Patents Examined by Shannon M Gardner
  • Patent number: 10784814
    Abstract: A support apparatus for a photovoltaic module and a photovoltaic system are provided. The support apparatus for a photovoltaic module is to be arranged on a water surface, and includes: a support body for mounting the photovoltaic module; and a floating body connected to the support body and configured to provide buoyancy for the support apparatus. A connection function for providing connection with the photovoltaic module and a buoyancy function for providing the buoyancy are separated. The support body having the connection function may be used for providing only connection with the photovoltaic module and not for providing buoyancy. In manufacturing and installation processes, it is unnecessary for the support body to be watertight, thus the manufacturing process of the support body may be greatly simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukun Wang, Fuqin Xiao, Weiwu Wu, Kui Zong, Hao Wu, Guojing Chen, Bin Wu, Zhigang Lv
  • Patent number: 10784388
    Abstract: Photovoltaic cells are fabricated in which the compositions of the light-absorbing layer and the electron-accepting layer are selected such that at least one side of the junction between these two layers is substantially depleted of charge carriers, i.e., both free electrons and free holes, in the absence of solar illumination. In further aspects of the invention, the light-absorbing layer is comprised of dual-shell passivated quantum dots, each having a quantum dot core with surface anions, an inner shell containing cations to passivate the core surface anions, and an outer shell to passivate the inner shell anions and anions on the core surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Jiang Tang, Andras Pattantyus-Abraham, Illan Kramer, Aaron Barkhouse, Xihua Wang, Gerasimos Konstantatos, Ratan Debnath, Edward H. Sargent
  • Patent number: 10777693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices comprising metal halide perovskites and organic passivating agents. In particular, the invention relates to photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices comprising passivated metal halide perovskites. The device according to the invention comprises: (a) a metal halide perovskite; and (b) a passivating agent which is an organic compound; wherein molecules of the passivating agent are chemically bonded to anions or cations in the metal halide perovskite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Henry J. Snaith, Antonio Abate, Nakita K. Noel
  • Patent number: 10778139
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace a conventional roof surface structure. These BIPV systems can utilize photovoltaic PV roof tiles defined as glass tiles having photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roof tile. Such PV roof tiles can include one or more lapping features for interfacing with adjacent tiles and features for electrically connecting multiples tiles within a course to an external power optimizer. Such PV roof tiles can utilize stamped glass that is stamped to define these features within an integrated glass tile and can further include texture, striations on the glass tile and/or color matched back layers or various other components to obscure visibility of any embedded solar cells and provide a more pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Edward Atchley, Garret Anthony Bautista
  • Patent number: 10770607
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an apparatus and method of forming a photovoltaic module assembly that contains a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic modules that are used to generate an amount of power when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The formed photovoltaic module assembly will generally include two or more photovoltaic modules that can generate and deliver power to an external grid, external network or external device. The photovoltaic module assembly can be a stand alone power generating device or be disposed within an array of interconnected photovoltaic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: FLISOM AG
    Inventors: Stephan Stutterheim, Andreas Bogli, Ivan Sinicco
  • Patent number: 10749060
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly (200) is presented. The solar cell assembly includes one or more solar cell units (21 1) coupled in series. The solar cell unit includes a first solar cell series (221) and a second solar cell series (222) connected in parallel. The first and second solar cell series include a plurality of cells (202) connecting in series respectively. The solar cell assembly also includes a by-pass diode (201) coupled to each solar cell unit and shared between the first and second solar cell series in each solar cell unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: REC SOLAR PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Shankar Gauri Sridhara, Noel G. Diesta, Philipp Johannes Rostan, Robert Wade
  • Patent number: 10742163
    Abstract: A portable PV module array, the modules being connected along adjacent end edges and being foldable relative to each other about the connected end edges between a closed condition and an open condition, whereby: in the closed condition, the PV modules are stacked together in a generally parallel and close facing relationship with the edges of the PV modules in general alignment, and in the open condition, the PV modules are disposed at an angle to each other so that the PV module array defines triangular configuration, and foldable movement of the PV modules from the closed condition to the open condition being restricted against movement beyond the open condition by a flexible connector that connects with a connection point associated with each of the PV modules of the PV module array and that is tensioned in the open condition and that is slack in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: 5B IP HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Eden Tehan, Christopher McGrath
  • Patent number: 10734536
    Abstract: A composition for forming an electrode for a solar cell includes a conductive powder, a glass fit, and an organic binder that includes a cellulose compound that includes a structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 1, Also disclosed are a solar cell electrode manufactured using the composition for forming an electrode for a solar cell, and a solar cell including the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sungil Moon
  • Patent number: 10727778
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for portable power generation comprises an intermodal container having a front, a rear, a top and a bottom and extending between first and second ends, the intermodal container having a front and a rear corner post extending between the top and the bottom at each of the first and second ends. The apparatus further comprises a door hingedly secured to each of the front corner posts and at least one solar panel hinged to a top edge of the door, wherein the door is operable to pivot between a closed position extending between the front and the rear of the intermodal container, and an open position extending in planar alignment with the front of the intermodal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Scott Carrington
