Solar Energy Type Patents (Class 136/206)
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Publication number: 20150114442Abstract: A photoelectric cell includes at least one photoelectric conversion module. The at least one photoelectric conversion module includes a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element. The first photoelectric conversion element includes a first absorbing part and a first non-absorbing part. An angle between the first absorbing part and the first non-absorbing part is less than 90 degrees. The second photoelectric conversion element includes a second non-absorbing part and a second absorbing part electrically connected with the second absorbing part. An angle between the second absorbing part and the second non-absorbing part is less than 90 degrees. The first absorbing part is electrically connected with the second absorbing part.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: CHUN-HUA HU, CHANG-HONG LIU, SHOU-SHAN FAN
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Patent number: 9006556Abstract: Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Genthem IncorporatedInventors: Lon E. Bell, Douglas Todd Crane
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Patent number: 9000541Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes circuit portions disposed on a substrate, a first electrode electrically connected to one of the circuit portions, an optically transparent second electrode opposing the first electrode, and a photoelectric conversion portion disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The photoelectric conversion portion has a multilayer structure including a light absorption layer made of a p-type compound semiconductor film having a chalcopyrite structure, an amorphous oxide semiconductor layer, and a window layer made of an n-type semiconductor film.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yasunori Hattori, Tomotaka Matsumoto, Tsukasa Eguchi
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Patent number: 8987581Abstract: A photoelectric cell includes at least one photoelectric conversion module. The photoelectric module includes a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element. The first photoelectric conversion element is made of a first thermoelectric material having positive thermoelectric coefficient and comprises a first absorbing part and a first non-absorbing part. The second photoelectric conversion element is made of a second thermoelectric material having negative thermoelectric coefficient and comprises a second absorbing part and a second non-absorbing part. The first absorbing part is electrically connected with the second absorbing part.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Hua Hu, Chang-Hong Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
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Patent number: 8975503Abstract: An apparatus comprising a structure and an energy harvesting device. The structure is configured to have a first portion and a second. The energy harvesting device is formed as part of the structure. The energy harvesting device is configured to generate an electrical current when a difference in temperature occurs between the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bradley James Mitchell, Ty A. Larsen, Trevor Milton Laib, Kevin Scott Callahan, Henry VanRensselaer Fletcher, III
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Patent number: 8975505Abstract: The invention, the Concentrated Solar Thermoelectric Power System, herein abbreviated as C-STEPS, is a thermo-optical system configuration for the purpose of achieving a high solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency based on thermoelectric (TE) devices that use the Seebeck effect. It does so by implementing a system for concentrated solar energy using a design that combines a dual-function reflector/radiator component with an active or passive heat convection mechanism to ensure that TE module operation is maintained in a safe elevated temperature range with respect to the ambient temperature. Unsafe module temperatures are avoided by automatically adjusting the TE module hot side temperature directly or indirectly by regulating the TE cold side temperature using a variety of passive or active mechanisms, including the reflector/radiator component, phase change material, or convection/conduction mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Daniel Ray Ladner
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Publication number: 20150059819Abstract: In a solar power generation device concentrating solar light to solar cells by a reflecting mirror and converting solar energy into electric energy, a cooling pipe is arranged above the reflecting mirror, a thermoelectric conversion element is mounted on at least one side surface of the cooling pipe and a solar cell is mounted on an upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: TSUYOSHI NOMURA, MASANORI MINAMIO, KOUJI ARAI, KENICHIRO MASE
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Patent number: 8969703Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Tempronics, Inc.Inventors: Tarek Makansi, Steve Wood, John L. Franklin, Mark N. Evers
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Patent number: 8960180Abstract: A solar cell cleaning device of an energy storage system, and a method of cleaning solar cells. Solar cells are positioned outside of a protective case only when sunlight is present. The surface of the solar cells is automatically cleaned when the solar cells are positioned outside of a protective case, or when the solar cells are stored in the protective case. The solar cell cleaning device includes a protective case, a rotatable drum coupled to the protective case, and a brush installed on the protective case and closely contacting the drum. A plurality of solar cells are installed on a surface of the drum, and are cleaned by the brush when the drum is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sungchun Cho, Suyong Chae, Jongki Choi
