Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are provided that include a thin film stack (of a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other) on a transparent substrate, a first busbar electrically connected to the first terminal cell, and a second busbar electrically connected to the second terminal cell. An encapsulation substrate is on the plurality of thin film layers and defines a first connection aperture positioned over the first busbar and a second connection aperture positioned over the second bus bar. A first electrical connector is positioned on the encapsulation substrate and is electrically connected to the first busbar through the first connection aperture, and a second electrical connector is positioned on the encapsulation substrate and is electrically connected to the second busbar through the second connection aperture. Solar arrays and kits are also provided that include such photovoltaic devices and a connection cable.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided having a semiconductor substrate, an i-type amorphous layer formed over a front surface of the semiconductor substrate, a p-type amorphous layer formed over the i-type amorphous layer, an i-type amorphous layer formed over a back surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an n-type amorphous layer formed over the i-type amorphous layer. The i-type amorphous layer and the i-type amorphous layer have oxygen concentration profiles in which concentrations are reduced in a step-shape from regions near interfaces with the semiconductor substrate and along a thickness direction, and an oxygen concentration in the step-shape portion of the i-type amorphous layer is higher than an oxygen concentration in the step-shape portion of the i-type amorphous layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising: a base (1), a photovoltaic assembly (8) and a baffle plate (5), wherein the photovoltaic assembly is arranged in an inclined manner on the base from bottom up in a direction from front to rear, and behind the photovoltaic assembly, the baffle plate is arranged in an inclined manner on the base from bottom up in a direction from rear to front. The baffle plate reduces the profile coefficient and decreases the uplift by the action of wind load.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating electricity. The apparatus includes one or more first components configured to extract heat from at least a first fluid flow at a first temperature to one or more devices configured to convert thermal energy to electric energy. The first fluid flow is in a first direction. Additionally, the apparatus includes one or more second components configured to transfer heat from the one or more devices to at least a second fluid flow at a second temperature. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature, and the second fluid flow is in a second direction. Each first part of the first fluid flow corresponds to a first shortest distance to the one or more devices, and the first shortest distance is less than half the square root of the total free flow area for a corresponding first cross-section of the first fluid flow.

Abstract: An all back contact solar cell has a hybrid emitter design. The solar cell has a thin dielectric layer formed on a backside surface of a single crystalline silicon substrate. One emitter of the solar cell is made of doped polycrystalline silicon that is formed on the thin dielectric layer. The other emitter of the solar cell is formed in the single crystalline silicon substrate and is made of doped single crystalline silicon. The solar cell includes contact holes that allow metal contacts to connect to corresponding emitters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for heterocycle catalyzed carbonylation and hydroformylation with carbon dioxide are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte, a heterocyclic catalyst, and a cathode. Step (C) may introduce a second reactant to the second compartment of the electrochemical cell. Step (D) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to induce liquid phase carbonylation or hydroformylation to form a product mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal onto the surface of a wafer includes an ionically resistive ionically permeable element located in close proximity of the wafer and an auxiliary cathode located between the anode and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element. The ionically resistive ionically permeable element serves to modulate ionic current at the wafer surface. The auxiliary cathode is configured to shape the current distribution from the anode. The provided configuration effectively redistributes ionic current in the plating system allowing plating of uniform metal layers and mitigating the terminal effect.

Abstract: Techniques for cooling concentrating solar collector systems are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for cooling a photovoltaic cell includes a heat exchanger having a metal plate with a bend therein that positions a first surface of the metal plate at an angle of from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to a second surface of the metal plate, and a plurality of fins attached to a side of the metal plate opposite the first surface and the second surface; a vapor chamber extending along the first surface and the second surface of the metal plate, crossing the bend; and a cladding material between the vapor chamber and the heat exchanger, wherein the cladding material is configured to thermally couple the vapor chamber to the heat exchanger. A photovoltaic system and method for operating a photovoltaic system are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell includes: a substrate; a back electrode layer on the substrate; a light absorbing layer on the rear electrode layer; a window layer on the light absorbing layer; a plurality of beads in the light absorbing layer; and a trap layer on each surface of the plurality of beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bio-degradable implant based on magnesium having a reduced corrosion rate and to a method for the production of such an implant. It is a a method for treating a surface of a bio-degradable metallic implant comprising the following steps: providing a dispersed system comprising a colloid-dispersed apatite and adding an apatite powder to the dispersed system, subjecting an implant to the dispersed system such that a surface of the implant which is to be treated is immersed in the dispersed system wherein the implant comprises a magnesium based alloy, applying an AC voltage difference between the implant as a first electrode and a second electrode positioned in the dispersed system for generating a plasma electrolytic oxidation on the immersed surface of the implant so that the immersed surface is converted to an oxide film which is at least partially covered by apatites formed by the colloid-dispersed apatite and the apatite powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the performance of nickel electrodes in alkali chloride electrolysis by adding water-soluble platinum compounds to the catolyte.

