Patents Examined by Tae-Sik Kang
  • Carrier-nanoparticle complex, preparation method therefor, and membrane electrode assembly including same
    Patent number: 10868312
    Abstract: The present specification relates to a carrier-nanoparticle complex, a preparation method therefor, and a membrane electrode assembly including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Yeon Cho, Sang Hoon Kim, Gyo Hyun Hwang, Kwanghyun Kim, Ran Choi, Wonkyun Lee
  • Perovskite solar cells for space
    Patent number: 10861992
    Abstract: Provided is a multijunction photovoltaic device, including: a first subcell and a second subcell. The first cell includes a base semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The base semiconductor layer includes a Group III-V semiconductor material. The second subcell includes an absorber layer. The absorber layer includes an organometallic halide ionic solid perovskite semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Christopher M. Fetzer
  • Photoactive devices and materials
    Patent number: 10861986
    Abstract: Deposition processes are disclosed herein for depositing thin films comprising a dielectric transition metal compound phase and a conductive or semiconducting transition metal compound phase on a substrate in a reaction space. Deposition processes can include a plurality of super-cycles. Each super-cycle may include a dielectric transition metal compound sub-cycle and a reducing sub-cycle. The dielectric transition metal compound sub-cycle may include contacting the substrate with a dielectric transition metal compound. The reducing sub-cycle may include alternately and sequentially contacting the substrate with a reducing agent and a nitrogen reactant. The thin film may comprise a dielectric transition metal compound phase embedded in a conductive or semiconducting transition metal compound phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Tom E. Blomberg, Hannu Huotari
  • Efficiency-enhanced thermoelectric devices
    Patent number: 10777727
    Abstract: An efficiency-enhanced, three-terminal, bi-junction thermoelectric device driven by independently-adjustable parameters of temperature and voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD., BEN GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
    Inventors: Yoseph Imry, Ora Entin-Wohlman, JianHua Jiang
  • Photovoltaic device and associated fabrication method
    Patent number: 10770611
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic cells, separated from each other; a support receiving the cells; and a light guide in contact with the cells and comprising a primary guide with a surface that is proximal to the cells, where the proximal surface is oriented towards the cells and the support. The photovoltaic device comprises, between the cells, areas located between the support and the primary guide which comprise a material with an index of refraction less than that of the proximal surface, where the material is in contact with the proximal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE—CNRS-
    Inventors: Myriam Paire, Florian Proise, Daniel Lincot, Jean-Francois Guillemoles, Jean-Luc Pelouard, Sebastien Jutteau
  • Transparent conductive electrode for three dimensional photovoltaic device
    Patent number: 10741706
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate layer having a plurality of three-dimensional structures formed therein providing a textured profile. A first electrode is formed over the substrate layer and extends over the three-dimensional structures including non-planar surfaces. The first electrode has a thickness configured to maintain the textured profile, and the first electrode includes a transparent conductive material having a dopant metal activated within the transparent conductive material. A continuous photovoltaic stack is conformally formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode is formed on the photovoltaic stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Fogel, Augustin J. Hong, Jeehwan Kim, Devendra K. Sadana
  • Solar cell comprising CIGS light absorbing layer and method for manufacturing same
    Patent number: 10727366
    Abstract: The resent invention relates to a method for manufacturing a solar cell, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a lower electrode layer on a substrate; (b) forming a CIGS light absorbing layer on the lower electrode layer by supplying a copper precursor to deposit a copper thin film using chemical vapor deposition and then supplying a gallium precursor, an indium precursor, and a first selenium precursor to deposit a gallium thin film and an indium-selenium thin film using chemical vapor deposition; and (c) sequentially forming a buffer layer and a front electrode layer on the CIGS light absorbing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: MECAROENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyuk Kyoo Jang, Dong Soo Seok, Gyu Hyun Lee, Ho Gun Lee
  • Solar cell module and solar cell module manufacturing method
    Patent number: 10714645
