Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
136206000 | Solar energy type | 64 |
20080283109 | Space solar power system for thermochemical processing and electricity production - Thermochemical processing systems for the production of electricity and chemicals using energy from an orbiting space solar power satellite ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080283110 | LARGE SCALE ARRAY OF THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER - A thermoelectric power generating device is assembled from multiple thermoelectric elements disposed in a chip structure, the chip structure forming a power generating core. Multiple cores are stacked within a thermal container such that thermal energy provided at a first end of the thermal container is delivered in a serial manner to the stacked cores. The thermal container includes heat absorbers, heat reflectors and heat transmission barriers so that minimal thermal energy is lost through the walls of the container and maximum thermal energy flows from the heat source through and past the cores to an ambient temperature end of the container so as to create a controlled temperature differential from the hot end to the cooler end of the container as well as across each core stacked therein. The temperature differential across each core results in the generation of electrical energy, such electrical energy being collected by standard power utilization techniques. | 11-20-2008 |
20090014048 | SOLAR COLLECTOR WITH HYDROPHILIC PHOTOCATALYTIC COATED PROTECTIVE PANE - A solar collector which is illuminated by the sun through a glass panel wherein the glass panel is constructed of glass without low-e coatings with a first surface coating of a magnetron sputtered vapor deposition coating consisting primarily of titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide achieves a hydrophilic photocatalytic surface to produce a solar collector which is self-cleaning for increased solar energy transmittance with less cleaning cost. | 01-15-2009 |
20090133732 | Floating solar power collectors and application means - A floating power station which can be stationary or movable with a solar power ship assembly which consists an power boat, a tow cable, a tow cable keeper, and many floating solar power stations which are towed or self-propelling and which consist many optional floating cable boxes and floating solar power collection units and which have solar panel arrays and flexible container to equalize air pressures; the power boat being an electrical powered boat which has a propelling system which can propel the solar power ship assembly; the tow cable keeper being a towed float which can keep one end of the tow cable above water; the tow cable being a link system which connects the tow cable keeper with the power boat; electricity collected by the floating solar power station being able to be sent to the power boat by the power conveying mean of the floating solar power station. | 05-28-2009 |
20090133733 | Autonomous, modular power generation, storage and distribution apparatus, system and method thereof - An autonomous, modular energy generation, storage and transmission apparatus, system, and method is provided. An apparatus is tube shaped and includes solar and thermionic energy conversion layers, and a battery module. A system of modular apparatuses may be connected together to form an transmission network. Such devices are particularly suited for outdoor application on highway jersey walls, and for indoor application on office cubicle walls. A method of charging battery modules in the apparatus is provided, along with a method of distributing the same in commerce. | 05-28-2009 |
20090217962 | THERMOCOUPLE ARRAY FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER FOR LIGHTER THAN AIR VEHICLES - An energy generating device for lighter-than-air vehicles having a gas impervious outer flexible fabric including a flexible photovoltaic array located on the outer layer of the gas impervious fabric; a thermocouple array located between the photovoltaic cells and the gas impervious fabric; a thermally conductive layer or heat spreader between the thermocouple array and the photovoltaic array and between the thermocouple array and the gas impervious flexible fabric; an electrically conductive means connected to said thermocouple array for drawing electrical power away from said thermocouple array; and an electrical load, such as an electrical storage device or a device that consumes electricity, for drawing electricity from the thermocouple array. | 09-03-2009 |
20090266394 | Electric generation system - To utilize solar energy without loosing the laminating function. For this purpose, there is provided an electric generation system for generating an electric power utilizing solar energy falling on a transparent plate | 10-29-2009 |
20090266395 | SOLAR CONCENTRATION AND COOLING DEVICES, ARRANGEMENTS AND METHODS - Arrangements may include a concentrator constructed and arranged to receive incident electromagnetic energy and to concentrate the incident electromagnetic energy to a greater intensity level; an electromagnetic receiving device comprising a first surface constructed and arranged to receive the concentrated electromagnetic energy, and a second surface opposite the first surface; a heat transport device comprising at least one duct and a first surface; and a thermal interface layer physically connected to at least a portion of the second surface of the electromagnetic energy receiving device and the first surface of the heat transport device, the thermal interface material being both electrically and thermally conductive. Related methods and additional arrangements are also described. | 10-29-2009 |