Abstract: A method for electrodepositing copper nanoparticles includes the steps of a) providing a reaction system having an electrolyte solution, a conductive nitride film used as a working electrode and immersed in the electrolyte solution, a copper metal or a copper alloy used as an auxiliary electrode and immersed in the electrolyte solution, and a reference electrode immersed in the electrolyte solution; and b) applying a pulse voltage to the reaction system to form copper nanoparticles on a surface of the conductive nitride film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the efficiency and/or reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The system may comprise a tank configured to store an aqueous solution consisting essentially of water and a predetermined quantity of electrolyte. The system may further comprise a cell configured for aiding in the electrolysis of the aqueous solution, the cell may comprise a plurality of plates arranged substantially parallel to one another and the plurality of plates may be spaced substantially equidistant from an adjacent one of the plurality of plates. In exemplary embodiments, at least one seal may be located between the plurality of plates to create a substantially air tight and substantially water tight seal between adjacent ones of the plurality of plates to aid in preventing the aqueous solution located between adjacent ones of the plurality of plates from leaking out of the cell.

Abstract: An organic thin-film solar cell module according to one embodiment includes solar cell panels and reflective surfaces. Each panel includes a substrate, a 1st electrode, a 2nd electrode and a photoelectric conversion layer. When supposing a 1st plane including the reflective surface, a 1st intersection line as a line of intersection of the 1st plane and the 2nd main surface of the substrate, and a 2nd plane including the 1st intersection line and forming an angle of 45° with the 2nd main surface of the substrate and an angle smaller than 45° with the 1st plane, an edge of the photoelectric conversion layer is in contact with the 2nd plane or the 2nd plane intersects the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell can include a dopant in contact with a semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A method for removing material from a component that is connected as an anode is disclosed. In an embodiment, an electrode that is connected as a cathode is guided to the component such that a gap is formed, an electrolyte is introduced into the gap, and a closed system is formed for the electrolyte by the formation of a duct. The electrolyte is continuously guided from an inlet opening to an outlet opening of the duct. Forming the duct, e.g., by guide elements that are mounted on the electrode, ensures that only those surface parts of the component to be machined from which material is to be removed enter in contact with the electrolyte while the other surface parts do not enter in contact with the electrolyte. Since the electrolyte is continuously guided across the surface, used electrolyte is continuously discharged along with residual matter while fresh electrolyte is delivered.

Abstract: A copper foil structure having blackened ultra-thin copper foil of the instant disclosure includes a carrier foil, a blackened layer, a release layer, and an ultra-thin copper foil. The carrier foil includes a matte surface and a shiny surface wherein the blackened layer is disposed thereon. The release layer is disposed on the blackened layer formed with one selected from the group: copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese while the release layer is formed with one selected from the group: molybdenum, nickel, chromium, and potassium. Successively, the ultra-thin copper foil is disposed on the release layer. Laser drilling can apply to the blackened ultra-thin copper foil on the inner layers of a high density multi-layer printed wiring board, thus eliminating the traditional blackening or browning chemical process. The blackened ultra-thin copper foil in combination with a polyimide thin (PI) or other substrate materials displays desirable appearance.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically reducing CO2 is provided. A cathode is provided, wherein the cathode comprises a conductive substrate with a catalyst of a metal and a metal oxide based coating on a side of the cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode. An ionic transport is provided between the anode and cathode. The cathode is exposed to CO2 and H2O. The anode is exposed to H2O. A voltage is provided between the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst are provided. Electrode material includes a plurality of clusters. The electrode exhibits bifunctionality with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction. The electrode with clusters exhibits improved performance with respect to the intrinsic material of the electrode absent the clusters.

Abstract: Anode applicators include consumable anodes, that can be operated in a non-stationary mode and are insensitive to orientation, are used in selective plating/brush electrodeposition of coatings or free-standing components. The flow-through dimensionally-stable, consumable anodes employed are perforated/porous to provide relatively unimpeded electrolyte flow and operate at low enough electrochemical potentials to provide for anodic metal/alloy dissolution avoiding undesired anodic reactions. The consumable anodes include consumable anode material(s) in high surface area to reduce the local anodic current density. During electroplating, sufficient electrolyte is pumped through the consumable anodes at sufficient flow rates to minimize concentration gradient and/or avoid the generation of chlorine and/or oxygen gas and/or undesired reaction such as the anodic oxidation of P-bearing ions in the electrolyte.