Radioactive, Ionic, Or Thermo Photo Patents (Class 136/253)
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Publication number: 20130074906Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus that can convert energy across a broad spectrum of wavelengths. These embodiments utilize concentrating optics in combination with one or more of an integrated filter, a cooling mechanism, and a high-efficiency low current cell architecture to form efficient and cost-effective TPV devices. During operation, these components reduce the ratio of cell area to emitter area by concentrating the energy the emitter emits, thereby reducing the total cost of materials and promoting efficiency through integrating the filter and cooling mechanism into the device design.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: Brad Siskavich
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Patent number: 8334450Abstract: A Seebeck solar cell device is disclosed, combining both photovoltaic and thermoelectric techniques. The device may be formed using, for example, a conventional photovoltaic cell formed from a doped silicon wafer. The material used to form conductors to the front and rear regions of the cell are chosen for their thermoelectric characteristics, including the sign, or polarity, of their Seebeck coefficients. The distal portion of each conductor is insulated from the solar and waste heat and, in some embodiments, is also coupled to a cooling mechanism. Multiple such devices can be connected in series or parallel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Inventor: Joseph A. Micallef
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Publication number: 20120312360Abstract: Thin-film integrated spectrally-selective plasmonic absorber/emitter (ISSAE) that is simultaneously (i) an efficient sunlight absorber; (ii) an efficient heat insulator that enables modest sunlight concentration to produce a high temperature by reducing infrared emission by a hot surface; (iii) a spectrally-selective infrared emitter that supplies infrared photons of the right energy to a targeted photovoltaic cell, thereby matching its bandgap. Additionally, said ISSAE is sufficiently thin to enable its use as a wrapping/cloaking material for use with hot storage pipes containing heat exchange fluid. Said ISSAE is incorporated into a number of solar-conversion apparatus, taking advantage of the unique properties of said ISSAE.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Gennady Shvets, Chih-Hui Wu
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Patent number: 8330038Abstract: A power pack comprising a solar cell panel, a carbon crystal plate, and a radium plate, wherein said solar cell panel, said carbon crystal plate, and said radium plate are positioned in an encasement. A system for generating power utilizing the power pack is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventor: Ronnie H. Wright
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Solar cell modules with poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprising unsaturated heterocyclic compound
Patent number: 8330039Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains a silver component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of one or more unsaturated heterocyclic compounds, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with a silver component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Rebecca L. Smith, Jason S. Wall, Katherine M. Stika -
Publication number: 20120298190Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a perpetual energy harvester which harvests ambient near ultraviolet to infrared radiation and provides continual power regardless of the environment. The device seeks to harvest the largely overlooked blackbody radiation through use of a semiconductor thermal harvester, providing a continuous source of power. Additionally, increased power output is provided through a solar harvester. The solar and thermal harvesters are physically connected but electrically isolated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: BANPIL PHOTONICS, INC.Inventor: ACHYUT KUMAR DUTTA
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Patent number: 8294023Abstract: A radioisotope power sources that includes radioisotope nanoparticles and scintillator materials. An embodiment of the radioisotope power source includes radioisotope nanoparticles suspended within a polycrystalline scintillator; additional polycrystalline scintillator at least partially surrounding the polycrystalline scintillator with the radioisotope nanoparticles; and a photovoltaic device in light communication with the surrounding polycrystalline scintillator. A system that employs the radioisotope power source and a method of generating an electrical current are also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brent Allen Clothier, Matthew Christian Nielsen, Todd Ryan Tolliver, Allen Lawrence Garner
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Patent number: 8283555Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a plurality of individual modules, each formed from a photovoltaic cell, a solar concentrator, a sealed evaporative cooling system and a heat sink. The solar concentrator focuses sunlight onto a front side the cell to generate electricity. The cooling system circulates a coolant in a liquid state to an evaporative cooling chamber having a wall defined at least partially by a back side of the cell to remove heat from the cell by direct contact between the coolant and the cell, and emits coolant in a vapor state to a condenser where the vapor coolant is condensed to a liquid state. The heat sink may be any suitable body of water, such that the condenser may be at least partially submerged therein. The modules are combined to form a platform that is rotated on the body of water by a drive device to provide tracking of the sun.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Solaris Synergy Ltd.Inventors: Yuri Kokotov, Michael A. Reyz, Joseph Fisher
