An improved system for concentrating, collecting, and transmitting sunlight, comprises: a first plurality of lens panels that is disposed in at least one location in an origin for collecting sunlight; a central collection point that receives the collected sunlight, said collected sunlight being transmitted from the collection point to at least one concentrating lens, said at least one concentrating lens generating a sharp and strong beam, which is transmitted to a first satellite; a first reflecting portion that reflects the concentrated beam to a second satellite; and a second reflecting portion that reflects the concentrated beam through a second pre-defined distance to an at least one receiver unit, said at least one receiver unit transmitting the sunlight to a receiving point that is disposed in at least one location in the destination for collecting sunlight. The sunlight collected in the destination can be used for various purposes.

Apparatus, methods and systems of wireless power distribution are disclosed. Embodiments involve the redirection of collimated energy to a converter, which stores or converts the energy into a more suitable form of energy for at least one specific point-of-use that is coupled to the converter.

Almost all energy on Earth comes from the Sun. It radiates power to Earth using electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, only a small fraction of the radiation was captured in the forms of photovoltaic, solar heat, hydropower, fossil fuel, and wind. The consumption of the energy comes with serious environmental penalties such as global warming and environmental damages. A system and methods are disclosed to allow capturing, storage, conversion and release of electromagnetic waves and their energy.

An electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus is described herein. The electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus facilitates directing light from an exterior of a structure to an interior of a structure. The directed light is then distributed as necessary within the structure for heating, illumination, or is stored for use at a later time.

A transportation network for providing propellant in space can include optical mining vehicles that concentrate solar energy to spall captured asteroids, capture released volatiles, and store them in reservoirs as propellants. The network can also have orbital transfer vehicles that use solar thermal rocket modules that focus solar energy on heat exchangers to force propellant through nozzles, as well as separable aeromaneuvering tanker modules with reusable heatshields and storage tanks. The network can have propellant depots positioned between Earth and a transport destination. The depots can mechanically couple to accept propellant delivery and to supply it to visiting space vehicles.

A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.

An optical mining apparatus comprising: a light weight solar reflector; optics for controlling the delivery of concentrated sun light onto the surface of a target; and a temperature controlled gas enclosure that contains the target; wherein said solar reflector is oriented to reflect sun light onto said optics.

A design for a micro-lens (i.e., a lens on the scale of micrometers) incorporates existing nanofabrication techniques and can be incorporated into High Concentrating Photovoltaic (HCPV), solar thermal collectors, and traditional flat PV systems. Using the theory of wave optics, the design is able to achieve a high numerical aperture, i.e., it can receive light over a wider range of angles. The design also reduces the distance the focal point shifts as the light source shifts; this eliminates the need for a tracking system in CPV and PV applications. Reducing the lens size also facilitates smaller, lightweight CPV systems, which makes CPV attractive for additional applications. Finally, these concentrators reduce the exchanging area of a typical flat solar thermal system where heat is received, which improves the overall system's efficiency and allows its use also during rigid winter time.

The light emitting structure of the present invention includes a sheet-shaped structure which absorbs excitation light and emits light with wavelength conversion and which has a maximum emission wavelength of 400 nm or more; and an antireflection material provided on a side surface of the sheet-shaped structure.

An energy harvesting system is provided. The system includes a waveguide operable for trapping at least some light energy. The waveguide defines a surface and an edge. A photovoltaic cell is coupled to the surface or the edge of the waveguide. A waveguide redirecting material is provided on the surface of the waveguide. The waveguide redirecting material is formed of a solidified colored luminescent paint. The paint is configured to be applied and adhere to the surface of the waveguide and redirect light energy to the photovoltaic cell. A method of generating and demonstrating solar power using the system is also provided.