Power Conversion Concepts

This is a collector page for power conversion concepts. See the Concept page for what kinds information to add or link here.

Electro-mechanical Conversion

This is the conversion of electric power to mechanical force (motors) or the reverse (generators).

• Scalable Mogen Concept - modular stackable motor or generator units with coupled shaft.

Solar Components

• Flat reflector concept - movable panels to add sunlight when there is not enough, or reflect away sunlight when there is too much. For example, around a greenhouse to help control light level and temperature. Color filters can help minimize heat gain while allowing useful wavelengths in. Reflectors at the back side of the greenhouse can return light otherwise absorbed or lost to the plants. Temperature zones set up within one or more greenhouses can accommodate different plant needs.

Solar-Electric Conversion

• Photovoltaic Panels
• Steam Driven Generator

Solar-Thermal Conversion

This is generating some level of heat using sunlight as the source. Distinguishing features are what temperature level, what power level, and what is being heated.

• Solar water heater
• Solar air and thermal mass for buildings
• Concentrated sunlight process heat

Thermal-Mechanical Conversion

Uses the energy stored in high temperature steam to push on a cylinder as it expands to create motion.

• Steam Engine
• Sterling Engine