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Publication number: 20120235869Abstract: Antennas systems are disclosed providing for the use of heat harvesters such as thermophotovoltaic cell materials for converting waste heat from antenna transmitters into useful electricity. A further aspect of the present disclosure provides for transmitters that include high-temperature solid-state power amplifiers for operation at relatively high temperatures, reducing or eliminating the need for thermal heat spreaders or heat sinks. Quantum-effect thermophotovoltaic cells, including quantum-dot based thermophotovoltaic cells are described. Field-coupling is described to extract energy from a quantum-dot based TPV. Novel solar cells are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventor: Edward H. ALLEN
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Patent number: 8247950Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible energy conversion device, comprising a first flexible substrate, a transparent electrode disposed on the first flexible substrate, a first nanostructure disposed on the transparent electrode and comprising a transition metal oxide or semi-metal oxide, a second nanostructure disposed on the first nanostructure, a second flexible substrate disposed on the second nanostructure, and a sealing layer for sealing the first flexible substrate an the second flexible substrate. A method of manufacturing the flexible energy conversion device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Sanghyeob Kim, Myungae Chung, Sungwon Sohn
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Publication number: 20120186637Abstract: A power converter comprises a nuclear radiation emitter having a first side and a second side, wherein the nuclear radiation emitter comprises a radiation-emitting radioisotope, a plurality of semiconductor substrates disposed over the first side of the nuclear radiation emitter, wherein each of the plurality of semiconductor substrates comprises a junction for converting nuclear radiation particles to electrical energy, and at least one high-density layer, wherein the high density layer has a density that is higher than a density of the semiconductor substrates, and wherein the high-density layer is disposed between two of the plurality of semiconductor substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventor: Geoffrey D. Batchelder
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Patent number: 8212141Abstract: There is provided a high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor and a radiation/light detector which can detect rays in real time. In the high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor, a signal amplification wire 2 is embedded in an organic semiconductor 1. Carriers created by passage of radiation or light are avalanche-amplified by a high electric field generated near the signal amplification wire 2 by means of applying a high voltage to the signal amplification wire 2, thus dramatically improving detection efficiency of rays. Hence, even rays exhibiting low energy loss capability can be detected in real time with high sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignees: Niigata University, Japan Carlit Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Miyata, Yoshimasa Fujigaki, Yoji Yamaguchi, Yoshinori Muto, Masaaki Tamura
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Publication number: 20120159922Abstract: The present invention generally relates to power generation methods and secondary processes requiring high radiant and emissivity homogeneous combustion to maximize production output. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a top cycle power generator with combustion exhaust modified to have radiant flux in excess of 500 kW per square meter and emissivity greater than 0.90, and supercritical CO2 power generating cycle to maximize exergy efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventor: Michael Gurin
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Patent number: 8188366Abstract: A solar energy conversion package includes a photovoltaic (PV) cell, a thermionic or thermoelectric conversion unit and a thermal heating system. Solar radiation is concentrated by a lens or reflector and directed to the PV cell for electrical power conversion. A water circulation system maintains the PV cell at working temperatures. The thermionic or thermoelectric conversion cell is coupled between these cells in the thermal path to generate additional power. Additional efficiencies may be gained by partitioning the solar radiation with prisms or wavelength specific filters or reflective coatings into discrete spectrum segments optimized for each conversion unit for maximizing efficiency of electrical energy conversion and equipment design. Integrating all three of these conversion techniques produces a synergistic system that exceeds the performance conventional solar conversion systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Daniel H. Hecht
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Patent number: 8173894Abstract: A method and a device for converting energy uses chemical reactions in close proximity to or on a surface to convert a substantial fraction of the available chemical energy of the shorter lived energized products, such as vibrationally excited chemicals and hot electrons, directly into a useful form, such as longer lived charge carriers in a semiconductor. The carriers store the excitation energy in a form that may be converted into other useful forms, such as electricity, nearly monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or carriers for stimulating other surface reactions.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Neokismet L.L.C.Inventors: Anthony C. Zuppero, Jawahar M. Gidwani
