Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: This photovoltaic system includes: a support portion; a photovoltaic panel supported by the support portion so as to be able to take an orientation at any angle in each of azimuth and elevation; a drive device configured to change the orientation of the photovoltaic panel; and a control device configured to cause, during power generation, the drive device to drive the photovoltaic panel such that sun light hits the photovoltaic panel, the control device configured to, when executing a cleaning mode, control the drive device such that the photovoltaic panel takes an orientation that facilitates removal of attached substance to a light receiving surface of the photovoltaic panel by use of at least one of natural phenomena including rain, wind, dew condensation, and gravity.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the disclosure is directed to an example embodiment in which a circuit-based arrangement includes a circuit-based substrate securing a channel, with an effective width that is not limited by the Debye screening length, along a surface of the substrate. A pair of reservoirs are included in or on the substrate and configured for containing and presenting a sample having bio-molecules for delivery in the channel. A pair of electrodes electrically couple a charge in the sample to enhance ionic current flow therein (e.g., to overcome the electrolyte screening), and a sense electrode is located along the channel for sensing a characteristic of the biological sample by using the electrostatic interaction between the enhanced ionic current flow of the sample and the sense electrode. Actual detection occurs by using a charge-signal processing circuit to process the sensed charge signal and, therefrom, provide an output indicative of a signature for the bio-molecules delivered in the channel.

Abstract: An optical concentration/diffusion apparatus and method is provided that uses a waveguide having a graded index of refraction in a first direction. Light propagating in a second direction different from the first direction follows a curved, path being reflected at multiple intervals by a planar interface of the waveguide. Reflectors are located along the planar interface at a spacing that is selected to limit their interaction with the light propagating in the second direction. Coupling elements are located in optical communication with the reflectors. When used as a concentrator, light is focused by the elements onto the reflectors and redirected in the second direction towards one or more exit apertures. When used as a diffuser, light in the second direction is redirected by the reflectors toward the elements and diffused at multiple exit apertures.

Abstract: A surface treatment method includes: roughening a surface region of a substrate corresponding to a through hole provided to a masking plate by supplying a solvent to a solid electrolyte film from a second surface of a masking plate through the through hole, in a state where: a first surface of the solid electrolyte film is arranged directly on the surface of the substrate; and a first surface of the masking plate is arranged directly on a second surface of the solid electrolyte film, wherein the supplied solvent penetrates the solid electrolyte film, and dissolves the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to form compositionally graded BHJ structures utilizing solvent-fluxing techniques. In implementations, the systems and methods described herein involve a high boiling point additive, a solution of a polymer donor and an acceptor, a substrate material, a working solvent, and a flux solvent for formation of compositionally graded BHJ structures.

Abstract: A modular solar roadway/railway system (MSRS) and method (MSRM) utilizing interlocked solar/optical collection panels (SCP) having stacked solar collection strips (SCS) is disclosed. The SCS are configured with an optical input surface (OIS) configured to collect solar energy and a road support surface (RSS) configured to support automobile traffic. The SCS are stacked in an anti-symmetrical alignment pattern that allows solar energy to be efficiently collected while simultaneously supporting automobiles and other vehicles. The SCS as formed within the SCP are configured with a matrix of bottom photovoltaic cell cavities (PCC) that permit the SCP to be mated to a road/railway surface while simultaneously integrated with solar cells in the PCC for the generation of electricity. The MSRS may be configured in a flexible SCP array in rolled sheet form (RSF) suitable for installation via the use of a vehicle equipped with axial support for the RSF.

Abstract: A composite material includes a metal material having conductivity and an oxidation inhibitor mixed with the metal material. The oxidation inhibitor forms a complex with the metal material to exert a resistance to oxidation of the metal material. For example, the composite material is formed on a surface of a base material as a plating material. As another example, the composite material is plated on a surface of an electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor (10) includes a housing (11) which has a number of electrodes (31, 32), i.e. at least one working electrode (31) and at least one counter electrode (32), in addition to a liquid electrolyte (60). At least one of the electrodes (31, 32) and/or the housing (11) are at least partially formed of an absorption agent composition. A method of detecting acid gases employs the electrochemical gas sensor (10).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor, which is capable of measuring, quickly and in high accuracy, concentration of neutral fat from a sample such as a biological sample or the like, without executing pretreatment of the sample. This object is attained by a biosensor for measuring concentration of neutral fat, based on value of current flowing in the electrode system, having: an insulating substrate; an electrode system having a working electrode and a counter electrode, formed onto the insulating substrate: and a reaction layer having a lipoprotein lipase, a glycerol dehydrogenase and an electron mediator, formed at the upper part or the vicinity of the electrode system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate for a photoelectric device and a photoelectric device comprising the same and, more specifically, to a substrate for a photoelectric device and a photoelectric device comprising the same capable of guaranteeing the flatness of thin-films forming the photoelectric device and the structural stability of a functional thin-film formed to improve the characteristics of the photoelectric device, thereby maintaining the function of the functional thin-film. To this end, the present invention provides a substrate for a photoelectric device and a photoelectric device comprising the same, the substrate comprising: a base substrate; a concave-convex structure formed on the base substrate, in which the surface of the concave-convex structure forms a concave-convex pattern; and a planarization layer formed on the concave-convex structure, the planarization layer being formed of a 2-dimensional material.

