Abstract: A method of forming an P/N-type array of P-type and N-type material includes stacking a plurality of P-type material wafers and a plurality of N-type material wafers into a P/N-type array. At least one spacer is provided between adjacent wafers. The P-type material wafers and the N-type material wafers are boned together the into a composite P/N-type brick. The method may also include providing a second composite P/N-type brick. A plurality of channels and fingers are created in the first and second composite P/N-type bricks. The first and second composite P/N-type bricks are fit together to form a P/N-type mosaic. Alternatively, the method may include providing a single P/N-type brick. A plurality of channels is created in the composite P/N-type brick. The channels are then back filled with an electrically and thermally insulating adhesive so that a P/N-type grid of P-type elements and N-type elements is formed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes a first plurality of thermoelectric elements and a second plurality of thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric system further includes a plurality of heat transfer devices. Each heat transfer device has a first side in thermal communication with two or more thermoelectric elements of the first plurality of thermoelectric elements and a second side in thermal communication with one or more thermoelectric elements of the second plurality of thermoelectric elements, so as to form a stack of thermoelectric elements and heat transfer devices. The two or more thermoelectric elements of the first plurality of thermoelectric elements are in parallel electrical communication with one another, and the two or more thermoelectric elements of the first plurality of thermoelectric elements are in series electrical communication with the one or more thermoelectric elements of the second plurality of thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching photovoltaic solar panels to a roof system surface. Thin film flexible panels are attached using a hook and loop system in which either the hook or loop material is attached to the underside of panel, and the other of the hook and loop material is attached the roof. Solar panels that are encased in a frame are attached using the hook and loop material directly to the roof system structure, or to an intermediate structure, which is in turn attached to the roof system surface. The method also determines the amount of mated hook and loop material that must be attached to each installed panel to ensure that the installed panels will be able to withstand the wind pressure uplift force required, and to ensure that in the event unexpected and excessive uplift force is ever encountered, the panels separate at the hook and loop interface.

Abstract: A backside illuminated multi-junction solar cell module includes a substrate, multiple multi-junction solar cells, and a cell interconnection that provides a series connection between at least two of the multi-junction solar cells. The substrate may include a material that is substantially transparent to solar radiation. Each multi-junction solar cell includes a first active cell, grown over the substrate, for absorbing a first portion of the solar radiation for conversion into electrical energy and a second active cell, grown over the first active cell, for absorbing a second portion of the solar radiation for conversion into electrical energy. At least one of the first and second active cells includes a nitride.

Abstract: Optical devices and systems that provide high solar flux onto a multi-junction solar cell, or other target cell, to produce efficient electrical output. An optical device includes a primary focusing element, and a non-imaging secondary concentrator having an entry aperture and an exit aperture. The primary focus element is configured to focus light from a distant source onto the entry aperture of the secondary concentrator. The primary focusing element has an f-number that is greater than about 1, e.g., between 1 and 4 or greater. The device includes a solar cell located proximal to the exit aperture of the secondary concentrator. In certain aspects, the primary focusing element includes a Fresnel lens, a diffractive lens and/or a reflector. In certain aspects, a Fresnel lens used as the primary is flat, substantially square, curved and/or refractive.

Abstract: A SOLAR TRACKER FOR THERMAL AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS WITH A FORCED AIR SYSTEM, APPLICABLE TO BUILDINGS, with a panel-carrying framework on a dome, whose interior features a heat accumulator, acting as a column; attached to the base of this there is a fan and radiator capable of blowing treated air towards the apartments, it being installed over the stairwell, which acts as a carriage duct, also acting as a fire protection system as it creates centrifugal radial flows, expelling harmful gases on opening doors and windows. The framework tilts on two axes of a spider joint located between two yokes, one of these fixed on the column and the other tilting, this last supporting the framework. Four servo-cylinders, two per axis, cause it to be directed towards the sun. The rows of the framework, arranged on different levels, in the shape of a stepped pyramid, support juxtaposed thermal and photovoltaic panels, it being possible to direct those appropriate towards the sun while the others are shaded.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods and apparatuses for solar heating are disclosed. One solar heating apparatus includes an insulating layer adjacent to an exterior of a structure. A heat transfer plate is adjacent to the insulating layer. A fluid conduit is adjacent to the heat transfer plate. The heat transfer plate is thermally connected to the fluid conduit for transferring heat from the heat transfer plate to fluid within the fluid conduit. A weather exposed layer is thermally connected to the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching photovoltaic solar panels to a roof system surface. Thin film flexible panels are attached using a hook and loop system in which either the hook or loop material is attached to the underside of panel, and the other of the hook and loop material is attached the roof. Solar panels that are encased in a frame are attached using the hook and loop material directly to the roof system structure, or to an intermediate structure, which is in turn attached to the roof system surface.