20100031990 | Cascaded Photovoltaic and Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion Apparatus with Near-Field Radiation Transfer Enhancement at Nanoscale Gaps - A cascaded photovoltaic/thermophotovoltaic energy conversion apparatus, a cascaded thermophotovoltaic energy conversion apparatus, and a method for forming the apparatuses are provided. The cascaded photovoltaic/thermophotovoltauc apparatus includes a photovoltaic device that receives solar radiation on an upper surface thereof and produces a first electric current output and a thermal radiation output, and a thermophotovoltaic device disposed a predetermined distance below a lower surface of the photovoltaic device, the thermophotovoltaic device receiving the thermal radiation output and converting the received thermal radiation output into a second electric current output. The cascaded thermophotovoltaic apparatus includes a radiator maintained at constant temperature via an external heat input on its upper surface and produces a thermal radiation output, and a thermophotovoltaic device disposed a predetermined distance below a lower surface of the radiator, the thermophotovoltaic device receiving the thermal radiation output and converting the received thermal radiation output into a first electric current output. | 02-11-2010 |
20100031991 | CONCENTRATING PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION SYSTEM - A concentrating photovoltaic generation system including a photovoltaic generator which converts solar light into electric power, a reflector panel which concentrates solar light onto the photovoltaic generator, and a radiation cooling mechanism to which heat is transmitted from the photovoltaic generator and from which heat is radiated, thus cooling the photovoltaic generator. | 02-11-2010 |
20100101621 | Solar powered generating apparatus and methods - Methods and apparatus for generation of thermoelectric power. In one embodiment, thermoelectric power is generated via a solar power collector; a solar power receiver; and a power conversion unit. The solar power collector focuses energy from the sun onto the receiver. A phase change material adapted to store the radiant energy from the sun in the form of thermal energy is provided to the receiver. Stored energy is converted, at the power conversion unit, into electricity. A cold thermal storage device for storing cooled phase change material and a hot thermal storage device for storing heated phase change material may also be provided. Pumps utilizing energy produced by the system (or another source) may be provided to move the phase change material. The system may use stacked components to provide an integrated and compact thermoelectric power generation apparatus. Electricity is produced with zero-emissions, low cost, and dependable capacity. | 04-29-2010 |
20100175733 | MACHINE COMPRISING A SOLAR HEAT SOURCE - The invention relates to a structure containing components for collecting, transferring and storing heat energy originating from solar energy, wherein said components are pre-coupled and mounted in the factory so as to form a compact machine that is ready to be installed and connected directly to the power grid at the installation location. The aforementioned components include solar collectors which transform solar energy into heated water and accumulators which form water containers for storing the energy collected by the solar panels and transmitting same to the next accumulator through a series of successive fluid circulation circuits which are actuated by respective electric pumps and provided with expansion reservoirs and vessels and valves for the operation thereof, which is controlled by a central solar heat source control system which is connected to a number of the above-mentioned electric pumps and to a solar sensor. | 07-15-2010 |
20100186794 | SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC AND THERMAL COGENERATION - An energy generation method includes receiving solar radiation at a solar absorber, providing heat from the solar absorber to a hot side of a set of thermoelectric converters, generating electricity from the set of thermoelectric converters, and providing heat from a cold side of the set of thermoelectric converters to a fluid being provided into a solar fluid heating system or a solar thermal to electrical conversion plant. A system for carrying out the method includes at least one thermoelectric device and a solar fluid heating system or a solar thermal to electrical conversion plant | 07-29-2010 |
20100193002 | SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENT, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF, AND USE THEREOF - The invention relates to a semiconductor component which contains one semiconductor layer containing germanium. On the rear-side, i.e. on the side orientated away from the incident light, the semiconductor layer has at least one layer containing silicon carbide which serves, on the one hand, for the reflection of radiation and also as rear-side passivation or as diffusion barrier. A method for the production of semiconductor components of this type is likewise described. The semiconductor components according to the invention are used in particular as thermophotovoltaic cells or multiple solar cells based on germanium. | 08-05-2010 |
20100229908 | SOLAR POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A solar power conversion system includes a collector that is adapted to collect and focus solar radiation into a concentrated beam of radiation. A spectral splitter is adapted to receive the concentrated radiation beam and separate the concentrated radiation beam into a plurality of radiation sub-bands. A laser is adapted to receive the radiation sub-band and to generate a coherent laser beam corresponding to a frequency band of radiation. A concentrator receives the coherent laser beam and generate a focused beam of radiation and a conversion element receives the focused beam of radiation and converts the focused beam of radiation to an electrical current | 09-16-2010 |
20100229909 | HIGH-EFFICIENCY GENERATOR OF CONTROLLED-SPECTRUM RADIATION - A high-efficiency generator of controlled-spectrum radiation, comprising:
| 09-16-2010 |
20100252085 | PORTABLE DIRECT SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Various methods and apparatuses are described for a portable electric generator powered by a solar thermal electric power source. The device can transform from a compact tote-able configuration into a fully operational high power direct thermo electric generator in a matter of minutes. The portable electric generator powered by a solar thermal electric power source utilizes a folding mount, a sectional rotationally folding parabolic dish and a chimney air-cooled direct thermoelectric generator power head. | 10-07-2010 |
20100269880 | Integrated Solar Energy Conversion System, Method, and Apparatus - A solar energy conversion package includes a photovoltaic (PV) cell, a thermionic or thermoelectric conversion unit and a thermal heating system. Solar radiation is concentrated by a lens or reflector and directed to the PV cell for electrical power conversion. A water circulation system maintains the PV cell at working temperatures. The thermionic or thermoelectric conversion cell is coupled between these cells in the thermal path to generate additional power. Additional efficiencies may be gained by partitioning the solar radiation with prisms or wavelength specific filters or reflective coatings into discrete spectrum segments optimized for each conversion unit for maximizing efficiency of electrical energy conversion and equipment design. Integrating all three of these conversion techniques produces a synergistic system that exceeds the performance conventional solar conversion systems. | 10-28-2010 |
20100288326 | Solar home electrification with grid connection - A means of providing solar powered electricity for day and nighttime use supported in part by power from the grid to allow a small generator to electrify the home or business with a small generator operating with much larger capacity. Excess solar energy is provided to the power company as needed. | 11-18-2010 |
20100294325 | Metallic Layer-by-Layer Photonic Crystals for Linearly-Polarized Thermal Emission and Thermophotovoltaic Device Including Same - Metallic thermal emitters consisting of two layers of differently structured nickel gratings on a homogeneous nickel layer are fabricated by soft lithography and studied for polarized thermal radiation. A thermal emitter in combination with a sub-wavelength grating shows a high extinction ratio, with a maximum value close to 5, in a wide mid-infrared range from 3.2 to 7.8 μm, as well as high emissivity up to 0.65 at a wavelength of 3.7 μm. All measurements show good agreement with theoretical predictions. Numerical simulations reveal that a high electric field exists within the localized air space surrounded by the gratings and the intensified electric-field is only observed for the polarizations perpendicular to the top sub-wavelength grating. This result suggests how the emissivity of a metal can be selectively enhanced at a certain range of wavelengths for a given polarization. | 11-25-2010 |
20100313926 | HEAT-DRIVEN THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR DEVICE - A heat-driven thermoelectric generator device is provided. The thermoelectric generator device includes a heat-driven cooling module and a thermoelectric module. The heat-driven cooling module is used to convert heat energy received from outside into cool energy. The thermoelectric module can generate electric power by the temperature difference between the heat energy received from outside and the cool energy generated by the heat-driven cooling module. According to the implementation of the present invention, the thermoelectric generator device can use a natural or artificial heat source as the heat energy to achieve the effect of generating electric power. | 12-16-2010 |
20110000515 | Solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats - A solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats relates to a system of concentrating and harvesting solar energy. The heliostats of said system are positioned like facets of a Fresnel type of reflector. The heliostats are placed in arrays, wherein each array has a common positioning mechanism. The common positioning mechanism synchronously maneuvers the arrays of heliostats in altitudinal and/or azimuthal axis for tracking an apparent movement of the sun. The common positioning mechanism is employed for synchronously orienting said heliostats with respect to a stationary object and the sun such that incident solar radiation upon said heliostats is focused upon said stationary object from dawn to dusk. Subsequent to each said orientation of said heliostats, collective disposition of said heliostats always forms an arrangement that is capable of reflecting and thereby focusing incident solar radiation upon said stationary object. | 01-06-2011 |
20110005562 | Thermogenerator - A thermogenerator including several thermocouples that are electrically connected together. The thermocouples are arranged between one hot side of the thermogenerator receiving a thermal flow and a cold side that is arranged at a distance from the hot side. The thermoelectric generator that at least temporarily uses the fed thermal energy efficiently. The thermoelectric generator can be designed as a module including a collector for a thermal solar system and the thermal carrier medium flowing through the collector is guided, at least temporarily, to a thermoelectric generator by a heat exchanger. | 01-13-2011 |
20110005563 | Thermal Solar System - A thermal solar system including a collector that is connected to a heat sink, in particular a heat storage medium, by way of a solar circuit containing a heat exchange medium. To reduce overheating of the system during idling and to improve the efficiency of the solar system, the solar circuit is connected temporarily to at least one heat exchanger by way of a valve control unit disposed at a hot side of a thermogenerator receiving an inflowing heat flow. A thermal insulation reduces the exchange of thermal energy between the collector of a thermal solar system and the heat exchanger. | 01-13-2011 |
20110048487 | Solar AMTEC Power System - A solar AMTEC power system including a support structure, an electric generator segment connected to the support structure, the electric generator segment including a receiver and at least two wings extending at a non-zero angle relative to the receiver, wherein each wing defines an enclosed volume divided into a hot chamber and a cold chamber and includes at least one AMTEC cell extending between the hot chamber and the cold chamber, and wherein the receiver is at least partially transparent to solar energy and defines a heated chamber and a fluid return chamber, the fluid return chamber being in fluid communication with the heated chamber and the cold chambers of the wings, and the heated chamber being in fluid communication with the hot chambers of the wings, and an optical element positioned relative to the electric generator segment to direct solar energy to the receiver. | 03-03-2011 |
20110048488 | Combined thermoelectric/photovoltaic device and method of making the same - A combined thermoelectric/photovoltaic device features a photovoltaic cell with a common electrode, an electrically insulative, thermally conductive layer applied to the common electrode, and an array of thermoelectric couples each including a p-type semiconductor element and an n-type semiconductor element. There is an electrically conductive bridge for each thermoelectric couple formed on the electrically insulative thermally conductive layer. Methods of making such a hybrid device also including a heat sink are also disclosed. | 03-03-2011 |
20110048489 | Combined thermoelectric/photovoltaic device for high heat flux applications and method of making the same - A combined thermoelectric/photovoltaic device features a photovoltaic cell with a common electrode, an electrically insulative, thermally conductive layer applied to the common electrode, and an array of thermoelectric couples each including a p-type semiconductor element and an n-type semiconductor element. There is an electrically conductive bridge for each thermoelectric couple formed on the electrically insulative thermally conductive layer. Methods of making such a hybrid device also including a heat sink are also disclosed. | 03-03-2011 |
20110083711 | ENERGY GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING A PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTER AND A THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTER, THE LATTER CONVERTER BEING INCLUDED WITHIN THE SUPPORTING SUBSTRATE OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTER - An elementary device to generate electric energy including a photovoltaic converter and a thermoelectric converter. The photovoltaic converter includes a stack of layers, resting on a supporting substrate in heat-insulating material, including a first conductive layer as an upper electrode, and a second conductive layer as a lower electrode, the upper and lower electrodes sandwiching a layer in photoactive material between them. The thermoelectric converter includes a third conductive layer acting as a hot junction and a fourth conductive layer acting as a cold junction, the hot and cold junctions sandwiching between them an element in thermoelectric and electrically conductive material. The thermoelectric and electrically conductive element is included in the thickness of the supporting substrate, so that one end is in contact with the hot junction and the other end is in contact with the cold junction. | 04-14-2011 |
20110226301 | THERMOELECTRIC COLLECTION AND STORAGE OF SOLAR ENERGY - A thermoelectric collector generates electricity from solar energy which may be stored or used for various applications. In general, the collector utilizes a high density thermopile to generate electricity. The thermoelectric collector may be configured to heat the high density thermopile at one end and cool another end to establish a thermal gradient. This temperature gradient generates electricity. The high density thermopile provides numerous advantages including a generally solid structure which lends itself to the creation of a thermal gradient, and ruggedness for outdoor applications. In addition, the stacked arrangement of the high density thermopile's components allows for high efficiency as well as easy maintenance and adjustability of electrical output capacity. Further, the high density thermopile may be shaped in various ways due to its novel configuration. In one embodiment, the high density thermopile may form a solar collector to direct heat towards itself. | 09-22-2011 |
20110259386 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATING MODULE - A thermoelectric generating module includes at least one thermoelectric unit and at least one light-concentrating unit. The thermoelectric unit has a first surface and a second surface disposed oppositely. The light-concentrating unit is disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric unit and concentrates light on the first surface of the thermoelectric unit. | 10-27-2011 |
