A space-based solar power station, a power generating satellite module and/or a method for collecting solar radiation and transmitting power generated using electrical current produced therefrom is provided. Each solar power station includes a plurality of satellite modules. The plurality of satellite modules each include a plurality of modular power generation tiles including a photovoltaic solar radiation collector, a power transmitter and associated control electronics. Numerous embodiments relate to efficient power generation tiles. In one embodiment, an efficient power generation tile includes: at least one photovoltaic material; and at least one concentrator that redirects incident solar radiation towards a photovoltaic material such that the photovoltaic material experiences a greater solar flux relative to the case where the photovoltaic material experiences unaltered solar radiation.

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 inlet and outlet fluid lines in fluid communication via manifolds with a cold fluid supply line and a warm fluid return line, respectively. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell matrix affixed thereto to face the sun. The plates have dividers or partitions that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.

A system including a photovoltaic panel having a first heat exchanger for absorbing heat from the panel and/or from the environment by a heat exchanging fluid, connected to a heat pump. A second heat exchanger is provided for absorbing heat by the heat exchanging fluid and a control means for controlling a flow of the heat exchanging fluid through the first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger. The heat pump is arranged to cool the heat exchanging fluid. The system has the following operating modes: a first mode in which cooled heat exchanging fluid is fed to the first heat exchanger; and a second mode in which cooled heat exchanging fluid is fed to the second heat exchanger and then fed to the first heat exchanger.

An energy storage system includes a plurality of battery strings, each battery string including a plurality of batteries coupled electrically together; a plurality of temperature sensors; an enclosure housing the plurality of battery strings and the temperature sensors; a plurality of fans positioned in different locations within the enclosure; and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components, and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute the method that includes determining fan speed operating commands based at least in part on sensed temperatures at the different locations, and operating the fan speed in response to the operating commands provided to the respective fans.

An energy storage system includes a plurality of battery strings, each battery string including a plurality of batteries coupled electrically together; a plurality of temperature sensors; an enclosure housing the plurality of battery strings and the temperature sensors; a plurality of fans positioned in different locations within the enclosure; and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components, and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute the method that includes determining fan speed operating commands based at least in part on sensed temperatures at the different locations, and operating the fan speed in response to the operating commands provided to the respective fans.

This invention relates to a photovoltaic module intended to convert solar radiation energy in electricity, and, more specifically, to a concentrating photovoltaic module provided with a parabolic dish-shaped mirror and a small-size photovoltaic receiver positioned in the focal plane of this parabolic dish-shaped mirror and the focal spot is overlapped mostly by the photovoltaic receiver. The photovoltaic module is based on usage of combination of a two-phase thermosiphon, which includes a flexible sub-section designed as a bellows, with the parabolic dish-shaped mirror installed on the distal (lower) sub-section of the two-phase thermosiphon by the truss struts. A tracking manipulator is installed below the parabolic dish-shaped mirror and joined with a certain spot of a supporting structure of the parabolic dish-shaped mirror; it provides orientation of the axis of the dish-shaped mirror towards the sun.

This invention relates to a photovoltaic module intended to convert solar radiation energy in electricity, and, more specifically, to a concentrating photovoltaic module provided with a parabolic dish-shaped mirror and a small-size photovoltaic receiver positioned in the focal plane of this parabolic dish-shaped mirror and the focal spot is overlapped mostly by the photovoltaic receiver. The photovoltaic module is based on usage of combination of a two-phase thermosiphon, which includes a flexible sub-section designed as a bellows, with the parabolic dish-shaped mirror installed on the distal (lower) sub-section of the two-phase thermosiphon by the truss struts. A tracking manipulator is installed below the parabolic dish-shaped mirror and joined with a certain spot of a supporting structure of the parabolic dish-shaped mirror; it provides orientation of the axis of the dish-shaped mirror towards the sun.

A solar panel assembly comprising: a base plate extending between a first face and a second face; a plurality of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cells mounted on the first face of the base plate; a plurality of optical concentrators each facing a respective one of the CPV cells; each one of the optical concentrators and the respective one of the CPV cells forming a CPV module for converting direct light into electricity; and a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells for converting indirect light into the electricity.

A solar panel assembly comprising: a base plate extending between a first face and a second face; a plurality of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cells mounted on the first face of the base plate; a plurality of optical concentrators each facing a respective one of the CPV cells; each one of the optical concentrators and the respective one of the CPV cells forming a CPV module for converting direct light into electricity; and a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells for converting indirect light into the electricity.

Systems and methods for providing solar-generated power to a display unit mounted to a vehicle are provided. One or more mounting supports connect a housing for an electronic display to the vehicle. A solar energy harvesting device is secured to an upper portion of the vehicle and is electrically connected to the electronic display.