Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080230111 | Solar Collector Comprising a Heat Engine - A method for generating energy from concentrated solar radiation by photovoltaic and thermally useable solar cells in which the absorbed heat radiation evaporates a fluid which drives a turbine connected to a generator. | 09-25-2008 |
20080236652 | METHOD OR MEANS TO USE OR COMBINE PLASMONIC, THERMAL, PHOTOVOLTAIC OR OPTICAL ENGINEERING - Means to use and combine methods of thermal engineering, plasmonics, photonics, electronics, photovoltaics, optical transfer, heat transport, light transport, catalysis and chemical reactions individually or in any combination for the enhancement or generation of solar, optical, electrical or any form of energy. The present disclosure further concerns a means to use at least a form of electromagnetic excitation or light-matter interactions in a structure or material having one or more addressable frequencies to generate the exchange of thermal, kinetic, electronic or photonic energy. The present disclosure further concerns a means to use at least a form of electromagnetic excitation or light-matter interaction, including solar or laser energy to generate localized conditions that enable initiation and spatial and temporal control of catalysis, chemical reactions, deposition, growth, synthesis, photocatalysis, photosynthesis, chemical catalysis, photochemical catalysis, photovoltaic, electrocatalysis and catalytic processes. | 10-02-2008 |
20080245402 | SOLAR TRACKER FOR THERMAL AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS WITH FORCED AIR SYSTEM, APPLICABLE TO BUILDINGS DESCRIPTION - A SOLAR TRACKER FOR THERMAL AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS WITH A FORCED AIR SYSTEM, APPLICABLE TO BUILDINGS, with a panel-carrying framework on a dome, whose interior features a heat accumulator, acting as a column; attached to the base of this there is a fan and radiator capable of blowing treated air towards the apartments, it being installed over the stairwell, which acts as a carriage duct, also acting as a fire protection system as it creates centrifugal radial flows, expelling harmful gases on opening doors and windows. The framework tilts on two axes of a spider joint located between two yokes, one of these fixed on the column and the other tilting, this last supporting the framework. Four servo-cylinders, two per axis, cause it to be directed towards the sun. The rows of the framework, arranged on different levels, in the shape of a stepped pyramid, support juxtaposed thermal and photovoltaic panels, it being possible to direct those appropriate towards the sun while the others are shaded. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245403 | Solar heating method and apparatus - Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for solar heating are disclosed. One solar heating apparatus includes an insulating layer adjacent to an exterior of a structure. A heat transfer plate is adjacent to the insulating layer. A fluid conduit is adjacent to the heat transfer plate. The heat transfer plate is thermally connected to the fluid conduit for transferring heat from the heat transfer plate to fluid within the fluid conduit. A weather exposed layer is thermally connected to the heat transfer plate. | 10-09-2008 |
20080283116 | LIGHT ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - 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. | 11-20-2008 |
20080314438 | INTEGRATED CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAICS AND WATER HEATER - An energy device includes a solar concentrator that concentrates at least 20 suns on a predetermined spot; a solar cell positioned on the predetermined spot to receive concentrated solar energy from the solar concentrator; and a water heater pipe thermally coupled to the solar cell to remove heat from the solar cell. | 12-25-2008 |
20090007959 | Multi-leaf solar energy supplying apparatus - A multi-leaf solar energy supplying apparatus includes an energy converting module and an electrical power storing module. The energy converting module includes a solar energy board having a plurality of leaves for converting solar energy into electrical power. The electrical power storing module is electrically connected with the energy converting module for receiving electrical power to charge a secondary battery. Therefore, the secondary battery provides at least one output voltage to an application system. Furthermore, the energy converting module further includes at least one first power transmission port. When the energy converting module is separated from the electrical power storing module, the energy converting module is connected with the application system via the first power transmission port and provides a voltage to the application system. Thereby, the goals of charging and supplying power via solar power, and offering a power source that can be used anywhere are achieved. | 01-08-2009 |
20090014057 | PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES WITH INTEGRATED DEVICES - One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed. | 01-15-2009 |
20090014058 | ROOFTOP PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS - Provided are easy-to-install rooftop photovoltaic systems. One rooftop photovoltaic system includes a roofing material piece, a photovoltaic module disposed on the roofing material piece and an inverter configured to convert DC from the photovoltaic module into AC. Another rooftop photovoltaic system includes at least one active unit including one or more photovoltaic modules each including photovoltaic cells shaped as shingles to provide a roofing material appearance; and one or more inactive units having the roofing material appearance. | 01-15-2009 |
20090014059 | Thermophotovoltaic electrical generation systems - 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. | 01-15-2009 |
20090020151 | Method and apparatus for converting a direct current to alternating current utilizing a plurality of inverters - An apparatus for converting Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC), comprising a plurality of inverters, each inverter having a separate DC input adapted to be coupled to at least one solar cell defining an area of a solar panel. | 01-22-2009 |
20090050193 | PHOTOPHYSICOCHEMICAL CELL - Provided is a photophysicochemical cell including a liquid phase medium of a fuel such as a redox liquid, etc., a photoanode electrode formed of a porous electrically conductive material or an n-type visible-region semiconductor having a high carrier density, the photoanode electrode or the n-type visible-region semiconductor being inserted in the liquid phase medium and an electrode formed of an electrically conductive material capable of reducing oxygen, the electrode being inserted in the liquid phase medium as a counter electrode, in which oxygen is caused to be co-present in the above liquid phase medium, light is applied to the above photoanode electrode thereby to oxidatively photolyze the above fuel on said anode electrode without applying any auxiliary external voltage and oxygen is thereby reduced on the above counter electrode thereby to generate a photoelectric current in said external circuit, according to which photophysicochemical cell, a wide range of compounds that naturally include alcohols such as methanol and also include urea, ammonia, agarose, glucose, amino acid and, further, biomass such as cellulose can be decomposed as a fuel to generate photocurrent. | 02-26-2009 |
20090065046 | Solar photovoltaic module to solar collector hybrid retrofit - The present invention discloses a system for a retrofitting a photovoltaic energy collector, by coupling a thermal energy absorbing working fluid casing for flowing heat out to a heat sink The solar module is cooled by the working fluid transferring unproductive heat away from the photovoltaic array and into an exterior heat sink via the cooling fluid circuit, thus making the photovoltaic array more efficient, while adding another energy source. The retrofitting can be done at the consumers convenience, discretion and site, overcoming the current requirement forcing the consumer to decide on one solar technology over another with competing needs. | 03-12-2009 |
20090071529 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXTRACTING ENERGY FROM A HEAT SOURCE USING PHOTONIC CRYSTALS WITH DEFECT CAVITIES - Methods and systems for extracting energy from a heat source using photonic crystals with defect cavities generally comprise a photonic crystal, a cavity, and a converter. The photonic crystal is responsive to a heat source and generates an electromagnetic beam in response to incidence with the heat source. The photonic crystal exhibits a band gap such that wavelengths within the band gap are substantially confined within the photonic crystal. The cavity is substantially within the crystal and is responsive to the electromagnetic beam such that the cavity transmits the electromagnetic beam to a specified location. The converter is substantially collocated with the specified location and extracts energy in response to incidence with the electromagnetic beam. | 03-19-2009 |
20090078304 | PHOTOVOLTAIC CHARGE ABATEMENT DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for abating charge accumulation on a photovoltaic array. In one embodiment, the method includes arranging a portion of a photovoltaic array so that the portion of the photovoltaic array operates above a ground potential; converting solar energy into electrical energy with the photovoltaic array, wherein the portion of the photovoltaic array is predisposed to accumulate a charge on a surface of the portion of the photovoltaic array while the solar energy is converted to electrical energy; and abating charge accumulation on the surface of the portion of the photovoltaic array that operates above a ground potential. | 03-26-2009 |
20090090410 | Nanoengineered biophotonic hybrid device - An improved method for the design and development of high performance hybrid devices having biological and nonbiological components. The biological component is used in hybrid constructs that may be nanostructures, given the small size of the biological parts. In one specific embodiment, chlorosomes of | 04-09-2009 |
20090145474 | Solar energy device for electricity and heating - A solar energy collector produces electricity and heat using an optically transparent vessel containing one or more photovoltaic cells and a liquid that substantially fills the vessel. The vessel has a top with a flat exterior surface and a bottom with a concave exterior surface that is coated on the outside with a reflective material. Solar radiation traveling through the top of the vessel into the liquid and through the bottom strikes the reflective material on the outside of the vessel and is reflected back through the bottom, into the liquid and to a focal line adjacent to the interior surface of the top. Cooled liquid is fed into the vessel through an entry port and heated liquid is removed through an exit port. One or more photovoltaic solar cells are located adjacent to the interior surface of the top aligned with the focal line. | 06-11-2009 |
20090159115 | Light Concentrating Modules, Systems and Methods - A light concentrating module for transforming light into at least one of electrical and thermal energy is provided. The light concentrating module may be coupled in flow communication with a fluid conversion module and include a primary optical element that has a reflective surface with a plurality of contoured sections. Each contoured section is shaped to reflect light that impinges the contoured section toward a corresponding focal region. The module may also have a receiver system that includes a plurality of energy conversion members positioned proximate to corresponding focal regions. The receiver system also has a working fluid passage for carrying a working fluid that absorbs the thermal energy. The working fluid can be conveyed away from the receiver system through a mounting post that holds the receiver system. In addition, the module may also generate electricity. | 06-25-2009 |
20090173376 | SOLAR COLLECTOR DESICCANT SYSTEM - The present invention is a desiccant system for controlling moisture in a solar collector. The desiccant system has a desiccant bed enclosed within a housing, and is thermally coupled to the solar collector as well as being fluidly coupled to it through an orifice. Waste heat from the solar collector is conducted to the desiccant system and is used to regenerate the desiccant bed. The desiccant system includes moisture barriers which cause moisture from the desiccant to preferentially be released to the external environment rather than entering the solar collector. | 07-09-2009 |
20090194145 | Small-scale, concentrating, solar chp system - A high-efficiency, small-scale, combined heat and power, concentrating solar energy system ( | 08-06-2009 |
20090194146 | Method and apparatus for arranging multiple flat reflector facets around a solar cell or solar panel - A system and method of arranging multiple flat reflective facets around solar cells within a solar panel, or around a standard solar panel to increase the amount of light striking the solar cells or panel. The present invention in the preferred embodiment uses multiple reflector facets arranged to form an inverted pyramid shell where the apex of the pyramid is removed and replaced by a solar cell or panel. Accordingly each flat reflective facet has an isosceles trapezoid shape and has its shorter parallel side located adjacent and at a 120 degree angle to the solar cell or panel. This geometry ensures uniform illumination of the solar cell provided the reflector is approximately the same width as the solar cell; such uniform illumination may be especially helpful for PV generating applications. An alternate embodiment employs only three flat reflective facets, rather than four, around a standard solar panel. Flat reflective facets cost less than solar cells or panels, so employing these arrangements should lower the average cost of solar power. | 08-06-2009 |
20090199892 | Solar earth module - A solar collector system ( | 08-13-2009 |
