Patents Examined by Mayla Gonzalez Ramos
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Patent number: 11496087Abstract: A roof-mounted solar power system for generating electrical power that includes a plurality of solar modules adapted for generating electrical power from sunlight, and with each of the plurality of solar modules having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring. The plurality of solar modules are mounted on the deck of a roof to form a bank of solar modules having at least one irregular edge. The solar power system further includes one or more non-power generating edge treatments having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring as the solar modules and that are adapted for installation along the irregular edge. Each edge treatment is adapted for a cutting away of at least one corner thereof to smooth the irregular edge of the bank of solar modules to a regular edge.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: BMIC LLCInventors: Tommy F. Rodrigues, Sudhir Railkar, Daniel E. Boss, David J. Gennrich, Cory Boudreau, Daniel R. Nett, Kent J. Kallsen
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Patent number: 11495705Abstract: Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single-junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least a first layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Richard R. King, Christopher M. Fetzer, Nasser H. Karam
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Patent number: 11469340Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell string, a string group, a module, and a manufacturing method thereof. The solar cell string is formed by connecting a plurality of first type of solar cells and at least one second type of solar cell, wherein front electrodes of the plurality of first type of solar cells (701) have the same polarity, back electrodes of the plurality of first type of solar cells (701) also have the same polarity, and the polarity of the front electrodes of the first type of multiple solar cells (701) is opposite to the polarity of the back electrodes. Back electrodes on a back side of the second type of solar cell (801) comprise a positive electrode and a negative electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: JINGAO SOLAR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hongyue Chen, Yanfang Zhou
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Patent number: 11469433Abstract: Thermo-electric generator which is intended to be immersed in a fluid which contains at least one chemical species, comprising two electrodes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends being connected to each other, the generator being configured to generate an electrical voltage between the two ends when a temperature difference is imposed between each first end and the corresponding second end, the temperature difference being such that one end, referred to as the “hot end”, of each electrode has a temperature which is strictly greater than the temperature of the other end. The hot end of at least one electrode comprises a micro-organism or an enzyme which is capable of causing at least one exothermic reaction involving the chemical species.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignees: UNIVERSITE GRENOBLE ALPES, INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM), CENTRE HOSPITALIER RÉGIONAL DE GRENOBLEInventors: Abdelkader Zebda, Philippe Cinquin, Jean-Pierre Alcaraz, Donald Martin, Aziz Bakri, Nawel Khalef
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Patent number: 11437529Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided, which includes a substrate; a first passivation layer and a first anti-reflection layer disposed on a front surface of the substrate; and a second passivation layer, a PPW layer and at least one silicon nitride layer SiuNv (1<u/v<4) disposed on a rear surface of the substrate. The at least one silicon nitride layer has a refractive index and a thickness in respective ranges of 1.9 to 2.5 and 50 nm to 100 nm. The second passivation layer includes at least one aluminum oxide layer AlxOy (0.8<y/x<1.6), a refractive index and a thickness of which are respectively in ranges of 1.4 to 1.6 and 4 nm to 20 nm. The PPW layer includes at least one silicon oxynitride layer SirOsNt (r>s>t), a refractive index and a thickness of which are respectively in ranges of 1.5 to 1.8 and 1 nm to 30 nm.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignees: ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD., JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD.Inventors: Ruifeng Li, Yankai Qiu, Ning Zhang, Bin Li
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Patent number: 11431281Abstract: A photovoltaic module having a superstrate layer, an encapsulant having an upper layer and a lower layer, the upper layer being juxtaposed with a lower surface of the superstrate layer, and a photovoltaic layer intermediate the upper layer and the lower layer of the encapsulant. A first portion of the upper layer of the encapsulant includes a first light scattering value as measured in accordance with an ASTM E430 standard, and a second portion of the upper layer of the encapsulant has a second light scattering value as measured in accordance with the ASTM E430 standard. The second light scattering value is greater than the first light scattering value.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Richard Perkins, Alex Sharenko, Thierry Nguyen, Gabriela Bunea, Anna Wojtowicz
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Patent number: 11417785Abstract: A photovoltaic device is presented. The photovoltaic device includes a buffer layer disposed on a transparent conductive oxide layer; a window layer disposed on the buffer layer; and an interlayer interposed between the transparent conductive oxide layer and the window layer. The interlayer includes a metal species, wherein the metal species includes gadolinium, beryllium, calcium, barium, strontium, scandium, yttrium, hafnium, cerium, lutetium, lanthanum, or combinations thereof. A method of making a photovoltaic device is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: First Solar, Inc.Inventors: Yong Liang, Jinbo Cao, William Hullinger Huber
