A hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic power generation system with a pumped thermal storage system with a mode switchable heat pump/heat engine apparatus realizes utility scale stabilized power generation with low cost thermal storage, ultra-high conversion efficiency with hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic cogeneration system, and low capital cost with the mode switchable heat pump/heat engine apparatus. The present system heat, cool, and supply power to buildings simultaneously over the four seasons. The synergistically combination of the hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic cogeneration and the pumped thermal storage of the present invention is to make a transformative change of power supply landscape.

A thermoelectric generator consists of circuits arranged in parallel rows, in which thermocouples in adjacent rows are facing each other by the same-named junctions, forming alternating narrow zones of hot and cold junctions. At least one of the layers is a layer of thermal energy thermocouples, the repeatability of the rows of circuits of which is two times less than the repeatability of the rows of circuits of thermocouples generating electricity. Hot and cold zones between the rows of thermocouple circuits of all layers of thermocouples generating electricity and hot and cold junctions of the rows of thermocouple circuits of thermal energy are superimposed, respectively, by tight contact on each other by junctions and substrates, ensuring internal heat exchange between them. In addition, the generator is provided with an external heat supply circuit to the hot zone area and a heat removal circuit from the cold zone area.

A thermoelectric generator consists of circuits arranged in parallel rows, in which thermocouples in adjacent rows are facing each other by the same-named junctions, forming alternating narrow zones of hot and cold junctions. At least one of the layers is a layer of thermal energy thermocouples, the repeatability of the rows of circuits of which is two times less than the repeatability of the rows of circuits of thermocouples generating electricity. Hot and cold zones between the rows of thermocouple circuits of all layers of thermocouples generating electricity and hot and cold junctions of the rows of thermocouple circuits of thermal energy are superimposed, respectively, by tight contact on each other by junctions and substrates, ensuring internal heat exchange between them. In addition, the generator is provided with an external heat supply circuit to the hot zone area and a heat removal circuit from the cold zone area.

A system and methods for heating and cooling are provided. The system may include an energy collector and an adaptive panel connected to the energy collector. The adaptive panel may a radiative cooling layer configured to dissipate heat from the energy collector. The radiative cooling layer may further include a thermo-responsive polymer configured to adjust transparency depending on temperature. The system may include a solar heating layer configured to absorb solar irradiation that passes through the radiative cooling layer and transfer heat to the energy collector.

A portable solar powered pool heater comprising a housing, a hose, a controller, a solar panel and at least one leg having a first position for supporting the housing above a surface, and a second position disposed inside of the housing. This heater can include a hinge, wherein the leg comprises a leg that is coupled to the housing via the hinge. In one embodiment the leg comprises a telescoping leg having a first leg, and a second leg wherein said second leg is telescoping inside of the first leg.

Solar thermal units and methods of operating solar thermal units for the conversion of solar insolation to thermal energy are provided. In some examples, solar thermal units have an inlet, and a split flow of heat absorbing fluid to either side of the solar thermal unit, along a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Optionally, one or more photovoltaic panels can be provided as part of the solar thermal unit, which may convert solar insolation to electric power that may be used by a system connected to the solar thermal unit.

A light delivery system that uses a reflective surface or machine employing Internet-of-Things and Artificial Intelligence, as well as manual processes and systems to create a moveable or static light field whose purpose is to increase or optimize the efficiency of cultivar (agricultural) growth by optimizing the appropriate spectrum for specific growing conditions.

A crop management system comprising a crop management unit adapted and configured to sense environmental conditions and/or conditions of surrounding agricultural features and interact with such surrounding agricultural features. The crop management system can perform such functions as spraying, misting, dusting, seeding/planting, irrigation, vacuuming, trimming, harvesting, tilling, weeding, pollinating, aerating, pruning and/or any other known and/or convenient crop management function(s). Additionally, the crop management system can comprise an energy harvesting structure adapted and configured to harvest energy from the environment and, in some embodiments, delivery the energy to the crop management system.

A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have header assemblies affixed to opposite edges thereof and which control the entry of liquid into the channel and the exit therefrom. The inlet header assembly has a plurality of nozzles that are adjustable in size to control flow therethrough while the outlet header assembly has elongated nozzles to receive flow or liquid from the channel. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell affixed thereto to face the sun and the other plate has a plurality of indentations that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.

A portable solar shower is a showering device that can heat the water in a tank to a user defined temperature, with the help of a large solar panel. In order to accomplish that, the device includes a thermostat that displays multiple temperatures, a vacuum insulated water tank that helps maintain the temperature of the water at the user defined temperature level for long hours, and a retractable showerhead and shower pipe. Further, the device is mounted over an upper surface of a vehicle, thereby not compromising any luggage or trunk space of the vehicle. The portable solar shower further includes a power unit that provides power to water pumps and all the necessary circuitry within the device. Furthermore, the device includes an additional smaller solar panel that can provide energy to the power unit, thereby enabling the user to run the shower unit on natural renewable sources of energy.