The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 14, 2025
Filed:
Aug. 23, 2021
The Regents of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
The Regents of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Abstract
A compact, three-dimensional (3D) photovoltaic charging system comprising a photovoltaic unit encased in a transparent housing, a power management unit, and a support base. The photovoltaic unit having non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces that are positioned at a relative distance and a relative orientation. Compared to conventional flat solar panels, the 3D photovoltaic charging system can collect light vertically, therefore amplifying solar module power density, defined as power output per installation footprint area. A photo-tracking, 3D photovoltaic charging system is also described, having a photovoltaic unit encased in a transparent housing, a power management unit, and means to track a source of electromagnetic radiation. The photo-tracking, 3D photovoltaic charging system tracks a moving light source, resulting in improved light flux intake, and therefore, enhanced electric power output.