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Patent number: 11394346Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that allows for quicker assembly of photovoltaic array system. More particularly, the invention relates to photovoltaics, frame housing, magnetic coupling, array connectors, and battery unit within a photovoltaic module. Two connector types, male and female, will be in magnetic electrical contact. The male and female connectors will be fastened to individual photovoltaic panel framework with wiring internalized. Battery unit will be attached to the module. This configuration allows for quicker assembly of photovoltaic array system.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: IMPOWER ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Roland T. Sanglap, Matthew C. Noonan
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Patent number: 11387376Abstract: A solar cell and a photovoltaic module including the solar cell. The solar cell includes: a semiconductor substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a first dielectric layer located on the first surface; a first N+ doped layer located on a surface of the first dielectric layer; a first passivation layer located on a surface of the first N+ doped layer; a first electrode located on a surface of the first passivation layer; a second dielectric layer located on the second surface; a first P+ doped layer located on a surface of the second dielectric layer; a second passivation layer located on a surface of the first P+ doped layer; and a second electrode located on a surface of the second passivation layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignees: ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD, JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD.Inventors: Jie Yang, Peiting Zheng, Xinyu Zhang, Hao Jin
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Patent number: 11387477Abstract: A method for providing a catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane for a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell with at least one functional coating made of a material includes printing directly the material onto the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane by a non-contact printing method.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: cellcentric GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Leoni Pretzel, Christian Zoeller, Johannes Deutsch, Volker Horinek, Nico Riede, Karl Zimmerer
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Patent number: 11387776Abstract: An optimization engine determines an optimal configuration for a solar power system projected onto a target surface. The optimization engine identifies an alignment axis that passes through a vertex of a boundary associated with the target surface and then constructs horizontal or vertical spans that represent contiguous areas where solar modules may be placed. The optimization engine populates each span with solar modules and aligns the solar modules within adjacent spans to one another. The optimization engine then generates a performance estimate for a collection of populated spans. By generating different spans with different solar module types and orientations, the optimization engine is configured to identify an optimal solar power system configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Sunrun, Inc.Inventors: Gary Wayne, Billy Hinners
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Patent number: 11380807Abstract: The present disclosure provides a back-contact solar cell and a solar cell module. The back-contact solar cell includes: a substrate including a light-receiving surface and a back surface opposite to the light-receiving surface, wherein the substrate includes a center region and connecting regions on opposite sides of the center region; positive electrodes and negative electrodes disposed on the back surface of the substrate; auxiliary positive electrodes, disposed on one or both of the light-receiving surface and a side surface of each of the connecting regions, and configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of positive electrodes; and auxiliary negative electrodes, disposed on one or both of the light-receiving surface and the side surface of each of the connecting regions, and configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of negative electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignees: Jinko Green Energy (Shanghai) Management Co., LTD., ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD.Inventors: Menglei Xu, Jie Yang, Peiting Zheng, Xinyu Zhang, Hao Jin
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Patent number: 11380832Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module is a thermoelectric conversion module in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements are electrically connected to each other via a first electrode portion disposed on first end side of the thermoelectric conversion elements and a second electrode portion disposed on the second end side of the thermoelectric conversion elements; a first insulating circuit board provided with a first insulating layer of which at least one surface is made of alumina and the first electrode portion formed of a sintered body of Ag formed on the one surface of the first insulating layer is disposed on the first end side of the thermoelectric conversion elements; and a glass component is present at an interface between the first electrode portion and the first insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATIONInventors: Koya Arai, Masahito Komasaki, Yoshirou Kuromitsu
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Patent number: 11380809Abstract: The present invention relates to a blind blade assembly for solar photovoltaic power generation including solar cells installed on one side thereof to enable solar photovoltaic power generation. In the blind blade assembly of the present invention, solar cells are provided in a prefabricated form, allowing the solar cells to be replaced and repaired individually. The blind blade assembly for solar photovoltaic power generation according to the present invention includes a blade frame 210 provided with a mounting groove 211; a plurality of solar cell panels 220 disposed in the longitudinal direction in the mounting groove 211; and fixing members 230 for connecting electrodes 223 between the solar cell panels 220 and for fixing seams.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: LG Hausys, Ltd.Inventors: Chul Jun Choi, Jong Tae Kim, Seung Jung Lee
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Patent number: 11356052Abstract: The present disclosure describes an energy device with a solar module having a form factor configured to be inserted into and to match an inner portion of a coin-type cell holder of an electronic device. The solar module includes one or more photovoltaic cells to capture energy from ambient light and a pair of electrodes. The energy device may be configured to provide, to the electronic device via contact with the coin-type cell holder, electric energy produced from the ambient light energy. The solar module may include a converter module to convert the ambient light energy into the electric energy. The energy device may also include an energy storage module and/or a power management module that are stackable below the solar module with electrical connectivity to the solar module, and that combined with the solar module have the appropriate form factor for the coin-type cell holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: UTICA LEASECO, LLCInventor: Aarohi Surya Vijh
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Patent number: 11355661Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a first contact and a hybrid absorber layer. The hybrid absorber layer includes a chalcogenide layer and a semiconductor layer in contact with the chalcogenide layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a transparent conductive contact layer is formed on the buffer layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Tayfun Gokmen, Oki Gunawan, Richard A. Haight, Jeehwan Kim, David B. Mitzi, Mark T. Winkler
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Patent number: 11346836Abstract: A nanopore cell includes a conductive layer and a working electrode disposed above the conductive layer and at the bottom of a well into which an electrolyte may be contained, such that at least a portion of a top base surface area of the working electrode is exposed to the electrolyte. The nanopore cell further includes a first insulating wall disposed above the working electrode and surrounding a lower section of a well, and a second insulating wall disposed above the first insulating wall and surrounding an upper section of the well, forming an overhang above the lower section of the well. The upper section of the well includes an opening that a membrane may span across, and wherein a base surface area of the opening is smaller than the at least a portion of the top base surface area of the working electrode that is exposed to the electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: John Foster, Morgan Mager
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Patent number: 11338389Abstract: In a battery case sealing method, a lid is fitted to an opening of a battery case, and then a side wall on an inner side of the battery case and a side surface of the lid are brought into contact with each other. The side wall forms the opening. In a state where the side wall on the inner side of the battery case is in contact with the side surface of the lid, a boundary portion between the side wall and the side surface of the lid is welded by irradiating a laser beam in a direction from an outer side of the battery case toward the inner side of the battery case in a thickness direction of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Katsuya Shikata
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Patent number: 11335818Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an island-shaped conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are disposed on one principal surface of the semiconductor substrate. The first electrode is disposed on the first conductive layer and the second electrode is disposed on the second conductive layer. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically separated, and the island-shaped conductive layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATIONInventors: Katsunori Konishi, Kunihiro Nakano, Hayato Kawasaki, Kunta Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 11336221Abstract: A solar array includes a solar module and a support structure for the solar module. The support structure includes a support member. The solar module is mounted on the support structure such that the solar module is positioned at least partially above the support member. The solar array also includes a wire receiver for securing wires to the solar module or the support member. The wire receiver includes a wire insert slot sized for receiving wires, a wire transition slot connected to the wire insert slot, and a catch adapted to inhibit movement of the wires. The wire insert slot and the wire transition slot are sized and arranged for the wires to be inserted into the wire insert slot and positioned around the catch.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Inventor: Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker
