Abstract: A solar power generation system includes a plurality of individual modules, each formed from a photovoltaic cell, a solar concentrator, a sealed evaporative cooling system and a heat sink. The solar concentrator focuses sunlight onto a front side the cell to generate electricity. The cooling system circulates a coolant in a liquid state to an evaporative cooling chamber having a wall defined at least partially by a back side of the cell to remove heat from the cell by direct contact between the coolant and the cell, and emits coolant in a vapor state to a condenser where the vapor coolant is condensed to a liquid state. The heat sink may be any suitable body of water, such that the condenser may be at least partially submerged therein. The modules are combined to form a platform that is rotated on the body of water by a drive device to provide tracking of the sun.

Abstract: A thin-film solar module contacted on one side includes a support layer, a photoactive absorber layer and at least one dopant layer deposited over a surface area of at least one side of the absorber layer so as to form a thin-film packet that is divided into thin-film solar cell areas by insulating separating trenches. The thin-film solar module includes first and second contact systems. The first contact system includes contacts connected by an outer contact layer. The second contact system consists of an inner contact layer covering a side of the solar cell areas that face away from the support layer so as to separately discharge excess charge carriers generated by incident light in the absorber layer. The second contact system includes structures that surround and electrically insulate the contacts, which extend through the inner contact layer from the outer contact layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module comprising a solar cell element and an insulation material laminated to at least one side of the solar cell element wherein the insulation material comprises an olefin copolymer which comprises silane group-containing monomer units, to a process for the production of such a photovoltaic module, and to the use of an olefin copolymer which comprises silane group-containing monomer units for the production of an insulation layer of a photovoltaic module.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a solar cell module having a configuration in which at least one module support member (30) is bonded with an adhesive (40) to a back film (25) of a solar cell module main body (10), a corner portion (38, 39) formed by a bottom face (35) of the module support member (30) that faces the back film (25) and each side face (36, 37) of the module support member is formed in a cut-out shape such as an R-chamfered shape, a C-chamfered shape, and a stepped shape, and an area including a cut-out part of the corner portion (38, 39) and up to each side face (36, 37) is covered with the adhesive (40).

Abstract: A system and a conversion element for power conversion. The power conversion system includes a power conversion device which produces electric power upon illumination and includes a light conversion device which down-converts and up-converts a radiant source of energy into a specific energy spectrum for the illumination of the power conversion device. The conversion element includes a first plurality of particles which upon radiation from a first radiation source radiate at a higher energy than the first radiation source, and includes a second plurality of particles which upon radiation from the first radiation source radiate at a lower energy than the first radiation source. At least one of the first plurality of particles and the second plurality of particles can be at least partially metal coated.

Abstract: Textured superstrates for photovoltaic cells, for example, silicon tandem photovoltaic cells with light scattering properties which are sufficient for light trapping independent of wavelength are described herein. Features of a textured surface of a superstrate, via the method(s) used to make the textured superstrate, can be tailored to provide the desired light scattering/trapping properties. The method includes grinding and lapping or grinding, lapping, and etching of a glass superstrate.

Abstract: A solar cell element having improved power generation efficiency is provided. A solar cell element 100 has a substrate 110, a mask pattern 120, semiconductor nanorods 130, a first electrode 150 and a second electrode 160. The semiconductor nanorods 130 are disposed in triangular lattice form as viewed in plan on the substrate 110. The ratio p/d of the center-to-center distance p between each adjacent pair of the semiconductor nanorods 130 and the minimum diameter d of the semiconductor nanorods 130 is within the range from 1 to 7. Each semiconductor nanorod 130 has a central nanorod 131 formed of a semiconductor of a first conduction type, a first cover layer 132 formed of an intrinsic semiconductor and covering the central nanorod 131, and a second cover layer 138 formed of a semiconductor of a second conduction type and covering the first cover layer 132.

Abstract: Three-dimensional patterning methods of a three-dimensional microstructure, such as a semiconductor wire array, are described, in conjunction with etching and/or deposition steps to pattern the three-dimensional microstructure.

Abstract: A thin film silicon solar cell comprises a front transparent electrode, a p-type window layer, a buffer layer, an i-type absorber layer, an n-type layer and a metal rear electrode. The front transparent electrode is stacked on a transparent substrate. The p-type window layer is stacked on the front transparent electrode, and has a thickness in a range of 12 nm to 17 nm. The buffer layer is stacked on the p-type window layer, and has a carbon concentration in a range of 0.5 to 3.0 atomic % and a thickness in a range of 3 to 8 nm. The i-type absorber layer is stacked on the buffer layer. The n-type layer is stacked on the i-type absorber layer. The metal rear electrode is stacked on the n-type layer.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device fabrication method in which current leakage from an intermediate contact layer via an intermediate-contact-layer separating groove is prevented as much as possible. Included are a step of film-forming a top layer having amorphous silicon as a main component; a step of film-forming, on the top layer, an intermediate contact layer electrically and optically connected thereto; a step of separating the intermediate contact layer by removing the intermediate contact layer by irradiating it with a pulsed laser, forming an intermediate-contact-layer separating groove that reaches the top layer; and a step of film-forming, on the intermediate contact layer and inside the intermediate-contact-layer separating groove, a bottom layer electrically and optically connected thereto and having microcrystalline silicon as a main component. A pulsed laser having a pulse width of 10 ps to 750 ps, inclusive, is used as the pulsed laser for separating the intermediate contact layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for fabricating a photoelectric conversion device in which current is prevented as much as possible from leaking via an intermediate contact layer separating groove. The method includes: a process of forming a top layer mainly containing amorphous silicon; a process of forming on the top layer an intermediate contact layer electrically and optically connected to the top layer; a process of removing the intermediate contact layer through irradiation with a pulsed laser and forming an intermediate contact layer separating groove that reaches the top layer to separate the intermediate contact layer; and a process of forming, on the intermediate contact layer and in the intermediate contact layer separating groove, a bottom layer that mainly contains microcrystalline silicon and that is electrically and optically connected to the intermediate contact layer. The intermediate contact layer separating groove is terminated in an i-layer of the top layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hybrid solar cells and methods for fabricating the same. In one aspect, the method is characterized in transferring nanowires from one substrate to another substrate. In another aspect, the method is characterized in having an organic active layer that is not made of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and said organic active layer comprises nanowires embedded therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates a composition which is useful in printing by extruding a metalized fiber on a substrate. Zinc oxide is incorporated in combination with glass frit into a composition to etch the substrate and a binder polymer is used to allow extrusion of narrow fibers which also may have adequate height to provide sufficient electrical conduction. The present invention is also a process to extrude a pattern of the composition. The present invention is further directed to a solar cell formed from such composition and the process.

Abstract: The formation of solar cell contacts using a laser is described. A method of fabricating a back-contact solar cell includes forming a poly-crystalline material layer above a single-crystalline substrate. The method also includes forming a dielectric material stack above the poly-crystalline material layer. The method also includes forming, by laser ablation, a plurality of contacts holes in the dielectric material stack, each of the contact holes exposing a portion of the poly-crystalline material layer; and forming conductive contacts in the plurality of contact holes.

Abstract: An oxide evaporation material according to the present invention includes a sintered body containing indium oxide as a main component thereof and cerium with a Ce/In atomic ratio of 0.001 to 0.110. The L* value in the CIE 1976 color space is 62 to 95. The oxide evaporation material with the L* value of 62 to 95 has an optimal oxygen amount. Accordingly, even when a small amount of an oxygen gas is introduced into a film-formation vacuum chamber, a transparent conducting film having a low resistance and a high transmittance in the visible to near-infrared region is formed by vacuum deposition methods. Since the amount of the oxygen gas introduced is small, the difference in composition between the film and the evaporation material is made small. This reduces the variations in composition and characteristics among films formed in large quantities.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell electrode includes a substrate made of a polyimide film obtained by reaction of a biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride compound with a paraphenylenediamine compound.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises a substrate that includes a photoelectric conversion function, a first electrode provided on one surface of the substrate, a second electrode provided on other surface of the substrate, and a third electrode provided on the other surface of the substrate with its periphery overlapping the second electrode in the in-plane direction of the substrate for extracting an electric power from the second electrode. The thickness of the second electrode is larger than that of the third electrode, and the difference between the thickness of the second electrode and that of the third electrode is within a range from equal to or more than 10 micrometers to equal to or less than 30 micrometers. Thereby, in the solar cell, an electrode separation (alloy separation) can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a thin film solar cell that increase homogeneity in film characteristics. In a process of conveying a substrate from one roll to another roll, a power generation layer, which is a laminated body of a plurality of semiconductor layers, is formed in a plurality of film formation compartments partitioned along a conveying direction between the roll pair. A plurality of flat application electrodes are laid out in the conveying direction facing toward the substrate in each film formation compartment. Each flat application electrode includes a power supply terminal supplied with high frequency power in a VHF band. When the wavelength of the high frequency power is represented by ?, the distance between an edge of the flat application electrode and the power supply terminal is set to be shorter than ?/4 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device in which, by optimizing the structures for a substrate-side transparent electrode layer, an intermediate layer, and a back electrode layer, the extracted electrical current can be increased. The photovoltaic device includes at least a transparent electrode layer, a photovoltaic layer and a back electrode layer provided on a substrate, wherein the surface of the transparent electrode layer on which the photovoltaic layer is disposed includes a textured structure composed of ridges and a fine micro-texture provided on the surface of the ridges, the pitch of the textured structure is not less than 1.2 ?m and not more than 1.6 ?m, the height of the ridges is not less than 0.2 ?m and not more than 0.8 ?m, the pitch between peaks in the fine micro-texture is not less than 0.05 ?m and not more than 0.14 ?m, and the height of peaks is not less than 0.02 ?m and not more than 0.1 ?m.

Abstract: A solar cell and a backplane for a solar cell, where the backplane comprises a metal substrate having first and second opposing major surfaces, and an insulating layer on at least one major surface of the metal substrate. The insulating layer comprises a resin selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, epoxy resins, amino resins, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell is disclosed. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a plurality of spacers disposed between a photoelectrode and a counter electrode to maintain a uniform distance between the photoelectrode and the counter electrode. First ends of the plurality of spacers are melted and fixed to the counter electrode. The counter electrode includes a grid, a protective layer is formed on the grid, and the first ends of the plurality of spacers are fixed (or thermally fixed) to the protective layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate, an n+ region and a p+ region disposed on the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode electrically connected to the n+ region, and a second electrode electrically connected to the p+ region. A trench formed in the semiconductor substrate separates the n+ region from the p+ region.

Abstract: A solar cell includes; a semiconductor substrate, an n+ region disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of first electrodes connected to the n+ region, a p+ region disposed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate and separated from the n+ region, a second electrode connected to the p+ region, and a first dielectric layer which has a positive fixed charge and is disposed between adjacent first electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell that includes a semiconductor layer, to which a photosensitive dye generating electrons is adhered; a photo electrode disposed on a side of the semiconductor layer so as to transfer electrons; and an auxiliary electrode disposed on the other side of the semiconductor layer so as to transfer the electrons, and at least one semiconductor layer and at least one auxiliary electrode are stacked alternatively. Thus, an amount of molecules of the photosensitive dye may be increased without increasing the moving distance of electrons, and the efficiency of the solar cell may be increased.

Abstract: A rotary union includes a non-rotating machine component having a receiving counterbore, a media channel opening, and a control channel. A housing is positioned within the receiving counterbore and has a bore and a control chamber in fluid communication with the control channel. A non-rotating seal member is slidably and sealingly disposed within the bore in the housing and has a media channel in fluid communication with the media channel opening and the receiving counterbore. The non-rotating seal member can be selectively extended or retracted within the bore of the housing, such that selective engagement of a face seal is accomplished under different operating conditions of the rotary union.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for carrying out sequential binary reactions.

Abstract: This invention provides composite plastic articles and methods of making them. The articles can be fluidic or microfluidic devices having fluidic conduits and, optionally, pneumatic conduits that regulate flow in the fluidic conduits. The articles comprise a first substrate coated with a layer of a material that comprises, or onto which have been introduced, reactive groups. For example, the substrate can be a plastic coated with an oxide or a siloxane onto which hydroxyl groups have been introduced. These articles are covalently bonded with other articles comprising reactive groups on their surfaces, for example, polysiloxanes treated to have silanol groups. Certain articles have specified locations on their surfaces that are not bonded to the other piece. For example, the coating can be removed from these locations before bonding. Such locations can be useful as functional elements of various devices, such as valve seats in valves of microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A sub sea valve actuator system including a piston and cylinder assembly and a return spring arranged in an actuator housing, a hydraulic pump and electric motor assembly associated with the piston and cylinder assembly, and hydraulic flow lines for hydraulic medium driving the piston and cylinder in relative displacement against a force of the return spring. The valve actuator system includes a detector configured to detect an end-of-stroke position of the piston and cylinder assembly. The detector includes at least one of: a motor current monitoring circuit unit, a hydraulic medium pressure sensor unit, a position sensor unit, and a linear variable differential transformer unit. An electromechanical arresting mechanism is arranged to be energized for releasably arresting the return spring in a compressed state in result of the detected end-of-stroke position.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions, with the retainment regions that are separated by at least one dissolvable barrier. The retainment regions can be interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway. A retainment region can include a container such as a retainment region, well, chamber, or other receptacle, or a retainment region such as a surface on which the material is retained. The retainment regions can include a reaction retainment region, one or more reagent retainment regions, each containing unreacted reagents, and a sample retainment region. A pressure-actuated valve can be positioned in each fluid processing passageway interconnecting the one or more reagent retainment regions with the respective intermediate retainment regions interposed between each of the one or more reagent retainment regions and the reaction retainment region. The dissolvable barrier can be a fluid flow modulator in the at least one fluid processing passageway.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to handling solids in microfluidic systems are generally described. Many of the systems and methods described herein address the need to inhibit the formation of blockages in microfluidic channels.

Abstract: A fluid recovery device includes a receiving vessel for receiving a recovered fluid, a pump, a fluid container, and a conduit communicating the receiving vessel, the pump, and the fluid container successively, and the pump is turned on or off at a predetermined time interval. A method for recovering fluid uses the fluid recovery device.

Abstract: An on-board refueling vapor recovery system includes a shutoff mechanism that closes a first vapor path between the fuel tank and the filler cup when liquid fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined level and a vent line closure that closes a second vapor path between the canister and the filler cup, wherein closure of the first vapor path and the second vapor path reduces pressure in the filler cup to induce shutoff of a fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A drain water bacteriostatic structure for an air conditioner is provided with a drain pan 8 for holding drain water generated in an air conditioner 1 and an upright antibacterial member 50 which is provided in the drain pan 8. The antibacterial member 50 is provided with an antibacterial agent 50B. The length L3 of the antibacterial member 50 in the up-down direction is set such that the lower end portion 50a of the antibacterial member 50 is immersed in drain water when the drain water is at the minimum water level L1 in the drain pan 8, and the upper end portion 50b of the antibacterial member 50 is exposed above the maximum water level L2 of drain water in the drain pan 8 by a predetermined length H or more.

