Patents by Inventor Peter Nitz

Peter Nitz 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).

  • Patent number: 11774360
    Abstract: A method for determining relative degrees of reflectance of a measurement surface, having the method steps of applying measurement radiation to the measurement surface, such that a measurement spot is produced on the management surface, moving the measurement spot along at least a first straight measurement spot path, over the measurement surface in accordance with a first path movement and along a second straight measurement spot path with a second path movement, recording a first and second image sets of a plurality of locally resolved images of the measurement surface during the first path movement and the second path movement. An evaluation is carried out at intersection points, whose location points on the management surface are defined by evaluation lines, wherein a first group of straight evaluation lines within the first measurement path region and a second group of straight evaluation lines within the second measurement path region are predefined and/or determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
    Inventors: Gregor Bern, Peter Schöttl, Anna Heimsath, Peter Nitz
  • Patent number: 11380015
    Abstract: A method for the optical determination of an intensity distribution, includes a) producing a spatially inhomogeneous radiation field of electromagnetic radiation; b) producing a first relative movement between a position-resolving image sensor and the radiation source with the radiation field moving along a first measurement path over a sensor field of the image sensor, so it is scanned by a first measurement path region of the radiation field; c) recording a first image set with position-resolved images of the radiation field during the first movement; d) producing a similar second relative movement between the image sensor and the radiation source, along a second measurement path not parallel to the first movement path; d) similarly recording a second image set during the second relative movement; e) evaluating the position-resolved images of the first and second image sets at least at points of intersection, the locations of which are defined by evaluation lines; and f) determining a relative intensity dis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter Nitz, Anna Heimsath, Peter Schoettl, Gregor Bern, Moritz Bitterling, Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20210381970
    Abstract: A method for determining relative degrees of reflectance of a measurement surface, having the method steps of applying measurement radiation to the measurement surface, such that a measurement spot is produced on the management surface, moving the measurement spot along at least a first straight measurement spot path, over the measurement surface in accordance with a first path movement and along a second straight measurement spot path with a second path movement, recording a first and second image sets of a plurality of locally resolved images of the measurement surface during the first path movement and the second path movement. An evaluation is carried out at intersection points, whose location points on the management surface are defined by evaluation lines, wherein a first group of straight evaluation lines within the first measurement path region and a second group of straight evaluation lines within the second measurement path region are predefined and/or determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Fördergung Der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Gregor BERN, Peter SCHÖTTL, Anna HEIMSATH, Peter NITZ
  • Publication number: 20210295562
    Abstract: A method for the optical determination of an intensity distribution, includes a) producing a spatially inhomogeneous radiation field of electromagnetic radiation; b) producing a first relative movement between a position-resolving image sensor and the radiation source with the radiation field moving along a first measurement path over a sensor field of the image sensor, so it is scanned by a first measurement path region of the radiation field; c) recording a first image set with position-resolved images of the radiation field during the first movement; d) producing a similar second relative movement between the image sensor and the radiation source, along a second measurement path not parallel to the first movement path; d) similarly recording a second image set during the second relative movement; e) evaluating the position-resolved images of the first and second image sets at least at points of intersection, the locations of which are defined by evaluation lines; and f) determining a relative intensity dis
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter NITZ, Anna HEIMSATH, Peter SCHOETTL, Gregor BERN, Moritz BITTERLING, Thomas SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 11073307
    Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration method for a group of reflectors for concentrating solar radiation onto a radiation receiver, having the following steps: A) aligning the reflectors in order to at least partly expose a calibration surface to solar radiation reflected by the reflectors; B) modifying the intensity distribution of the radiation incident on the calibration surface by carrying out a pattern of movements by each reflector of the group, wherein at least one specified parameter for the pattern of movements of each reflector differs from the parameters of the other reflectors, said parameter being selected from the group: —movement frequency,—movement amplitude,—movement phase angle, and—trajectory of the solar radiation, reflected by the reflector, within the calibration surface; C) recording rows of pixels for a plurality of differently located location points of the calibration surface by at least one camera, each row of pixel having at least five temporally offset pixel recordings; D) ascert
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Gregor Bern, Peter Schoettl, De Wet Van Rooyen, Peter Nitz, Anna Heimsath
  • Publication number: 20190264953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration method for a group of reflectors for concentrating solar radiation onto a radiation receiver, having the following steps: A) aligning the reflectors in order to at least partly expose a calibration surface to solar radiation reflected by the reflectors; B) modifying the intensity distribution of the radiation incident on the calibration surface by carrying out a pattern of movements by each reflector of the group, wherein at least one specified parameter for the pattern of movements of each reflector differs from the parameters of the other reflectors, said parameter being selected from the group: movement frequency, movement amplitude, movement phase angle, and trajectory of the solar radiation, reflected by the reflector, within the calibration surface; C) recording rows of pixels for a plurality of differently located location points of the calibration surface by at least one camera, each row of pixel having at least five temporally offset pixel recordings; D) ascerta
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Gregor Bern, Peter Schoettl, De Wet Van Rooyen, Peter Nitz, Anna Heimsath
  • Patent number: 9640688
    Abstract: A light-absorbing or light-emitting solar cell assembly comprises an electrical insulator disposed on an electrically conductive substrate and that is provided with a metallized surface and at least one solar cell connected to the electrically conductive substrate, wherein the solar cell includes refractive secondary optics and is disposed in a recess in the insulator. The solar cell is connected to the substrate by the side orientated towards the substrate via an electrically conductive connection and the recess is dimensioned such that an interspace is produced laterally between the solar cell and the electrical insulator, the interspace being filled with a coupling medium and the solar cell being connected to the metallized surface by at least one electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Armin Bösch, Joachim Jaus, Andreas Bett, Gerhard Peharz, Peter Nitz, Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9000548