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Publication number: 20150040960Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial turf, comprising: a carrier, and a number of artificial grass fibres connected to the carrier and extending therefrom; ?wherein ?the artificial turf comprises heat-conducting means for conducting heat absorbed by the artificial turf. The invention also relates to a system for generating electrical energy from heat comprising such an artificial turf, and to a building comprising such a system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Marco Wilhelm Pleijsier, Martijn Veldhuijsen
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Patent number: 8921683Abstract: A solar powered generator (100) has thermoelectric elements adjacent to and below solar cells. Concentrated sunlight is provided. A heat sink (104), which can be variable in temperature or efficiency, is in contact with the cold junction (108) of the thermoelectric device (103). The thermal resistivity is designed in relation to the energy flux, whereby the thermoelectric device (103) develops a gradient of several hundred Kelvin. Preferably the solar cell comprises a high band gap energy semi-conductor. The generator (100) maintains relatively consistent efficiency over a range of cold junction (108) temperatures. The heat sink (104) can be a hot water system. High efficiencies are achieved using nanocomposite thermoelectric materials. Evenly but thinly dispersing the thermoelectric segments in a matrix of highly insulating material reduces the amount of material required for the segments without sacrificing performance.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Haoran Hu
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Publication number: 20140366925Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric element, comprising an electrically conductive carrier layer, an active element, an electrically conductive top layer wherein the carrier layer and the top layer form the outgoing electrode, wherein, in addition, the active element has a p-n junction from an n-type semiconductor to a p-type semiconductor, and wherein the active element is arranged between the carrier layer and the top layer and is electrically conductively connected thereto, and wherein the n-type semiconductor is formed from the group of cyanoferrates. The invention also relates to an energy conversion element comprising a photovoltaic element and a thermoelectric element, wherein the photovoltaic element has an entry side for optical energy and a base surface opposite said entry side, wherein the thermoelectric element is arranged with its carrier layer in thermal contact on the base surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Eduard Buzetzki, Karl Kirchheimer, Karl Schiller, Franz Padinger
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Patent number: 8912424Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes bonding a substrate to a germanium-containing semiconductor layer with a stressor layer, wherein the stressor layer cleaves the germanium-containing semiconductor layer. At least one semiconductor layer is formed on a cleaved surface of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer that is opposite the conductivity type of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer to provide a first solar cell. The first solar cell absorbs a first range of wavelengths. At least one second solar cell may be formed on the first solar cell, wherein the at least one second solar cell is composed of at least one semiconductor material to absorb a second range of wavelengths that is different than the first range wavelengths absorbed by the first solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Stephen W. Bedell, Keith E. Fogel, Bahman Hekmatshoar-Tabari, Devendra K. Sadana, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
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Publication number: 20140290712Abstract: Solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) are solid state heat engines that generate electricity from concentrated sunlight. A novel detailed balance model for STEGs is provided and applied to both state-of-the-art and idealized materials. STEGs can produce electricity by using sunlight to heat one side of a thermoelectric generator. While concentrated sunlight can be used to achieve extremely high temperatures (and thus improved generator efficiency), the solar absorber also emits a significant amount of black body radiation. This emitted light is the dominant loss mechanism in these generators. In this invention, we propose a solution to this problem that eliminates virtually all of the emitted black body radiation. This enables solar thermoelectric generators to operate at higher efficiency and achieve said efficient with lower levels of optical concentration. The solution is suitable for both single and dual axis solar thermoelectric generators.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Colorado School of MinesInventors: Eric S. Toberer, Lauryn L. Baranowski, Emily L. Warren
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Patent number: 8818924Abstract: Embodiments may include systems and methods to create and edit a representation of a worksite, to create various data objects, to classify such objects as various types of pre-defined “features” with attendant properties and layout constraints. As part of or in addition to classification, an embodiment may include systems and methods to create, associate, and edit intrinsic and extrinsic properties to these objects. A design engine may apply of design rules to the features described above to generate one or more solar collectors installation design alternatives, including generation of on-screen and/or paper representations of the physical layout or arrangement of the one or more design alternatives.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Sunpower CorporationInventors: Gary Wayne, Alexander Frumkin, Michael Zaydman, Scott Lehman, Jules Brenner