20090199893 | THIN FILM HOLOGRAPHIC SOLAR CONCENTRATOR/COLLECTOR - In various embodiments described herein, a device comprising a light collector optically coupled to a photocell is described. The device further comprises a light turning film or layer comprising volume or surface diffractive features or holograms. Light incident on the light collector is turned by volume or surface diffractive features or holograms that are reflective or transmissive and guided through the light collector by multiple total internal reflections. The guided light is directed towards a photocell. In various embodiments, the light collector is thin (e.g., less than 1 millimeter) and comprises, for example, a thin film. The light collector may be formed of a flexible material. | 08-13-2009 |
20090250096 | Solar-To-Electricity Conversion Sub-Module - The invention addresses the area utilization and capital efficiency of systems for converting solar energy into electricity. A solid-state solar submodule includes photovoltaic and thermoelectric or thermionic cells. The submodule can be implemented in various configurations and by a solar insolation flux collection and concentration method to improve the area utilization and solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency. A thermal expansion matched multilayer board is also used to withstand ultra high concentration of solar insolation flux. | 10-08-2009 |
20090250097 | Solar-To-Electricity Conversion System - The invention addresses area utilization and capital efficiency of systems for converting solar energy into electricity. A solid-state solar conversion system includes photovoltaic cells which are arranged within a concentrated solar insolation flux path on different substrates/boards to collect different respective portions of the radiation spectrum. | 10-08-2009 |
20090250098 | Method for Solar-To-Electricity Conversion - The invention addresses area utilization and capital efficiency of systems for converting solar energy into electricity. Methods of converting solar energy use photovoltaic cells which are arranged within a concentrated solar insolation flux path on different substrates/boards to collect different respective portions of the radiation spectrum. | 10-08-2009 |
20090250099 | Solar-To-Electricity Conversion System Using Cascaded Architecture of Photovoltaic and Thermoelectric Devices - The invention addresses the area utilization and capital efficiency of systems for converting solar energy into electricity. A solid-state solar system includes photovoltaic and thermoelectric or thermionic cells. The system can be implemented in various configurations and by a solar insolation flux collection and concentration method to improve the area utilization and solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency. A thermal expansion matched multilayer board is also used to withstand ultra high concentration of solar insolation flux. | 10-08-2009 |
20090293938 | PHOTO CELL WITH SPACED ANTI-OXIDATION MEMBER ON FLUID LOOP - A fluid tube routes a fluid adjacent to a source of heat to heat the fluid. The heated fluid is passed adjacent to cells which receive infrared radiation from the heated fluid. An anti-corrosion member is positioned on a portion of the tube adjacent to the cells. The anti-corrosion member is spaced from an outer periphery of the tube to provide a chamber between the portion of the tube and the anti-corrosion member. | 12-03-2009 |
20090293939 | LIGHT-HEAT ENERGY GATHERING SOLAR ENERGY DEVICE - A light-heat gathering solar energy device belonging to the energy device, which is a device for decreasing the area occupied by the solar energy device and increasing the light-heat absorbing efficiency of the sun light, comprising: a bracket structure, which is a structural member having a hollow body; at least one solar energy absorbing device disposed within the hollow body of said bracket structure, the hollow body is formed by the container wall having a geometry structure of upper-wide lower-narrow shape, and at least one cup-shaped bottom structure is disposed therein, said container wall is composed of an outer wall and an inner wall, said outer wall is made of a light-heat absorbing material, said inner wall is made of a light reflecting material, allowing invisible light to penetrate, inward and downward reflection is enabled in the energy absorbing device through the inner wall when the sun light irradiates from the top to the bottom such that the light-heat energy gathering effect is produced within the solar energy absorbing device, and said cup-shaped bottom structure is made of a light-heat absorbing material without a light reflecting layer. Different materials are used in the invention based on different applications, and the device can be used as a solar energy electricity device or a heat energy device and as equipment configured to provide heat energy and electricity. | 12-03-2009 |
20090293940 | Combination solar collector - This invention describes a combination photovoltaic (PV) and thermal heat collector solar panel that both generates electricity and provides residual heat energy to a transfer medium. The panel is comprised of PV panel material also used as the thermal absorber. The sun-facing surface of the combination absorber generates DC current and directly beneath this is a thermal heat collection system comprised of tubular passages for flow of the heat absorbing fluid (such as water) there through. The panel may have one or more thermal insulating clear cover(s) spaced above the absorber and thermal insulation underneath the absorber plate. The collector may be a flat plate collector or a concentrating type collector with a combination absorber at the focal point and may have a single or dual axis solar tracking system. | 12-03-2009 |
20090301548 | Condensing Generator - A condensing generator comprises a condensing photovoltaic generating system, a cooling and radiating system, an automatic sun-tracking machine and a wind power generator. The condensing photovoltaic generating system includes a group of collecting mirrors with a wind-sheltering mechanism, a uniform light generator, an object carrier and a collecting carrier. The object carrier is movably connected to the automatic sun-tracking machine, and the collecting carrier is immovably connected to the object carrier. The uniform light generator includes a condensing battery base with a cavity and condensing photovoltaic batteries supported by the condensing battery base. The cooling and radiating system has a fluid radiator which is communicated with the cavity of the condensing battery base through flexible connecting pipes using a radiator's interface. | 12-10-2009 |
20090314333 | Solar Energy Converter with Improved Photovoltaic Efficiency, Frequency Conversion and Thermal Management Permitting Super Highly Concentrated Collection - 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. | 12-24-2009 |
20100037936 | SOLAR CELL ASSEMBLIES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SOLAR CELL ASSEMBLIES - Solar cell assemblies and method of making solar cell assemblies. The method, including: fabricating solar cell chips on solar cell wafers; dicing the solar cell wafers into individual solar cell chips; packaging the individual solar cell chips in molded plastic packages to form solar cell chip packages; and mounting on and electrically connecting one or more of the solar cell chip packages to a printed circuit board. The assemblies including a printed circuit board; one or more solar cell chip packages mounted on and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, each of said one or more solar chip packages comprising a solar cell chip and a lead frame encapsulated in a molded plastic body, top surfaces the solar cell chips exposed in top surfaces of the molded plastic bodies. | 02-18-2010 |
20100043867 | Solar and thermal energy to electricity conversion - The present invention discloses a new apparatus and method for converting solar energy or thermal energy to electricity, requiring simple design and production. The present invention will apply the work from the solar or thermal energy to the variable capacitors that convert into electric energy. The output energy from the present invention will be ready for grid connection. | 02-25-2010 |
20100116321 | APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING SUNLIGHT - An apparatus for collecting sunlight includes a primary focus reflector, a secondary parallelization reflector, and a connection mechanism. The primary focus reflector has an inner rounded surface, an outer plane formed on an edge of the inner rounded surface, and a through-hole formed at a center of the inner rounded surface. The primary focus reflector collects sunlight on a focus in front of the inner rounded surface. The secondary parallelization reflector is disposed near the focus in front of the primary focus reflector and reflects the sunlight, having been reflected by the primary focus reflector towards the through-hole as parallel light. The connection mechanism connects the secondary parallelization reflector to the primary focus reflector to be secured near the focus. The apparatus further includes a power generation module disposed behind the reflectors. The apparatus has improved light collection and power generation efficiency. | 05-13-2010 |
20100116322 | COLLECTOR FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL ENERGY - A semitransparent collector generates electrical and thermal energy exclusively from solar radiant energy. In the collector, a semitransparent photovoltaic module that forms the top part of the collector as well as a solar thermal module which forms the bottom part of the collector and is not mechanically connected to the photovoltaic module are disposed in a common housing. An insulating space which allows thermal radiation to penetrate while preventing convective heat loss is arranged between the modules. The collector is closed in the direction of irradiation by way of a transparent support. | 05-13-2010 |
20100139739 | Solar Energy Collection System - A solar collector utilizes multiple reflections of light passing down a tapered, pyramidal-type structure made of highly-reflective mirrored surfaces. A right-angled truncated reflective pyramidal structures have been discovered to have many properties which make them superior to existing concentrator geometries. The use of a tapered, pyramidal-type structure creates multiple reflections which appear at the collector output in the form of a Buckminster-Fullerene display, providing improved collector efficiency and amplification when compared to prior art “concentrators” of the Fresnel lens or parabola type. | 06-10-2010 |
20100154864 | Photovoltaic-thermal hybrid apparatus and assembly method thereof - Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic-thermal hybrid apparatus. The photovoltaic-thermal hybrid apparatus includes a plurality of photovoltaic-thermal modules. Each photovoltaic-thermal module includes at least one condenser, a solar cell disposed at at least one side of the condenser, a frame to surround the condenser and the solar cell, and a channel disposed in the frame to cool the solar cell. The photovoltaic-thermal modules are arranged adjacent to one another, and the channel of each photovoltaic-thermal module is connected to the channel of at least one neighboring photovoltaic-thermal module. | 06-24-2010 |
20100154865 | Photovoltaic-thermal hybrid apparatus - Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic-thermal hybrid apparatus. The photovoltaic-thermal hybrid apparatus includes at least one condenser to change a direction of some incident solar energy therein in a radial direction and emit some incident solar energy outside, a solar cell disposed at least one side of the condenser, and a frame to surround the condenser, the frame having a cooling channel to cool the solar cell disposed at at least one side therein. | 06-24-2010 |
20100154866 | HYBRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM - A hybrid solar power system incorporates both solar thermal technology and photovoltaic technology in producing power. The hybrid solar power system includes a cover, thermal layers, and photovoltaic layers disposed within an enclosure. The hybrid solar power system is arranged to produce power thermally via the thermal layers and directly via the photovoltaic layers. In producing the power, the thermal layers and the photovoltaic layers first harness sunlight incident on the hybrid solar power system. Subsequently, the inner surfaces of the enclosure include reflective surfaces, reflecting the incident sunlight back through the thermal layers and the photovoltaic layers so that additional power can be generated from the reflected light. | 06-24-2010 |
20100218809 | POWER PANEL - 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. The power panel can also generate electrical power by incorporating a solar panel disposed between the enclosure and the transparent panel, wherein the solar panel forms a liquid boundary for the liquid circulating in the synthetic enclosure. | 09-02-2010 |
20100224234 | Solar energy system - A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a plurality of photovoltaic cells that are exposed to the radiant energy from the sun to create electrical power and are in heat transfer relationship with a water manifold through which water flows to remove heat from the PV cell as well as heat from the radiant energy. The heated water for the water manifold is used for heat/hot water and electricity system that can be configured using provided software and that can provide for any or all of the offerings (heat/hot water/electricity). The water manifold is constructed of a special high conductivity composite material that can be selected in accordance with the heat conductivity and customized for a particular installation. The system eliminates the use of copper and/or aluminum tubing, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the system. | 09-09-2010 |
20100275973 | HIGH EFFICIENCY PHTOVOLTAIC PANEL WITH THERMAL FEATURE - A device for the generation of electricity and for imparting thermal energy to a fluid. The device is composed of a panel of photovoltaic materials having a top surface which, when in use, is exposed to ambient solar radiation and a base for supporting the panel of photovoltaic materials. A plurality of micro channels are positioned within the base and in thermal contact with the photovoltaic material. The channels have open receiving ends and open discharge ends and are sized and positioned to receive a fluid at their receiving ends and to discharge the fluid at their discharging ends for transferring thermal energy from the bottom surface of the panel of photovoltaic materials to the fluid as the fluid travels within the channels. | 11-04-2010 |
