sunlight tile comprises a solar energy converting assembly which converts light radiation of the solar energy into electrical energy and thermal energy and converts thermal radiation of the sunlight into thermal energy, whereby a utilization efficiency of the solar energy is substantially improved, a conversion loss rate is minimized and a conversion utilization rate is maximized.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity, heat, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Solar power conversion system. The system includes a cavity formed within an enclosure having highly specularly reflecting in the IR spectrum inside walls, the enclosure having an opening to receive solar radiation. An absorber is positioned within the cavity for receiving the solar radiation resulting in heating of the absorber structure. In a preferred embodiment, the system further contains an energy conversion and storage devices thermally-linked to the absorber by heat conduction, convection, far-field or near-field thermal radiation.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies described herein provide for providing power to an electronic device mounted to a moving apparatus. According to various aspects, a flexible solar panel is detachably mounted to the moving apparatus. A light emitting diode (LED) array is mounted on a flexible circuit board and is configured to emit light at a color temperature range that matches the effective response of the solar panel. The LED array is shaped according to the surface of the moving apparatus and is positioned a uniform gap width apart from the solar panel. When the moving apparatus is activated, light from the fixed LED array is received by the moving solar panel and converted into electricity for powering the electronic device that is electrically connected to the solar panel. Data from the electronic device may be wirelessly transmitted from the moving apparatus to a fixed receiver for storage or use.

Abstract: A solar system for collecting solar energy, adapted to be rapidly assembled on site. The modular solar system includes a solar energy collector-assembly, having two wings of collectors, arranged in at least one row. The modular solar system further includes an energy-receiving-module, having a receiver unit, adapted to absorb the solar energy, a shaft, a support structure, a stand, disposed on rigid surface, a control-subsystem, a motor and a sun-following mechanism coupled to operate with the control-subsystem. The receiver unit has a diameter dr, wherein collected energy directed at the external surface of the receiver unit forms a pair of solar energy strips, each strip having a width de, such that de<dr. The solar system may be shipped by land vehicles inside one standard container, wherein each major component is light weight, and can be lifted by two workers.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of solar cells that each comprise a nanowire titanium oxide core having graphene disposed thereon. By one approach this plurality of solar cells can comprise, at least in part, a titanium foil having the plurality of solar cells disposed thereon wherein at least a majority of the solar cells are aligned substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the titanium foil. Such a plurality of solar cells can be disposed between a source of light and another modality of solar energy conversion such that both the solar cells and the another modality of solar energy conversion generate electricity using a same source of light.

Abstract: An interchangeable and fully adjustable solar thermal-photovoltaic concentrator system is provided, comprising: one or more heat collecting elements; one or more primary reflectors having one or more openings; one or more sunray directing optical mechanisms at the sun-collecting side of primary reflectors and between the heat collecting elements and openings in the primary reflectors; one or more PV cell modules disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors; and one or more sunray distributing optical mechanisms disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors. Wherein after sunrays irradiate to the primary reflectors, a proportion of sunrays ranging from 0% to 100% are reflected to one or more heat collecting elements and the remaining sunrays are directed by the sunray directing optical mechanisms, through openings in the primary reflectors, and distributed by the sunray distributing optical mechanisms to one or more PV cell modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trough collector having a focal area and an absorber tube arranged in the focal area, said absorber tube having an insulating area that extends from its outer surface to the inside, enclosing preferably a transport channel that runs through the absorber tube along its length and carries a heat-transporting medium, and is penetrated by at least one thermal opening that extends radially from the outside through the insulating area to the transport channel. According to the invention, the at least one thermal opening comprises a constriction for radiation passing through it, the focal area being located in the constriction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar energy collector that converts solar radiation into both electrical and thermal energy. More specifically this invention relates to a concentrating solar energy collector with an integrated construction that minimizes cost, bulk, and weight, and maximizes overall efficiency. Typical non-concentrating solar collectors use photovoltaic cells over the entirety of their surface. These solar cells are the most expensive part of the collector. This invention discloses using a reflector to concentrate the incident radiation on photovoltaic cells with one-twentieth the area of the reflector, and transferring the co-generated thermal energy into a working fluid pumped through the cell support structure.

Abstract: The electrical output efficiency of a photovoltaic thermal system can be restored from degradation due to light exposure by annealing a photovoltaic thermal cell at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature at the photovoltaic thermal cell can be provided by redirecting the flow of a heat exchange fluid to bypass a heat exchanger unit. A boiler unit may be employed to provide additional heating of the heat exchange fluid during the anneal. Further, a variable configuration lid can be provided over a front surface of the photovoltaic thermal cell to control ventilation over the front surface. During the anneal, the position of the variable configuration lid can be set so as to trap heat above the front surface and to elevate the anneal temperature further.