Abstract: Provided are a valve unit and a reaction apparatus having the valve unit. The valve unit includes a phase transition material, which melts and expands upon an application of the electromagnetic waves to the valve filler, and the valve filler is directed into the channel through the connection passage and closes the channel. The valve unit also includes heat generation particles, which are dispersed in the phase transition material and generate heat upon an application of electromagnetic wave energy.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve housing defining a chamber, a thermostatic valve cartridge received within the chamber, a hot water flow control valve and a cold water flow control valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve device having a valve housing (10) in which an activating piston (16) is guided in a movable manner, which activating piston (16), being actuable by an actuating device (18), activates a pilot valve (20) by means of which a fluid port (T) in the valve housing (10) can be connected to a fluid chamber (22) of a shut-off piston (24), which shut-off piston (24) activates at least one fluid-conducting connecting line (1, 2) of the valve device and has a fluid-conducting control line (26) which opens out from the connecting line (1, 2) into the fluid chamber (22) of the shut-off piston (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion valve for regulating the mass flow rate by generating a pressure difference on the expansion valve of a refrigeration or heating cycle. Said expansion valve comprises a base (31) having a through-hole (32) that is surrounded by a valve seat (33), and a valve element (34) which closes the through-hole (32) and rests within the valve seat (33) in a closed position and can be moved relative to the valve seat (33) in the opening direction on the base (31). The base (31) is designed to be inserted into a bore section (29) of an attachment point (26, 27) of a connection (21) of an internal heat exchanger (14) or into a connection (21) of a pipe in the refrigeration or heating cycle. The outer circumference (46) of the base (31) has a fastening section (47) that is releasably fastened to the attachment point (26, 27) of the connection (21) by means of a complementary fastening section (48).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing and providing a vacuum for a vacuum consumer, having a vacuum source, having a suction valve, having a non-return valve arranged between the vacuum consumer and the suction valve, and having a ventilation valve, the control inlet of which ventilation valve is connected to the suction port of the vacuum source, the output of which ventilation valve opens out between the control valve and the non-return valve, and the input of which ventilation valve is open to the environment.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a liquid storage tank, the storage tank having a wall, the assembly comprising: a pressure relief conduit; a gas inlet valve device having a gas inlet aperture through which gas may pass into the tank; and a gas outlet valve device having a gas outlet aperture through which gas may pass out from the tank, the inlet valve device and outlet valve device being arranged to control a flow of gas into and out from the storage tank, respectively, whereby a pressure of gas in the tank may be maintained between an upper pressure value being a value in excess of a reference pressure value by a prescribed amount and a lower pressure value being a value below the reference pressure value by a prescribed amount, the gas inlet and outlet apertures being provided in gaseous communication with the pressure relief conduit, the pressure relief of conduit being arranged such that gas flowing into or out from the storage tank by means of an operation of the value assembly is caused to pass through the condui

Abstract: A suction check valve of an air-con compressor of a vehicle, may include a valve housing fixed in an intake port of the air-con compressor and having at least a housing hole, a valve core elastically supported upwards by an elastic member in the valve housing to reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the valve housing and having at least a core groove formed along outer circumference thereof, and a valve cap connected to an upper end of the valve housing to prevent the valve core from separating from the valve housing and having a cap hole connected the intake port with the valve housing.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided. Embodiments of the filter assembly allow for the continuous filtering of the frying oil, while the fryer is on-line. The filter assembly may include a dirty chamber, a clean chamber, a pump configured to suck the frying oil through the chambers, and a toggle clamp configured to move the filter assembly between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. In the closed configuration, the filter assembly is configured to seal a filter media portion between the two chambers. The pump is configured to suck oil into the dirty chamber and through the filter media and into the clean chamber in order to filter dirt from the oil. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to allow the removal of now dirty filter media portion from between the chambers and the insertion of a new clean filter media portion.

Abstract: A sanitary component, namely a stream regulator or stream former for flowing fluid media, including of property-defining constructional elements which are arranged in a sandwich-like manner in the direction of flow and have at least one wire-mesh screen attachment, a diffuser plate system and a shell body with stream-forming segments extending over the cross-sectional area thereof and provided with openings. The property-defining constructional elements are exchangeable and combinable. A locking means is arranged on the inner circumference of the shell body, and a corresponding counter-locking means is arranged on the outer circumference of the diffuser plate system. The diffuser plate system is provided with an optical coding specifying the flow rate class and the shell body with an optical coding defining the flow type.

