Patents by Inventor Michael D. Irwin
Michael D. Irwin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10193087Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes, the active layer having perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: HEE Solar, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerred A. Chute
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Patent number: 10189998Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes. The active layer may have perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLCInventors: Michael D. Irwin, Vivek V. Dhas, Kamil Mielczarek
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Publication number: 20180301288Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, an active layer disposed at least partially between the first and second electrodes, an interfacial layer disposed at least partially between the first and second electrodes, and a non-stoichiometric oxide layer disposed at least partially between and in contact with one of the first or second electrodes and an encapsulant layer. The active layer of the photovoltaic device comprises a photoactive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Kamil Mielczarek
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Publication number: 20180299764Abstract: A method for preparing photoactive perovskite materials. The method comprises the steps of: introducing a lead halide and a first solvent to a first vessel and contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide to form a lead halide solution, introducing a Group 1 metal halide a second solvent into a second vessel and contacting the Group 1 metal halide with the second solvent to dissolve the Group 1 metal halide to form a Group 1 metal halide solution, and contacting the lead halide solution with the Group 1 metal halide solution to form a thin-film precursor ink. The method further comprises depositing the thin-film precursor ink onto a substrate, drying the thin-film precursor ink to form a thin film, annealing the thin film; and rinsing the thin film with a salt solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Kamil Mielczarek, Vivek V. Dhas
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Publication number: 20180287082Abstract: A method for preparing photoactive perovskite materials. The method comprises the step of preparing a lead halide precursor ink. Preparing a lead halide precursor ink comprises the steps of: introducing a lead halide into a vessel, introducing a first solvent to the vessel, and contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide. The method further comprises depositing the lead halide precursor ink onto a substrate, drying the lead halide precursor ink to form a thin film, annealing the thin film, and rinsing the thin film with a second solvent and a salt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerred A. Chute, Vivek V. Dhas
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Publication number: 20180278208Abstract: The performance of photosensitive devices over time may be tested by configuring a photosensitive device test system that includes a light source plate that exposes photosensitive devices within a container to a specified light intensity. The light intensity may be adjusted by a programmable power source according to one or more thresholds. A test may last for a set duration with performance measurements being taken at predetermined intervals throughout the duration. Feedback from the photosensitive device test system may be recorded to determine whether to increase light intensity, to stop testing, to continue testing, and whether one or more environmental conditions should be altered. Measurements may be sent to a client for analysis and display to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerome Lovelace, Kamil Mielczarek
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Publication number: 20180248134Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes, the active layer having perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Vivek V. Dhas
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Publication number: 20180248133Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes, the active layer having perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Vivek V. Dhas
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Publication number: 20180248132Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes, the active layer having perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Vivek V. Dhas
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Patent number: 9991457Abstract: A method for preparing photoactive perovskite materials. The method comprises the step of preparing a lead halide precursor ink. Preparing a lead halide precursor ink comprises the steps of: introducing a lead halide into a vessel, introducing a first solvent to the vessel, and contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide. The method further comprises depositing the lead halide precursor ink onto a substrate, drying the lead halide precursor ink to form a thin film, annealing the thin film, and rinsing the thin film with a second solvent and a salt.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: HEE Solar, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerred A. Chute, Vivek V. Dhas
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Patent number: 9985583Abstract: The performance of photosensitive devices over time may be tested by configuring a photosensitive device test system that includes a light source plate that exposes photosensitive devices within a container to a specified light intensity. The light intensity may be adjusted by a programmable power source according to one or more thresholds. A test may last for a set duration with performance measurements being taken at predetermined intervals throughout the duration. Feedback from the photosensitive device test system may be recorded to determine whether to increase light intensity, to stop testing, to continue testing, and whether one or more environmental conditions should be altered. Measurements may be sent to a client for analysis and display to a user.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: HEE Solar, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerome Lovelace, Kamil Mielczarek
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Patent number: 9941480Abstract: A method for processing a perovskite photoactive layer. The method comprises depositing a lead salt precursor onto a substrate to form a lead salt thin film, depositing a second salt precursor onto the lead salt thin film, annealing the substrate to form a perovskite material.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: HEE Solar, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerred A. Chute, Vivek V. Dhas
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Publication number: 20180076764Abstract: The performance of photosensitive devices over time may be tested by configuring a photosensitive device test system that includes a light source plate that exposes photosensitive devices within a container to a specified light intensity. The light intensity may be adjusted by a programmable power source according to one or more thresholds. A test may last for a set duration with performance measurements being taken at predetermined intervals throughout the duration. Feedback from the photosensitive device test system may be recorded to determine whether to increase light intensity, to stop testing, to continue testing, and whether one or more environmental conditions should be altered. Measurements may be sent to a client for analysis and display to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerome Lovelace, Kamil Mielczarek
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Patent number: 9884966Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes. The active layer may have perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Hee Solar, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerred A. Chute, Vivek V. Dhas
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Publication number: 20180030279Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes. The active layer may have perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerred A. Chute, Vivek V. Dhas, Kamil Mielczarek
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Patent number: 9880458Abstract: A method for preparing photoactive perovskite materials. The method comprises the steps of: introducing a lead halide and a first solvent to a first vessel and contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide to form a lead halide solution, introducing a Group 1 metal halide a second solvent into a second vessel and contacting the Group 1 metal halide with the second solvent to dissolve the Group 1 metal halide to form a Group 1 metal halide solution, and contacting the lead halide solution with the Group 1 metal halide solution to form a thin-film precursor ink. The method further comprises depositing the thin-film precursor ink onto a substrate, drying the thin-film precursor ink to form a thin film, annealing the thin film; and rinsing the thin film with a salt solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: HEE Solar, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Kamil Mielczarek, Vivek V. Dhas
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Patent number: 9837611Abstract: Design and use of photo-switching, fullerene-based dyads of the design x-D-y-A or D-y-A-x as interfacial layers (IFL) for organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are described herein. The fullerene-based dyads and triads of the present invention contain electron-donating substituents such as porphyrins or phthalocyanines that exhibit charge separation states with long lifetimes upon irradiation, resulting in rejection of electrons reaching the electrode and concurrently promoting the conduction of holes. This phenomenon has a strong rectifying effect on the whole device, not just the interfaces, resulting in improved charge extraction from the interior of the photo-active layer. The invention further describes anchoring an IFL to the ITO surface as a monolayer, bilayer, or greater multilayers. One OPV design embodiment of the present invention embodiment involves the formation of covalent bonds via silane groups (—SiR3) as the anchor (x), to form siloxane bonds.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Luis Echegoyen, Michael D. Irwin, Danisha M. Rivera-Nazario
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Patent number: 9831829Abstract: The performance of photosensitive devices over time may be tested by configuring a photosensitive device test system that includes a light source plate that exposes photosensitive devices within a container to a specified light intensity. The light intensity may be adjusted by a programmable power source according to one or more thresholds. A test may last for a set duration with performance measurements being taken at predetermined intervals throughout the duration. Feedback from the photosensitive device test system may be recorded to determine whether to increase light intensity, to stop testing, to continue testing, and whether one or more environmental conditions should be altered. Measurements may be sent to a client for analysis and display to a user.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: HEE Solar, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerome Lovelace, Kamil Mielczarek
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Publication number: 20170186558Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes, the active layer having perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Robert D. Maher, III
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Publication number: 20170178822Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes. The active layer may have perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Vivek V. Dhas, Kamil Mielczarek