Patents Examined by Daniel P. Malley
  • Patent number: 11444570
    Abstract: A modular solar skid includes a base including a skid, a panel support structure extending from the skid, at least one solar panel coupled to the panel support structure, and at least one enclosure coupled to the skid. The at least one enclosure is located within a cavity defined between the skid and the panel support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: OffGrid Power Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Natividad, Raymond Hamilton, Mike Mills
  • Patent number: 11437530
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating solar cell emitter regions with differentiated P-type and N-type regions architectures, and resulting solar cells, are described. In an example, a back contact solar cell can include a substrate having a light-receiving surface and a back surface. A first polycrystalline silicon emitter region of a first conductivity type is disposed on a first thin dielectric layer disposed on the back surface of the substrate. A second polycrystalline silicon emitter region of a second, different, conductivity type is disposed on a second thin dielectric layer disposed on the back surface of the substrate. A third thin dielectric layer is disposed over an exposed outer portion of the first polycrystalline silicon emitter region and is disposed laterally directly between the first and second polycrystalline silicon emitter regions. A first conductive contact structure is disposed on the first polycrystalline silicon emitter region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: David D. Smith, Timothy Weidman, Scott Harrington, Venkatasubramani Balu
  • Patent number: 11430904
    Abstract: A solar cell includes: a crystalline semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; a first semiconductor layer provided on a first region on one principal surface of the substrate; a second semiconductor layer provided on a second region on the one principal surface different from the first region; a first transparent electrode layer provided on the first semiconductor layer; and a second transparent electrode layer provided on the second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer includes a first amorphous semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type and a first crystalline semiconductor part extending from the one principal surface toward the first transparent electrode layer. The second semiconductor layer includes a second amorphous semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ayumu Yano, Minato Seno, Shin Nanba
  • Patent number: 11411525
    Abstract: For the economical and energy-efficient use of a PV system having upright, in particular bifacial, PV modules and to substantially avoid shading of the PV modules, a supporting structure which is simple to manufacture and install is provided, that is constructed by vertical posts, which are connected to one another at intersecting points, and horizontally running cross-members such that rectangular mounting areas are provided for the individual PV modules. The posts and cross-members are formed in a material-saving manner by conventional profiles, and a division of the posts into two interconnectable sections substantially facilitates the assembly. An electrical connection is provided such that active surfaces which are arranged one above another can be operated at different electrical operating points and such that electrical lines are formed which are operated separately from one another and are arranged in a horizontally running manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Next2Sun GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Hildebrandt, Markus Probst, Thomas Brill, Nicolai Zwosta, Robert Baldy
  • Patent number: 11404623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a bulk type thermoelectric element implemented so as to simplify the manufacturing process as well as to reduce the manufacturing cost. The method of manufacturing a bulk type thermoelectric element includes the steps of: preparing two types of P-type and N-type substrates by slicing a thermoelectric element material; bonding P-type pellets formed on the P-type substrate and N-type pellets formed on the N-type substrate to each other to alternately engaging with each other, and then polishing (grinding) the bottom of each substrate to form a P/N layer in which the P-type pellets and the N-type pellets are cross-formed; and assembling ceramic substrates with conductive electrode pads (PAD) on the top and the bottom of the P/N layer to complete a thermoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: HUMOTT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin-Hwan Cha
  • Patent number: 11393968
    Abstract: The invention relates to an active material comprising at least one oxygen containing compound selected from the group consisting of MgO, ZnO, ZrOCl2, ZrO2, SiO2, Bi2O3, Al2O3 and TiO2, at least one thickener additive selected from the group consisting of agar agar, xanthan gum, methylcellulose, and arabic gum, and at least one plasticizer additive, wherein the particle size of the at least one oxygen-based compound has an average diameter in the range from 10 nm to 40 ?m. The invention concerns also an electric power generator (EPG) comprising at least a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12), wherein the electric power generator comprises the active material between said electrodes (11,12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TERMO-IND S.A.