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Patent number: 8807364Abstract: There is provided a receptacle for a modular telematic unit. An exemplary receptacle comprises a body, at least one housing, and at least one solar panel. The body comprises at least two rails positioned opposite from each other. The housing is configured to be detachably slid into the rails. The solar panel is configured to be detachably slid into the rails. An outer surface of the solar panel, when slid into the rails, is slanted at an angle ? relative to at least one outer surface of the body. The outer surface of the body is positioned opposite the solar panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Frank Josefiak, Hassan Aftabruyan, Stefan Heimerl, Julian Baugatz, Andreas Wiechmann
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Publication number: 20140224295Abstract: Solar energy collection and storage systems and processes of using such systems. Non-direct solar energy collection and storage systems can generate electricity from solar radiation using a solar thermoelectric generator and at the same time capture solar thermal energy in a working fluid. The working fluid can then transfer the heat to a thermal storage medium where the heat can be retrieved on demand to generate electricity and heat a fluid. Direct solar energy collection and storage systems can store solar thermal energy in a thermal storage medium directly from solar radiation and the heat from the thermal storage medium can be used on demand to generate electricity and heat a fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Kazuaki Yazawa, Zhixi Bian, Ali Shakouri
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Patent number: 8766083Abstract: A thermoelectric element includes at least one thermopair and a pn-junction. The thermopair has a first material with a positive Seebeck coefficient and a second material with a negative Seebeck coefficient. The first material is selectively contacted by way of a conductor with the p-side of the pn-junction, and the second material is selectively contacted by way of a conductor with the n-side of the pn-junction.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Gerhard Span
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Publication number: 20140174494Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a compound represented by Formula 1: MxBiy?aAaSez?bQb ??Formula 1 wherein, 1<x<2, 4<y?a<5, 7<z?b<9, 0?a<5, and 0?b<9; M is at least one transition metal element; A is at least one element of Groups 13 to 15; and Q is at least one element of Groups 16 to 17.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-young CHO, Sang-il KIM, Sung-woo HWANG, Jong-wook ROH, Kyu-hyoung LEE
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Publication number: 20140158177Abstract: A machine, manufacture, article, process, and product produced thereby, as well as necessary intermediates, which in some cases, pertains to power sources, units thereof, etc. Illustratively, the machine can include a convertor, such as a photovoltaic cell, located to produce current that is not essentially steady direct current by repeatedly shadowing the photovoltaic convertor from exposure to radiation such that at least some of the radiation shadowed from the photovoltaic convertor either produces electricity or is reflected to an emitter which subsequently reemits radiation to the photovoltaic convertor or to another photovoltaic convertor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Joseph M. Zlotnicki, Thomas J. Phillips
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Patent number: 8746236Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Trevor Powell
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Patent number: 8742246Abstract: The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module, which can implement a high power generation capacity and high reliability of electric connection between thermoelectric conversion elements and meet various diameters and lengths of a tube as a heat source. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a straight-chain module unit. In the module unit, plural P-type elements and plural N-type elements, which are alternately arrayed, are electrically connected in series by a braided wire A and a braided wire B. The braided wire A connects one end surface of the P-type element and one end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B connects the other end surface of the P-type element and the other end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B is shorter than the braided wire A. The thermoelectric conversion module including only the module unit is spirally wound around a tube as a heat source.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kaori Toyoda, Takaaki Higashida, Takashi Kubo
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Patent number: 8730179Abstract: Integrated touch sensor and solar panel stack-up configurations that may be used on portable devices, particularly handheld portable devices such as a media player or phone are disclosed. The solar cell stack-up configurations may include one or more touch sensor layers and one or more solar cell layers. By integrating both the touch sensors and the solar cell layers into the same stack-up, surface area on the portable device may be conserved. The solar panel may be mounted face down or otherwise obstructed by a touch sensor or other component. In this configuration, the device may include light channels that allow light into the device and direct the light around the component and to the solar panel. A parabolic reflector may be used to direct the light.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael Nathaniel Rosenblatt, Benjamin Lyon, John Benjamin Filson, Steve Porter Hotelling, Gordon Cameron, Cameron Frazier