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Publication number: 20120097223Abstract: The invention is a photovoltaic device configured as a sandwiched structure comprising a bulk region between a pair of collecting electrodes. The bulk region comprises an electric-field inducing component and a photoactive component. The photoactive component is in electric contact with the collecting electrodes to provide a continuous conduction path for photo-generated charge carriers between the electrodes. The electric-field inducing component is adapted to provide a permanent electric field having high electric strength in the entire inter-electrode region, thereby inducing an electric field in the photoactive component. The electric-field inducing component does not participate in transport of the photo-generated charge carriers. The field inducing component can be comprised of a material that retains sustained polarization or a material that comprises and sustains a spatial distribution of electrical charges, or it can be comprised of both types of materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Even Or Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Yevgeni Preezant
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Patent number: 8148625Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell sealing film having enhanced transparency. A composition for a solar cell sealing film contains an ethylene-polar monomer copolymer, a crosslinker and a compound having an alkyleneoxy group. Thereby a solar cell sealing film having excellent all light beam transmittance and enhanced transparency can be formed.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Hisataka Kataoka
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Patent number: 8145021Abstract: Disclosed is a cable for use in a concentrating photovoltaic module. The cable includes at least one strand wrapped with an optically pervious or reflective sheath. The pervious sheath is made of a material that exhibits a penetration rate of 90% and survives a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius. The reflective sheath is made of a material that exhibits a reflection rate of 95% and survives a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius. The cable is used to connect an anode of the concentrating photovoltaic module to a cathode of the same. The material of the reflective sheath may be isolating.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Atomic Energy Council-Institute of Nuclear ResearchInventors: Yi-Ping Liang, Kuo-Hsin Lin, Hwen-Fen Hong, Hwa-Yuh Shin, Cherng-Tsong Kuo
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Patent number: 8134275Abstract: The present invention is directed to an encapsulated ?? particle emitter that comprises a sol-gel derived core that comprises a ??-emitting radioisotope and an encapsulant enclosing the core through which at least some of the ?? emissions from the ??-emitting radioisotope pass, wherein the encapsulant comprises a substrate and a cover and at least a portion of the encapsulant is electrically conductive, and a method for making the same. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a capacitor comprising such an encapsulated ?? particle emitter and a method of performing work with such a capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Trace Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Kavetsky, Galena Yakubova, Shahid Yousaf, Gabriel Walter, Doris Chan, Maxim Sychov, Qian Lin, Ken Bower
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Publication number: 20120037217Abstract: The present invention provides systems, articles, and methods for discriminating electromagnetic radiation based upon the angle of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, the materials and systems described herein can be capable of inhibiting reflection of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., the materials and systems can be capable of transmitting and/or absorbing electromagnetic radiation) within a given range of angles of incidence at a first incident surface, while substantially reflecting electromagnetic radiation outside the range of angles of incidence at a second incident surface (which can be the same as or different from the first incident surface). A photonic material comprising a plurality of periodically occurring separate domains can be used, in some cases, to selectively transmit and/or selectively absorb one portion of incoming electromagnetic radiation while reflecting another portion of incoming electromagnetic radiation, based upon the angle of incidence.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Rafif E. Hamam, Peter Bermel, Ivan Celanovic, Marin Soljacic, Adrian Y.X. Yeng, Michael Ghebrebrhan, John D. Joannopoulos
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Publication number: 20120024359Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic system is described. The thermophotovoltaic system includes a chamber body, an emitter, a filter and a photovoltaic cell. The chamber body has an ellipsoid chamber including a first focus and a second focus. The emitter is disposed on the first focus, and the emitter is suitable for emitting a plurality of electromagnetic waves. The filter is surrounding the emitter to filter the electromagnetic waves and to pass the electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength band. The photovoltaic cell is disposed on the second focus and is suitable for receiving the electromagnetic waves with the predetermined wavelength band.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITYInventors: Wen-Chi HOU, Tung-Hsien WU, Chih-Jui NI, Chih-Lien CHIANG, Chau-Nan HONG
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Patent number: 8102096Abstract: An improved design for maintaining separation between electrodes in tunneling, resonant tunneling, diode, thermionic, thermo-photovoltaic and other devices is disclosed. At least one electrode 1 is made from flexible material. A magnetic field B is present to combine with the current flowing in the flexible electrode 1 and generate a force or a thermal expansion force combined with a temperature distribution that counterbalances the electrostatic force or other attracting forces between the electrodes. The balancing of forces allows the separation and parallelism between the electrodes to be maintained at a very small spacing without requiring the use of multiple control systems, actuators, or other manipulating means, or spacers. The shape of one or both electrodes 1 is designed to maintain a constant separation over the entire overlapping area of the electrodes, or to minimize a central contact area.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Tempronics, Inc.Inventor: Tarek Makansi