Abstract: A hybrid composite nanomaterial comprising a hydrotalcite like layered double hydroxide compound provided with one or more lanthanide elements inserted into the 2D layers and one or more organic-inorganic (DONOR/ACCEPTOR) compounds, or acids or salts thereof, intercalated between them as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 31. The innovative co-axial design for encapsulating the active layer(s) of a hybrid organic-inorganic solar cell, together with the insertion of the hydrotalcite like nanocomposite, for light energy down and up conversion, thereby not only providing the active material more convertible energy, but also providing the opportunity to incorporate in situ the co-axial geometry or envisage a standalone pair of a Photoelectrochemical (PEC) and Fuel cell (FC), to work in parallel to the organic inorganic solar cell, or as standalone respectively.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a bifacial solar panel. The bifacial solar panel includes a first transparent cover on a first side of the solar panel, a second transparent cover on a second side of the solar panel, a plurality of solar cells sandwiched between the first cover and the second cover, and one or more lead wires for outputting power generated by the solar panel. The lead wires are positioned on an edge of the solar panel without shading the first and second sides of the solar panel. A respective solar cell comprises a photovoltaic structure, a first metal grid on the first side of the photovoltaic structure, which allows the solar cell to absorb light from the first side, and a second metal grid on the second side of the photovoltaic structure, which allows the solar cell to absorb light from the second side.

Abstract: A method for electro-chemical machining (ECM) is provided. Methods may include providing an ECM machine including a controller and a fixture configured for positioning an electrode for ECM, positioning the fixture in a selected dovetail slot of a plurality of dovetail slots in a turbine wheel, the turbine wheel being positioned in-situ in a turbomachine, the fixture positioning the electrode for ECM of a portion of the selected dovetail slot, applying an electrolyte solution between the selected dovetail slot and the electrode, and removing material from the portion of the selected dovetail slot by applying an electric potential to the electrode to create a potential gradient between the electrode and the portion of the selected dovetail slot. The machining may be repeated for each dovetail slot of the turbine wheel in-situ in the turbomachine.

Abstract: A method of detecting chlorate in soil includes contacting soil wetted with a solvent containing an electrically conductive salt with an electrode comprising layers of vanadium-substituted phosphomolybdate alternating with layers of para-rosaniline, and performing voltammetry with the electrode, wherein a catalytic reduction current indicates a likelihood of the presence or absence of chlorate in the soil. A system includes a potentiostat operably connected to the electrode and in communication with hardware and software sufficient to produce an output indicating a chlorate level in soil.

Abstract: Provided are a transparent conductive film having a simple manufacturing process and high transparency, high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and excellent durability and an organic photoelectric conversion element using this transparent conductive film. The transparent conductive film of the present invention is formed by laminating a ground layer which contains a nitrogen-containing organic compound and a metal thin film layer which contains a metal element of Group 11 of the periodic table and has a thickness of from 2 to 10 nm.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules and methods of fabricating thereof. A module may be fabricated from an insert having one or more photovoltaic cells by electrically interconnecting and mechanically integrating one or more connectors with the insert. Each connector may have one or more conductive elements, such as metal sockets and/or pins. At least two of all conductive elements are electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells using, for example, bus bars. These and other electrical components are electrically insulated using a temperature resistant material having a Relative Temperature Index (RTI) of at least about 115° C. The insulation may be provided before or during module fabrication by, for example, providing a prefabricated insulating housing and/or injection molding the temperature resistant material. The temperature resistant material and/or other materials may be used for mechanical integration of the one or more connectors with the insert.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided including a substrate having a front and back side, a metallization pattern deposited on the front side, the metallization pattern including a plurality of front side bus bars each including fingers extending therefrom, and a plurality of back side bus bars deposited on the back side. On the front side, one front side bus bar is formed along an edge of the front side of the substrate, and a remainder of the front side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. On the back side of the substrate, only one back side bus bar is formed along an edge of the back side of the substrate, and a remainder of the back side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate.