An optical device and systems using an optical device are provided, where the optical device may be configured for collimating incoming light rays. The optical device may include a host medium substantially comprised of a transparent material and an array of substantially transparent structures embedded within the host medium. The structures of the array each include a convex side presented to the incoming light rays and a concave side that passes light rays through toward the output face of the host medium, collimating the rays. Multiple stages of arrays may be provided in the optical device, typically with lengthening aspect ratios and increasing indexes of refraction in a direction from the input face toward the output face. The systems may use the optical device for using an exterior light to illuminate an interior space in a building or to generate power.

An optical device and systems using an optical device are provided, where the optical device may be configured for collimating incoming light rays. The optical device may include a host medium substantially comprised of a transparent material and an array of substantially transparent structures embedded within the host medium. The structures of the array each include a convex side presented to the incoming light rays and a concave side that passes light rays through toward the output face of the host medium, collimating the rays. Multiple stages of arrays may be provided in the optical device, typically with lengthening aspect ratios and increasing indexes of refraction in a direction from the input face toward the output face. The systems may use the optical device for using an exterior light to illuminate an interior space in a building or to generate power.

A concentrating solar cell module including; a base portion having a plurality of mounting regions for mounting solar cells and a plurality of lead electrodes for electrically connecting the solar cells with external electrodes; a support composed of a thermosetting resin, the support surrounding each of the mounting regions of the base portion; the solar cells mounted on the mounting regions; and a condensing lens molded above the mounting regions so as to encapsulate the solar cells, wherein a surface of the mounting regions of the base portion is plated, the condensing lens is molded with a transparent thermosetting silicone resin, and the support is joined to a surface of the base portion, the surface to which the support is joined is on the same side of the base portion as the surface on which the solar cells are mounted.

A concentrating solar cell module including; a base portion having a plurality of mounting regions for mounting solar cells and a plurality of lead electrodes for electrically connecting the solar cells with external electrodes; a support composed of a thermosetting resin, the support surrounding each of the mounting regions of the base portion; the solar cells mounted on the mounting regions; and a condensing lens molded above the mounting regions so as to encapsulate the solar cells, wherein a surface of the mounting regions of the base portion is plated, the condensing lens is molded with a transparent thermosetting silicone resin, and the support is joined to a surface of the base portion, the surface to which the support is joined is on the same side of the base portion as the surface on which the solar cells are mounted.

A refrigeration and/or heat transfer device includes a heating section and cooling section, a release member, and a one-way check valve affixed together in a continuous loop so working fluid may flow in one direction therein. The heating section absorbs heat and transfers such heat to the working fluid, thereby heating, expanding and increasing pressure upon the working fluid therein. The pressurized working fluid is released in a regulated manner from the heating section to the cooling section, thereby carrying the heat away. The released working fluid cools and transfers its heat to the surroundings within the cooling section. As released working fluid enters the cooling section, such fluid displaces already cooled working fluid, pushing such fluid through the one-way check valve back into the heating section to absorb heat. The working fluid may undergo a phase change or remain in a single phase throughout to enhance heat transfer.

A concentrated multifunctional solar energy system, comprising a concentrating-form layer (110) containing a Fresnel concentrated device (111), a light-guiding-form layer (120) containing a light-guiding tube (121), at least one light-energy utilizing device (130), and a bottom tray (140). The light-energy utilizing device (130) is disposed at the bottom of the light-guiding tube (121), or disposed in the light-guiding tube (121); the periphery (122) of the light-guiding-form layer (120) is closely matched with the periphery (112) of the concentrating-form layer (110) and the periphery (141) of the bottom tray (140) separately so as to form closed first and second spaces; the second space accommodates a working substance (142) in thermal conductive connection with a photoelectric conversion device in the light-energy utilizing device (130); the electrical utilization and thermal utilization of the light energy are respectively achieved by means of the two closed spaces.

A Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) apparatus to capture Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) in form of thermal energy and to store the thermal energy in the form of a heat, in a plurality of Thermal Storage Material, to be used as a heat source is described, the apparatus comprising at least one Fresnel Lens Tunnel 12. A receiver 7 containing a re-circulating TES material is implemented. The apparatus may further comprise the FLT 12 comprising at least three non-imaging concentrating optical elements and at least one Enveloped Linear Fresnel Reflector 13 to power each side of the FLT 12 which is not receiving DNI and at least one Reflector and Lens Mount with Shield (RLMS 14), the rotatable device, comprising a pair of central hubs for connecting the RLMS 14 to the rotating means, and providing rotary motion to the RLMS 14 wherein the load is sustained by Mount carrier base.

Disclosed is a reflective solar apparatus comprising a light receiving device and at least one light reflecting device. The light receiving device delimits a first light receiving surface used for receiving sunlight. The light reflecting device is provided on a side face of the first light receiving surface and has a curtain-type reflecting surface and a driving mechanism used for driving the curtain-type reflecting surface to expand and retract. When the curtain-type reflecting face is completely or partially expanded, sunlight reaching the curtain-type reflecting surface is at least partially guided to an area where the first light receiving surface is located. Since a curtain-type reflecting surface able to expanded or retract is used, not only can the sun be tracked but also the curtain-type reflecting surface can be expanded or retracted according to the strength of wind power.

An example light concentrator system for precision thermal processes includes a stabilizing base and a structure attached to the stabilizing base. The structure includes support arms. An azimuth control rotates the structure. A primary solar collector on the support arms is rotatable about two axes based on various positions of the sun throughout the day. Elevation actuators adjust an angle of the primary solar collector relative to position of the sun. Collector distancing actuators adjust distance of the primary solar collector toward and away from the sun. A variety of Thermal Processing Units (TPUs) are configured for a specific process or set of processes implementing concentrated solar energy from the primary solar collector at the receiver plane. Position of the spot can be moved on a fixed receiver plane through translation of the lens relative to the support arms or through rotation of a redirecting mirror.

The present invention relates to a system for the production of carbon nanotubes from carbonaceous matter, preferably, plastic waste and solar energy; Method of production.