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Patent number: 8076569Abstract: A near-field energy conversion structure and method of assembling the same, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near field” gap between juxtaposed photocell infrared radiation receiver and heat emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: MTPV, LLCInventors: Paul Greiff, Robert DiMatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Publication number: 20110284059Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for the generation of energy using thermophotovoltaic cells are described. Also described are systems and methods for selectively emitting electromagnetic radiation from an emitter for use in thermophotovoltaic energy generation systems. In at least some of the inventive energy generation systems and methods, a voltage applied to the thermophotovoltaic cell (e.g., to enhance the power produced by the cell) can be adjusted to enhance system performance. Certain embodiments of the systems and methods described herein can be used to generate energy relatively efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Ivan Celanovic, Walker Chan, Peter Bermel, Adrian Y.X. Yeng, Christopher Marton, Michael Ghebrebrhan, Mohammad Araghchini, Klavs F. Jensen, Marin Soljacic, John D. Joannopoulos, Steven G. Johnson, Robert Pilawa-Podgurski, Peter Fisher
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Publication number: 20110259399Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system includes a plurality of power generation panels and a power conditioner. The power generation panels and a radiation source are placed in a solar cell storage room buried typically in the ground. The radiation source includes radioactive waste generated in reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Each power generation panel has a phosphor member and a moderator member, which are disposed in that order on solar cells placed on a board. Radiation (for example, a gamma ray) emitted from the radiation source is injected on the power generation panel and is moderated by the moderator member. When the gamma ray with the reduced energy (below 100 keV) is injected on the phosphor member, it emits visible light. When the visible light is injected on the solar cells, electric power is generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro SHINKAI, Makio Uchida, Ayako Kumasaka, Jun'ichi Hirota
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Patent number: 8018117Abstract: An improved design for maintaining separation between electrodes in tunneling, diode, thermionic, thermophotovoltaic and other devices is disclosed. At least one electrode is made from flexible material. A magnetic field is present to combine with the current flowing in the flexible electrode and generate a force that counterbalances the electrostatic force or other attracting forces between the electrodes. The balancing of forces allows separation and parallelism between the electrodes to be maintained at a very small spacing without requiring the use of multiple control systems, actuators, or other manipulating means, or spacers. The shape of one or both electrodes is designed to maintain a constant separation over the entire overlapping area of the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Tempronics, Inc.Inventor: Tarek Makansi
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Publication number: 20110209748Abstract: A micron gap thermo-photo-voltaic device including a photovoltaic substrate, a heat source substrate, and a plurality of spacers separating the photovoltaic substrate from the heat source substrate by a submicron gap. Each spacer includes an elongated thin-walled structure disposed in a well formed in the heat source substrate and having a top surface less than a micron above the heat source substrate. Also disclosed are methods of making the spacers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Paul Greiff
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Patent number: 8003880Abstract: A method for generating power is provided. The method including: providing a heat source with an output of radiation in a predetermined spectrum; generating a first portion of the power from the absorption of the radiation; and generating a second portion of the power from a temperature difference between a first element heated by the heat source and a second element at least partially thermally insulated from the first element.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLCInventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
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Patent number: 7973235Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting distribution system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates all components.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: UT-Batelle, LLCInventors: Jeffrey D. Muhs, Dennis D. Earl, David L. Beshears, Lonnie C. Maxey, John K. Jordan, Randall F. Lind
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Publication number: 20110126889Abstract: A system and a conversion element for power conversion. The power conversion system includes a power conversion device which produces electric power upon illumination and includes a light conversion device which down-converts and up-converts a radiant source of energy into a specific energy spectrum for the illumination of the power conversion device. The conversion element includes a first plurality of particles which upon radiation from a first radiation source radiate at a higher energy than the first radiation source, and includes a second plurality of particles which upon radiation from the first radiation source radiate at a lower energy than the first radiation source. At least one of the first plurality of particles and the second plurality of particles can be at least partially metal coated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicants: Immunolight, LLC, Duke UniversityInventors: Frederic A. BOURKE, JR., Zak Fathi, Ian Nicholas Stanton, Michael J. Therien