20100288334 | Generating System That Generates Heat and Electricity By Using A Solar Energy - A generating system includes a generating device ( | 11-18-2010 |
20110017277 | Concentration photovoltaic and heating apparatus - A concentration photovoltaic and heating apparatus including a printed circuit board (PCB), a power generating module, a heat conducting plate and a heat conducting pipe is provided. The power generating module includes a solar chip and a Fresnel lens. The solar chip is mounted on the PCB and configured for transforming light energy into electricity. The Fresnel lens is disposed over the solar chip and configured for focusing sunlight on the solar chip. The heat conducting plate carries the PCB. The heat conducting pipe is connected to the heat conducting plate. A fluid flowing in the heat conducting pipe is configured for being heated by a heat generated by the solar chip through the heat conducting plate. | 01-27-2011 |
20110030766 | Solar energy utilizing apparatuses and methods of manufacturing the same - A solar energy utilizing apparatus includes: a fluid pipe forming a flow path of a heat medium and including a convex surface; and a solar cell formed on the convex surface of the fluid pipe. In a method of manufacturing a solar energy utilizing apparatus, a first substrate including a first surface and a second surface is formed. The first surface has a plurality of convex surfaces and the second surface has a plurality of concave surfaces. A plurality of solar cells are formed on the convex surfaces, respectively. A second substrate is formed, and the second substrate is bonded to the first substrate. | 02-10-2011 |
20110048502 | Systems and Methods of Photovoltaic Cogeneration - Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling photovoltaic cell temperature by removing excess thermal energy from photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic module and using the excess thermal energy for heating or to drive a heating and/or cooling apparatus. In one instance, the heating and/or cooling apparatus is an absorption chiller. A generator of the absorption chiller can either be thermally connected to the photovoltaic module or can be heated by transferring the thermal energy from the photovoltaic module to the absorption chiller via a heating fluid such as water. | 03-03-2011 |
20110088755 | MOBILE SOLAR POWER GENERATOR - A mobile solar power generator is disclosed. The mobile solar power generator includes a plurality of solar energy collecting plates, a thermoelectric conversion unit, and a power distribution unit. The solar energy collecting plates are disposed at a top and/or a lateral side of the thermoelectric conversion unit for collecting thermal energy provided by the sun. The thermoelectric conversion unit is adapted for utilizing the collected thermal energy to vaporize a liquid into a vapor, and generating electric power with the vapor. The liquid has a relatively low boiling point. The power distribution unit is coupled to the thermoelectric conversion unit, for providing the electric power generated by the thermoelectric conversion unit to drive an external electric appliance. | 04-21-2011 |
20110100430 | Hybrid photovoltaic and thermionic energy converter - The current invention uses a combination of technologies from dye-sensitized solar cells, and from thermionic generators, to form a unique, efficient, broad spectrum solar radiation to electric power converter. Light passing through the cell first passes through a dye-sensitized matrix of nanoporous semiconductor. Light within the absorption spectrum of the dye is absorbed and converted into electrons which are injected into the conduction band of the semiconductor matrix. Light, which is not absorbed by the dye, passes on to cathode. The cathode is heated upon absorbing the incoming radiation. At a temperature dependent on the work function of the cathode, the cathode emits electrons thermionically, thereby cooling the cathode. These electrons replenish the electrons in the dye, thus completing the flow of current between cathode and anode. The hot cathode is thermally isolated from portions of the device at ambient temperature, thereby minimizing parasitic thermal loss. The device produces electricity similar to a two junction photovoltaic cell in that the anode is added to the cathode voltage. | 05-05-2011 |
20110120528 | ENERGY TRANSFER MODULE UTILIZING THERMAL POWER GENERATED BY SOLAR PANELS - An energy transfer module coupled to a thermal solar module includes a body having a first end member, a second end member, and four side members configured to enclose a first spatial region within a vicinity of the first end member and a second spatial region within a vicinity of the second end member. The first spatial region is in communication with the second spatial region. The module further includes one or more inlet openings provided at the first end member for inputting fluid flow from the thermal solar module. The module also includes an air filter disposed within the first spatial region to remove one or more impurities from the fluid flow. Additionally, the module includes a fan disposed between the first spatial region and the second spatial region to draw the fluid flow through the air filter. The fan is coupled to a drive motor. The module further includes a heat exchanger disposed in the first spatial region and an outlet provided on the second end member. Furthermore, the module includes an electrical source coupled to the fan. The electrical source is configured to power the drive motor to draw fluid flow through the heat exchanger. | 05-26-2011 |
20110132434 | Concentrated Photovoltaic and Thermal Solar Energy Collector - 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. | 06-09-2011 |
20110139221 | PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM - A photovoltaic system includes planar photovoltaic elements that generates electricity from solar irradiation and feed it into a power grid and/or a battery unit. A cooling coil that communicates with a first heat pump via a heat pump circuit is arranged under each photovoltaic element and feeds heat generated during operation of the photovoltaic element to the first heat pump, which communicates with a first carrier medium circuit containing a first carrier medium. A heat accumulator unit containing a heat accumulating medium is arranged in the first carrier medium circuit, the thermal energy of the first carrier medium being transferred to the heat accumulating medium within the heat accumulator unit. In addition, at least one other heat consumption circuit containing a second carrier medium communicates with the heat accumulator unit, and the thermal energy of the heat accumulating medium is transferred to the second carrier medium as needed. | 06-16-2011 |
20110162692 | SOLAR APPARATUS FOR CONCURRENT HEATING AND POWER GENERATION DUTY - 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. | 07-07-2011 |
20110174360 | RACK ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING SOLAR MODULES - A rack assembly is provided for mounting solar modules over an underlying body. The rack assembly may include a plurality of rail structures that are arrangeable over the underlying body to form an overall perimeter for the rack assembly. One or more retention structures may be provided with the plurality of rail structures, where each retention structure is configured to support one or more solar modules at a given height above the underlying body. At least some of the plurality of rail structures are adapted to enable individual rail structures to be sealed over the underlying body so as to constrain air flow underneath the solar modules. Additionally, at least one of (i) one or more of the rail structures, or (ii) the one or more retention structures are adjustable so as to adapt the rack assembly to accommodate solar modules of varying forms or dimensions. | 07-21-2011 |
20110186109 | MULTI SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) PANEL AND THERMAL EFFICIENCY - A solar panel comprises an array of solar cells, a cooling arrangement, and thermal glue which thermally connects the solar cells to the cooling fins. The whole may be enclosed within a frame and backing. The thermal glue may be a silicon cream, or a mixture of silicon cream and metallic particles. | 08-04-2011 |
20110192447 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL TOTAL INTERNAL REFRACTION SOLAR CELL - A solar cell system may maximize solar cell efficiency and minimize energy loss by collecting as much light as possible, using reflection and total internal reflection. The solar cell system includes a solar cell, a layer of a first transparent material placed on the top end of the solar cell, a layer of a second transparent material filling the interior cavity of the solar cell, a plurality of photo-voltaic surface cells incorporated in the solar cell, and the side walls and bottom end of the solar cell are coated with a reflective material. | 08-11-2011 |
20110203641 | Nighttime Solar Panel - Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved solar panel that will produce electricity at night. The improved solar panel generally includes an array of photovoltaic cells, a thermally-conductive, rigid backing, and an array of thermocouples sandwiched between and in thermal contact with the array of photovoltaic cells and the thermally conductive, rigid backing. | 08-25-2011 |
20110209744 | Combined Solar/Thermal (CHP) Heat and Power for Residential and Industrial Buildings - A solar powered generator ( | 09-01-2011 |
20110214712 | SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION - Methods, apparatus, and systems relating to the use and design of specially shaped, rotating reflective louvers to provide cost effectively harvesting of electricity, heat, and/or lighting are described. In an embodiment, the reflected and concentrated direct light is focused on the neighboring louver photovoltaic cells to generate electricity and an integral cooling channel allows heat collection. A skylight embodiment permits the indirect light to pass between the louvers and through a transparent backing providing high quality natural light inside while allowing artificial lights to be dimmed or turned off saving energy. In some embodiments, control systems (that may be computer controlled) can modulate the louver position to improve the light transmitted into the building when appropriate to maximize the net energy saved or generated depending on the situation. Moreover, the devices can be retrofitted into existing buildings or integrated into new building construction. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 09-08-2011 |
20110232723 | LAYER SYSTEM FOR SOLAR ABSORBER - Solar absorber ( | 09-29-2011 |
20110232724 | DEVICE FOR PRODUCING ENERGY FROM SOLAR RADIATION - Device (D) for producing energy, from solar radiation (RS), intended for a building or industrial construction ( | 09-29-2011 |
20110259400 | MOUNTING A RECEIVER IN A SOLAR ENERGY TROUGH - A solar energy system comprising linearly focusing optical components and at least on receiver. The solar energy system comprises a device for assembling and disassembling the receiver, wherein the receiver ( | 10-27-2011 |
20110259401 | COMPONENT AND USE OF A COMPONENT - The invention relates to a component for a construction, said component comprising at least one wood-retainer composite element (I) consisting of at least one wood element ( | 10-27-2011 |
20110259402 | PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL FOR POWER PANEL - A power panel for generating thermal and electric energy from solar radiation, the power panel includes a synthetic molded enclosure having a solar radiation top surface, bottom surface, and sidewalls. A photovoltaic panel for generating electrical power includes multiple solar cells, each fixedly connected to a first face of a metal PV cell tray. The PV cell tray is positioned in contact with the synthetic molded enclosure top surface. The PV cell tray has a second face oppositely directed with respect to the first face in contact with a fluid flowing along the top surface. A transparent panel is positioned in direct contact with the synthetic molded enclosure side walls and spaced above the photovoltaic panel. The transparent panel insulates thermal energy contained within the enclosure. | 10-27-2011 |
20110272003 | COMBINED SOLAR THERMAL POWER GENERATION AND A POWER STATION THEREFOR - A power generation apparatus comprising: a photovoltaic power generation unit; a coolant system for the photovoltaic power generation unit, configured to provide coolant over the photovoltaic power generation unit and to extract coolant after use; and a turbine power generation unit, configured for operation by fluid at least partly heated by a first heat exchanger using said extracted coolant. | 11-10-2011 |
20110284055 | CONCENTRATING SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - 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. | 11-24-2011 |
20110290302 | Rugged concentrating hybrid solar energy module - A solar energy module includes a casing, a mirror, a transparent top, a pipe, a fluid within the pipe and photovoltaic cells. The casing has three walls including two end walls and one wall in the form of an elongated U-shaped structure. The mirror is parabolic and sits atop the bottom wall of the casing to produce a line focus within the casing. The transparent top closes the casing to form an air-tight enclosure. The pipe has flat walls and is positioned at the line focus. The flat walls are at least a top-facing planar wall and a bottom-facing planar wall. The photovoltaic cells are attached at least to the bottom-facing planar wall. The fluid is confined within the pipe and carries away the heat from the photovoltaic cells. The air-tight module is optionally holding a vacuum and/or contains inert gas. | 12-01-2011 |
