Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.

A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed.

A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed.

An energy storage type solar device comprises a light convergence device (110), a photoelectric conversion device (120), a rechargeable battery (130), a thermal energy storage device (140), and a heat dissipation-insulation control mechanism (150). A heat storage substance (141) of the thermal energy storage device (140) is in thermally conductive connection with the photoelectric conversion device (120) and the rechargeable battery (130). In the energy storage type solar device, the thermal energy storage device (140) is used to store thermal energy, and the heat dissipation-insulation control mechanism (150) is used to controllably at least partially allow or prevent heat exchange between the heat storage substance (141) and an external environment, such that the photoelectric conversion device (120) and the battery can be cooled down in a hot weather condition and thermal insulation of the battery can be performed in a cold weather condition.

A thermal management device for a photovoltaic panel includes a phase change material layer attached to a back side of the photovoltaic panel. The thermal management device includes a Seebeck thermoelectric generator having a first surface attached to the phase change material layer. The thermal management further device includes a heat sink attached to a second surface of the Seebeck thermoelectric generator. The heat sink is configured with a sinuous coil, a water inlet port and a water outlet port connected to the sinuous coil, and a plurality of heat fins. The thermal management further device includes a casing box configured to enclose its various components, and a glass cover attached to the casing box and configured to cover a top surface of the photovoltaic panel.

A thermal management device for a photovoltaic panel includes a phase change material layer attached to a back side of the photovoltaic panel. The thermal management device includes a Seebeck thermoelectric generator having a first surface attached to the phase change material layer. The thermal management further device includes a heat sink attached to a second surface of the Seebeck thermoelectric generator. The heat sink is configured with a sinuous coil, a water inlet port and a water outlet port connected to the sinuous coil, and a plurality of heat fins. The thermal management further device includes a casing box configured to enclose its various components, and a glass cover attached to the casing box and configured to cover a top surface of the photovoltaic panel.

A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a monochromatic light source. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including semiconductor quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the structure and cause multiple transverse propagation of unabsorbed light through the photoresponsive layer to enhance absorption. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates various microstructured surfaces including light-distributing surface relief features such as linear microlenses, prismatic surface relief features and/or linear grooves.

A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a monochromatic light source. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including semiconductor quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the structure and cause multiple transverse propagation of unabsorbed light through the photoresponsive layer to enhance absorption. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates various microstructured surfaces including light-distributing surface relief features such as linear microlenses, prismatic surface relief features and/or linear grooves.

A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a source of monochromatic light. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including semiconductor quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the light trapping structure and cause multiple transverse propagation of light through the photoresponsive layer to enhance absorption. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates optical elements configured for injecting light into the light trapping structure.

A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a source of monochromatic light. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including semiconductor quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the light trapping structure and cause multiple transverse propagation of light through the photoresponsive layer to enhance absorption. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates optical elements configured for injecting light into the light trapping structure.