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Publication number: 20110100439Abstract: A radioisotope power sources that includes radioisotope nanoparticles and scintillator materials. An embodiment of the radioisotope power source includes radioisotope nanoparticles suspended within a polycrystalline scintillator; additional polycrystalline scintillator at least partially surrounding the polycrystalline scintillator with the radioisotope nanoparticles; and a photovoltaic device in light communication with the surrounding polycrystalline scintillator. A system that employs the radioisotope power source and a method of generating an electrical current are also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Brent Allen Clothier, Matthew Christian Nielsen, Todd Ryan Tolliver, Allen Lawrence Garner
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Publication number: 20110094572Abstract: A thermo-photovoltaic power generator for efficiently converting thermal energy into electric energy including a selective thermal emitter having micropatterned structures for receiving thermal energy and emitting thermal radiation with black body emissivity over a range of wavelengths, low-bandgap photocells responsive to thermal radiation at wavelengths within a particular band of said range of wavelengths and operative to convert such thermal radiation to electric energy, and a band pass filter disposed between the thermal emitter and the photocells for transmitting thermal radiation from the emitter at wavelengths within the particular band to the photocells, and for reflecting thermal radiation at wavelengths outside the particular band back to the emitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 25, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATIONInventor: Siegfried Janson
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Patent number: 7875795Abstract: An energy generating device for lighter-than-air vehicles having a gas impervious outer flexible fabric including a flexible photovoltaic array located on the outer layer of the gas impervious fabric; a thermocouple array located between the photovoltaic cells and the gas impervious fabric; a thermally conductive layer or heat spreader between the thermocouple array and the photovoltaic array and between the thermocouple array and the gas impervious flexible fabric; an electrically conductive means connected to said thermocouple array for drawing electrical power away from said thermocouple array; and an electrical load, such as an electrical storage device or a device that consumes electricity, for drawing electricity from the thermocouple array.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Paul E. Liggett
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Patent number: 7863517Abstract: A solar power plant (10) capable of generating electricity comprising a light pipe carrying highly concentrated solar light (19), a hot reservoir (24), a cold reservoir (20), and a plurality of large-scale solid-state nano-structured photonic crystals (12) that are capable of recycling out-of-band photons with transition energies associated with a photovoltaic cell (13) into photons with in-band energies associated with the same photovoltaic cell (13) when photon energy is subjected to propagation through a thermal temperature gradient that is held across a suitably nano-structured photonic crystal (12). The input thermal photons from the hot thermal reservoir (24) are shifted in energy to the optimal photovoltaic cell energy for electron-hole pair generation by work that is expanded by the heat engine to convert said input photons into phonons and then back to photons again at a new wavelength through a process of phonon rethermalization occurring inside the nano-structured photonic crystal (12).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Xtreme Energetics, Inc.Inventor: Leo David DiDomenico
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Patent number: 7811477Abstract: A composition including a conducting polymer and an ionomer, and an opto-electronic device including the composition are provided. The composition is prepared by doping a conducting polymer with an ionomer which has stabilized association with the conducting polymer backbone, has a low water uptake, has a low content of by-products decomposed by a reaction with electrons, and can physically crosslink with the conducting polymer. Thus, the opto-electronic device including the composition has improved device performance such as device efficiency and lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tae-Woo Lee, Jong-Jin Park, Sang-Yeol Kim, Mu-Gyeom Kim, Eun-Sil Han, Dal-Ho Huh
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Patent number: 7790978Abstract: This invention relates to the field of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) direct energy conversion. In particular, TPV systems use filters to minimize parasitic absorption of below bandgap energy. This invention constitutes a novel combination of front surface filters to increase TPV conversion efficiency by reflecting useless below bandgap energy while transmitting a very high percentage of the useful above bandgap energy. In particular, a frequency selective surface is used in combination with an interference filter. The frequency selective surface provides high transmission of above bandgap energy and high reflection of long wavelength below bandgap energy. The interference filter maintains high transmission of above bandgap energy and provides high reflection of short wavelength below bandgap energy and a sharp transition from high transmission to high reflection.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Randolph J. Dziendziel, Paul F. Baldasaro, David M. DePoy