20110308576 | HYBRID PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A hybrid system includes a photovoltaic system configured to receive solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy. A cooling system is coupled to the photovoltaic system and configured to circulate a cooling fluid through the cooling system so as to remove heat from the photovoltaic system to cool the photovoltaic system. A first device is coupled to the cooling system via a temperature booster and configured to receive the heated cooling fluid from the cooling system. The temperature booster is configured to substantially increase the temperature of the heated cooling fluid fed from the cooling system to the first device from a first temperature to a second temperature. The first device includes a waste heat recovery system configured to generate electric power, a vapor absorption machine configured to cool a second device, a hot water supply unit, a water distillation unit, a water desalination unit, or combinations thereof. | 12-22-2011 |
20120012157 | SYSTEM OF MOBILE SOLAR PANELS FOR CONSTRUCTION - A system includes mobile solar panels for construction, which makes use of the edges of a building in order to position thereon the axes of rotation ( | 01-19-2012 |
20120024346 | RECEIVER FOR PV/T SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS - The invention relates to a receiver for production of electricity and heat in solar energy systems comprising focussing optical components wherein, the receiver has at least one surface covered with solar cells for production of electricity and at least one optically selective surface, wherein a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to concentrated sunlight is covered with solar cells, while a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to direct sunlight is covered with an optically selective surface. | 02-02-2012 |
20120031468 | SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - The present application provides an integrated solar panel system. The integrated solar panel system may include a heat transfer plate, a solar photovoltaic subsystem positioned in part on the heat transfer plate, and a solar thermal subsystem positioned beneath the heat transfer plate. The solar thermal subsystem may include one or more internal concentrator plates positioned about the heat transfer plate. | 02-09-2012 |
20120060898 | Self-contained, multi-fluid energy conversion and management system for converting solar energy to electric and thermal energy - The teachings generally relate to a system for converting solar energy into electrical energy and thermal energy using a self-contained system having a plurality of channels for the heat transfer using a respective plurality of fluids. | 03-15-2012 |
20120060899 | COLLECTOR FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL ENERGY - A solar collector with radiation opaque wafers for generating electrical and thermal energy from solar radiation includes a housing. A semitransparent photovoltaic module is disposed in the housing so as to form an upper part of the solar collector. A solar thermal module is disposed in the housing so as to form a lower part of the solar collector. The solar thermal module and the photovoltaic module form an insulation space therebetween, wherein the insulation space is configured to allow a heat radiation to pass while preventing a convective heat loss. A transparent support is disposed so as to close the collector in a direction of the solar radiation. | 03-15-2012 |
20120090663 | DERIVING ECONOMIC VALUE FROM WASTE HEAT FROM CONCENTRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS - A method and apparatus for capturing solar energy for use with a structure. A solar energy system collects solar energy, some of which is converted into electricity and some of which is stored in subterranean thermal banks. Waste heat is formed in solar cells during the conversion of solar energy into electricity. A fluid flow system is provided that transfers heat from the solar cells into a subterranean formation via wellbores that penetrate the subterranean formation. The heat remains in the formation and is selectively transferred to the structure through the fluid flow system. | 04-19-2012 |
20120097216 | HYBRID SOLAR RECEIVER AND CONCENTRATING SOLAR SYSTEM COMPRISING THE SAME - The object of the hybrid solar receiver according to the invention is to generate electricity and heat simultaneously in an optimum manner. | 04-26-2012 |
20120097217 | Functionally Graded Solar Roofing Panels and Systems - Solar panels and solar heating systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the solar panels include the following: a top protective layer; a thin-film photovoltaic layer adjacent the top layer; a bottom polymeric substrate layer opposite the top layer; and a functionally graded material interlayer positioned between the top and bottom layers, the interlayer including a first homogeneous polymeric composite layer below the thin film photovoltaic layer, a second homogeneous polymeric composite layer including water tubes below the first composite layer, and a substantially polymeric layer below the second composite layer and adjacent the bottom layer. | 04-26-2012 |
20120103395 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING DISTRIBUTED RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS - A method for managing distributed renewable energy systems comprising receiving first meter data for a plurality of first meters, each of the plurality of first meters associated with a renewable energy power generation component at an institution and measuring an amount of power generated by each associated renewable energy power generation component over a first period of time. Receiving second meter data for a plurality of second meters, each of the plurality of second meters associated with an institution having a renewable energy power generation component and measuring an amount of power consumed by each associated institution over a period of second time. Determining a difference between the amount of power measured by each of the first meters and the amount of power measured by a corresponding one of each of the second meters at each institution. Assessing a first charge to each of the institutions based on the corresponding difference determined for each institution. Assessing a second charge to each of the institutions based on a finance charge for the renewable energy power generation component associated with the institution. | 05-03-2012 |
20120118353 | ELECTRICAL GRID SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM - A system for harvesting solar energy from an electric grid comprising a solar panel including an insulating material and a photovoltaic module attached to the insulating material, said solar panel adapted to be mounted onto a live power line in said electric grid. | 05-17-2012 |
20120125405 | PHOTOVOLTAIC-THERMAL (PVT) MODULE WITH STORAGE TANK AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants. | 05-24-2012 |
20120132255 | Solar Energy Harvesting Device Using Stimuli-Responsive Material - A solar energy harvesting system including a sunlight concentrating member (e.g., a lens array) for focusing direct sunlight at predetermined focal points inside a waveguide containing a stimuli-responsive material (SRM) that is evenly distributed throughout the waveguide material such that the SRM assumes a relatively high transparency state away from the focused sunlight, and small light-scattering portions of the SRM change to a relatively opaque (light scattering) state only in focal zone regions adjacent to the concentrated sunlight. The outer waveguide surfaces are locally parallel (e.g., planar) and formed such that sunlight scattered by the light-scattering SRM portions is transmitted by total internal reflection through the remaining transparent waveguide material, and outcoupled to one or more solar energy receivers (e.g., PV cells) that are disposed outside the waveguide (e.g., along the peripheral edge). | 05-31-2012 |
20120132256 | THERMOELECTRIC STACK COATING FOR IMPROVED SOLAR PANEL FUNCTION - Methods and devices for increase power output from solar devices. In one embodiment, the technique enables the front hot solar panel surface to be cooled by attachment of a thermoelectric multilayer stack to the back solar panel surface. The thermoelectric stack cools the solar panel front surface by drawing heat from the front to the back of the panel. That heat is transformed into mechanical vibrations using an inverse Peltier effect and that mechanical energy then transformed into electrical energy using a piezoelectric effect. Power output is first increased by lower operating temperature on front, resulting in a higher power conversion efficiency for the photovoltaic effect taking place in the CIGS/CdS active layers or other thin films, then from an additional power output from secondary electrical energy created from mechanical arising from the temperature-gradient driven occurrence of the thermoelectric effect. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132257 | Solar Electricity and Heat Transfer Systems - A solar electricity and heating system comprises at least one photovoltaic panel mountable above a sloped roof surface for providing photovoltaic electricity and providing heating a space between the panel and the roof surface. A heat conduction collector is positioned in the space between the panel and the roof surface for collecting air warmed by the panel. A closure system is mounted to at least two sides of the photovoltaic system for partially enclosing the space, which produces a chimney effect for the air heated by the panel. A liquid heat transfer system may be coupled to the collector for thermally coupling the collector to at least one of a heat storage system and a heat circulation system. A thermostat-activated pump may be provided for circulating liquid through the heat transfer system. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132258 | SOLAR COLLECTOR - A solar collector includes a concentrator having a circular paraboloid-shaped reflective surface, and receiver facing the concentrator. The concentrator has a plurality of circular paraboloid-portion-shaped mirrors, made of hot formed glass, and has respective circle-arc-shaped inner edges, which, in the mutually assembled condition, delimit a discharge hole at the center of the concentrator. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132259 | COLLECTOR MODULE FOR A SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM - A solar thermal system for transporting air is provided. The solar thermal system comprises a backpass collector having collector modules which transport air in parallel. Each collector module includes an intake channel, an air intake, a return channel, a connector connecting the intake channel to the return channel, and an absorber surface for absorbing energy. The solar thermal system also comprises a plenum for receiving air in parallel from each return channel. The plenum has a receiving face which includes a plurality of alternating openings and closures, where each opening is aligned with a respective return channel and each closure is aligned with a respective intake channel. For each collector module, the outside air is drawn into the intake channel, is conveyed out of the intake channel and into the return channel by the connector, and passes from the return channel into the plenum. | 05-31-2012 |
20120145223 | SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY COLLECTOR - A solar thermal energy collection module formed by a sandwich of metal plates. The metal plates collect solar radiant energy and convert that to thermal energy in a heat transfer fluid that flows through conduits and manifolds formed between the plates. The collector module may be directly integrated into the exterior of building structures in an array. The collector module also may be glazed or integrated with photovoltaic solar panels. | 06-14-2012 |
20120152319 | Portable Solar Power Generator and Water Heating System - Methods and systems provide for the creation of power and heated water utilizing a solar powered portable structure. According to embodiments described herein, solar radiation is used to heat a power generating bladder containing a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid within the power generating bladder is circulated through a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to water stored in one or more water storage tanks, thereby heating the water. Solar radiation is also used to generate power by converting the solar radiation received by the power generating bladder to power using a photovoltaic material. The power may be provided for use and used to operate various components of the system. The power may also be stored in a battery. | 06-21-2012 |
20120152320 | SOLAR PANEL STRUCTURE AND CORRESPONDING SOLAR PANEL - A basic frame for a solar panel having a container for a liquid, which container is arranged to constitute a thermal solar panel that can be combined with a photovoltaic solar panel having a plurality of cells, wherein the frame is an extruded piece of predetermined length having at least one first channel arranged for inletting a liquid and one second channel arranged for outletting the liquid. The invention also relates to a hybrid solar panel including the basic frame and to a method of manufacturing the solar panel. | 06-21-2012 |
20120160302 | TROUGH SHAPED FRESNEL REFLECTOR SOLAR CONCENTRATOR - The present invention is a Solar Concentrator composed of a generally V shaped trough of reflective Fresnel steps. Said Fresnel reflective steps concentrate the sunlight entering the mouth of the V shaped trough and parallel to its' central axis into a central focal area. By disposing a solar energy receiving element at the central focal area of sunlight concentration a preferred embodiment as a concentrating solar energy collector is realized. Various types of solar energy receiving structures are shown that serve to convert the concentrated sunlight into other forms of useful energy to realize the preferred embodiment as a concentrating solar energy collector. | 06-28-2012 |
20120167952 | Heat Pump Power Generation System - A heat pump power generation system is provided that can generate electricity by efficiently using solar energy in a wide wavelength range including a visible light range and an infrared range. | 07-05-2012 |
20120167953 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR WITH COMPREHENSIVE EFFECTS - A solar energy collector with comprehensive effects. The collector is mounted on a mounting surface ( | 07-05-2012 |
20120174966 | Concentrating tracking solar energy collector - A Conical reflecting, concentrating, two-axis tracking solar energy collector is disclosed. | 07-12-2012 |
