Patents by Inventor Paul Greiff
Paul Greiff 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: 11264938Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic panel assembly including a heat sink and a plurality of thermophotovoltaic modules mounted on the heat sink. Each thermophotovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic element separated from an emitter assembly by a gap. The emitter assembly includes an emitter and applies force towards the photovoltaic element to maintain the gap. The thermophotovoltaic panel assembly may also utilize a force application layer on the emitter and be bolted in place. A housing can be used for protection and to transfer energy to the emitter. The heat sink cantilevers into the housing to define a space between the thermophotovoltaic modules and the inner surface of the housing. Preferably, the housing maintains a vacuum and, in turn, the gap is evacuated. The heat sink can be monolithic and cooled with fluid pumped therethrough. The emitter may be transparent or at least partially transmissive.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: MTPV POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian N. Hubert, Bin Zhang, Eric L. Brown, Timothy R. Schuyler, David Mather, Paul Greiff, Christopher W. Melanson, Bruno A. Nardelli, Shannon J. Kovar, Trace W. Cody
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Patent number: 10418502Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-cell devices fabricated on a common substrate that are more desirable than single cell devices, particularly in photovoltaic applications. Multi-cell devices operate with lower currents, higher output voltages, and lower internal power losses. Prior art multi-cell devices use physical isolation to achieve electrical isolation between cells. In order to fabricate a multicell device on a common substrate, the individual cells must be electrically isolated from one another. In the prior art, isolation generally required creating a physical dielectric barrier between the cells, which adds complexity and cost to the fabrication process. The disclosed invention achieves electrical isolation without physical isolation by proper orientation of interdigitated junctions such that the diffusion fields present in the interdigitated region essentially prevent the formation of a significant parasitic current which would be in opposition to the output of the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Eric Brown, Andrew Walsh, Jose Borrego, Paul Greiff
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Publication number: 20170338362Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-cell devices fabricated on a common substrate that are more desirable than single cell devices, particularly in photovoltaic applications. Multi-cell devices operate with lower currents, higher output voltages, and lower internal power losses. Prior art multi-cell devices use physical isolation to achieve electrical isolation between cells. In order to fabricate a multicell device on a common substrate, the individual cells must be electrically isolated from one another. In the prior art, isolation generally required creating a physical dielectric barrier between the cells, which adds complexity and cost to the fabrication process. The disclosed invention achieves electrical isolation without physical isolation by proper orientation of interdigitated junctions such that the diffusion fields present in the interdigitated region essentially prevent the formation of a significant parasitic current which would be in opposition to the output of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Applicant: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Eric Brown, Andrew Walsh, Jose Borrego, Paul Greiff
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Patent number: 9755095Abstract: The present technology relates to multi-cell devices fabricated on a common substrate that are more desirable than single cell devices, particularly in photovoltaic applications. Multi-cell devices operate with lower currents, higher output voltages, and lower internal power losses. Prior art multi-cell devices use physical isolation to achieve electrical isolation between cells. In order to fabricate a multicell device on a common substrate, the individual cells must be electrically isolated from one another. In the prior art, isolation generally required creating a physical dielectric barrier between the cells, which adds complexity and cost to the fabrication process. The disclosed technology achieves electrical isolation without physical isolation by proper orientation of interdigitated junctions such that the diffusion fields present in the interdigitated region essentially prevent the formation of a significant parasitic current which would be in opposition to the output of the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: MTPV POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Eric Brown, Andrew Walsh, Jose Borrego, Paul Greiff
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Publication number: 20170229996Abstract: A photovoltaic panel assembly including a heat sink and a plurality of photovoltaic modules mounted on the heat sink. Each photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic element separated from an emitter assembly by a gap. The emitter assembly includes an emitter and applies force towards the photovoltaic element to maintain the gap. The photovoltaic panel assembly may also utilize a force application layer on the emitter and be bolted in place. A housing can be used for protection and to transfer energy to the emitter. The heat sink cantilevers into the housing to define a space between the photovoltaic modules and the inner surface of the housing. Preferably, the housing maintains a vacuum and, in turn, the gap is evacuated. The heat sink can be monolithic and cooled with fluid pumped therethrough. The emitter may be transparent or at least partially transmissive.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Brian N. Hubert, Bin Zhang, Eric L. Brown, Timothy R. Schuyler, DAvid Mather, Paul Greiff, Christopher W. Melanson, Bruno A. Nardelli, Shannon J. Kovar, Trace W. Cody