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Patent number: 7781671Abstract: A system for the production of electrical energy, comprising: a combustion chamber (14) made of material that is able to withstand high temperatures, an injection device (16) connected to said combustion chamber (14) by means of an injection conduit (15), means (17) for supplying combustion support substance into the combustion chamber (14) and means (18) for the removal of gaseous combustion products, means (26) for the selective emission of radiation onto the outer surface of the combustion chamber (14). The combustion chamber (14) is enclosed in a conversion chamber (20) within which are maintained sub-atmospheric pressure conditions, so that a substantial part of the heat developed by the combustion reaction is converted into electromagnetic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: C.R.F. Societá Consortile per AzioniInventors: Piermario Repetto, Piero Perlo, Cosimo Carvignese, Bartolomeo Pairetti, Elena Balocco, Marco Pizzi, Giovanni Brusco, Davide Capello, Denis Bollea, Rossella Monferino
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Patent number: 7718887Abstract: Apparatus and method for harnessing heat energy uses at least one thermally conductive material in communication with a heat collecting material in order to conduct heat from a first region of the heat collecting material to a second region of the heat collecting material. The thermally conductive material can be interspersed within the heat collecting material and/or applied externally to the heat collecting material. Heat drawn from the second portion can be stored and/or converted into another form of energy for providing power to a structure or vehicle. Conversion can use the differential between the temperature of the second region and the temperature of a cold sink. Additional heat can be added to the heat collecting material.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Tara Investments, LLCInventor: Michael S. Hulen
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Publication number: 20090188549Abstract: A thermophotonic method and generator of photovoltaic current wherein preferably a thermal source supplemented by photon flux as generated in an interposed semiconductor LED or the like is vacuum-spaced from a photovoltaic semiconductor surface by a gap of the order of submicrons/microns.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: Robert DiMatteo
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Patent number: 7557293Abstract: A microthermophotovoltaic (micro-TPV) system is a novel micro power device. The system fully utilizes the high surface-to-volume ratio of a microcombustor, and is able to deliver and electrical power output of 0.5-10 W in a package of the order of centimeters. The system comprises mainly a combustor-emitter, a filter, a photovoltaic (PV) cell array, and cooling fins. The combustor-emitter functions to convert chemical energy into radiative heat energy. The filter is able to recycle a large part of the unusable energy that cannot be converted into electricity by the PV cell array. The PV cell array is used to convert radiative heat energy into electricity. The system has no moving parts. Its fabrication and assembly are relatively easy. As a result, it can be readily used as a power source of micro mechanical devices and portable devices, in which convenience and low cost reliability and ease of maintenance are the key factors of consideration.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: National University of SingaporeInventors: Siaw Kiang Chou, Chang Shu, Wen Ming Yang, Hong Xue, Zhi Wang Li
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Patent number: 7537955Abstract: The present invention is directed to different methods used in the formation of an ink, as well as being directed to the formation of layers used in the fabrication of a solar cell, particularly the absorber layer. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to formulating an ink comprising Cu-rich particles and solid Ga—In particles, wherein the step of formulating is carried out at a temperature such that no liquid phase is present within the solid Ga-In particles. In another embodiment, the specific steps taken during the formulation of the ink are described. In yet another embodiment, the process of using the formulated ink to obtain a precursor layer are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventor: Bulent M. Basol
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Patent number: 7491882Abstract: An electro magnet having a nuclear core that emits radiation and is surrounded by a ceramic phosphor material having a structural defect such that the ceramic material within the ceramic phosphor material is used to shield and absorb radiation emitted by the nuclear core. The phosphors are excited by the radiation causing them to produce energy in the form of photons. Surrounding the ceramic phosphor material is a photovoltaic layer that transforms the photons into a flow of electrons to create an energy source in the form of a single sphere. An electromagnetic material sandwiches a plurality of spheres therebetween to harness the electron flow created by the photovoltaic layers of the spheres to create a super-electro magnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Medusa Special Projects, LLCInventor: Everly Dean Putnam
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Patent number: 7491881Abstract: A manufacturing process of a nuclear cored battery having steps of processing a nuclear core, and creating a ceramic phosphor slurry material and combining them to form a homogenous mixture. The homogeneous mixture is then placed into a spray dryer in order to create a nuclear core surrounded by a temporary bound layer of mixed ceramics and then undergoes a high temperature manufacturing process wherein structural defects are added to create a light dissipating material. The light dissipating material is then coated with a photovoltaic material to create a spherical energy source that is in the form of a powder. This powder is then introduced into a P and N layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Medusa Special Projects, LLCInventor: Everly Dean Putnam
