Abstract: A programmable microcontroller and a non-volatile memory are coupled to monitor and store operating parameters associated with operation of a power control system for a power generation system. The microcontroller is programmed to respond to a fault event (i.e., an anomalous condition that exceeds a threshold value) by storing the operating parameters before, during and after the fault event in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A cartridge-based gas drying device for external electrical boxes. The device attaches to the box via box connector fitted through an existing knock-out in a wall of the box. The device includes an indicating molecular sieve filled with hydroscopic desiccant that absorbs water vapor in the box to maintain the humidity below ambient outside humidity levels. A two-piece design allows the device to be serviced without requiring subsequent access to the inside of the electrical box.

Abstract: A self-healing polymer is described herein, including a first carbon nanotube filled with at least a first healing agent, wherein the first carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the first carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the first carbon nanotube, and a second carbon nanotube filled with at least a second healing agent, wherein the second carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the second carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the second carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes: a door; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the door; a push-open actuator mounted at a rear of the door, the push-open actuator configured for pushing against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes: a front door; a rear door behind the front door, the rear door having a dual-hinge design that opens and closes in a substantially vertical direction; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the front door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the front door; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to respond to an exceptional charge event including an overdischarge in an energy storage system having a plurality of series-connected battery elements. The method includes monitoring, using the microprocessor, the energy storage system for a charge imbalance using a first detection modality; initiating a reduction of said charge imbalance using a first response modality; monitoring, using the microprocessor, the energy storage system for the overdischarge of a particular one battery element of the plurality of battery elements using a second detection modality different from said first detection modality; and initiating a response to said exceptional charge event using a second response modality different from said first response modality, said response decreasing a risk associated with said overdischarge.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a module housing and multiple battery cells positioned inside the module housing. Each of the battery cells has a first end and a second end. Further, each of the battery cells has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The energy storage system includes a first interconnect and a second interconnect positioned over the battery cells. Multiple first cell connectors connect the positive terminals of the battery cells to the first interconnect. Multiple second cell connectors connect the negative terminals of the battery cells to the second interconnect. A top plate having an interior side and an exterior side is positioned over the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The top plate includes one or more weak areas positioned above one or more battery cell.

Abstract: A multi-port, multi-mode valve includes: a valve housing; multiple ports on the valve housing, a spacing between first and second ports being smaller than a spacing between third and fourth ports; and a stemshell positioned at least partly inside the valve housing, the stemshell having at least two channels configured for selectively coupling one or more of the ports to a selected at least other one of the ports.

Abstract: A self-healing polymer is described herein, including a first carbon nanotube filled with at least a first healing agent, wherein the first carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the first carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the first carbon nanotube, and a second carbon nanotube filled with at least a second healing agent, wherein the second carbon nanotube has first and second ends, wherein a first end cap is closed on the first end of the second carbon nanotube and a second end cap is closed on the second end of the second carbon nanotube.

Abstract: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein the third group is a different group from the first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

Abstract: A monopost for a free-standing seat of a vehicle comprises: an inner subassembly of first clamshell components attached to each other; an outer subassembly of second clamshell components attached to each other around the inner subassembly, the outer subassembly forming a wing portion at one end; and a wing clamshell attached to the first clamshell components and to the wing portion.

Abstract: A wafer carrier for carrying solar cell wafers during a deposition process is described. The carrier is coated with pyrolytic carbon, silicon carbide, or a ceramic material, and is adapted to receive and support the wafers.

Abstract: A system for exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) of an electric vehicle includes. An EESS station is configured to position an electric vehicle in x and y directions. A vehicle lift raises the electric vehicle to a predetermined height. An EESS lift supports and lowers the EESS and replaces the EESS with a differing EESS. The vehicle lift may be an inboard lift and the EESS lift may be an outboard lift. The system may also include one or more rollers configured to guide the electric vehicle. The system may include a horizontal door having at least one tube positioned thereon for guiding the electric vehicle and/or at least one vehicle chock for positioning the electric vehicle in at least one of the x and y directions. The vehicle lift may include lifting arms to engage jack pads of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes housing, a substrate, a first semiconductor die, a second semiconductor die, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal in a first terminal plane couples to the first semiconductor die. The second terminal has a contact portion in a contact portion plane within the housing that couples to the second semiconductor die, a main portion in a main portion plane partially within the housing, the main portion plane substantially parallel to and offset from the first terminal plane, and the main portion plane substantially parallel to and offset from the contact portion plane, and an offsetting portion within the housing and that connects the contact portion to the main portion. At least some of the main portion of the second terminal overlaps the first terminal and the first terminal and the main portion of the second terminal extend from the housing in a same direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring battery cell DC impedance by controlling charging of the battery cell. The method includes real-time characterization of a battery, (a) measuring periodically a DC impedance of the battery to determine a measured DC impedance; (b) ratioing the measured DC impedance to a reference DC impedance for the battery to establish an impedance degradation factor; (c) obtaining, during use of the battery and responsive to a set of attributes of the battery, an operational reference impedance for the battery; and (d) applying the impedance degradation factor to the operational reference impedance to obtain a real-time effective impedance for the battery.

Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as multi-region roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized regions. Such multi-region photovoltaic modules can replicate the look of individual roofing tiles or shingles. Further, multi-region photovoltaic modules can include hinged support structures along the upper edge of the modules, allowing for lifting of portions of an installed module, giving access to the underlying roof deck for more efficient installation, maintenance, or removal of roofing structures down-roof of the installed module.

Abstract: A method of thermally servicing a solvent-refining column comprises: running a closed-loop water-steam system past a top and bottom of a first column, the first column containing at least a solvent and impurities; boiling pressurized water in the closed-loop water-steam system to steam using first heat from the top of the first column; compressing the steam in the closed-loop water-steam system to a higher temperature; and providing second heat to the first column by condensing the steam at the bottom of the first column after compression.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving information corresponding at least to (i) a state of charge of an energy storage of a vehicle, (ii) route information corresponding to a planned driving route for the vehicle, and (iii) a predicted driver characteristic; determining using the received information, and presenting to a driver of the vehicle, a first energy-versus-distance measure for the planned driving route; receiving a user input indicating a proposed change in at least the driver characteristics, and determining using the received information and the user input, and presenting to the driver, a second energy-versus-distance measure for the planned driving route that takes into account the proposed change.

Abstract: This invention is generally concerned with power supply circuits, and more particularly, with circuits to supply power to a mains supply, such as domestic grid mains, from a photovoltaic device. A photovoltaic power conditioning circuit for providing power from a photovoltaic device to an alternating current mains power supply line, the circuit comprising: a DC input to receive DC power from said photovoltaic device; an AC output configured for direct connection to said AC mains power supply line; a DC-to-AC converter coupled to said DC input and to said AC output to convert DC power from said photovoltaic device to AC power for output onto said power supply line; and an electronic controller directly coupled to said power supply line to measure a voltage of said power supply line and a current in said supply line and to control said DC-to-AC converter responsive to said measuring.

Abstract: A combined gas-compressor and dehumidifier system composed of a gas compressor for compressing a first gas, a dehumidifier for dehumidifying a second gas, and a cooling system. The gas compressor is composed of one or more compression stages and one or more intercoolers, wherein the one or more intercoolers are connected to a cooling system. The dehumidifier for dehumidifying a second gas is composed of a first dehumidifying stage that uses a first desiccant to adsorb water from the second gas and output a second intermediate gas, a second dehumidifying stage that uses a second desiccant to adsorb water from the second intermediate gas, and a waste heat exchanger, wherein the waste heat exchanger is used to reactivate the first desiccant. The cooling system is composed of a liquid contained in connectors, and the connectors connecting the one or more intercoolers to remove heat from the gas compressor and provide the removed heat to the dehumidifier.

Abstract: An energy storage device includes: a number of cells; and a dual-active-bridge converter connected to the cells, wherein the cells are floating relative to the system and are galvanically isolated therefrom. The energy storage device can be included in an energy storage system that includes: a grid tie unit comprising at least one DC/AC converter; and multiple pods connected to the grid tie unit, each pod including: a number of cells; and a power electronics unit, wherein the cells are floating relative to the system and are galvanically isolated therefrom.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for securing together a pair of adjacently located panels. The clamping assembly has a retainer member having a groove therein, the groove extending linearly in a first plane disposed angularly with respect to a second plane intersecting the nose portion and defining a pair of open ends located in the first plane. The clamping assembly also has a tab member, the tab member adapted to be received within the groove of the retainer member via one of the pair of open ends of the groove, wherein the tab member is adjustable in position within the groove along the first plane.

Abstract: A method of making an AC induction motor includes: providing a rotor and a stator for the AC induction motor; determining, for different geometries of an end ring of the rotor, a location of a first centroid of current density in the end ring; determining, for end turns of the stator, a location of a second centroid of current density in the end turns; selecting a geometry for at least the endring of the rotor so that an axial distance between the first centroid of current density and the second centroid of current density is minimized; and assembling the AC induction motor, wherein the end turns and the end ring have the selected geometries.

Abstract: A busbar locating component includes: one or more first attachments configured for attaching a busbar layer to the busbar locating component; one or more bays each configured to contain and position an assembly of transistors essentially perpendicular to the busbar layer for connection; and a plurality of slots, each slot configured to contain and position a busbar relative to the busbar layer for connection.

Abstract: We describe a power conditioning unit with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for a dc power source, in particular a photovoltaic panel. A power injection control block has a sense input coupled to an energy storage capacitor on a dc link and controls a dc-to-ac converter to control the injected mains power. The power injection control block tracks the maximum power point by measuring a signal on the dc link which depends on the power drawn from the dc power source, and thus there is no need to measure the dc voltage and current from the dc source. In embodiments the signal is a ripple voltage level and the power injection control block controls an amplitude of an ac current output such that an amount of power transferred to the grid mains is dependent on an amplitude of a sinusoidal voltage component on the energy storage capacitor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can provide a system for fabrication of a photovoltaic structure. The system can include a physical vapor deposition tool configured to sequentially deposit a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metallic layer on an emitter layer formed in a first surface of a Si substrate, without requiring the Si substrate to be removed from the physical vapor deposition tool after depositing the transparent conductive oxide layer. The system can further include an electroplating tool configured to plate a metallic grid on the metallic layer and a thermal annealing tool configured to anneal the transparent conductive oxide layer.

Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. Once an icon is selected, a visual cue is displayed, where the visual cue includes a plurality of mini-windows representing the plurality of display windows. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the mini-windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the window that corresponds to the selected mini-window.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic module laminate for electric power generation is provided. A plurality of solar cells are embedded within module laminate and arranged to form at least one string of electrically interconnected solar cells within said module laminate. A plurality of power optimizers are embedded within the module laminate and electrically interconnected to and powered with the plurality of solar cells. Each of the distributed power optimizers capable of operating in either pass-through mode without local maximum-power-point tracking (MPPT) or switching mode with local maximum-power-point tracking (MPPT) and having at least one associated bypass switch for distributed shade management.

Abstract: Fabrication methods and structures relating to backplanes for back contact solar cells that provide for solar cell substrate reinforcement and electrical interconnects are described. The method comprises depositing an interdigitated pattern of base electrodes and emitter electrodes on a backside surface of a semiconductor substrate, forming electrically conductive emitter plugs and base plugs on the interdigitated pattern, and attaching a backplane having a second interdigitated pattern of base electrodes and emitter electrodes at the conductive emitter and base plugs to form electrical interconnects.

Abstract: A heatsink with an internal cavity for liquid cooling includes: a first part having a first group of fins extending into the internal cavity; a second part attached to the first part so that the internal cavity is formed, the second part having a second group of fins that extend into the internal cavity and that are configured to fit among the first group of fins; an inlet into the internal cavity on at least one of the first and second parts; and an outlet from the internal cavity on at least one of the first and second parts.

Abstract: A method for constructing an integrated end structure for a vehicle includes placing a center module for an integrated end structure for a vehicle in a fixture separate from the vehicle, attaching a side bracket to the center module in the fixture to form an assembly, the side bracket configured for holding a light unit of the vehicle, mounting the assembly onto at least a bracket in the vehicle that provides adjustability of the assembly in at least a z-direction, and, after mounting the assembly, mounting a storage compartment module onto the center module and the side bracket.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket includes a body of quadrilateral shape that defines an attachment plane for a device, which includes a first adjustment mechanism located adjacent a first corner of the quadrilateral shape, a second adjustment mechanism located adjacent a second corner of the quadrilateral shape, and a pivot. The first adjustment mechanism includes a first passage transverse to the attachment plane, a second passage parallel to the attachment plane and leading to the first passage, and a first moveable member extending in the first passage. The second adjustment mechanism includes a third passage transverse to the attachment plane and a fourth passage parallel to the attachment plane, and a second moveable member extending into the third passage. The pivot locates adjacent a fourth corner of the quadrilateral shape such that the first and second adjustment mechanisms are configured for adjusting the adjustable bracket relative to the pivot.

Abstract: A method of forming a part includes: inserting a blank into a die, the die comprising a mold mounted above a sealing counterpart; clamping the blank between the mold and the sealing counterpart; applying first pressure on the blank from the sealing counterpart so the blank is pressed upward to form a shaped part corresponding to the mold; applying a vacuum to the shaped part to hold it against the mold also after separating the mold and the sealing counterpart, the vacuum applied through at least one opening in the mold located in a corner of the mold that the blank does not reach when the first pressure is applied; and discontinuing the vacuum to allow the shaped part to be released from the mold.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a composition that can be used to heal cracks in plastics and other substrates. In the present invention, a composition comprising nanotubes, healing agent(s), and end caps for the nanotubes may be used to heal crack(s) as they begin to occur. With the composition, the healing agent(s) are contained within the nanotubes, and a reaction releases the healing agent(s) after the end caps can be removed from the nanotubes. This invention also includes a method of preparing a composition for healing cracks in plastics and other substrates. For this method, the healing agent(s) are filled inside of the nanotubes, and then end caps are bound onto the ends of the nanotubes. After a reaction occurs to remove the end caps and release the healing agent(s), the cracks within the substrate may then be healed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a solar module. The solar module includes a front-side cover, a back-side cover, and a plurality of solar cells situated between the front- and back-side covers. A respective solar cell includes a multi-layer semiconductor structure, a front-side electrode situated above the multi-layer semiconductor structure, and a back-side electrode situated below the multi-layer semiconductor structure. Each of the front-side and the back-side electrodes comprises a metal grid. A respective metal grid comprises a plurality of finger lines and a single busbar coupled to the finger lines. The single busbar is configured to collect current from the finger lines.