    Abstract: A solar cell module is provided with: a plurality of solar cell elements each having a surface; a light diffusion portion provided in an outer peripheral area of the surface; and connection members which connect the plurality of solar cell elements. The outer peripheral area has restricted areas where formation of the light diffusion portion is restricted, in a part thereof, and the restricted areas are provided in positions where the outer peripheral area and the connection members intersect. The solar cell element may have, on the surface, bus bar electrodes which extend along the connection members. The restricted areas may be provided in the vicinity of ends of the bus bar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naohiro Hitachi, Tomohiro Funatani, Satoshi Tohoda, Shigeharu Taira
  • Solar cell module manufacturing method
    Patent number: 10700224
    Abstract: A solar cell module manufacturing method is provided. This method includes: arranging a printing plate over a solar cell element in proximity to a surface of the solar cell element; providing a coating material on the printing plate; and moving a squeegee in a first direction so as to push out the coating material via the printing plate to the solar cell element, thereby applying the coating material in an outer peripheral area of the surface of the solar cell element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tohoda, Shigeharu Taira
  • Building integrated photovoltaic roofing assemblies and associated systems and methods
    Patent number: 10673373
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Charles Almy, Martin Seery, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Ryan Devine, River Broussard
  • Solar cell element and solar cell module
    Patent number: 10651322
    Abstract: A solar cell element comprises a semiconductor substrate, a passivation layer, and first to third electrodes. The passivation layer with first holes is located on the semiconductor substrate. The first electrode is located in each of the first holes and electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate. The second electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode and located on the passivation layer. The third electrodes is electrically connected to the first electrode via the second electrode. The passivation layer includes a part where a ratio of an area occupied by the first holes in a first region adjacent to the third electrodes is smaller than a ratio of an area occupied by the first holes in a second region located farther away from the third electrodes in relation to the first region and having an area equal to an area of the first region in a perspective plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinya Ishikawa
  • Heat-sensitive layer for lithium ion secondary battery
    Patent number: 10651447
    Abstract: Provided is a heat-sensitive layer for a lithium ion secondary battery that can efficiently block rising temperature during abnormal heating by increasing battery internal resistance and thereby reducing current. The heat-sensitive layer for a lithium ion secondary battery is formed from a heat-sensitive layer composition containing particles in each of which a second component is substantially partially disposed at the outside of a particle formed from a first component. The heat-sensitive layer composition has a storage modulus at 60° C. of 10 kPa or more and a storage modulus at 150° C. of 1 kPa or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ZEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Oguro, Kouichirou Maeda, Naoki Takahashi
  • Stable perovskite module interconnects
    Patent number: 10644179
    Abstract: Thin-film solar cell modules and serial cell-to-cell interconnect structures and methods of fabrication are described. In an embodiment, solar cell module and interconnect includes a conformal transport layer over a subcell layer. The conformal transport layer may also laterally surround an outside perimeter the subcell layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Swift Solar Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Alexander Bush
  • Fuel cell vehicle and method of operating the same
    Patent number: 10629971
    Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell, a first electric component, a second electric component, a battery, a first switch, a second switch, and circuitry. The first electric component is to operate the fuel cell. The second electric component is not to be used to operate the fuel cell. The first switch is to electrically connect the first electric component to the battery to supply electric power from the battery to the first electric component. The second switch is to electrically connect the second electric component to the battery to supply electric power from the battery to the second electric component. The circuitry is configured to control the first switch to electrically connect the first electric component to the battery and to control the second switch not to electrically connect the second electric component to the battery when the fuel cell is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Matsumoto, Takuto Nakagawa
  • Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector
    Patent number: 10594255
    Abstract: A laminated photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) module for a PV/T hybrid solar collector comprising a cooler/absorber and a photovoltaic unit. The cooler/absorber includes at least one flat surface with raised peripheral edges and is adapted to function as a mould for a photovoltaic laminate structure. The photovoltaic unit includes a photovoltaic laminate structure including: a first layer of a first laminate material moulded on the flat surface of the cooler/absorber, wherein the first laminate material is electrically insulating and has a high thermal conductivity; a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned on the first layer of laminate material; and a second layer of a second laminate material moulded on and substantially covering the photovoltaic cells, wherein the second laminate material is transparent and has a high heat resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SOLARUS SUNPOWER SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Stefan Larsson
  • Method for producing thermoelectric conversion apparatus and thermoelectric conversion apparatus
    Patent number: 10559737
    Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes: a first film including a perovskite structure; a second film and a third film, including a perovskite structure, disposed in such a manner that the first film is interposed between the second film and the third film; a fourth film, including a perovskite structure, disposed so as to interpose the second film with the first film; and a fifth film, including a perovskite structure, disposed so as to interpose the third film with the first film, wherein an offset in conduction band between the first film and the second film and an offset in conduction band between the first film and the third film is less than 0.25 eV, and an offset in conduction band between the second film and the fourth film and an offset in conduction band between the third film and the fifth film is more than 1 eV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: John David Baniecki, Hiroyuki Aso, Yoshihiko Imanaka
  • System and method for work function reduction and thermionic energy conversion
    Patent number: 10546990
    Abstract: A thermionic energy converter, preferably including an anode and a cathode. An anode of a thermionic energy converter, preferably including an n-type semiconductor, one or more supplemental layers, and an electrical contact. A method for work function reduction and/or thermionic energy conversion, preferably including inputting thermal energy to a thermionic energy converter, illuminating an anode of the thermionic energy converter, thereby preferably reducing a work function of the anode, and extracting electrical power from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Spark Thermonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared William Schwede, Lucas Heinrich Hess
  • Structures for increased current generation and collection in solar cells with low absorptance and/or low diffusion length
    Patent number: 10541345
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a solar cell device that includes a substrate comprising a front side surface and a backside surface; an epitaxial region overlying the substrate, wherein the epitaxial region comprises a first Bragg reflector disposed below a first solar cell, wherein the first solar cell has a first bandgap, wherein the first Bragg reflector is operable to reflect a first range of radiation wavelengths back into the first solar cell, and is operable to cool the solar cell device by reflecting a second range of radiation wavelengths that are outside the photogeneration wavelength range of the first solar cell or that are weakly absorbed by the first solar cell, and may additionally comprise a second Bragg reflector operable to reflect a third range of radiation wavelengths back into the first solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard R. King, Moran Haddad, Philip T. Chiu, Xingquan Liu, Christopher M. Fetzer
  • Photovoltaic devices and method of manufacturing
    Patent number: 10529883
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate structure and at least one Se-containing layer, such as a CdSeTe layer. A process for manufacturing the photovoltaic device includes forming the CdSeTe layer over a substrate by at least one of sputtering, evaporation deposition, CVD, chemical bath deposition process, and vapor transport deposition process. The process can also include controlling a thickness range of the Se-containing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Damjanovic, Markus Gloeckler, Feng Liao, Andrei Los, Dan Mao, Benjamin Milliron, Gopal Mor, Rick Powell, Kenneth Ring, Aaron Roggelin, Jigish Trivedi, Zhibo Zhao
  • Solar cell module and solar cell module manufacturing method
    Patent number: 10522702
    Abstract: A solar cell element includes a plurality of finger electrodes and a bus bar electrode on a surface thereof. A light diffuser is provided in an outer circumferential region of the surface. The light diffuser includes first light diffusers provided along the left side and the right side of the surface, and second light diffusers provided along the upper side and the lower side of the surface. The width of the first light diffuser in a transverse direction perpendicular to the left side or the right side, is smaller than the width of the second light diffuser in a transverse direction perpendicular to the upper side or the lower side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Tohoda