Abstract:
A multi-functional, multi-layer film or skin which may be used as a covering for a structure or platform incorporates an integrated photovoltaic element and an integrated RF antenna element. The film or skin is suitable for use in various applications, including those involving autonomous, self-powered, mobile communication systems and especially for use as a skin or covering for solar powered aircraft and UAVs. Planar PV cells and planar RF antenna are used to facilitate their integration into the film or skin. The PV cells and RF antenna are configured to face operate outward from opposite faces of the skin. The film or skin addresses potential problems arising from conflicting directional requirements for PV orientation and antenna pointing on mobile platforms. This is accomplished by employing wide angle AR coatings on the PV elements and electrical controls to steer the RF antenna.
Abstract:
A method is provided for converting optical energy to electrical energy in a spectrally adaptive manner. The method begins by directing optical energy into a first photovoltaic module that includes non-single crystalline semiconductor layers defining a junction such that a first spectral portion of the optical energy is converted into a first quantity of electrical energy. A second spectral portion of the optical energy unabsorbed by the first module is absorbed by a second photovoltaic module that includes non-single crystalline semiconductor layers defining a junction and converted into a second quantity of electrical energy. The first quantity of electrical energy is conducted from the first module to a first external electrical circuit along a first path. The second quantity of electrical energy is conducted from the second module to a second external electrical circuit along a second path that is in parallel with the first path.
Abstract:
An ice resistant structure is provided which includes a self-supporting, structural platform, a retaining, protective layer and a subsurface anti-icing (AI) and/or de-icing (DI) layer. The retaining, protective layer is disposed over the self-supporting, structural platform. The subsurface anti-icing (AI) and/or de-icing (DI) layer is located between the self-supporting, structural platform and the retaining, protective layer. The subsurface Al and/or DI layer is a functional layer such that an Al and/or DI agent is released to a surface of the retaining protective layer by an activation mechanism responsive to a change in an environmental condition.
Abstract:
A multilayer film or skin for free space optical data transmission includes a first outer layer. The first outer layer has a first laterally extending area that transmits optical data signals received over a range of incident angle. A second layer that includes a second laterally extending area underlies the first layer. At least a portion of the optical data signals received by the second layer from the first outer layer is focused or otherwise concentrated into a substantially reduced area. An optical detector receives the concentrated optical data signals from the second layer. An electrical connection extends from the optical detector to an external receiving device. The multilayer film or skin may be used, for example, in applications involving mobile free space optical communication platforms where low profile, volume and mass and/or enhanced platforms are important.
Abstract:
A multi-input electrical power conversion device is provided for converting multiple DC energies each arising from different junctions in a multi-junction solar cells into AC energy. The device includes a plurality of electrical inputs for receiving the multiple DC energies from at least one multi junction solar cell. The number of DC energies id no less than the number of junctions in the multi-junction solar cell. The device also includes at least one DC-to-AC circuit for receiving the multiple DC energies from the plurality of electrical inputs and at least one electrical output receiving at least one AC energy from the DC to AC circuit. The device also includes at least one MPPT circuit operatively coupled to the DC to AC circuit.
Abstract:
A hydro-thermal exchange unit (HTEU) for desalinating feed water in accordance with a humidification-dehumidification includes feed water, fresh water and gas conduit circuits for transporting feed water, fresh water, and gas, respectively. The unit also includes an evaporator through which a portion of the feed water conduit and the gas conduit pass. The evaporator causes evaporation of a portion of the feed water to produce vapor that is transported through the gas conduit. The unit also includes a condenser through which a portion of the gas conduit and the fresh water conduit pass. The condenser has input and output ports for coupling the gas and fresh water conduit circuits. The condenser extracts moisture from the vapor transported therethrough by the gas conduit. The extracted moisture is discharged through the fresh water conduit. The unit also includes a heat exchanger through which a portion of the fresh water conduit and the feed water conduit pass to thereby extract residual heat from the fresh water such that the residual heat heats the feed water.
Abstract:
A mobile system includes a self-supporting platform, a tunable anti-reflective (AR) skin or film disposed on and secured to the mobile platform, one or more actuators and a controller. The tunable AR skin or film includes one or more layers that are at least partially transmitting to optical energy at one or more optical wavelengths. The skin or film is substantially flexible and/or stretchable and has an optical AR to incident electromagnetic radiation of a given wavelength which is selectively variable when flexed and/or stretched. The actuators are able to flex and/or stretch the skin or film in response to receipt of a control signal. The controller generates the control signal based on a measured value of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the tunable AR skin or film.
Abstract:
A photovoltaic device is provided which includes a plurality of junction layers. Each junction layer includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected to one another. At least one of the junction layers is at least in part optically transmissive. The junction layers are arranged in a stack on top of each other.
Abstract:
An ice resistant structure is provided which includes a self-supporting, structural platform, a retaining, protective layer and a subsurface anti-icing (AI) and/or de-icing (DI) layer. The retaining, protective layer is disposed over the self-supporting, structural platform. The subsurface anti-icing (AI) and/or de-icing (DI) layer is located between the self-supporting, structural platform and the retaining, protective layer. The subsurface Al and/or DI layer is a functional layer such that an Al and/or DI agent is released to a surface of the retaining protective layer by an activation mechanism responsive to a change in an environmental condition.
Abstract:
A degradation-resistant photovoltaic device is provided. The device includes an active area and at least one photovoltaic cell located in the active area. The photovoltaic cell has an elongated shape with a characteristic width and a characteristic length. The characteristic length is greater than the characteristic width and an average distance from the photovoltaic cell to any edge of the active area is greater than the characteristic width.