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Patent number: 7488889Abstract: A layered battery having a nuclear-cored energy source. The layered battery is created by spraying P and N layers on a plurality of nuclear-cored energy producing spheres that are in the form of a powder. The spraying of the P and N layers forms a sheet of material having a P layer and an N layer that is used as a battery. This sheet is then disposed within a casing having a first and second end. The P layer is connected to the first end of the case forming an anode and the N layer is connected to the second end of the case forming an electrode. Thus a disposable sized battery is formed that has a nuclear cored energy source.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Medusa Special Projects, LLCInventor: Everly Dean Putnam
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Patent number: 7482533Abstract: A nuclear-cored battery having a spherical core that emits radiation and is surrounded by a ceramic phosphor material having a structural defect such that the ceramic material within the ceramic phosphor material is used to shield and absorb the radiation emitted by the nuclear core while the phosphors are excited by the radiation causing them to produce energy in the form of photons. Surrounding the ceramic phosphor material is a photovoltaic layer that transforms the photons into a flow of electrons to create an energy source in the form of a sphere. A P and N layer sandwiches a plurality of spheres therebetween to harness the electron flow created by the photovoltaic layers of the spheres.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Medusa Special Projects, LLCInventor: Everly Dean Putnam
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Publication number: 20090014059Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic electricity generating system having a heat source generating a thermal emission having a plurality of wavelengths. There is an optical filter filtering the thermal emission into a filtered emission. There is also a thermophotovoltaic device receiving the filtered emission. The thermophotovoltaic device is configured to absorb the thermal emission converting the thermal emission into electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Rakesh Radhakrishnan, Craig R. Walker, James R. Strife, James R. Irish
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Patent number: 7456543Abstract: An improved design for maintaining separation between electrodes in tunneling, diode, thermionic, and other devices is disclosed. At least one electrode is made from flexible material. A magnetic field is present to combine with the current flowing in the flexible electrode and generate a force that counterbalances the electrostatic force between the electrodes. The balancing of forces allows the separation and parallelism between the electrodes to be maintained at a very small spacing without requiring the use of multiple control systems, actuators, or other manipulating means, or spacers. The shape of one or both electrodes is designed to maintain a constant separation over the entire overlapping area of the electrodes. The end result is an electronic device that maintains two closely spaced parallel electrodes in stable equilibrium with a uniform gap therebetween over a large area in a simple configuration for simplified manufacturability and use to convert heat to electricity or electricity to cooling.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Tempronics, Inc.Inventor: Tarek Makansi
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Patent number: 7446451Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermo-photovoltaic (TPV) material that is capable of generating electrical power from low temperature heat radiation. An electric field generator is coupled to apply an electric field to the TPV material. The strength of the electric field is sufficient to shift the sensitivity of the TPV material to sense lower frequency radiation than the TPV material can sense when the electric field is not applied and to broaden the band of frequencies over which the TPV is effective.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Edward H. Allen, Markos Karageorgis
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Publication number: 20080245407Abstract: Process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, and improvements thereto, with particular regard to generating electrical power. Representatively, the method can include: increasing temperature of a surface to produce radiation, a portion of the radiation having an infrared wavelength and a portion of the radiation having a wavelength shorter than the infrared wavelength; reflecting the infrared wavelength portion of the radiation emanating from said surface back toward said surface; and collecting the shorter wavelength portion of the radiation in a photovoltaic device to generate electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Gerald P. JACKSON
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Patent number: 7390962Abstract: A method of making a micron gap thermal photovoltaic device wherein at least one standoff is formed on a photovoltaic substrate, a sacrificial layer is deposited on the photovoltaic substrate and about the standoff, an emitter is attached to the standoff and has a lower planar surface separated from the photovoltaic substrate by the sacrificial layer, and the sacrificial layer is removed to form a sub-micron gap between the photovoltaic substrate and the lower planar surface of the emitter.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Paul Greiff, Robert Stephen DiMatteo