Abstract: A washer pump apparatus having a washer fluid heating function, may include a housing having an inlet provided at a first end thereof to permit a washer fluid to flow thereinto, and an outlet provided at a second end thereof to permit the washer fluid to flow out therefrom, a heater unit disposed in the housing on a course extending from the inlet substantially to the outlet to heat the washer fluid passing through the heater unit, and having a hollow portion therein, a path member inserted into the hollow portion, and having on an inner circumference thereof a passage through which the washer fluid passes, an impeller unit provided in the housing and supplying the washer fluid from the inlet to the outlet, a check valve provided at a portion of the outlet, and being open when a discharge pressure of the washer fluid is a preset value or more, and a control unit selectively operating the impeller unit and the heater unit.

Abstract: The present invention takes the form of an apparatus or system that provides an alternate source of the pneumatic fluid to a system inside containment of a nuclear powerplant. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a nearly radiation-proof and nearly leak-proof, pneumatic fluid supply for some systems of the nuclear powerplant. These systems may include, but is not limited to, actuators, valves, and the like. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a device that may propel an object with a sufficient force to puncture a seal of a pressure vessel. The released pneumatic fluid may be ported to an actuator, valve, or the like, for immediate operation of a system of the nuclear powerplant. Alternately, in an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic fluid may be used to resupply a depleted accumulator, or the like.

Abstract: In one example hydraulic ballast of the invention there is provided an input port and an output port through which a prespecified output flow rate is required. There is provided between the input and output ports a ballasting array of columns having a cross-sectional column extent, W, a column pitch, P, and an array length, L, selected based on the required output flow rate, to produce a prespecified pressure drop that enforces the required output flow rate.

Abstract: In a fluid device composed of vertical and horizontal fluid lines, for a purpose of improving a compact size and of assuring ease of assembly, a plurality of vertical fluid lines are arranged in parallel to each other, and in the fluid device where, between the adjoining vertical fluid lines, a plurality of horizontal fluid lines for connecting them are arranged in parallel, one of the horizontal fluid lines connects pipes by using a flange joint to be fastened with a coupling ring, and the other one connects pipes by using joint pipes.

Abstract: A valve device for adjusting the flow volumes of a cooling medium and a heating medium for adjusting the temperature of an electronic device includes: flow paths through which a cooling medium and heating medium are able to flow; and a merging section into which these flow path merge. The merging section has a valve shaft internally and a first channel is formed in the valve shaft. The valve shaft makes the first channel face at least two of the flow paths so as to make at least two flow paths communicate with each other.

Abstract: A faucet device includes a spout hub engaged in a housing and having an upper aperture and a lower bore separated from each other with a partition, and having an outlet port and an inlet port communicative with the bore and the aperture of the spout hub respectively for allowing the water to flow from the bore through the outlet port and the inlet port and into the aperture of the spout hub, a valve element rotatably attached to the housing for selectively blocking the inlet port and the outlet port of the spout hub and having a space for selectively communicating the inlet port and the outlet port of the spout hub with each other, and a faucet spout engaged into the housing and the spout hub for receiving the water from the spout hub.

Abstract: A pipe end-sealing tool includes a body. A seal is mounted on the body and is adapted to apply a sealing pressure to an inner wall of a pipe end to be sealed. A lock is also mounted on the body and is adapted to engage an outer wall of the pipe end. Thus, a load applied to the pipe wall by the lock opposes the sealing pressure.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a pipe to a supporting structure and including a base having a foot for attachment to a supporting structure and a head having a seating for accommodating a pipe and two walls for defining the seating, an entrance for the pipe extending between the two walls, and an U-formed strap for clamping a pipe placed in the seating to the base. The strap has two legs for engaging opposite contact faces formed in the base and a curved bottom for surrounding the pipe together with the walls of the head. The radius of curvature of the inner side of curved bottom of the U-formed strap is larger than that of the seating. The clamp enables a secured pipe to noiselessly expand or contract depending upon the temperature and is mainly corrosion free due to the clearance that is formed between the strap and the clamped pipe.