CPC H02S 10/30 (2014.12) [H01L 31/02363 (2013.01); H02J 50/001 (2020.01); H02S 40/32 (2014.12)] | 12 Claims |
1. A broad-spectrum solar energy system, comprising:
a photovoltaic system, comprising:
a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured to produce a DC voltage in response to visible and ultraviolet (UV) light, wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells are configured to produce waste heat in producing the DC voltage; and
an inverter configured to convert the DC voltage to a first AC voltage;
a rectenna system coupled with the photovoltaic system, comprising:
a first antenna having a resonance at a first wavelength; and
a second antenna having a resonance at a second wavelength;
wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are configured to absorb energy at least in the infrared (IR) wavelength range and convert the energy to a second AC voltage;
wherein at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna is configured to absorb the waste heat produced by the plurality of photovoltaic cells and convert the waste heat to the second AC voltage; and
a main power supply configured to receive power supplied by the first AC voltage and the second AC voltage.
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