20120180848 | Advanced hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar collector - A hybrid photovoltaic/thermal solar collector which replace the apparently simple and reliable encapsulation with an flat box that protect the thin film solar modules, permit the collection of heat as well as electricity, is light, reduce degradation, improve reliability, permit replacement of faulty modules, reduce interconnection wiring. | 07-19-2012 |
20120180849 | Solar concentrator tent system - A low cost transparent tent that captures and concentrates solar energy by enclosing and shielding subsystems from wind and weather, thereby enabling heat and or electricity for less than the cost of energy derived from combusting coal. The solar concentrating tent is also capable of supporting photocatalytic reactions to produce hydrogen, high value hydrocarbons and clean water. The solar concentrator tent system can be erected in minutes without substantial skill and does not require ground or surface preparation. | 07-19-2012 |
20120192920 | Stacked Layer High Efficiency Solar Energy Collector - An apparatus for improving the efficiency and usability of a solar energy collection panel is provided. In one embodiment, the collection panel comprises a plurality of layers. The first layer is a photovoltaic layer that converts the solar energy into electricity. That layer is coupled to a thermoelectric conversion layer that sinks heat from the photovoltaic layer and generates electricity based on the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the layer. A fluid heating layer is then coupled to and sinks heat from the thermoelectric layer to heat up a fluid, e.g. air or water. Each of these layers is stacked together and placed above an insulation layer that supports the layers and thermally isolates them from the surrounding environment. In another embodiment, a flexible coiled solar energy collection panel is provided. In still another embodiment, a modular rail system is provided for simple and customizable installation. | 08-02-2012 |
20120192921 | METHOD AND AN ARRANGEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM - An arrangement and a method are provided in connection with a solar energy system. The arrangement includes solar panels and a converter for converting the DC voltage from the solar panels. The converter is arranged inside a container or a similar closed structure. The arrangement includes means for producing heat from the energy produced by the solar panels. The means are arranged inside the container or a similar closed structure and are electrically connectable to the solar panels. | 08-02-2012 |
20120192922 | SOLAR COLLECTOR - A reflector to reflect solar radiation, the reflector having a concave reflector surface, wherein the surface curves about a first axis and a second axis, the second axis being in a plane generally normal to the first axis and curved about the first axis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for collection and utilization of solar energy including at least one of the reflectors, and at least one photovoltaic cell associated with each surface and positioned relative to the associated surface so as to be positioned to receive radiation reflected by the associated surface and to convert the radiation to electrical energy. The apparatus further includes heat a conversion mechanism for converting excess solar radiation energy incident thereon to heat energy. | 08-02-2012 |
20120199177 | Multijunction Solar Cell Device - The present disclosure provides a solar cell device. The device has solar cells having multijunction. A supplemental current source is connected with one of the solar cells having a smallest current in the device. Thus, through providing required current by the supplemental current source, usage performance of the device is enhanced. | 08-09-2012 |
20120211055 | Electromagnetic radiation concentrating system - As the concentration of electromagnetic radiation, especially solar radiation, can be utilized for constructive purposes it becomes desirable to concentrate the radiation in an economical manner. An essentially fixed concentrating reflector whose shape is generated by gravity's effect on flexible members provides an efficient means to collect and concentrate radiation. Historically in optical science aberrations are to be avoided or eliminated, however this device utilizes the aberration of astigmatism. By taking advantage of the astigmatic foci created by obliquely incident radiation falling upon a substantially sphere-like primary, a comparatively large fixed concentrator can be constructed inexpensively. The resulting tangential and sagittal astigmatic foci are linear. The length of the astigmatic foci can be a substantial portion of the diameter of the concentrator, especially at times of lower solar elevation. A toric shaped deformation of the reflective surface reduces the size of the chosen astigmatic focus to yield higher concentration. In the ideal the astigmatic focus is reduced to a point. A receiver located at the reduced astigmatic focus utilizes the concentrated radiation. | 08-23-2012 |
20120216853 | INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM - The system is an integrated solar energy system which provides solar generated electricity by photovoltaic panels, provides solar generated hot water by solar collector thermal panels and which has a heat recovery ventilation system which can provide heated or cooled air. The system further provides a durable long lasting roof membrane. | 08-30-2012 |
20120216854 | Surface-Passivated Regenerative Photovoltaic and Hybrid Regenerative Photovoltaic/Photosynthetic Electrochemical Cell - A photoelectrochemical regenerative photovoltaic cell is provided that includes an electrode structure having a semiconductor photoelectrode layer, and a pinhole-free metal oxide layer disposed on the semiconductor photoelectrode layer forming the electrode structure, where the pinhole-free metal oxide layer is less than 10 nm in thickness, where the thickness of the pinhole-free metal oxide layer protects the semiconductor photoelectrode layer from i) oxidation, ii) dissolution, or i) and ii) when in contact with an electrolyte solution, where the pinhole-free metal oxide layer has a band gap that is transparent to solar radiation and provides band offsets that permit facile electron or hole transport between the electrolyte solution and the semiconducting photoelectrode. | 08-30-2012 |
20120247538 | EFFICIENT HEAT SINK FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND A COMBINED HEAT AND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - An efficient heat sink for solar photovoltaic cells and a combined heat and power generation system include one or more flat plate heat pipes. A front plate surface of the front and back plate surfaces engages with and covers the backplate of the cell plate. A heat exchanger of plate pipe type engages with the cooling portion of backplate surface of the flat plate heat pipe. Heat absorbed by the heat absorption surface of the flat plate heat pipe from the cell plate is dissipated by the heat exchanger through cooling media without affecting combination of the cell plate with a building surface or application of the cell plate as a building component. Therefore, the temperature of the cell plate is prevented from rising, the dissipated heat may be utilized to generate hot water, solar utilization efficiency is improved, and the cost of the solar photovoltaic industry is reduced. | 10-04-2012 |
20120260970 | DEVICE FOR CONCENTRATING AND CONVERTING SOLAR ENERGY - The invention relates to a device for concentrating and converting solar energy, which has at least one beam splitter of a planar configuration for deflecting solar radiation and at least two devices for the conversion of solar energy which are disposed offset relative to the beam splitter with respect to the direction of incidence of the solar radiation. | 10-18-2012 |
20120273026 | HYBRID SOLAR CONCENTRATION DEVICE - In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hybrid solar concentration device comprising: (a) a solar collector configured to direct solar radiation to a photovoltaic cell and a heat exchanger; (b) a heat exchanger configured to heat a working fluid with a first energy component of the solar radiation; and (c) a photovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity from a second energy component of the solar radiation. Also provided are systems for generating electric power comprising one or more of the novel hybrid solar concentration devices and methods for generating electric power using such systems. | 11-01-2012 |
20120279554 | HYBRID SOLAR SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING - 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, 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 runs longitudinally within the at least one collector tube. The reflector device is fixedly attached to an inner surface of the enveloping tube, and the reflective filter is located such that light reflecting off the reflector device is directed to the reflective filter. The photovoltaic device is located such that at least a first portion of the light filtered by the reflective filter may be directed to the photovoltaic device and the portion incompatible with the photovoltaic device may be captured within the at least one heat pipe. | 11-08-2012 |
20120279555 | SOLAR CELL ROOF TILES | 11-08-2012 |
20120312352 | MODULE FOR MIXED PHOTOVOLTAIC AND THERMAL POWER GENERATION FROM SOLAR RADIATION, AND PLANT PROVIDED WITH SUCH MODULES - The invention relates to a power generation module (M | 12-13-2012 |
20120318328 | HYBRID SOLAR COLLECTOR - A solar energy converter comprising: a solar energy absorber, the solar energy absorber comprising a photovoltaic element; a heat transfer element in thermal contact with the solar energy absorber; a primary heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heat transfer element; a secondary heat exchanger; and a heat transfer control element; wherein the heat transfer control element is arranged to selectively place the secondary heat exchanger either in thermal contact with the heat transfer element or out of thermal contact with the heat transfer element. | 12-20-2012 |
20120325290 | SOLAR COGENERATION VESSEL - An offshore vessel embodies a mobile buoyant energy recovery system enabled to extract energy from solar power. An exemplary energy recovery system comprises concentrating solar thermal power systems (CSP) or concentrating photovoltaic power (CPV) systems on the deck of the vessel. Within the vessel hull, ballast water serves multiple purposes. The ballast not only stabilizes the vessel, but also provides reactant for hydrogen electrolysis or ammonia synthesis, or steam for a turbine. For CPV systems the ballast conducts heat as a coolant improving the efficiency and durability of photovoltaic cells. For CSP systems the ballast water becomes superheated steam through a primary heat exchanger in the concentrator. In some embodiments, some steam from the CSP primary heat exchanger or from the CPV coolant system undergoes high-pressure electrolysis of enhanced efficiency due to its high temperature. In some embodiments, the remaining steam that did not undergo electrolysis drives a steam turbine providing electrical current for electrolysis. A secondary heat exchanger takes heat from the steam expelled from an energy storage process to efficiently distill ballast water at a lower temperature thus minimizing corrosion and build-up of scale. A remote control Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) determines position, navigation, configuration, and operation of the preferably unmanned modular mobile buoyant energy recovery structure based on Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), Velocity Performance Prediction (VPP) models, Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) and various onboard sensors and controls. | 12-27-2012 |
20130000699 | ENERGY GENERATION SYSTEM - An energy generation system comprises: (i) a first system comprising an electrical generator for converting at least a portion of solar energy into electrical energy; and (ii) a second system, in thermal contact with said first system by means of a device for transferring heat energy from said first system to said second system. The second system comprises a device for converting at least a portion of heat energy from said second system, into electrical energy. | 01-03-2013 |
20130008487 | INTERCHANGEABLE AND FULLY ADJUSTABLE SOLAR THERMAL-PHOTOVOLTAIC CONCENTRATOR SYSTEMS - 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. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008488 | USE OF ROTATING PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND ASSEMBLIES FOR CONCENTRATED AND NON-CONCENTRATED SOLAR SYSTEMS - A concentrated and non-concentrated solar photovoltaic (PV) system with rotating PV cells or cell assemblies is provided to enhance cooling, receive both concentrated and non-concentrated sunlight, avoid hot spots and prolong PV cell operation life. The solar PV system comprises: one or more reflectors having a sun-facing side and a non-sun-facing side; and one or more rotating members with attaching PV cells or cell assemblies disposed at the sun-facing side of the reflector, herein the rotating members are able to rotate. The one or more rotating members with PV cells or cell assemblies are placed at predetermined positions at the sun-facing side of the reflector, and, during operation, the PV cells or cell assemblies has at least one light illuminated surface which is able to receive reflected light from different positions of the reflector, the direct solar radiation from the sun or the diffused solar radiation from the surroundings. | 01-10-2013 |
20130042902 | HYBRID SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM WITH PHOTOCATALYTIC DISINFECTANT LAYER - The present invention provides a hybrid solar energy conversion system in which a working fluid is made to flow between an internal photovoltaic array and a transparent top layer, where the working fluid is disinfected by a photocatalytic disinfectant layer provided on a light transmitting surface contacting the working fluid. The working fluid is further contacted with the photovoltaic array for the absorption of heat, and the absorbed heat is extracted via an external heat extraction device such as a water tank or a heat exchanger. Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved solar energy conversion system providing both electrical and thermal power, and further utilizing a portion of the solar spectrum for the photocatalytic disinfection of the working fluid. | 02-21-2013 |
20130042903 | SOLAR ENERGY GENERATOR - An auto-tracking sun solar energy power generator. The power generator includes an eight-diagram-shaped photovoltaic power generator of 8.8 multiples, an eight-diagram-shaped thermal energy generator of 30-50 multiples, a Striling external-combustion photothermal power generator of an eight-diagram-shaped thermal energy generator and a wind-light mutual complementing power generator with the power more than 20 kW. The first three devices are eight-diagram-shaped and of multiple sun structure. The fourth device is a wind-light mutual complementing planar silicon batteries power generator. The first three devices comprise a named multiple suns machine and a named tracking sun machine. The multiple suns machine comprises a metal bracket and planar glass. The tracking sun machine comprises a mechanical drive assembly for tracking sun and a counter-weight. | 02-21-2013 |
20130048054 | System and Method for Collection of Solar Energy for Conversion to Electric Power - According to an embodiment of the present invention, a solar energy collection system utilizes high efficiency multi junction photovoltaic (PV) solar cells to augment extracted energy obtained from a photovoltaic (PV) solar cell coolant fluid Carnot cycle process. The combined Carnot and photovoltaic (PV) energy extraction process significantly enhances the efficiency of solar energy-to-electric power conversion. The solar energy collection system employs a suspension system that further reduces costs of producing electricity. | 02-28-2013 |
20130056046 | Concentrating hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic collector - A concentrating hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic collector comprises a close structure concentrator and a vacuum tube hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic converter to generate electricity and high temperature heat in the mean time. The close structure of concentrator makes it possible to manufacture concentrator with thin and light-weight materials and get rid of support and fastening materials of conventional open concentrator, but still retain strong mechanical strength to against wind load. This structure enables the significant cost and weight reduction. This structure is also able to increase the optical efficiency relative to open system and provides natural protection to relative surface of the concentrator. This structure protects the thermal and photovoltaic converter from any contaminations. The configuration of this concentrator package significantly raises the total efficiency of the device and output high quality heat that makes soar cooling, heating and thermal power generation cost-effective and practical. | 03-07-2013 |
20130061910 | Concentrating Solar Photovoltaic-Thermal System - Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. | 03-14-2013 |
20130061911 | PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION APPARATUS COMPRISING A CYLINDRICAL LIGHT-COLLECTING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation apparatus comprising a light-collecting device which collects light to solar cell modules regardless of the migration path of the sun. Photovoltaic power generation involves enabling solar energy to be absorbed into solar cell modules and generating electricity from the solar energy. The photovoltaic power generation apparatus of the present invention comprises: said light-collecting device, which eliminates the need for tracking and moving along with the sun; a small number of solar cell modules which track and move along with the sun; and a device for moving the modules, wherein the photovoltaic power generation apparatus of the present invention generates electricity by means of the light-collecting device, the solar cell modules, and the device for moving the modules, thus significantly reducing the cost of installing and operating photovoltaic power generation facilities. | 03-14-2013 |
20130068285 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TWO-STAGE SOLAR CONCENTRATION AND SPECTRUM SPLITTING BASED ON DISH CONCENTRATION - The present invention discloses a method and device for two-stage solar concentration and a spectrum splitting dish reflector based on dish concentration. A parabolic dish reflector is provided with a central light hole. A CPV panel and a solar-to-heat receiver are positioned at the two sides of the axial line of dish reflector, respectively, under the light hole. A splitting lens is placed at a certain distance from the apex of dish reflector over the light hole. The splitting film is applied to the curved surface of the lens near the parabolic dish, as a spectrum splitting surface. The curved surface of the lens far from the parabolic dish is covered by silver, as a reflecting surface. A supporting structure is provided between the dish reflector and the splitting lens. The whole system with a dual-axis tracking system is placed on the foundation of a support. The present invention can simultaneously realize solar energy concentration and spectrum splitting, to obtain two concentrated spots of different spectrums under the system, which can effectively reduce energy consumption of tracking system and improve system balance and wind resistance. The present invention can adjust the concentration ratio of two beams individually to satisfy the optimal concentrating intensity needed by the CPV panel and the solar-to-heat receiver. | 03-21-2013 |
20130081671 | Sun Tracking Foldable Solar Umbrellas for Electricity and Hot Water Generation - A lightweight, small volume and highly portable solar electricity collector. The collector may be configured as a solar umbrella made up of components that are able to fold up into a small package and fit inside of a portable canister or cover. The collector may include a single stage or multiple stage concentration to focus light from foldable yet rigid reflective surfaces onto photovoltaic cells. In a single stage system, light is concentrated by a parabolic mirror directing sunlight onto arrays of photovoltaic cells. With a two stage solar concentration, the first concentration is made with a parabolic foldable umbrella. A 3-stage solar collector is also disclosed. | 04-04-2013 |
20130087184 | INTEGRATED CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAICS AND WATER HEATER - An energy device includes a solar concentrator that concentrates at least 20 suns on a predetermined spot; a solar cell positioned on the predetermined spot to receive concentrated solar energy from the solar concentrator; and a water heater pipe thermally coupled to the solar cell to remove heat from the solar cell. | 04-11-2013 |
20130092213 | EFFICIENCY RESTORATION IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - 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. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092214 | EFFICIENCY RESTORATION IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - 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. | 04-18-2013 |
20130098428 | SUNLIGHT COMPLEX MODULES AND APPARATUSES FOR USING SOLAR ENERGY - Provided is a sunlight complex module, which includes a photovoltaic conversion part that generates electrical energy from sunlight, | 04-25-2013 |
20130118555 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTORS AND METHODS FOR CAPTURING SOLAR ENERGY - 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. | 05-16-2013 |
20130146124 | LARGE-SCALE INTEGRATED RADIANT ENERGY COLLECTOR - 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. | 06-13-2013 |
20130160821 | Method for Producing a Solar Energy Conversion Module and a Module Produced by Same - 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 ( | 06-27-2013 |
20130180570 | DISH RECEIVER SYSTEM FOR SOLAR POWER GENERATION - 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. | 07-18-2013 |
20130199596 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION APPARATUS - The invention concerns a solar energy collection apparatus which is capable of producing electricity and hot water. The apparatus ( | 08-08-2013 |
20130206212 | OPTICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - 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. | 08-15-2013 |
20130213455 | HYBRID SOLAR COLLECTOR - 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. | 08-22-2013 |
20130233373 | Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) Cell Module - 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. | 09-12-2013 |
20130247961 | SOLAR COLLECTOR HAVING A CONCENTRATOR ARRANGEMENT FORMED FROM SEVERAL SECTIONS - 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. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247962 | SOLAR PANEL UNIT - 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. | 09-26-2013 |
20130255751 | COMMON SOLAR-THERMAL ELECTRIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING - 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. | 10-03-2013 |
20130255752 | PHOTOVOLTAIC THERMAL HYBRID SOLAR RECEIVERS - 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. | 10-03-2013 |
20130255753 | PHOTOVOLTAIC THERMAL HYBRID SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - 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. | 10-03-2013 |
20130269755 | SOLAR GLASS THERMOELECTRIC INTEGRATED DEVICE - 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. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269756 | Tall Slate BITERS - 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. | 10-17-2013 |
20130276868 | Solar Collector - The invention relates to a solar collector ( | 10-24-2013 |
20130284236 | Solar Collecting Device - 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. | 10-31-2013 |
20130284237 | SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC-THERMAL SYSTEM - 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. | 10-31-2013 |
20130291929 | LONG-LIFE OPTICAL CONCENTRATOR BASED ON A SPECIFIC FRESNEL LENS PRODUCED FROM POLYMERIC MATERIALS FOR SOLAR POWER GENERATION - 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. This relates, for example, to the area of a high-performance solar cell used in concentrating photovoltaics, and likewise to an absorber tube which finds use in concentrating solar thermal collector, for example in the context of parabolic trough technology. | 11-07-2013 |
20130306139 | HYBRID SOLAR SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING - 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. The photovoltaic device is located such that at least a first portion of the light filtered by the reflective filter may be directed to the photovoltaic device and the portion incompatible with the photovoltaic device may be captured within the at least one heat pipe. | 11-21-2013 |
20130319509 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - 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. | 12-05-2013 |
20140014161 | 3-D Solar Cell Device For Concentrated Photovoltaic Systems - 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. | 01-16-2014 |
20140014162 | EFFICIENCY RESTORATION IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - 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. | 01-16-2014 |
20140026944 | ABSORBER TUBE FOR A TROUGH COLLECTOR - 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. | 01-30-2014 |
20140026945 | Concentrated Photovoltaic and Thermal Solar Energy Collector - 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. | 01-30-2014 |
20140041711 | Apparatus Pertaining to Solar Cells Having Nanowire Titanium Oxide Cores and Graphene Exteriors and the Co-Generation Conversion of Light into Electricity Using Such Solar Cells - 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. | 02-13-2014 |
20140048121 | MODULAR SOLAR SYSTEMS FACILITATING RAPID ASSEMBLY - 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 d | 02-20-2014 |
20140083483 | SOLAR TILE - 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. | 03-27-2014 |
20140130846 | Electric power generation and heating system using solar energy - 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. | 05-15-2014 |
20140144485 | IMPROVING THE LONGEVITY AND ERGONOMICS OF HYBRID SOLAR MODULES - 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. A method for manufacturing these hybrid solar modules is also described. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144486 | ACTIVE COOLING FOR A CONCENTRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - 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. | 05-29-2014 |
20140150848 | PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE WITH HEAT EXCHANGER - A photovoltaic module with a heat exchanger comprises a plurality of panels comprising photovoltaic cells, a bearing structure and a heat transfer region. The bearing structure comprises a non-planar external surface forming an exposure face defining a channel with a flat central base bounded by two side walls. The bearing structure being exposed to solar radiation and bearing the photovoltaic cell panels. The heat transfer region defining a cavity having an internal surface making contact with a heat-transfer fluid flowing in the cavity. The module converts solar radiation received into electricity and transfers the heat stored and produced to a heat-transfer fluid, which after its passage through the module flows through a fluid circuit comprising a heat exchanger. The non-planar nature of the exposure face allows the area available for capturing solar radiation and the electrical power produced to be increased for photovoltaic panels of a given footprint. | 06-05-2014 |
20140174503 | ENERGY CONVERTOR/CONCENTRATOR SYSTEM - The invention relates to an energy convertor/concentrator system ( | 06-26-2014 |
20140174504 | Solar Concentrator Configuration With Improved Manufacturability and Efficiency - A solar concentrator comprises a pair of concentric reflectors having a spindle toroid geometry for focusing the collected solar radiation into a ring-shaped focal area, as opposed to the “point” or “line” focus of prior art configurations. In a preferred embodiment, each reflector is formed of a plurality of curved petals that are disposed in a contiguous, keystone arrangement that requires no additional fixturing to hold the petals in place. Such an arrangement reduces the weight, complexity and cost of the final solar concentrator structure. | 06-26-2014 |