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Patent number: 9712105Abstract: A device, method and process of fabricating an interdigitated multicell thermo-photo-voltaic component that is particularly efficient for generating electrical energy from photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum received from a heat source in the near field. Where the absorbing region is germanium, the device is capable of generating electrical energy by absorbing photon energy in the greater than 0.67 electron volt range corresponding to radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum. Use of germanium semiconductor material provides a good match for converting energy from a low temperature heat source. The side that is opposite the photon receiving side of the device includes metal interconnections and dielectric material which provide an excellent back surface reflector for recycling below band photons back to the emitter. Multiple cells may be fabricated and interconnected as a monolithic large scale array for improved performance.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Paul Greiff, Jose M Borrego
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Patent number: 9349891Abstract: An MTPV thermophotovoltaic chip comprising a photovoltaic cell substrate, micron/sub-micron gap-spaced from a juxtaposed heat or infrared radiation-emitting substrate, with a radiation-transparent intermediate window substrate preferably compliantly adhered to the photovoltaic cell substrate and bounding the gap space therewith.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Paul Greiff, Robert DiMatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Publication number: 20150372634Abstract: A device, method and process of fabricating an interdigitated multicell thermo-photo-voltaic component that is particularly efficient for generating electrical energy from photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum received from a heat source in the near field. Where the absorbing region is germanium, the device is capable of generating electrical energy by absorbing photon energy in the greater than 0.67 electron volt range corresponding to radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum. Use of germanium semiconductor material provides a good match for converting energy from a low temperature heat source. The side that is opposite the photon receiving side of the device includes metal interconnections and dielectric material which provide an excellent back surface reflector for recycling below band photons back to the emitter. Multiple cells may be fabricated and interconnected as a monolithic large scale array for improved performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Applicant: MTPV POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Paul Greiff, Jose M. Borrego
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Patent number: 9065006Abstract: A device, method and process of fabricating an interdigitated multicell thermo-photo-voltaic component that is particularly efficient for generating electrical energy from photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum received from a heat source in the near field. Where the absorbing region is germanium, the device is capable of generating electrical energy by absorbing photon energy in the greater than 0.67 electron volt range corresponding to radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum. Use of germanium semiconductor material provides a good match for converting energy from a low temperature heat source. The side that is opposite the photon receiving side of the device includes metal interconnections and dielectric material which provide an excellent back surface reflector for recycling below band photons back to the emitter. Multiple cells may be fabricated and interconnected as a monolithic large scale array for improved performance.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Paul Greiff, Jose M Borrega
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Publication number: 20140349436Abstract: A micron gap thermo-photo-voltaic device including a photovoltaic substrate, a heat source substrate, and a plurality of spacers separating the photovoltaic substrate from the heat source substrate by a submicron gap. Each spacer includes an elongated thin-walled structure disposed in a well formed in the heat source substrate and having a top surface less than a micron above the heat source substrate. Also disclosed are methods of making the spacers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: Paul Greiff
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Publication number: 20140261618Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-cell devices fabricated on a common substrate that are more desirable than single cell devices, particularly in photovoltaic applications. Multi-cell devices operate with lower currents, higher output voltages, and lower internal power losses. Prior art multi-cell devices use physical isolation to achieve electrical isolation between cells. In order to fabricate a multicell device on a common substrate, the individual cells must be electrically isolated from one another. In the prior art, isolation generally required creating a physical dielectric barrier between the cells, which adds complexity and cost to the fabrication process. The disclosed invention achieves electrical isolation without physical isolation by proper orientation of interdigitated junctions such that the diffusion fields present in the interdigitated region essentially prevent the formation of a significant parasitic current which would be in opposition to the output of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Eric Brown, Andrew Walsh, Jose Borrego, Paul Greiff