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Patent number: 8710354Abstract: A solar cell may include a light sensitive molecule such as a hyperpolarizable molecule. In one example, a solar cell may include a layer of hyperpolarizable molecules disposed between a p-type electrode and an n-type electrode. In some cases, at least some of the hyperpolarizable molecules may include an electron donating group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the n-type electrode as well as an electron accepting group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the p-type electrode. In some instances, at least some of the hyperpolarizable molecules may include an electron donating group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the p-type electrode as well as an electron accepting group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the n-type electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Mihai N. Mihaila, Bogdan Catalin Serban, Viorel Georgel Dumitru, Mircea Bercu, Cazimir Bostan, Stephan Dan Costea
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Publication number: 20140060604Abstract: Solar power conversion system. The system includes a cavity formed within an enclosure having highly specularly reflecting in the IR spectrum inside walls, the enclosure having an opening to receive solar radiation. An absorber is positioned within the cavity for receiving the solar radiation resulting in heating of the absorber structure. In a preferred embodiment, the system further contains an energy conversion and storage devices thermally-linked to the absorber by heat conduction, convection, far-field or near-field thermal radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Svetlana Boriskina, Daniel Kraemer, Kenneth McEnaney, Lee A. Weinstein, Gang Chen
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Publication number: 20140041705Abstract: Some implementations provide a device (e.g., solar panel) that includes an active layer and a solar absorbance layer. The active layer includes a first N-type layer and a first P-type layer. The solar absorbance layer is coupled to a first surface of the active layer. The solar absorbance layer includes a polymer composite. In some implementations, the polymer composite includes one of at least metal salts and/or carbon nanotubes. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the photovoltaic effect. In some implementations, the active layer further includes a second N-type layer and a second P-type layer. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the thermoelectric effect. In some implementations, the device further includes a cooling layer coupled to a second surface of the active layer. In some implementations, the cooling layer includes one of at least zinc oxides, indium oxides, and/or carbon nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace, Space AdministrationInventors: Jin Ho Kang, Chase Taylor, Cheol Park, Godfrey Sauti, Luke Gibbons, Iseley Marshall, Sharon E. Lowther, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Robert G. Bryant
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Publication number: 20140041704Abstract: An apparatus comprising a high-temperature photovoltaic transducer that is disposed between a source of light and another modality of solar energy conversion such that both the high-temperature photovoltaic transducer and the another modality of solar energy conversion generate electricity using a same source of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventor: Dieter M. Gruen
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Patent number: 8648357Abstract: A radiation-emitting device includes a first active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes, and a second active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes. The first active semiconductor layer and the second active semiconductor layer are arranged in a manner stacked one above another.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductor GmbHInventor: Siegfried Herrmann
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Publication number: 20140034103Abstract: The pending disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for generating power using a thermoelectric device. Such systems, methods, and devices may include one or more heat pipes containing a fluid. Moreover, each of the heat pipes may be coupled to the top surface of one or more thermoelectric modules. Also, a heat sink may be coupled to the top end of the one or more heat pipes. Further, a charging circuit may be coupled to the one or more thermoelectric modules. Moreover, the bottom surface of the one or more thermoelectric modules may be heated from an external heat source to a temperature higher than the temperature of the top surface of the one or more thermoelectric modules thereby generating voltage to be provided to the electric charging circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: STAMP TEG LLCInventors: Benjamin Michael Kellie, Adam Lucas Millat, Yuri Jacques Kubo
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Patent number: 8642880Abstract: An interchangeable and fully adjustable solar thermal-photovoltaic concentrator system is provided, comprising: one or more heat collecting elements; one or more primary reflectors having one or more openings; one or more sunray directing optical mechanisms at the sun-collecting side of primary reflectors and between the heat collecting elements and openings in the primary reflectors; one or more PV cell modules disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors; and one or more sunray distributing optical mechanisms disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors. Wherein after sunrays irradiate to the primary reflectors, a proportion of sunrays ranging from 0% to 100% are reflected to one or more heat collecting elements and the remaining sunrays are directed by the sunray directing optical mechanisms, through openings in the primary reflectors, and distributed by the sunray distributing optical mechanisms to one or more PV cell modules.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventors: Chia-Chin Cheng, John W. Holmes