    Inventors: Luca Magagnin, Simona Ieffa, Alessandra Accogli, Gabriele Panzeri, Francesco Liberale, Vincenzo Tirella, Luca Succa, Simone Brunetti
  • Patent number: 11393942
    Abstract: In some aspects, graphic layers for depicting a visible representation of an image along a surface of a photovoltaic module can include a plurality of substantially opaque isolated regions; and at least one substantially transparent contiguous region surrounding the substantially opaque isolated regions, wherein an outer surface of the at least one substantially transparent contiguous region comprises a matte surface finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Sistine Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Senthil Balasubramanian, Ido Salama, Samantha Holmes, Jody Fu, Jonathan Mailoa
  • Patent number: 11387772
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a solar tracker (1000) comprising at least: A drive module (1100) comprising at least one mobile device comprising at least: At least one additional module (1200) configured to be driven by the drive module (1100), each additional module (1200) comprising at least one additional mobile device comprising at least: characterized in that: Said solar tracker (1000) comprises at least one kinematic device (1300) for coupling said drive module (1100) and said additional module (1200); Said kinematic coupling device (1300) comprising at least one first part (1330) and at least one second part (1340), said first part (1330) being entirely supported by the mobile device of the drive module (1100) and said second part (1340) being entirely supported by the additional mobile device of the additional module (1200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventor: Jérome Marc Tordo
  • Patent number: 11374533
    Abstract: A solar power generation paddle includes a blanket that is stored by being taken up into a roll with using extension masts, and that is extended. Solar battery cells are disposed on one surface of the blanket, and thermoelectric conversion elements are disposed on the other surface of the blanket. A plurality of heat dissipation members are disposed on surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements which are opposite to surfaces near the blanket, along an extending direction, to cover the thermoelectric conversion elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazushi Sekine, Masahiro Miyashita, Kazunori Takagaki, Naoko Koyama
  • Patent number: 11362225
    Abstract: A connecting member set includes a first connecting member connected to one of a pair of solar cells, and a second connecting member connected to the other solar cell. The first connecting member and the second connecting member have a first planar portion and a second planar portion, respectively. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are layered on each other and electrically connected with each other. The first planar portion has at least one of a cut-out portion or an opening through which the second planar portion is exposed toward the first planar portion when the first planar portion and the second planar portion are layered on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Kojima, Toru Terashita, Gensuke Koizumi
  • Patent number: 11362616
    Abstract: Multi-functional barrier walls equipped with solar panels, Structural Solar Panels (SSPs) and/or wind turbines along liner boundaries, farmlands, fire zones, highways, railroads, liner terrains or linearly configured spaces to produce electricity from solar and wind energy. The barrier walls may be used as boundary walls, security barriers, sound attenuating barriers, fire barriers, wind barriers or dust barriers. A method of financing the said barrier walls by the electricity produced by the said solar panels, said Structural Solar Panels (SSPs) and/or wind turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Vijay Duggal
  • Patent number: 11349431
    Abstract: A solar panel carried from a frame and biased toward an elevated position to assist in lifting to expose the underlying roof area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Robert J. Cerullo
  • Patent number: 11349037
    Abstract: In this photoelectric conversion element wherein group III-IV compound semiconductor single crystals containing zinc as an impurity are used as a substrate, the substrate is increased in size without lowering conversion efficiency. A heat-resistant crucible is filled with raw material and a sealant, and the raw material and sealant are heated, thereby melting the raw material into a melt, softening the encapsulant, and covering the melt from the top with the encapsulant. The temperature inside the crucible is controlled such that the temperature of the top of the encapsulant relative to the bottom of the encapsulant becomes higher in a range that not equal or exceed the temperature of bottom of the encapsulant, and seed crystal is dipped in the melt and pulled upward with respect to the melt, thereby growing single crystals from the seed crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: JX NIPPON MINING & METALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Noda, Masaru Ota, Ryuichi Hirano
  • Patent number: 11329601
