Abstract: A device for operating a gas sensor having both at least one pump cell and a measuring cell is provided. A constant current source is provided that makes available a pump current which acts upon an outer electrode of the pump cell. The constant current source provides at least two different amounts of the pump current and/or allows for an alternating operation having ON phases and OFF phases, the duration of the ON phases/OFF phases being specifiable. The device may be largely implemented in digital circuitry and adapted to different requirements.

Abstract: A coating fluid comprising a boron compound, an organic binder, a silicon compound, an alumina precursor, and water and/or an organic solvent is used to diffuse boron into a silicon substrate to form a p-type diffusion layer. The coating fluid is spin coated onto the substrate to form a uniform coating having a sufficient amount of impurity whereupon a p-type diffusion layer having in-plane uniformity is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell element that comprises: a semiconductor substrate; and a collector electrode including a plurality of conductor portions elongated in a first direction on one main surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the plurality of the conductor portions comprise: a linear first conductor region; and a linear second conductor region including a plated surface, the linear second conductor region being electrically connected to the first conductor region.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor may include one or more conductors received in a hollow portion of a hollow member. The first conductor may be made, at least in part, of a semiconductor material and an active region may be provided in contact with at least the first conductor. The analyte sensor may, in one aspect, include a lancet and an integrated sensor. Manufacturing methods and apparatus and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: In a solar cell having one or more subcells, at least one subcell is provided with a reverse heterojunction, the reverse heterojunction being formed with an emitter and an adjacent base, wherein the emitter has a band gap that is at least 10 meV lower than that of the adjacent base in order to reduce sheet resistance of the emitter and/or increase the subcell current with minimal effect on the open-circuit voltage. Because of the increase in current, the decrease in emitter sheet resistance, and relatively unchanged open-circuit voltage of the subcell, the efficiency of a solar cell employing one or more subcells with reverse heterojunctions is enhanced.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells containing a novel electrode, as well as related systems, methods, modules, and components, are disclosed.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate formed of an n-type crystalline semiconductor, an emitter region of a p-type positioned at a first surface of the substrate, a first dielectric layer positioned on a second surface opposite the first surface of the substrate, second dielectric layers respectively positioned on the emitter region and the first dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer positioned on the second dielectric layer that is positioned on the emitter region, a first electrode which is positioned on the first surface of the substrate and is connected to the emitter region, and a second electrode which is positioned on the second surface of the substrate and is connected to the substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion layer and a front electrode on the photoelectric conversion layer. The front electrode includes a bus bar electrode; at least one first finger electrode directly connected to the bus bar electrode; a plurality of connecting electrodes extending from the bus bar electrode and having a width smaller than a width of the bus bar electrode, wherein the plurality of connecting electrodes includes portions that are spaced apart from each other to form a space therebetween; at least one second finger electrode connected to at least one of the plurality of connecting electrodes; and an auxiliary electrode formed at the space between the portions of the plurality of connecting electrodes.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of making solar cells are disclosed. In general, the invention presents a solar cell contact made from a mixture wherein the mixture comprises a solids portion and an organics portion, wherein the solids portion comprises from about 85 to about 99 wt % of a metal component, and from about 1 to about 15 wt % of a lead-free glass component. Both front contacts and back contacts arc disclosed.

Abstract: The device for generating current and/or voltage includes means for making a fluid flow between an inlet and an outlet of the device, and a thermoelectric module having a first active surface exposed to the fluid. The thermoelectric module includes apertures, and is placed in the path of the fluid between the inlet and the outlet of the device, the first active surface being substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric device including two legs having a rough side surface and a smooth side surface facing each other. Phonons may be scattered by the rough side surface, thereby decreasing thermal conductivity of the device. Flowing paths for electrons and phonons may become different form each other, because of a magnetic field induced by an electric current passing through the legs. The smooth side surface may be used for the flowing path of electrons. As a result, in the thermoelectric device, thermal conductivity can be reduced and electric conductivity can be maintained.

Abstract: A photovoltaic element (110) is proposed for conversion of electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy, more particularly a dye solar cell (112). The photovoltaic element (110) has at least one first electrode (116), at least one n-semiconductive metal oxide (120), at least one electromagnetic radiation-absorbing dye (122), at least one solid organic p-semiconductor (126) and at least one second electrode (132). The p-semiconductor (126) comprises silver in oxidized form.

Abstract: A back-sheet for a photovoltaic module is provided comprising a fire resistant polymeric film and a second polymeric film adhered to the fire resistant polymeric film. The fire resistant polymeric film comprises a polymer that does not melt at temperatures below 275° C. and an inorganic particulate filler selected from inorganic metal oxides and inorganic metal nitrides, and combinations thereof. The fire resistant polymeric film contains from 40 to 75 weight percent inorganic particulate filler based on the total weight of the film, and the fire resistant polymeric film has an average thickness of at least 85 microns. A photovoltaic module comprising such a back-sheet is also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes depositing a p-type layer at a first temperature and depositing an intrinsic layer while gradually increasing a deposition temperature to a final temperature. The intrinsic layer deposition is completed at the final temperature. An n-type layer is formed on the intrinsic layer.

Abstract: A well, in particular an open well (14) with an upper end having a vertical axis (101), for containing a liquid and particles contained within said liquid, characterized by comprising at least two manipulation electrodes (1, 2, 3, 31, 32, 36, 17, 40, 41) able to be powered by electrical voltages, in particular alternating electrical voltages, so as to manoeuvre particles within the well by means of the dielectrophoretic effect. A platform comprising a plurality of wells as described above and a method for using said well.

Abstract: A microfluidic cell for the dielectrophoretic separation, accumulation, and/or lysis of polarizable bioparticles, including an interdigital electrode system composed of two electrode groups having interdigitated electrodes, and a micromixer having microchannels and microelevations. The interdigital electrode system and the micromixer are situated on the same side of the cell to improve the separation, accumulation, and/or lysis characteristics. Moreover, also described is a microfluidic system which includes such a microfluidic cell, and use thereof, and a method for separating, accumulating, and/or lysing polarizable bioparticles.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion layer to include a first metal layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second metal layer, all of which are laminated. In addition, at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer is a nano-mesh metal having a plurality of through holes or a dot metal having a plurality of metal dots arranged separately from each other on the semiconductor layer. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a long-wavelength absorption layer containing an impurity which is different from impurities for p-type doping and n-type doping of the semiconductor layer. The long-wavelength absorption layer is within a depth of 5 nm from the nano-mesh metal or the dot metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable racking system for transporting and mounting one or more solar panels to, for example, a rooftop.

Abstract: A frame for mounting a plurality of solar tracking units is provided. The frame comprises a plurality of leg assemblies interconnected by trusses to provide a stable structure that is ballasted by the frame's own weight, rather than relying on external ballast such as concrete blocks. Each leg assembly is provided with a shaft with a mounting end for mounting a solar tracking unit. Each solar tracking unit includes an armature assembly and at least one motor for controlling the orientation and position of a solar panel mounted thereon. Solar tracking assemblies, each comprising the frame and plurality of solar tracking units, can be assembled in an array using connectors spacing the assemblies, thus providing enhanced stability. Each of the assemblies can be provided with a local control unit for controlling each individual solar tracking unit, and a global control unit may be used to control the local control units.

Abstract: Tandem photovoltaic cells having a recombination layer, as well as related systems, methods, and components, are disclosed.