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US 7,582,826 B2Granted
Compact photovoltaic generation assembly and power supply
AssigneeSolar Fiber Optics, LLC
InventorsJames E. Miller, Stanley Mach
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compact photovoltaic generation assembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and an extended operating life as compared to conventional photovoltaic systems is described. The assembly can also include a power supply for use at times when light energy is not readily available.
Claims29
A photovoltaic (PV) generation assembly comprising:
- at least one photovoltaic element, each said photovoltaic element having a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and an edge surface coextensive with both said first planar surface and said second planar surface;
- a light-impervious housing for preventing direct exposure of said photovoltaic element to a source of light energy;
- at least a first light energy collector and a second light energy collector, said first and second light energy collectors being integral with said light-impervious housing;
- and
- at least a first fiber optic element and a second fiber optic element, said first fiber optic element being integral with said first light energy collector and said second fiber optic element being integral with said second light energy collector;
- wherein said first light energy collector is configured to focus light incident thereon onto said first fiber optic element and said second light energy collector is configured to focus light incident thereon onto said second fiber optic element
- wherein said first fiber optic element is configured to direct cold light energy to only said first planar surface of said photovoltaic element and said second fiber optic element is configured to direct cold light energy to only said second planar surface of said photovoltaic element, whereby contacting said cold light energy with said photovoltaic element generates electrical energy.
4 more elements
A photovoltaic (PV) power supply comprising:
- at least one photovoltaic element, said photovoltaic element having a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and an edge surface coextensive with both said first planar surface and said second planar surface;
- a plurality of rechargeable batteries in electrical communication with said at least one photovoltaic element;
- a light-impervious housing for preventing direct exposure of said photovoltaic element to a source of light energy;
- at least a first light energy collector and a second light energy collector, said first and second light energy collectors being integral with said light-impervious housing;
- and
- at least a first fiber optic element and a second fiber optic element, said first fiber optic element being integral with said first light energy collector and said second fiber optic element being integral with said second light energy collector;
- wherein said first light energy collector is configured to focus light incident thereon onto said first fiber optic element and said second light energy collector is configured to focus light incident thereon onto said second fiber optic element wherein said first fiber optic element is configured to direct cold light energy to only said first planar surface of said photovoltaic element and said second fiber optic element is configured to direct cold light energy to only said second planar surface of said photovoltaic element, whereby contacting said cold light energy with said photovoltaic element generates electrical energy.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.