    Abstract: Disclosed is an energy harvesting apparatus which comprises: a flexible energy harvesting module having a flat plate shape; a connector which is mechanically and electrically connectable to an external connector; a rigid member having a flat plate shape; and an electric wiring constituting a part of a front surface of the rigid member, wherein an edge of a back surface of the energy harvesting module is disposed on the front surface of the rigid member, and the connector is disposed on the front surface of the rigid member at a position spaced apart from the energy harvesting module and is electrically connected to the energy harvesting module via the electric wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: ZEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayoshi Yoshida, Kiyoshige Kojima, Midori Yamaai, Naomi Shiga
  • Patent number: 11329176
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides interconnect elements and methods of using interconnect elements. In one embodiment, the interconnect element includes: a first end including at least three members, each member having a pair of parallel gap weld positions for mounting an adjoining first component; a second opposing end including at least two members, each member having a pair of parallel gap weld positions for mounting an adjoining second component; and one or more interconnect connecting portions to attach the first end of the interconnect element to the second end of the interconnect element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SolAero Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Cory Tourino, Kenneth Craymer, Anthony Sandoval
  • Patent number: 11309828
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module including a surface and at least one spacer juxtaposed with the surface. The at least one spacer is positioned intermediate the surface and the roof deck. The photovoltaic module is elevated from the roof deck by the spacer to promote air flow underneath the photovoltaic module. The spacer is made from a material that provides impact resistance and walkability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: William Sirski, Thierry Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11302833
    Abstract: The invention provides an optoelectronic device comprising a porous material, which porous material comprises a semiconductor comprising a perovskite. The porous material may comprise a porous perovskite. Thus, the porous material may be a perovskite material which is itself porous. Additionally or alternatively, the porous material may comprise a porous dielectric scaffold material, such as alumina, and a coating disposed on a surface thereof, which coating comprises the semiconductor comprising the perovskite. Thus, in some embodiments the porosity arises from the dielectric scaffold rather than from the perovskite itself. The porous material is usually infiltrated by a charge transporting material such as a hole conductor, a liquid electrolyte, or an electron conductor. The invention further provides the use of the porous material as a semiconductor in an optoelectronic device. Further provided is the use of the porous material as a photosensitizing, semiconducting material in an optoelectronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Henry Snaith, Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 11287162
    Abstract: An energy harvesting system is provided. The system includes a waveguide operable for trapping at least some light energy. The waveguide defines a surface and an edge. A photovoltaic cell is coupled to the surface or the edge of the waveguide. A waveguide redirecting material is provided on the surface of the waveguide. The waveguide redirecting material is formed of a solidified colored luminescent paint. The paint is configured to be applied and adhere to the surface of the waveguide and redirect light energy to the photovoltaic cell. A method of generating and demonstrating solar power using the system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: GlowShop, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Royal Lunt, Alexander Grady Renny, Yunhua Ding
  • Patent number: 11283400
    Abstract: A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a pair of general planar, plates that are secured together to form a narrow channel therebetween for the circulation of a liquid. The solar panels have inlet and outlet fluid lines in fluid communication via manifolds with a cold fluid supply line and a warm fluid return line, respectively. The plates are preferably constructed of aluminum and one plate has a photovoltaic cell matrix affixed thereto to face the sun. The plates have dividers or partitions that enhance the heat transfer characteristics with respect to the liquid flowing though the channel between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: TYLL SOLAR, LLC
    Inventor: Jay D. Fischer
  • Patent number: 11282700
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing perovskite-based devices, such as solar cells. In ambient air includes steps of forming a perovskite film on a substrate by spin-coating, the perovskite film having a turbid point when the perovskite film transitions from transparent to turbid in appearance, and dropping an antisolvent on the perovskite film during an antisolvent window having a start time five seconds before the turbid point and an end time one second before the turbid point. The method also includes the step of measuring the current relative humidity of the ambient air at the time of manufacture and adjusting the antisolvent window or optimum drop time of the antisolvent based upon the current relative humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Feng Wang, Zhi David Chen