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Patent number: 8633371Abstract: A device and method for generating electricity. The device includes a heat source, a cold source, and a thermoelectric generating plate, having a first side and an opposed side. When heat is introduced to the heat source, heat flows across the thermoelectric generating plate and electricity is generated. In the present arrangement, because the hot and cold sources are in thermal communication with opposed sides of the thermoelectric generating plate, the thermal gradient or rate of heat flow across the thermoelectric generating plate is maximized. Thus, because the rate of heat flow is increased, the rate at which electricity is generated is also increased, and the size of the device is maintained, or minimized.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Edward D. McCullough, James P. Huang
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Patent number: 8631565Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar concentrator cell module assembly within an integrated circuit process, which solar concentrator cell module assembly includes at least one solar device and which solar device includes one printed circuit board and one Fresnel lens. A printed circuit board is assembled according to a pre-defined circuit board base design layout that allows pick and place of a single solar concentrator cell chip onto a circuit board base. Connections are provided for the solar concentrator cell chip in a serialized or a parallelized arrangement on the circuit board base, and a plurality of openings are formed in the circuit board base below a backside of the solar concentrator chip to enable attachment of cooling fingers.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Christian Becker, Hans-Juergen Eickelmann, Michael Haag, Rainer Klaus Krause, Thorsten Muehge, Markus Schmidt
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Patent number: 8629345Abstract: A solar receiver including a housing defining an internal volume divided into at least a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber, the housing further defining a first opening into the first chamber, a second opening into the first chamber and a third opening into the second chamber, a generally transparent cover connected to the housing to generally seal the first opening, and a thermal energy storage material received in the first chamber, the thermal energy storage material including a thermally conductive material defining an internal chamber and a salt received in the internal chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Mark D. Bennett
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Patent number: 8624100Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to generate electric power from heat. An exemplary direct thermal electric converter embodiment includes at least a first recombination material having a first recombination rate, a second recombination material adjacent to the first recombination material and having a second recombination rate, wherein the second recombination rate is different from the first recombination rate, and a third recombination material adjacent to the second recombination material and having a third recombination rate substantially the same as the first recombination rate. Application of heat generates at least first charge carriers that migrate between the first recombination material and the second recombination material, and generates at least second charge carriers that migrate between the third recombination material and the second recombination material. The migration of the first charge carriers and the migration of the second charge carriers generates an electrical current.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: Peter Milon Orem
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Patent number: 8618406Abstract: Power is generated using a thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit has at least one thermoelectric module disposed between a first heat sink arranged inside the thermoelectric power generation unit and a second heat sink arranged outside the thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit is inserted into a ducting network carrying relatively hot air during some periods of time and relatively cold air during other periods of time so that the relatively hot and cold air flows through the thermoelectric power generation unit during the different periods of time. The thermoelectric power generation unit generates power when the ducting network carries either the relatively hot or cold air. Energy is stored at least partially based on the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: B & B Innovators, LLCInventors: Mark Ronald Bilak, Ronald Edward Bilak
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Patent number: 8614767Abstract: An image capture device includes an image sensor for capturing image data of a scene, and a display screen for displaying a preview of the captured image of the scene. Additionally, the image capture device includes a photovoltaic solar cell for outputting electrical energy responsive to environmental lighting conditions. A control section determines whether the image capture device is or is not currently being used in a bright environment. Responsive to a determination that the image capture device is currently being used in a bright environment, the control section increases brightness of the display screen, and switches electrical energy outputted from the photovoltaic cell for use by the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Francisco Imai
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Patent number: 8609976Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells. M first bus bar electrodes are disposed on a first surface of each of the solar cells. N second bus bar electrodes are disposed on a second surface of each of the solar cells. M is a natural number that is equal to or larger than 1, and N is a natural number that is larger than M.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: AU Optronics CorporationInventors: Chun-Han Tai, Yi-Chia Chen, Chia-Hsun Tsai
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Patent number: 8604330Abstract: In various embodiments, an array of discrete solar cells with associated devices such as bypass diodes is formed over a single substrate. In one instance, a method of forming a solar-cell array with integrated bypass diodes comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate, a first cell comprising a SiGe p-n junction or SiGe p-i-n junction, one or more second cells each comprising a III-V semiconductor p-n junction or III-V semiconductor p-i-n junction; forming a bypass diode that is discrete and laterally separate from its associated solar cell and comprises an unremoved portion of the first cell, the formation comprising removing an unremoved portion of the one or more second cells thereover.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: 4Power, LLCInventors: John J. Hennessy, Andrew C. Malonis, Arthur J. Pitera, Eugene A. Fitzgerald, Steven A. Ringel
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Publication number: 20130319493Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of providing a coating to a surface of an optical element of a solar energy conversion system. The method comprises contacting the surface of the optical element with an aqueous coating composition comprising water and silica nanoparticles dispersed in the water and drying the coating composition to form a nanoparticle coating. The coating composition comprises an aqueous dispersion with a pH of less than 5 and an acid having a pKa of <3.5.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Katherine A. Brown, Naiyong Jing, Timothy J. Hebrink, Daniel T. Chen
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Patent number: 8598445Abstract: A means of providing solar powered electricity for day and nighttime use supported in part by power from the grid to allow a small generator to electrify the home or business with a small generator operating with much larger capacity. Excess solar energy is provided to the power company as needed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventors: Jon Murray Schroeder, Gerald Philip Hirsch
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Publication number: 20130312801Abstract: In one aspect, photovoltaic apparatus comprising electrical and thermal production capabilities are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus described herein comprises a conduit core comprising at least one radiation transmissive surface, a fluid disposed in the conduit core and a photoactive assembly at least partially surrounding the conduit core, the photoactive assembly comprising a radiation transmissive first electrode, at least one photosensitive layer electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second electrode electrically connected to the photosensitive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITYInventor: David L. Carroll
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Publication number: 20130310908Abstract: Provided herein are silk fibroin-based photothermal elements and uses thereof. The silk fibroin-based photothermal elements comprise a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticle distributed in a silk fibroin matrix, and can generate heat when the plasmonic nanoparticles are exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The silk fibroin-based photothermal elements can be adapted to be conformable and biodegradable, and can further be integrated with various electronic components, such as a thermo-electric device for conversion of heat into electricity. The invention is useful for various in vivo applications, such as photothermal therapy, controlled drug-delivery devices or wireless powering of implanted micro-devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: TUFTS UNIVERSITYInventors: Fiorenzo Omenetto, David L. Kaplan, Hu Tao
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Publication number: 20130306125Abstract: A Seebeck solar cell device is disclosed, combining both photovoltaic and thermoelectric techniques. The device may be formed using, for example, a conventional photovoltaic cell formed from a doped silicon wafer. The material used to form conductors to the front and rear regions of the cell are chosen for their thermoelectric characteristics, including the sign, or polarity, of their Seebeck coefficients. The distal portion of each conductor is insulated from the solar and waste heat and, in some embodiments, is also coupled to a cooling mechanism. Multiple such devices can be connected in series or parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventor: Joseph A. Micallef
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Patent number: 8581088Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation apparatus includes a thermoelectric device having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a first thermal energy storage unit operatively coupled to the first surface of the thermoelectric device setting the first surface at a first temperature. The thermoelectric power generation apparatus also includes a second thermal energy storage unit having a second temperature, the second thermal energy unit for setting the second surface of the thermoelectric device at an operative temperature in response to a temperature difference between the first temperature of the first surface and the second temperature of the second thermal energy storage unit. The thermoelectric device generates power in response to a temperature differential between the first temperature of the first surface and the operative temperature of the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventor: Jeffery J. Bohl