20120060885 | DISTRIBUTED THERMOELECTRIC STRING AND INSULATING PANEL - Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side. | 03-15-2012 |
20120067391 | SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM, AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - A solar thermoelectric power generation system includes roofing products such as shingles with solar heat reflective areas and roofing products with solar heat absorptive areas. Thermoelectric power generating elements are provided in thermal contact with the solar heat reflective areas and the solar heat absorptive areas. | 03-22-2012 |
20120160290 | THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - An apparatus includes an evacuated enclosure which comprises a tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis, a radiation absorber disposed in the enclosure and having a front surface and a back surface, the front surface being adapted for exposure to solar radiation so as to generate heat, at least one thermoelectric converter disposed in the enclosure and thermally coupled to the absorber, the converter having a high-temperature end to receive at least a portion of the generated heat, such that a temperature differential is achieved across the at least one thermoelectric converter, a support structure disposed in the enclosure coupled to a low-temperature end of the thermoelectric converter, where the support structure removes heat from a low-temperature end of the thermoelectric converter, and a heat conducting element extending between the support structure and the evacuated enclosure and adapted to transfer heat from the support structure to the enclosure. The absorber, the at least one thermoelectric converter, and the support structure are arranged as a planar unit located within the tubular member. | 06-28-2012 |
20120180840 | SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION - Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar-electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a thermoelectric converter at a high temperature, while the use of a low temperature at another portion allows electricity generation. Thus, unlike photovoltaic cells which are generally primarily concerned with optical radiation management, solar thermoelectrics converters are generally concerned with a variety of mechanisms for heat management. Generators can include any number of features including selective radiation surfaces, low emissivity surfaces, flat panel configurations, evacuated environments, and other concepts that can act to provide thermal concentration. Designs utilizing one or more optical concentrators are also disclosed. | 07-19-2012 |
20120192910 | Dual path thermoelectric energy harvester - A thermoelectric energy harvester comprises a cyclic energy input terminal supplying heat energy in a first part of the cycle to a thermal storage reservoir through a low thermal resistance generator. During a second part of the cycle, the thermal storage reservoir returns stored heat energy to the environment through an independent thermal circuit and a higher thermal resistance thermoelectric generator. | 08-02-2012 |
20120204922 | THERMOELECTRIC ROOFING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY - A thermoelectric roofing apparatus and method for generating electricity as a byproduct of heat exchange. A thermoelectric coating can be applied on a heat exchanger material (e.g., a roofing material, a shingle, etc.) located on a budding utilizing a thermoelectric coating process (e.g., spray-on coating) in order to capture waste heat from a heat source and generate an electrical energy. The thermoelectric coating can be a semiconductor material that can be applied to the heat exchanger material in a printed circuit format. The charge carriers with respect to the semiconductor material can be excited when heat flows through the thermoelectric coating which can be harvested to generate the electrical power. Electrical conductors can be attached to the thermoelectric coating to transmit the electrical energy generated as a byproduct of heat exchange. | 08-16-2012 |
20120227779 | SYSTEM FOR THERMOELECTRIC CONVERTING TYPE SOLAR THERMAL POWER GENERATION - The invention discloses a solar thermal power generation system by thermoelectric conversion, comprising a sunlight-concentrating and receiving module, a solar tracking module, a photothermal-conversion module for absorbing sunlight then transforming sunlight into thermal energy and a combination of semiconductor thermoelectric module, the combination-type cooling module is under the semiconductor thermoelectric module. In the invention, TE module can directly convert solar thermal and waste heat to electricity without heat transfer medium, heat storage tank, turbine, and mechanical moving part, thus realizing small scale, compact system with high efficiency; Due to the adopting of low concentrating lens with tracking system and compound waste heat supplying module, thus reducing floor area and effectively improving temperature difference and power generating efficiency of the overall system. In comparison with that of traditional solar thermal power generation system, the new system kept the advantages, including: low investment and low maintenance cost. In comparison with that of solar cell power generation system, the system has the advantages: large power in small area and possible in stable output; furthermore a heating source apart from solar energy is introduced to guarantee the stable current supply. | 09-13-2012 |