  • Patent number: 10714644
    Abstract: A voltage matched multijunction solar cell having first and second solar cell stacks that are electrically connected parallel to each other. The first solar cell stack is optimized for absorption of incoming solar light in a first wavelength range and the second solar cell stack is optimized for absorption of incoming solar light in a second wavelength range, wherein the first and the second wavelength range do not or at most only partially overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Saint-Augustin Canada Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Gombert, Sascha Van Riesen
  • Patent number: 10693030
    Abstract: A solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion layer, a doped layer, a first passivation layer, a first TCO layer, a front electrode and a back electrode. The doped layer is disposed on the front surface of the photoelectric conversion layer. The first passivation layer is disposed on the doped layer, wherein the first passivation layer has a plurality of openings exposing a portion of the doped layer. The first TCO layer is disposed on the first passivation layer and in the openings, and directly contacts the exposed doped layer via the openings, wherein a ratio of an area of the openings to an area of the first TCO layer is between 0.01 and 0.5. The front electrode is disposed on the first TCO layer. The back electrode is disposed on the back surface of the photoelectric conversion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chao-Cheng Lin, Chorng-Jye Huang, Chen-Cheng Lin, Chun-Heng Chen, Chen-Hsun Du, Chun-Ming Yeh, Jui-Chung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10672926
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Prism Solar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose E Castillo-Aguilella, Paul S Hauser
  • Patent number: 10672925
    Abstract: A solar cell device with improved performance and a method of fabricating the same is described. The solar cell includes a back contact layer formed on a substrate, an absorber layer formed on the back contact layer, a buffer layer formed on the absorber layer, and a front contact layer formed by depositing a transparent conductive oxide layer on the buffer layer and annealing the deposited TCO layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Yu Chiang, Yung-Sheng Chiu, Wen-Tsai Yen
  • Patent number: 10672923
    Abstract: A front electrode for solar cells and a solar cell, the front electrode including a stepped structure at an outermost surface thereof, wherein the stepped structure is composed of n stages, in which n is an integer of 3 or greater, and an nth stage has a smaller cross-sectional area than an (n?1)th stage such that the (n?1)th stage is partially exposed, and the stepped structure occupies about 5% to about 100% of a total surface area of the outermost surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Suk Kim, Hee In Nam, Sang Hee Park, Seok Hyun Jung, Jae Hwi Cho
  • Patent number: 10658526
    Abstract: In a photovoltaic device (1), first amorphous semiconductor portions (102n) and second amorphous semiconductor portions (102p) are provided alternately on one of faces of a semiconductor substrate (101). Each first amorphous semiconductor portion (102n) has at least one first amorphous semiconductor strip (1020n), and each second amorphous semiconductor portion (102p) has at least one second amorphous semiconductor strip (1020p). A plurality of first electrodes (103n) are provided spaced apart from each other on each first amorphous semiconductor strip (1020n), and a plurality of second electrodes (103p) are provided spaced apart from each other on each second amorphous semiconductor strip (1020p).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masatomi Harada, Kenichi Higashi, Takeshi Kamikawa, Toshihiko Sakai, Tokuaki Kuniyoshi, Kazuya Tsujino, Liumin Zou
  • Patent number: 10651784
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cost-effective precision solar farming with mobile photonic harvesters are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pankaj Dayama, Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Sukanya Randhawa, Nitin Singh
  • Patent number: 10644180
    Abstract: Solar cell assembly that includes at least first and second solar cells arranged adjacent each other to form a row. First electric contact pad of first solar cell is positioned adjacent to second electric contact pad of second solar cell and second electric contact pad of first solar cell is positioned adjacent to first electric contact pad of second solar cell. Interconnectors connect each first electric contact pad of first solar cell with adjacent second electric contact pad of second solar cell and each second electric contact pad of first solar cell with adjacent first electric contact pad of second solar cell. Each interconnector is sized so that, between adjacent cells, interconnector is below first electric contact pad. Cover glass is provided on a front surface of each solar cell, and each interconnector is provided with a cover member covering a front surface of interconnector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH
    Inventor: Claus Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 10644177
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly (200) is presented. The solar cell assembly includes one or more solar cell units (21 1) coupled in series. The solar cell unit includes a first solar cell series (221) and a second solar cell series (222) connected in parallel. The first and second solar cell series include a plurality of cells (202) connecting in series respectively. The solar cell assembly also includes a by-pass diode (201) coupled to each solar cell unit and shared between the first and second solar cell series in each solar cell unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: REC SOLAR PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Shankar Gauri Sridhara, Noel G. Diesta, Philipp Johannes Rostan, Robert Wade
  • Patent number: 10636580
    Abstract: The present specification relates to an organic-inorganic hybrid solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiyong Kim, Sang Jun Park, Jong Seok Kim, Jaein Lee, Yongnam Kim, Sang Kwon Lee
  • Patent number: 10608132
    Abstract: A back-contact cell module including cells and connecting ribbons; a main gate electrode for gathering currents of the auxiliary gate electrode and a linear back side electrode for leading out the currents provided on the back side of the cell; the main gate electrodes, located on the back side of the cell and in one-to-one correspondence with positions of current collection holes, are arranged linearly, parallel to the back side electrode and located at two ends of the back side of the cell; the plurality of cells are arranged parallelly in columns, between two adjacent cells, the main gate electrode of one cell is arranged adjacent to the back side electrode of the other cell; the main gate electrode of one cell is fixedly connected to the back side electrode of the other adjacent cell via the connecting ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SUZHOU COOP&INNO GREEN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Guoming Zhang