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Publication number: 20130291919Abstract: A solar power source is a multi-layer structure consisting of photovoltaic and quantum well thermoelectric modules in electrical contact with, but thermally insulating from, each other. The structure generates power when focused solar energy is directed at the photovoltaic module which generates power, heats up, and subsequently generates a thermal gradient in the thermoelectric module which generates additional power. The thermoelectric module may generate additional electrical energy using the Seebeck effect, or may cool the photovoltaic module using the Peltier effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.Inventor: Cheng-Yi Lu
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Patent number: 8575468Abstract: A solar AMTEC power system including a support structure, an electric generator segment connected to the support structure, the electric generator segment including a receiver and at least two wings extending at a non-zero angle relative to the receiver, wherein each wing defines an enclosed volume divided into a hot chamber and a cold chamber and includes at least one AMTEC cell extending between the hot chamber and the cold chamber, and wherein the receiver is at least partially transparent to solar energy and defines a heated chamber and a fluid return chamber, the fluid return chamber being in fluid communication with the heated chamber and the cold chambers of the wings, and the heated chamber being in fluid communication with the hot chambers of the wings, and an optical element positioned relative to the electric generator segment to direct solar energy to the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Mark D. Bennett
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Patent number: 8575467Abstract: A generator of electric energy based on a thermoelectric effect includes a layer of thermoelectric material set between two pipes that guide two flows of fluid at temperatures different from one another. Each of the pipes has its wall in heat-conduction contact with respective side of the layer of thermoelectric material. Each pipe has a cavity of passage for the respective flow of fluid occupied by a porous material or divided by diaphragms into a plurality of sub-channels so as to obtain a large heat-exchange surface between each flow of fluid and the wall of the respective pipe and between said wall and the respective side of the layer of thermoelectric material.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: C.R.F. Socìetà Consortile per AzioniInventors: Mauro Brignone, Alessandro Ziggiotti, Piermario Repetto, Vito Guido Lambertini, Piero Perlo
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Patent number: 8569609Abstract: To utilize solar energy without loosing the laminating function. For this purpose, there is provided an electric generation system for generating an electric power utilizing solar energy falling on a transparent plate 7 dividing a predetermined interior space 8 from an exterior space, characterized in that the transparent plate 7 is provided with a thin plate-like or film-like thermal generation module 11, which is transmissive to at least a portion of visible rays in the solar energy, and which generates an electromotive force by a temperature difference between a temperature in the interior space and a temperature in the exterior space. Consequently, electric power can be generated utilizing heat resulting from blocking the light entering into the interior space 8.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Tsubone
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Publication number: 20130278201Abstract: A multiple layer composition and method for deposition of a solar energy harvesting strip onto a driving surface that will allow electric cars to charge by an inductive coupling is provided. The multiple layer composition includes at least one magnetic material for generating a magnetic field, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the magnetic material. Further, the a multiple layer composition includes at least one solar energy harvesting material for converting at least one of thermal and photonic energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the at least one solar energy harvesting material and wherein the at least one solar energy harvesting material is located within a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic material. One of the layers may also include a thermal energy harvesting material for converting thermal energy into electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Kahrl L Retti
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Publication number: 20130228210Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a light concentrator apparatus including a reflector with an open substantially hemispherical reflecting surface characterized by a radius R, and an aperture for admitting light onto the hemispherical reflecting surface. The light concentrator apparatus further includes a movable elongated light collector having a first end located proximal to the reflecting surface; and extending along a longitudinal axis in a direction substantially normal to the reflecting surface to a second end. The light concentrator further includes a tracker configured to move the first end of the collector to points proximal to the reflecting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Roland Winston, Weiya Zhang