20140196764 | CONCENTRATING SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - 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. | 07-17-2014 |
20140238466 | Toland's heating system - Heating system utilizing solar stored energy as a power source. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238467 | SOLAR POWERED CONTAINER - A portable solar energy generation system that has a disassembled configuration and an assembled configuration. The system includes a solar energy generation assembly, and portable container. The system may further include an internal frame, a power inverter, charge controller, batteries, attachment components, wires, user input devices, fluid tank, turbine, pump, generator, and other system components. When in the disassembled configuration, all system components including the solar energy generation assembly are packaged within the portable container. When in the disassembled configuration, the solar energy generation assembly is coupled to an external surface of the container and is either generating electricity within the container or redirecting sunlight for electricity generation at a predetermined target. | 08-28-2014 |
20140246076 | Thermal Device with Light Guide - Thermal device comprising a thermal part ( | 09-04-2014 |
20140251414 | HYBRID SOLAR THERMAL AND PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM WITH THERMAL ENERGY CAPTURE SUBSYSTEM - A hybrid photovoltaic and solar thermal system for generating electrical energy and providing heated water for storage or immediate use. The system includes photovoltaic solar panels, each attached to base with an open top, a bottom, and sides. A base cover is connected to the base sides to define a fluid reservoir. A fluid inlet disposed in each side of the bases provide water to the reservoir from a water supply. A fluid outlet disposed in the sides of each base discharges heated water from the reservoirs through a discharge pipe connected to hot water storage tanks. Electrically controlled valves on the inlet and outlets are under the control of a controller coupled to temperature sensors in the reservoirs, such that water is released from the reservoirs and replenished to the reservoirs only after water contained in the reservoirs reaches a predetermined temperature. | 09-11-2014 |
20140261632 | CONCENTRATING SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261633 | COMPOSITE PHOTOTHERMAL ELECTRIC GENERATING DEVICE - A composite photothermal electric generating device includes a thermal insulation housing, a thermal collecting unit, an electric generating module and a solar panel. The thermal insulation housing includes an opening and is formed with a penetrated hole. The thermal collecting unit is disposed in the thermal insulation housing and arranged corresponding to the location of the opening. At least a portion of the thermal collecting unit is arranged corresponding to the location of the penetrated hole. The electric generating module includes a stirling engine and an electric generator. The stirling engine is adhered to the thermal collecting unit via the penetrated hole. The power of the stirling engine is connected to the electric generator. The solar panel is disposed in the opening, covered and in contact with the thermal collecting unit. Accordingly, the photo energy and the thermal energy of daylight are enabled to be converted into electric energy. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261634 | COMBINATION SOLAR THERMAL AND PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE - An integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic apparatus. The apparatus includes a solar thermal module, and a photovoltaic module comprising a plurality of solar cells configured in a polymeric material. The apparatus has an amorphous material configured between the thermal solar module and the photovoltaic module. The amorphous material has a semi-viscous, thermally conductive, and mastic characteristic to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of either or both the photovoltaic module or the solar thermal module during an operating time. The apparatus has an aperture region provided on a first side of the photovoltaic module and the solar thermal module is overlying a second side of the photovoltaic module. The thermal solar module, the photovoltaic module, and the amorphous material form an integrated thermal solar module. | 09-18-2014 |
20140305490 | Solar energy harvesting - An solar energy harvester and method for controlling the solar energy harvester, in which an insolation collector is formed of one or more elements each having two opposite major sides, a first side and a second side, and being configured to collect energy from insolation incident on any of the first and second sides. A cradle enables installation of the insolation collector on a roof with the first side generally towards the sun independently of the form of the roof. One or more heliostats reflect insolation to the second side of the insolation collector. A controller controls the one or more heliostats to maintain reflected insolation incident on the collector and to decrease the reflected insolation incident on the collector when necessary to inhibit the insolation collector receiving insolation exceeding given threshold through its first and second sides. | 10-16-2014 |
20140311551 | Solar energy system - A solar energy system includes a solar energy receiver and a matrix of pipes containing a working fluid attached to the bottom side of the receiver. The matrix is a plurality of vertically-tilted pipes and at least three horizontal pipes arranged in a specific order and have a defined function. The working fluid absorbs heat and changes from a liquid to a gas. The system further includes a thermal storage tank, which includes a heat storage medium and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger receives evaporated working fluid from one of the horizontal pipes, condenses the working fluid vapor by transferring heat to the heat storage medium. When water is the working fluid, a distilled water storage tank may be connected to the heat exchanger to receive distilled water. When recirculation of the working fluid is desired, condensed liquid from the heat exchanger is flowed to a horizontal pipe. | 10-23-2014 |
20140332056 | DEVICE FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER AND ABSORBING HEAT - A device for generating electric power and absorbing heat is revealed. It comprises a substrate, a plurality of solar chips, a broad spectrum light absorbing layer and a light scattering film on the substrate and beside the solar chips, a hot melt adhesive film, and a transparent cover plate. | 11-13-2014 |
20140360556 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TEMPERATURE REGULATION OF ROOF MOUNTED AND SOLAR TRACKER MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES - One example solar energy system includes a solar tracker, a plurality of photovoltaic modules mounted to the solar tracker, and a temperature regulation system. The PV modules are configured to generate an electrical power output from solar energy incident on the PV modules. The temperature regulation system includes a thermal transfer fluid, a fluid pump operable to pump the thermal transfer fluid, and a plurality of fluid heat exchangers in thermal communication with the plurality of PV modules and in fluid communication with the fluid pump. The fluid heat exchangers are configured to transfer heat from the PV modules to the thermal transfer fluid. | 12-11-2014 |
20140360557 | HYBRID FLOW SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR - A hybrid solar thermal collector is provided. The hybrid solar collector comprises a photovoltaic element to convert sunlight into electricity; and a solar thermal collector device comprising an absorber element to convert sunlight into heat; wherein the absorber element is immersed in a heat transfer fluid in use. | 12-11-2014 |
20140366930 | HYBRID SOLAR ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEM - A hybrid solar energy recovery system comprises a frame and a dual-purpose solar energy recovery plate mounted to the frame. The plate has a plurality of lenses on an upper surface of the plate for concentrating incident solar radiation on the plate, the plate comprising a heat exchanger to recover thermal energy and a plurality of photovoltaic cells for generating an electric current in response to solar radiation incident on the photovoltaic cells. A single system can thus provide both electric power, hydronic heating and domestic hot water. | 12-18-2014 |
20150083194 | SOLAR LIGHT-HEAT HYBRID POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A solar light-heat hybrid power generation system having an improved efficiency is provided. A solar light-heat hybrid power generation system ( | 03-26-2015 |
20150083195 | TRANSPARENT SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - The invention concerns a device for collecting infrared solar radiation by heating a circulating blade of air circulating between two transparent glazed walls. The first glazed wall polarises light in a circular manner. The second glazed wall reflects infrared radiation towards the first glazed wall. The infrared radiation which has been reflected has changed polarisation direction and is then absorbed by the first glazed wall which heats up, and in turn heats the circulating blade of air in contact with same. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083196 | MAGNETO-THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR FOR ENERGY HARVESTING - Provided is a magneto-thermoelectric generator (MTG) device for energy harvesting and more particularly a device for converting waste thermal heat from a photovoltaic cell into mechanical energy and ultimately into electrical energy. Embodiments operate on the principle of thermally-induced switching between open and closed states of a ferromagnetic switch to generate mechanical oscillations that cause strain in a piezoelectric material, resulting in the generation of electrical energy. A structure capable of providing a non-linear restoring force provides mechanical energy to the device, which is a significant improvement over prior art MTG devices employing a linear spring restorative force. The device is also provided as a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/MTG energy harvester for scavenging heat from photovoltaic cells. The hybrid PV/MTG device is particularly useful for harvesting waste heat to boost power generation, extend flight duration, and provide thermal management aboard HALE platforms. | 03-26-2015 |
20150122309 | FLEXIBLE SYSTEM OF SMALL-SCALE LINEAR PARABOLIC SOLAR CONCENTRATORS FOR POWER GENERATION AND DEHYDRATION - The invention relates to a solar energy collection system that uses linear parabolic concentrators designed on a small scale and with a modular configuration that allows optimum usage of solar collection surface area in places such as the roofs or flat roofs of factories or shops where space is generally small or irregular. The solar collector is coupled in rows actuated by a fully autonomous system for electronically controlling solar tracking, the operation of which is based on an algorithm programmed in a microcontroller. An autonomous solar tracking system can efficiently control two parallel rows with a pre-defined number of solar concentrators, as well as automatically detecting the presence of impurities on a reflecting radiation surface for the maintenance thereof. The thermal energy produced is harnessed by a heat exchanger, the operation of which is based on conduction, convection and radiation for dehydration uses. | 05-07-2015 |
20150122310 | Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) Cell Module - 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. | 05-07-2015 |
20150136202 | HYBRID SOLAR GENERATOR - A hybrid solar generator is described, comprising at least one photo-voltaic module contained inside at least one containing means which is at least partially transparent, such module being immersed at least partially into at least one dielectric fluid contained inside such containing means. | 05-21-2015 |
20150349178 | FLUID COOLED INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE - A fluid cooled photovoltaic module in which a polymer heat exchanger transfers heat from the photovoltaic module to a circulated fluid. The photovoltaic module is maintained at a cool temperature enabling increased power output while the heat transferred to the circulated fluid can be useful for applications that require heat. A polymer heat exchanger is specifically utilized to achieve a robust design that is cost effective; high performance; easily adaptable to various photovoltaic module types and sizes; compatible with conventional photovoltaic module balance of systems; light weight; resistant to water sanitizers and other chemicals; resistant to lime-scale buildup and heat exchanger fouling; corrosion resistant; easily transported, assembled, installed, and maintained; and leverages high production manufacturing methods. | 12-03-2015 |
20150357970 | Distributed solar power generation and hot water supplying system - A distributed solar power generation and hot water supplying system includes: a photovoltaic power generation self-service sun tracking system, an inverter, a controller, a storage battery, a heat-exchanging water tank and an electric heater provided therein, wherein a solar battery and a solar collector are mounted on the photovoltaic power generation self-service sun tracking system, an electricity output terminal of the photovoltaic power generation self-service sun tracking system is respectively connected to an inversing input terminal of an inverter and a surplus power supplying input terminal of a controller; an MCU-controlled power output terminal of the inverter is respectively connected for off-grid power consumption or grid-connected power generation, and to an inversing output terminal of the controller; a charging/discharging control output/input terminal inside the inverter is connected to an input/output terminal of the storage battery and a storage battery power supplying input terminal of the controller. | 12-10-2015 |
20150372634 | LATERAL PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE FOR NEAR FIELD USE - A device, method and process of fabricating an interdigitated multicell thermo-photo-voltaic component that is particularly efficient for generating electrical energy from photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum received from a heat source in the near field. Where the absorbing region is germanium, the device is capable of generating electrical energy by absorbing photon energy in the greater than 0.67 electron volt range corresponding to radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum. Use of germanium semiconductor material provides a good match for converting energy from a low temperature heat source. The side that is opposite the photon receiving side of the device includes metal interconnections and dielectric material which provide an excellent back surface reflector for recycling below band photons back to the emitter. Multiple cells may be fabricated and interconnected as a monolithic large scale array for improved performance. | 12-24-2015 |
20150372640 | Utility-friendly Hybrid Energy Conversion System for Apportioning Concentrated Solar Radiation in Real Time Upon Selective Demand Between a Plurality of Solar Energy Conversion Devices, Including a Photovoltaic Receiver - Extremely fast dynamic control is allowed for hybrid PV/T (photovoltaic/thermal) distributed power production using concentrated solar power by manipulating the transmissive or reflective state of a capture element or mirror or lens that can pass highly concentrated solar light from one energy conversion device to another, such as a thermal collector and a photovoltaic receiver, such as a vertical multijunction cell array. This allows superior quality electrical backfeed into an electric utility, enhanced plant electrical production revenue, and responsiveness to a multitude of conditions to meet new stringent engineering requirements for distributed power plants. The mirror or lens can be physically articulated using fast changing of a spatial variable, or can be a fixed smart material that changes state. A mechanical jitter or variable state jitter can be applied to the capture element, including at utility electric grid line frequency. | 12-24-2015 |
20150377517 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION APPARATUS CONTAINING A POROUS METAL ABSORBER PLATE - The present invention offers improved absorber plates for solar energy collectors, improved cover glazings for solar energy collectors, improved concentrating solar energy collectors, and solar energy collection methods that use one or more of the improved solar energy collectors for useful residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The improved absorber plate solar energy collectors utilize a porous metal to improve solar radiant absorption collection and utilization, the improved concentrating solar energy collectors are Fresnel lens faced ducts of various geometries that enable efficient axial length solar energy collection, and the improved cover glazings utilize transparent front and back faces with other improvements to enable increased solar radiant energy collection per unit front face cover area of solar collector. | 12-31-2015 |
20150381110 | RECEIVER FOR SOLAR PLANTS AND SOLAR PLANT - The invention relates to a receiver for mounting in the focal line of a solar collector having a linear focusing mirror element. The receiver has an elongate hollow profile with a duct for heat transfer fluid, and solar cells on one side of the hollow profile for converting solar radiation into electrical energy. The solar cells and the hollow profile are heat-conductively connected and mounted in a transparent protective tube. Between the protective tube and the solar cells is at least one beam-manipulating element, and the hollow profile, solar cells, protective tube and beam-manipulating element of the receiver are positioned in fixed relation to each other. The invention also relates to a solar plant having a linear focusing optical element with a receiver mounted in its focal line, and the receiver is designed and arranged so that the solar cells of the receiver are facing the linear focusing optical element. | 12-31-2015 |
20160013749 | ULTIMATE RENEWABLE SOLAR ENERGY AND STORAGE SYSTEM | 01-14-2016 |
20160036378 | HYBRID PHOTOVOLTATIC AND PHOTO-THERMAL SOLAR PANEL - A hybrid photovoltaic/photo-thermal panel has at least one photovoltaic cell mounted on and in thermally conductive communication with an evaporator, the evaporator being a single piece of thermally conductive material having a first outer surface configured for mounting photovoltaic cells thereon, an uninsulated second outer surface exposed to ambient air and the single piece of thermally conductive material having fluid flow channels formed therein configured to permit flow of refrigerant from at least one fluid inlet to at least one fluid outlet in the evaporator. Heat generated by the at least one photovoltaic cell or from the ambient energy of the surrounding air or other source of heat is absorbed by the refrigerant. The panel may be part of a system including a compressor for circulating refrigerant through the channels and a condenser for extracting heat from the refrigerant. The hybrid system has an increased coefficient of performance for utilizing full spectrum solar energy for both power and heating, plus environmental energy heating during poor or non-existent light conditions. | 02-04-2016 |
20160036379 | HYBRID SOLAR THERMAL AND PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM WITH TERMAL ENERGY CATURE SUBSYSTEM - A hybrid photovoltaic and solar thermal system for generating electrical energy and providing heated water for storage or immediate use. The system includes photovoltaic solar panels, each attached to base with an open top, a bottom, and sides. A base cover is connected to the base sides to define a fluid reservoir. A fluid inlet disposed in each side of the bases provide water to the reservoir from a water supply. A fluid outlet disposed in the sides of each base discharges heated water from the reservoirs through a discharge pipe connected to hot water storage tanks. | 02-04-2016 |
20160043694 | SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS AND THIN PLATE HEAT EXCHANGERS FOR SOLAR APPLICATIONS - According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of solar thermal collectors, solar heating systems, and thin plate heat exchangers and absorbers. The thin plate heat exchangers and absorbers may be used for solar applications and/or non-solar applications. In an exemplary embodiment, a photovoltaic thermal collector generally includes a photovoltaic panel, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer is configured such that thermal energy is transferable from the photovoltaic panel to the first layer. The second layer includes edges sealed to edges of the first layer. A permeable core is disposed between the first and second layers. In operation, a heat transfer fluid may flow through the permeable core, whereby thermal energy is transferable from the first layer to the heat transfer fluid. | 02-11-2016 |
20160049903 | SELF-CONTAINED, MULTI-FLUID ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CONVERTING SOLAR ENERGY TO ELECTRIC AND THERMAL ENERGY - The teachings generally relate to a system for converting solar energy into electrical energy and thermal energy using a self-contained system having a plurality of channels for the heat transfer using a respective plurality of fluids. | 02-18-2016 |
20160065125 | TRANSPARENT SOLAR-HEAT COLLECTING APPARATUS, SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM, AND SOLAR COGENERATION SYSTEM - A transparent solar heat absorbing apparatus includes a transparent member allowing sunlight to pass through, a wavelength selective member disposed beneath the transparent member, a heating tank formed between the transparent member and the wavelength selective member. The wavelength selective member allows light in a transmission range including at least a visible wavelength range to pass through and reflects light in a reflection range including at least an infrared wavelength range. At least one of the transparent member and the wavelength selective member has a waveform structure on at least one of its upper surface and bottom surface. | 03-03-2016 |
20160079915 | HYBRID SUPPLEMENTAL SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION AND DISSIPATION SYSTEM WITH ONE OR MORE HEAT PUMPS - A hybrid supplemental solar energy collection and dissipation system with one or more heat pumps is featured. The system includes one or more commercially available photovoltaic panels configured to convert incident radiation to electricity. One or more supplemental solar energy collectors having a flow of fluid therein are selectively coupled to the one or more photovoltaic panels. The one or more supplemental solar energy collectors are configured to collect thermal energy from the one or more photovoltaic panels, radiate thermal energy to space, collect thermal energy from the environment and/or dissipate thermal energy to the environment to heat or cool one or more loads. One or more heat pumps are coupled to the one or more supplemental solar energy collectors and the one or more loads and are configured to amplify heating and/or cooling of the one or more loads. | 03-17-2016 |
20160081282 | ROOFING - The construction roofing design includes one or more substantially static solar light PV collectors and one or more substantially static solar light directing devices. The substantially static PV collector and the substantially static solar light directing devices are facing each other at nominal angle smaller than 160° and larger than 110° . The substantially static solar light directing devices are configured to directs all or a part of the light impinging thereon towards the substantially static solar light PV collectors. | 03-24-2016 |
20160097374 | TRANSPIRED SOLAR COLLECTOR CHIMNEY TOWER - A transpired solar collector chimney tower is provided. Specifically, disclosed herein is a transpired solar air heating collector device comprising: a heat absorbing roof; an interior space adjacent the heat absorbing roof; and, a plurality of air inlet openings distributed over the heat absorbing roof and configured to allow ambient air to flow from outside the heat absorbing roof into the interior space, a porosity of the heat absorbing roof due to the plurality of air inlet openings being in a range of about 0.25% open area to about 5% open area; a chimney tower extending from the transpired solar air heating collector device and connected to the interior space such that heated air in the interior space flows from the interior space through the chimney tower; and, one or more turbines positioned on a path of airflow from the interior space through the chimney tower. | 04-07-2016 |
20160099367 | Hybrid Trough Solar Power System using Photovoltaic Two-Stage Light Concentration - A solar power method is provided using two-stage light concentration to drive concentrating photovoltaic conversion in conjunction with thermal collection. The method concentrates light rays received in a plurality of transverse planes towards a primary linear focus in an axial plane, which is orthogonal to the transverse planes. T hand wavelengths of light are transmitted to the primary linear focus. R hand wavelengths of light are reflected towards a secondary linear focus in the axial plane, which is parallel to the primary linear focus. The light received at the primary linear focus is translated into thermal energy. The light received at the secondary linear focus is focused by optical elements along a plurality of tertiary linear foci, which are orthogonal to the axial plane. The focused light in each tertiary primary focus is focused into a plurality of receiving areas, and translated into electrical energy. | 04-07-2016 |
20160099675 | Solar Concentrator with Asymmetric Tracking-Integrated Optics - A method is provided for using asymmetrically focused photovoltaic conversion in a hybrid parabolic trough solar power system. Light rays received in a plurality of transverse planes are concentrated towards a primary linear focus in an axial plane, orthogonal to the transverse planes. T band wavelengths of light are transmitted to the primary linear focus, while R band wavelengths of light are reflected towards a secondary linear focus in the axial plane. The light received at the primary linear focus is translated into thermal energy. The light received at the secondary linear focus is asymmetrically focused along a plurality of tertiary linear foci, orthogonal to the axial plane. The focused light in each tertiary linear focus is concentrated into a plurality of receiving areas and translated into electrical energy. Asymmetrical optical elements are used having an optical input interfaces elongated along rotatable axes, orthogonal to the axial plane. | 04-07-2016 |
20160118936 | SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC-THERMAL COLLECTOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - A solar collector assembly includes a photovoltaic panel having first and second sides, a frame, and a first gas-filled chamber on the first side of the photovoltaic panel. The first gas-filled chamber is at least partially defined by a portion of the frame and by a portion of the first side of the photovoltaic panel. A gas functions as a heat exchange fluid and collects heat from solar energy and/or heat generated by the photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panel accumulates and converts solar energy to electrical energy. The solar collector assembly may include a second gas-filled chamber provided on the second side of the photovoltaic panel. The second gas-filled chamber is at least partially defined by a portion of the frame and by a portion of the second side of the photovoltaic panel. Solar collector systems and methods of generating electrical energy and/or thermal energy are also described. | 04-28-2016 |
20160156309 | PHOTOVOLTAIC-THERMAL SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEM WITH ENERGY STORAGE | 06-02-2016 |
20180023819 | MODULAR BUILDING INTEGRATED THERMAL SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |
20180026579 | FLOATING ISLAND HABITATS AND HEAT SINKS AND ROTATION SYSTEMS FOR COMBINED FLOATING ISLAND SOLAR ARRAYS | 01-25-2018 |