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflective and/or refractive secondary lens system for focusing sunlight onto semiconductor elements, the secondary lens system being characterized according to the invention by a projection which is disposed around the basic body forming the secondary lens system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a semiconductor assembly which includes the secondary lens system according to the invention, and also to a method for the production of this semiconductor assembly. In particular, this semiconductor assembly represents a concentrating solar cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Joachim Jaus, Andreas Bett, Michael Passig, Gerhard Peharz, Peter Nitz, Wolfgang Graf
  • Patent number: 8969716
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic device for direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, which comprises a concentrator lens system and at least one solar cell. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for producing a concentrator lens system which can be used in a corresponding photovoltaic device but also in other devices for, e.g. thermal, use of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventor: Peter Nitz
  • Publication number: 20130068215
    Abstract: A method for storing and releasing heat by means of a phase change material. In said method, a phase change is caused in a first heat exchanging device (4) by supplying heat during a charging process in a storage medium comprising a phase change material in order to store the heat as latent heat in the storage medium, and a phase change is caused in the storage medium while heat is dissipated during a discharging process in the first or another heat exchanging device (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Anton Neuhäuser, Peter Nitz, Werner Platzer
  • Publication number: 20120187439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light-absorbing or light-emitting solar cell assembly and also a solar cell arrangement which is constructed from 2 to 10,000 of the solar cell assemblies according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Frauhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Armin Bösch, Joachim Jaus, Andreas Bett, Gerhard Peharz, Peter Nitz, Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110180143
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic device for direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, which comprises a concentrator lens system and at least one solar cell. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for producing a concentrator lens system which can be used in a corresponding photovoltaic device but also in other devices for, e.g. thermal, use of radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Nitz
  • Publication number: 20110127546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflective and/or refractive secondary lens system for focusing sunlight onto semiconductor elements, the secondary lens system being characterised according to the invention by a projection which is disposed around the basic body forming the secondary lens system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a semiconductor assembly which includes the secondary lens system according to the invention, and also to a method for the production of this semiconductor assembly. In particular, this semiconductor assembly represents a concentrating solar cell module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERLING DERANGEWAN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Joachim Jaus, Andreas Bett, Michael Passig, Gerhard Peharz, Peter Nitz, Wolfgang Graf
  • Publication number: 20060109555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sun protection device that has a plurality of segments that are spaced apart from one another parallel to their longitudinal direction and that are received so as to be rotatable about their longitudinal axis. The segments have respective segment top surfaces on which a plurality of optical concentrator structure elements from an at least partially transparent dielectric material, so-called CPCs (Compound Parabolic Concentrators) are provided. Said concentrators have a surface of incidence and one planar or curved receiving surface and are oriented with their receiving surface toward the segment top surface. The invention is characterized in that the segment top surface, at an angle to its longitudinal direction, is at least partially curved or edged, the segment top surface is reflecting or opaque, and the CPCs adjoin the segment top surface with their receiving surface directly or across at least one coupling layer or are spaced apart and disposed opposite the segment top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter Nitz, Christopher Buhler, Werner Platzer, Tilmann Kuhn, Andreas Gombert, Benedikt Blasi, Volker Wittwer
  • Publication number: 20060102226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing the photoelectrode of a solar cell in which a layer of a nanocrystalline semiconductor material is applied on a substrate and then sintered at a sintering temperature. In the method, elongated particles which burn out at the sintering temperature and leave elongated cavities in the layer are introduced into the layer. The invention also relates to a solar cell having a photoelectrode which has such type cavities. The method permits producing photoelectrodes for dye solar cells which allow sufficient diffusion of the electrolyte into the photoelectrode and thus a sufficiently great photocurrent even in the case of high viscous electrolytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicants: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat Freiburg
    Inventors: Rainer Kern, Peter Nitz, Sarmimala Hore
  • Publication number: 20050254130
    Abstract: Described is a device for guiding light consisting of at least one partially translucent surface material, with a surface upper side, which has optically active surface structures for guiding and/or scattering light, as well as an optically switchable coating provided at least in partial areas of the surface structures, or at least two directly or indirectly opposing surface upper sides, of which one exhibits optically active surface structures for guiding and/or scattering light, and the other provides an optically switchable coating that covers at least parts of the surface upper side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Wolfgang Graf, Andreas Georg, Peter NItz, Christopher Buhler, Andreas Gombert, Volker Wittwer
  • Publication number: 20050068630
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sun protection device for transparent apertures in a building against direct incident sunlight entering the interior of the building, said device comprising at least one optical flat element (F) consisting of an at least partially transparent material, being installable in the region of said building aperture, and having two flat element sides facing each other, of which one (E) is designed non-structured and plane, and the other (S) being provided with prismatic linearly extending structural elements (SE) running in parallel and recurring periodically in lateral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Nitz, Christopher Buhler, Andreas Gombert, Benedikt Blasi