20120260963 | PROTECTIVE CONTAINER - A protective container includes a main body, a thermoelectric converting device, and a power storage device. The thermoelectric converting device includes a first converting unit and a second converting unit. The first converting unit is located outside of the main body for converting heat into electrical energy. The second converting unit is received within the main body for converting heat in the main body into electrical energy. The power storage device stores the electrical energy from the thermoelectric converting device, and provides voltages to power electrical devices in the main body. | 10-18-2012 |
20130019916 | SOLAR CONCENTRATOR ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A solar concentrator assembly includes a tripod, a base, a reflective dish, a receptacle, and a thermoelectric module or a heat transfer module. The tripod includes legs and a top tripod connector coupled to top portions thereof. The base includes a rod coupled to the tripod; a bottom support structure coupled to the rod; a top support structure coupled to the bottom support structure; an extension coupled to the bottom support structure and the top support structure; and a cap with recesses mounted to the top support structure. The reflective dish includes support rods received within the recesses; a pliable material forms panels, wherein the support rods are inserted into seams between the panels; and a reflective material disposed on the pliable material. The receptacle is connected to the base and disposed within the reflective dish. The thermoelectric module or the heat transfer module is partially disposed within the receptacle. | 01-24-2013 |
20130025643 | SOLAR CELL DEVICE COMPRISING AN AMORPHOUS DIAMOND LIKE CARBON SEMICONDUCTOR AND A CONVENTIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR - A device and method of manufacture of a:DLC multi-layer doping growth comprising the steps of: forming at least an a:DLC layer in one process over a conventional semiconductor layer, thereby creating a plurality of successively connected PIN/PN junctions, each PIN/PN junction being a photo diode, starting from a first junction and ending in a last junction, respective PIN/PN junctions having p-type, n-type, and intrinsic layers; varying the sp | 01-31-2013 |
20130037072 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR SYSTEM - A solar energy collector system ( | 02-14-2013 |
20130104952 | Thermoelectric Device Technology | 05-02-2013 |
20130118543 | GEOTHERMALLY-COOLED SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTER - A solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) is disclosed. A STEG includes a thermoelectric generator (TEG) configured to convert light energy from solar light into electrical energy, and a heat transfer structure coupled to the TEG where a portion of the heat transfer structure is configured to be embedded in the earth. The TEG includes a first side and a second side, wherein the solar light is incident on the first side of the TEG and the heat transfer structure is configured to provide cooling for the second side of the TEG using geothermal cooling. The use of geothermal cooling to provide cooling for the second side of the TEG increases the temperature difference across the TEG of the STEG, thereby increasing the net generation efficiency of the STEG. | 05-16-2013 |
20130180563 | THERMALLY SWITCHED THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION - The Seebeck effect is the generation of a voltage between two junctions of dissimilar materials, and this effect is used to convert heat to electricity using thermoelectric modules containing a plurality of junctions. The efficiency of power generation using these modules is typically very low and much lower than rotating machines such as gas turbines and steam turbines combined with rotating electrical generators. This disclosure presents a method for increasing the efficiency of these thermoelectric modules significantly by thermally switching the heat source to the thermoelectric elements. | 07-18-2013 |
20130199591 | Arrangement for Generating Electricity with Thermoplastic Generators and Solar Energy Collector Means - An arrangement for generating electricity including thermoelectric generators, the generators converting a heat difference between a first and a second surface of a generator in electricity, elements to provide a heated first medium to the first surfaces of the one or more thermoelectric generators and elements to provide a second medium with a temperature lower than that of the first medium to the second surfaces of the one or more thermoelectric generators. The first medium is heated by solar energy collector elements, which solar energy collector elements transfer collected solar energy to air passing through the solar energy collector elements. The first medium is a working fluid or the heated air itself. The second medium is a working fluid or ambient air with a lower temperature than the first medium. | 08-08-2013 |
20130199592 | APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS FOR EMBEDDED THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS - An apparatus and a system for embedded thermoelectric generators are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus is embedded in an interface where the ambient temperatures on two sides of the interface are different. In one embodiment, the apparatus is fabricated with the interface in integrity as a unitary piece. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first thermoelectric material embedded through the interface. The apparatus further includes a second thermoelectric material embedded through the interface. The first thermoelectric material is electrically coupled to the second thermoelectric material. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes an output structure coupled to the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material and configured to output a voltage. | 08-08-2013 |
20130206199 | Device and Method for Hybrid Solar-Thermal Energy Harvesting - A thermoelectric generator and methods of fabricating a thermoelectric generator are disclosed. An exemplary thermoelectric generator includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a thermocouple disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The upper electrode, the lower electrode, and the thermocouple are configured to effect heat flux laterally through the thermocouple. In a further aspect, the thermoelectric generator is integrated with a solar cell to form a solar/thermal energy conversion device | 08-15-2013 |
20130306125 | Seebeck Solar Cell - A Seebeck solar cell device is disclosed, combining both photovoltaic and thermoelectric techniques. The device may be formed using, for example, a conventional photovoltaic cell formed from a doped silicon wafer. The material used to form conductors to the front and rear regions of the cell are chosen for their thermoelectric characteristics, including the sign, or polarity, of their Seebeck coefficients. The distal portion of each conductor is insulated from the solar and waste heat and, in some embodiments, is also coupled to a cooling mechanism. Multiple such devices can be connected in series or parallel. | 11-21-2013 |
20130319493 | COATINGS FOR OPTICAL COMPONENTS OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS - The present application is directed to a method of providing a coating to a surface of an optical element of a solar energy conversion system. The method comprises contacting the surface of the optical element with an aqueous coating composition comprising water and silica nanoparticles dispersed in the water and drying the coating composition to form a nanoparticle coating. The coating composition comprises an aqueous dispersion with a pH of less than 5 and an acid having a pKa of <3.5. | 12-05-2013 |
20140041704 | Apparatus Pertaining to the Co-Generation Conversion of Light Into Electricity - An apparatus comprising a high-temperature photovoltaic transducer that is disposed between a source of light and another modality of solar energy conversion such that both the high-temperature photovoltaic transducer and the another modality of solar energy conversion generate electricity using a same source of light. | 02-13-2014 |
20140041705 | SOLAR RADIATION CONTROL AND ENERGY HARVESTING FILM - Some implementations provide a device (e.g., solar panel) that includes an active layer and a solar absorbance layer. The active layer includes a first N-type layer and a first P-type layer. The solar absorbance layer is coupled to a first surface of the active layer. The solar absorbance layer includes a polymer composite. In some implementations, the polymer composite includes one of at least metal salts and/or carbon nanotubes. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the photovoltaic effect. In some implementations, the active layer further includes a second N-type layer and a second P-type layer. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the thermoelectric effect. In some implementations, the device further includes a cooling layer coupled to a second surface of the active layer. In some implementations, the cooling layer includes one of at least zinc oxides, indium oxides, and/or carbon nanotubes. | 02-13-2014 |
20140060604 | Solar Power Conversion System with Directionally - And Spectrally - Selective Properties Based on a Reflective Cavity - Solar power conversion system. The system includes a cavity formed within an enclosure having highly specularly reflecting in the IR spectrum inside walls, the enclosure having an opening to receive solar radiation. An absorber is positioned within the cavity for receiving the solar radiation resulting in heating of the absorber structure. In a preferred embodiment, the system further contains an energy conversion and storage devices thermally-linked to the absorber by heat conduction, convection, far-field or near-field thermal radiation. | 03-06-2014 |
20140366925 | THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT - The invention relates to a thermoelectric element, comprising an electrically conductive carrier layer, an active element, an electrically conductive top layer wherein the carrier layer and the top layer form the outgoing electrode, wherein, in addition, the active element has a p-n junction from an n-type semiconductor to a p-type semiconductor, and wherein the active element is arranged between the carrier layer and the top layer and is electrically conductively connected thereto, and wherein the n-type semiconductor is formed from the group of cyanoferrates. The invention also relates to an energy conversion element comprising a photovoltaic element and a thermoelectric element, wherein the photovoltaic element has an entry side for optical energy and a base surface opposite said entry side, wherein the thermoelectric element is arranged with its carrier layer in thermal contact on the base surface. | 12-18-2014 |
20150040960 | Artificial Turf, System for Generating Electrical Energy from Heat, and Building Comprising Such a System - The invention relates to an artificial turf, comprising:
| 02-12-2015 |
20150059819 | SOLAR POWER GENERATION DEVICE - In a solar power generation device concentrating solar light to solar cells by a reflecting mirror and converting solar energy into electric energy, a cooling pipe is arranged above the reflecting mirror, a thermoelectric conversion element is mounted on at least one side surface of the cooling pipe and a solar cell is mounted on an upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion element. | 03-05-2015 |
20150114442 | PHOTOELECTRIC CELL - A photoelectric cell includes at least one photoelectric conversion module. The at least one photoelectric conversion module includes a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element. The first photoelectric conversion element includes a first absorbing part and a first non-absorbing part. An angle between the first absorbing part and the first non-absorbing part is less than 90 degrees. The second photoelectric conversion element includes a second non-absorbing part and a second absorbing part electrically connected with the second absorbing part. An angle between the second absorbing part and the second non-absorbing part is less than 90 degrees. The first absorbing part is electrically connected with the second absorbing part. | 04-30-2015 |
20150136194 | Solar Receiver Design for Thermoelectric Power Generation and Waste Heat Utilization - A solar energy heat to electricity conversion device is provided that includes a thermally conductive solar receiver having a cylinder with an open end and a cup-shape closed end and a thermally conductive fin disposed on an outside surface of the cup-shape closed end, where the thermally conductive solar receiver is capable of absorbing solar energy directed into the cylinder, a thermoelectric module (TEM) that includes a first plate and a second plate, where the first plate is in contact with a surface of the thermally conductive fin, where the conductive fin is capable of transferring heat to the first plate, and a thermally conductive water block in contact with the TEM that is capable of cooling the TEM, where the water block includes a fluid input and a fluid output, where the TEM generates electricity according to a temperature difference between the first plate and the second plate. | 05-21-2015 |
20150295158 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY PRODUCING STEAM FROM SOLAR COLLECTORS AND HEATERS FOR PROCESSES INCLUDING ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY - Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery, are disclosed herein. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet. The system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the water flow network and programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct at least one portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a first sequence, and direct the at least one portion or a different portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a second sequence different than the first sequence. | 10-15-2015 |
20150300693 | Heat Storage Tank Used In Solar Heat Power System, Solar Heat Dynamo Used Therein And Solar Heat Power System Including The Same - Disclosed herein are a heat storage tank used in a solar heat power system, including: a housing having a watertight structure; a heat energy storage material filled in the housing and storing heat from an external heat collector; and a solar heat dynamo including a thermoelectric element attached to a side of the housing, and a solar heat dynamo used therein and a solar heat power system including the same. | 10-22-2015 |
20150305092 | HEATER NANO DYE, SYSTEM INCLUDING SOLID HEATER NANO DYE LAYER, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - An electrical system that includes a substrate having a surface, a solid heater nano dye layer disposed over the surface, and a power system having a positive terminal in electrical communication with a first position on the heater nano dye layer and a negative terminal in electrical communication with a second position on the heater nano dye layer is disclosed. The heater nano dye layer includes nanographite particles disposed within a continuous material. Also disclosed are methods of making the solid heater nano dye layer, as well as, methods of using the solid heater nano dye layer for heating and energy harvesting. | 10-22-2015 |
20150357545 | SOLAR POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A solar power generation system according to the present invention comprises heat pipes which are arranged radially on the outer peripheral surface of an absorber to increase heat transfer effectiveness between the absorber and the heat pipes, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. Also, the solar power generation system has the advantage of operating the system more stably and efficiently even in suddenly changing weather conditions, due to the improved heat transfer efficiency and capability to store heat for a specific amount of time. In addition, when the heat pipes are extrapolated onto the absorber, heat can be transferred more effectively by increasing contact surface area with between the absorber and the heat pipes. Furthermore, heat can be transferred more effectively by increasing the contact surface area by coupling the heat pipes to a heat exchange portion through a block-coupling technique. | 12-10-2015 |
20160013343 | INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC AND THERMAL MODULE (PVT) | 01-14-2016 |
20160163943 | HYBRID SOLAR SYSTEM - A hybrid solar system including a hybrid solar collector using non-imaging optics and photovoltaic components and a heat transfer and storage system in thermal communication with the hybrid solar collector, the heat transfer and storage system using particle laden gas as thermal media to simultaneously generate and store electricity and high temperature dispatchable heat. | 06-09-2016 |
20160197221 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL THERMAL OR PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANEL WITH INCORPORATED HOLOGRAPHY | 07-07-2016 |