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Patent number: 8822813Abstract: An improved submicron gap thermophotovoltaic structure and method comprising an emitter substrate with a first surface for receiving heat energy and a second surface for emitting infrared radiation across an evacuated submicron gap to a juxtaposed first surface of an infrared radiation-transparent window substrate having a high refractive index. A second surface of the infrared radiation-transparent substrate opposite the first surface is affixed to a photovoltaic cell substrate by an infrared-transparent compliant adhesive layer. Relying on the high refractive index of the infrared radiation-transparent window substrate, the low refractive index of the submicron gap and Snell's law, the infrared radiation received by the first surface of the infrared radiation-transparent window substrate is focused onto a more perpendicular path to the surface of the photovoltaic cell substrate. This results in increased electrical power output and improved efficiency by the thermophotovoltaic structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Paul Greiff, Robert Dimatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Publication number: 20140137921Abstract: An MTPV thermophotovoltaic chip comprising a photovoltaic cell substrate, micron/sub-micron gap-spaced from a juxtaposed heat or infrared radiation-emitting substrate, with a radiation-transparent intermediate window substrate preferably compliantly adhered to the photovoltaic cell substrate and bounding the gap space therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Paul Greiff, Robert DiMatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Patent number: 8633373Abstract: An MTPV thermophotovoltaic chip comprising a photovoltaic cell substrate, micron/sub-micron gap-spaced from a juxtaposed heat or infrared radiation-emitting substrate, with a radiation-transparent intermediate window substrate preferably compliantly adhered to the photovoltaic cell substrate and bounding the gap space therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Paul Greiff, Robert DiMatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Publication number: 20130298963Abstract: A device, method and process of fabricating an interdigitated multicell thermo-photo-voltaic component that is particularly efficient for generating electrical energy from photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum received from a heat source in the near field. Where the absorbing region is germanium, the device is capable of generating electrical energy by absorbing photon energy in the greater than 0.67 electron volt range corresponding to radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum. Use of germanium semiconductor material provides a good match for converting energy from a low temperature heat source. The side that is opposite the photon receiving side of the device includes metal interconnections and dielectric material which provide an excellent back surface reflector for recycling below band photons back to the emitter. Multiple cells may be fabricated and interconnected as a monolithic large scale array for improved performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: MTPV, LLC.Inventors: Paul Greiff, Jose M. Borrega
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Patent number: 8450598Abstract: A near-field energy conversion method, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near-field” gap between juxtaposed infrared radiation receiver and emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure for maintaining uniform gap separation. Thermally resistant gap spacers are also used to maintain uniform gap separation. Means are provided for cooling a receiver substrate structure and for conducting heat to an emitter substrate structure. The gap may also be evacuated for more effective operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: MTPV Power CorporationInventors: Paul Greiff, Robert DiMatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Publication number: 20120060883Abstract: A near-field energy conversion method, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near-field” gap between juxtaposed infrared radiation receiver and emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure for maintaining uniform gap separation. Thermally resistant gap spacers are also used to maintain uniform gap separation. Means are provided for cooling a receiver substrate structure and for conducting heat to an emitter substrate structure. The gap may also be evacuated for more effective operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: MTPV LLCInventors: Paul GREIFF, Robert DiMatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Patent number: 8076569Abstract: A near-field energy conversion structure and method of assembling the same, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near field” gap between juxtaposed photocell infrared radiation receiver and heat emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: MTPV, LLCInventors: Paul Greiff, Robert DiMatteo, Eric Brown, Christopher Leitz
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Publication number: 20110209748Abstract: A micron gap thermo-photo-voltaic device including a photovoltaic substrate, a heat source substrate, and a plurality of spacers separating the photovoltaic substrate from the heat source substrate by a submicron gap. Each spacer includes an elongated thin-walled structure disposed in a well formed in the heat source substrate and having a top surface less than a micron above the heat source substrate. Also disclosed are methods of making the spacers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Paul Greiff
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Patent number: 7977135Abstract: A method of making a micron gap thermal photovoltaic device includes forming at least one standoff on a photovoltaic substrate, depositing a sacrificial layer on the photovoltaic substrate and about the standoff, forming an emitter attached to the standoff and having a lower planar surface separated from the photovoltaic substrate by the sacrificial layer, and removing the sacrificial layer to form a sub-micron gap between the photovoltaic substrate and the lower planar surface of the emitter.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Paul Greiff, Robert Stephen DiMatteo