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Thermophotovoltaic cells containing multiple quantum wells have been invented as improved means of conversion of thermal to electrical energy. These cells are expected to be especially useful for extracting electrical energy from combustion, waste-heat, and nuclear sources. Conversion efficiencies more than twice those of prior cells are expected.
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Because hydrogen is odorless and colorless and poses an explosion hazard, there is an emerging need for sensors to quickly and accurately detect low levels of leaking hydrogen in fuel cells and other advanced energy-generating systems in which hydrogen is used as fuel. Simple, color-changing sensors have been invented.
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A compact, lightweight, dual- frequency antenna feed can benefit future soil and ocean studies by lowering mass, volume, and cost of the antenna system. The microstrip array design enables combined radar and radiometer instrumentation for satellite or airborne remote sensing.
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Polyimide-PEO copolymers with branched rod-coil molecular structures, that can be cured into film form at room temperature, have been invented for use as gel electrolytes for lithium-ion electric- power cells. These copolymers offer an alternative to previously patented branched rod-coil polyimides, and an advantage in room-temperature functionality.
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A probe was designed to investigate the moulins - melt water drainage channels on an ice cap - and ice-hydrology interaction in the Greenland Ice Cap. By using commercially available components, the strong and reliable system has a high-definition video recording element, is lightweight, and has buoyancy that is easily adjustable and enables different deployment scenarios.
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The term “electromagnetically clean solar array” (EMCSA) refers to a panel that contains a planar array of solar photovoltaic cells. The cells are laminated with shielding, narrow-current-loop wiring, and structural supports. EMCSAs could be useful in applications that require limited electromagnetic interference.
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Two hydrogen generators based on reactions involving magnesium and steam have been proposed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as means for generating fuel (hydrogen gas) for motor vehicles. The generators would make it unnecessary to rely on expensive, heavy, bulky, or unsafe hydrogen storage systems previously developed.
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