Abstract: A concentrated photovoltaic device that is capable of generating thermal and electrical energy from solar radiation using a three-dimensional solar cell design structure with no need for a sun-tracking system is provided. The three-dimensional solar cell structure uses liquid cooling to provide maximum energy utilization from both stored thermal and electrical solar energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy converting device, which includes: a base substrate; and a plurality of thermoelectric element structures which are sequentially stacked on the base substrate and electrically interconnected in parallel to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of power generation by collecting or reflecting light using a foldable surface for compact transport, comprising of a circular surface divided into sectors, which in a closed folded position each sector is drawn closed by elevating a radius on one side of the sector on a pivot along the radius, and which in an opened position is held rigid by both radial and circumferential support.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a solar electricity system, comprising a solar collection surface adapted to convert light into DC electricity; a mounting bracket connected to a corner of the solar collection surface, the mounting bracket comprising a hole therethrough adapted to receive a fastener to mount the system to a building structure.

Abstract: A hybrid solar system and method of manufacturing same are described. A solar energy apparatus comprises at least one enveloping tube, at least one heat pipe evaporator, at least one reflector device, at least one reflective filter, and at least one photovoltaic device. The enveloping tube has an outer surface made of transmissive material and an evacuated internal atmosphere. The heat pipe evaporator runs longitudinally within the at least one collector tube. The reflector device is fixedly attached to an inner surface of the enveloping tube such that the reflector device is tilted relative to the normal axis of the enveloping tube, and the reflective filter is located such that light reflecting off the reflector device is directed to the reflective filter.

Abstract: A compact power supply and battery substitute has a cylindrical wall with combustion air and cooling air fans at opposite ends. Air and fuel vapor flows through a mixing tube and an Omega recuperator to a combustion chamber and heats IR emitters spaced from TPV cells. An emitter post array or a catalytic matched emitter are heated by combustion. Exhaust is conducted through the recuperator that heats secondary air and fuel vapors and air in a mixing tube. Cooling air flows over fins radially extending from the TPV cells and past the recuperator and, mixes with exhaust from the recuperators and flows out of the housing past the combustion air fan. Fans are self-powered, and resulting electric power replaces batteries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concentrator for focusing solar radiation, having surface structuring in the form of one or more Fresnel lenses on the lower side, and to the production thereof from polymeric materials by means of a specific extrusion process. The inventive concentrator can be employed in plants utilizable for photovoltaic or solar heating purposes, and has the required durability and performance in demanding climatic zones. The inventive concentrator enables particularly economic production and efficient concentration of solar radiation onto objects such as solar cells or absorber units, irrespective of the geometry thereof. The inventive concentrator has high longevity and—combined with this—high optical performance when employed in extreme and demanding climatic zones.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar photovoltaic-thermal system, combined with a solar heat collection assembly and a solar cell assembly, so that solar energy utilization is more efficient.

Abstract: A solar collector having two axis control and cogeneration capabilities is provided. The solar collector may have a primary collecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror, and a solar collector positioned adjacent to the primary mirror. The collector may realize both direct solar to electricity production via photovoltaic cells or the like, as well as heat collection generated by the collected solar energy. The collected heat may be transferred to a fluid which may be transferred for productive uses such as electricity production, heating, cooling, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector (1) comprising a collector housing (2), an absorber (3) arranged therein and having a heating medium fluid (13) flowing through it, to absorb solar radiation (28), a return line (6) leading to the absorber (3) and a flow line (7) leading away from the absorber (3). Thereby a pump (14) is arranged on or at least partially inside the collector housing (2) for circulating a heating medium fluid (13) through the absorber (3).

Abstract: A roofing installation system for optimally capturing solar thermal energy comprises a plurality of metal battens mounted horizontally onto a plurality of horizontal wooden battens, a plurality of slate modules mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each string, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the plurality of metal battens, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, a heat pump connected to the thermal tubing and a circulation pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of slate modules generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens transfers thermal energy by running liquid in the thermal tubing which is extracted by the heat exchanger thereby producing domestic hot water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar glass thermoelectric integrated device, including top and bottom glass plates, a silicon photocell array assembly, a heat-exchanging plate, a heat-collecting tube, and a support bracket. The silicon photocell array assembly is laid within a hollow glass layer, a non-metal spacer bar having a molecular sieve is arranged between the top and bottom glass plates at edges, the non-metal spacer bar is sealed with the top and bottom glass plates by using a silicone sealant, the glass plates are wrapped at an outer side by a frame having a hanging edge, the hanging edge of the frame is hooked to a rectangular frame formed by a support keel, and the rectangular frame is fixed to an installation surface by using the support bracket. The present invention is capable of using thermal energy, obtaining electrical energy, reducing temperature of the photocell, and ensuring proper power generation thereof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar receiver includes a thermal collector, extending in a first plane and comprising an aperture; and a photovoltaic module, configured for electrical output power delivery, comprising a photo-active area that extends in a second plane at a distance from the first plane, the photo-active area being vis-à-vis the aperture, a projection of the aperture perpendicularly to the second plane corresponding to the photo-active area.

Abstract: A common solar-thermal electric system and a method for assembling the common solar-thermal electric system are provided. The common solar-thermal electric system includes an adjustable mounting rack. The adjustable mounting rack includes a plurality of rails that support at least one solar thermal module and at least one photovoltaic module. Further, the system includes an electric wiring connector with a plurality of connecting ports. The plurality of connecting ports are electrically coupled with electric jacks at each of the at least one photovoltaic module. Furthermore, the system includes a common piping assembly with a plurality of branching points. The plurality of branching points are mechanically coupled with output of each of the at least one solar thermal modules.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a photovoltaic thermal hybrid system having a hybrid solar receiver with a photovoltaic module, operatively coupled to the system to deliver an electrical output power for a power user, a thermal collector distinct from the photovoltaic module, wherein the photovoltaic module and/or the thermal collector are movably mounted in the system, a collector thermal storage thermally connected to the thermal collector to store heat collected at the thermal collector, and a positioning mechanism adapted to move the photovoltaic module and/or the thermal collector. The method includes instructing the positioning mechanism to move the photovoltaic module and/or the thermal collector to change a ratio of an intensity of radiation received at the photovoltaic module to an intensity of radiation received at the thermal collector.

Abstract: A solar panel unit is provided. The solar panel unit includes at least one solar panel, at least one support member configured to support the solar panel through at least on rotation shaft, and an actuator unit including at least one air bag capable of extending and contracting according to an internal pressure, and configured to rotate the solar panel around an axis of the rotation shaft according to extension and contraction of the air bag.

Abstract: Due to the further concentrators of a second concentrator arrangement in a linear concentrator configured as a trough concentrator, the concentrated radiation is concentrated in focal point areas, with the consequence that higher concentration of the radiation and thus higher temperatures are achievable in the absorber pipe. In order to lower the exponentially increasing heat losses in the absorber pipe (due to the higher temperatures), an absorber arrangement is provided in synergy, comprising rows of individual thermal openings, wherein these rows lie adjacently to each other.

Abstract: Solar apparatus for concurrent heating and power-generation duty having a base load bearing structure and a load bearing structure supported on the base load bearing structure secured to the plant solar concentrator so as to allow rotation of the concentrator with an established maximum rotation angle, with both a first alternate rotation movement in a circular direction and a horizontal plane along the base load bearing structure, and a second alternate movement along a curved path around a vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal plane. The solar concentrator is actuatable with said first and second movement during the day by respective first and second actuators, controlled by a microprocessor, depending on the corresponding orientations of the concentrator, detected by first and second sensors, in a manner to orientate the concentrator for receiving maximum solar radiation during the day.

Abstract: A concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cell module, comprising: a shell; a Fresnel lens set, provided on top of said shell; a first solar cell, provided on bottom of said shell and opposite to said Fresnel lens set; and at least a second solar cell, provided on surrounding wall and/or bottom of said shell, so that area originally not capable of generating power is able to generate power, to raise power generating capacity per unit area of said concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cell module.

Abstract: A hybrid solar collector is disclosed having a passive solar collector unit and active photovoltaic panels. The inclination angle of the photovoltaic panels is optimized by linking the panels to the passive unit and its associated tracking controls.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing solar strips. The method includes providing a photovoltaic material including a back side region, a front side surface, and a plurality of photovoltaic strip regions separated by a plurality of scribe regions. A first portion of the photovoltaic material is supported while a second portion of the photovoltaic material including at least one of the photovoltaic strips is left unsupported. The method includes applying a predetermined force along a portion of the photovoltaic strip that remains unsupported to cause the photovoltaic strip to be separated from the supported photovoltaic material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an energy production apparatus. The apparatus includes fuzzy focusing optics and a mounting plate having a generally planar surface. The planar surface is positioned relative to the fuzzy focusing optics such that at least a portion of light incident on the fuzzy focusing optics is directed onto the planar surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of solar cells coupled to the planar surface of the mounting plate. A power transmission bus is coupled to the plurality of solar cells. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mounting plate and configured to rotate the mounting plate about an axis normal to the planar surface of the mounting plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solar energy collection apparatus which is capable of producing electricity and hot water. The apparatus (10) includes a rigid support structure (14) which can be mounted to form part of a roof cladding structure. It includes rigid support components (16) made of thermally conductive material which are connected releasably to one another. Photovoltaic (PV) cells (42) mounted on the components of the support structure in heat transmitting relationship with the components. Thermally conductive conduits (48) are provided. These are connected to the components of the support structure in heat transmitting relationship with the components and are arranged to convey water to remove heat from the PV cells via the components and conduits. A removable, light-transmitting cover is spaced above and extends over the PV cells.

Abstract: A solar reflective assembly includes a plurality of reflective segments radially configured to collectively at least partially define a dish-shaped reflector having a center axis, each reflective segment having a generally conical shape and being discontinuous relative to the conical shape of an adjacent reflective segment, and an elongated receiver having a length generally extending in a direction of the center axis. Each reflective segment reflects and focuses sunlight on the receiver along the length of the receiver.

Abstract: A power panel designed to incorporate a means of both thermal energy production and electrical energy production from the solar energy produced by the sun. The power panel comprises: a synthetic molded enclosure comprising a solar radiation top surface, bottom surface and sidewalls; and a transparent panel disposed on said synthetic molded enclosure. The transparent panel is adapted to insulate the thermal energy captured by the liquid circulating in the enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of segmented partitions adapted to form liquid pathways for channeling a liquid through the enclosure when the transparent panel is disposed on the segmented partitions thereby forming a liquid boundary in proximate contact with the segmented partitions and with the liquid in said enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a PV/T type hybrid solar energy conversion module having a thermal unit associated with a photovoltaic unit for providing heat transfer from the photovoltaic unit comprising a number of solar cells (5). The method comprises laminating the photovoltaic unit and thermal unit to one another via at least one EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) layer or PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) or an EVA or PVB-based layer.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities and a light reflecting film. The asperities are formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port. The light reflecting film is formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer.

Abstract: A large-scale integrated radiant energy collector includes a receiver assembly including a plurality of receiver units, a plurality of flat mirror assemblies, and a tower configured to support the receiver assembly above the plurality of flat mirror assemblies. Each receiver unit includes an absorber and a reflector configured to concentrate received radiant energy onto the absorber. Each of the plurality of flat mirror assemblies is configured to receive radiant energy and direct the radiant energy toward the receiver assembly. The receiver assembly may be configured to track the position of the radiant energy source (reflected by the flat mirror assemblies) in a first direction, and the plurality of flat mirror assemblies may be configured to track the position of the radiant energy source in a second direction.

Abstract: An electrical power generation system comprises a vertical axis solar powered generator having a bottom side grounded and a top side connected to a vertical rotor shaft, a central rotating hub having a center connected to the vertical rotor shaft, a solar energy collecting and converting unit enclosed in a transparent dome mounted on a top side of the central rotating hub, and a plurality of rotating arms having a proximal end secured to the central rotating hub and a distal end connected to a dual-V roller bearing. The system further comprises an electric motor with a propeller mounted proximate to the distal end of rotating arms, a shroud attached to ground, and a pair of hollow tubes attached to the shroud. Solar energy collecting and converting unit provides electric energy to electric motor which turns the propeller and rotates the rotating arms thereby causing electric energy generation by generator.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a battery element, a film-form casing member, and a resin protective layer. The battery element includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The film-form casing member contains the battery element and an electrolyte in an enclosed space thereof. The resin protective layer is formed along the surface of the film-form casing member and has a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A solar energy collector or tower adapted to position photovoltaic devices in urban and suburban settings is provided. The tower includes an elongated pole, a plurality of photovoltaic modules pivotally mounted to the pole at a plurality of elevations, wherein each of the plurality of modules includes a housing, and a plurality of photovoltaic devices mounted in the housing; a drive mechanism adapted to rotate each of the pivotally mounted photovoltaic modules; and a base assembly adapted to pivotally support the pole. The tower and modules are designed to minimize wind load. The photovoltaic modules include a solar energy heat exchanger having a plurality of photovoltaic devices mounted with a plurality of reflective surfaces positioned to concentrate solar energy upon the photovoltaic devices. The photovoltaic devices and reflective surfaces may be positioned on panels or pyramidal structures. Methods and devices for collecting solar energy are also included.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity, heat, or a combination of electricity and heat are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a collecting mirror defining a radiation-transparent window. A collimating mirror re-reflects the collected radiation through the window to a black-body absorber located behind the collecting mirror. A working fluid flows through the black-body absorber to absorb the resulting power and to transfer the power to a utilization apparatus. The collecting and collimating mirrors may be elongated (cylindrical), or they may be axially symmetric. The working fluid may flow through a separate tube, or simply be contained by an aperture in a block of insulation.