Abstract: An integrated solar cell roofing system comprised of strips of solar cell groups. Each strip is comprised of a length of a substrate of a flexible, waterproof material. A first layer of bonding material is laid on the substrate onto which a group of pre-wired photovoltaic (PV) cells are positioned. A second layer of bonding material is applied and an individual rigid sheet of glass is laid on the second layer over each group of PV cells. Heat and vacuum is then applied to melt the bonding materials thereby bonding the group of PV cells and the glass sheet onto the substrate to form spaced solar cell groups thereon. The strip can then be folded into a fan-fold configuration for handling.

Abstract: It is the gist of the present invention to provide a photovoltaic device in which a single crystal semiconductor layer provided over a substrate having an insulating surface or an insulating substrate is used as a photoelectric conversion layer, and the single crystal semiconductor layer is provided with a so-called SOI structure where the single crystal semiconductor layer is bonded to the substrate with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. As the single crystal semiconductor layer having a function as a photoelectric conversion layer, a single crystal semiconductor layer obtained by separation and transfer of an outer layer portion of a single crystal semiconductor substrate is used.

Abstract: Process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, and improvements thereto, with particular regard to generating electrical power. Representatively, the method can include: increasing temperature of a surface to produce radiation, a portion of the radiation having an infrared wavelength and a portion of the radiation having a wavelength shorter than the infrared wavelength; reflecting the infrared wavelength portion of the radiation emanating from said surface back toward said surface; and collecting the shorter wavelength portion of the radiation in a photovoltaic device to generate electrical power.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing a single-crystal silicon solar cell including the steps of: implanting a hydrogen ion or a rare gas ion into a single-crystal silicon substrate; forming a transparent insulator layer on a metal substrate; performing a surface activation treatment with respect to at least one of the ion implanted surface and a surface of the transparent insulator layer; bonding these surfaces; mechanically delaminating the single-crystal silicon substrate to provide a single-crystal silicon layer; forming a plurality of second conductivity type diffusion regions in the delaminated surface side of the single-crystal silicon layer so that a plurality of first conductivity type regions and the plurality of second conductivity regions are present in the delaminated surface of the single-crystal silicon layer; respectively forming a plurality of individual electrodes on the plurality of first and second conductivity type regions of the single-crystal silicon layer; forming respective co

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell on a flexible film by providing a substrate; depositing on the substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell; mounting the semiconductor substrate on a flexible film; and thinning the semiconductor substrate to a predetermined thickness. The sequence of layers forms an inverted metamorphic solar cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic cell, a method of manufacturing such photovoltaic cell, and to uses of such cell.

Abstract: A fluorescence conversion solar cell based on one or more panels composed of polymer doped with at least one fluorescent dye and/or glass panels coated with the doped polymer and photovoltaic cells mounted on the edges of the panels, which comprise one or more fluorescent dyes based on terrylenecarboxylic acid derivatives or a combination of these fluorescent dyes with further fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A method for shading solar cells that are exposed to concentrated radiation is provided in order to avoid overheating.

Abstract: An apparatus (and a method of making the apparatus) that includes a first electrode, self-assembled photovoltaic layer(s) formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode formed over the self-assembled photovoltaic layer(s). The self-assembled photovoltaic layer(s) may be flexible (e.g. include polymer material and quantum dots). The self-assembled photovoltaic layer(s) may be formed at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: An improved PV solar cell structure and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device includes a first photoelectric conversion unit, a first transparent conductive oxide layer and a first microcrystalline silicon layer disposed between and in contact with the photoelectric conversion unit and the transparent conductive oxide layer. In another embodiment, a method of forming a photovoltaic solar cell includes providing a substrate having a first transparent conductive oxide layer disposed thereon, depositing a first microcrystalline silicon layer on the transparent conductive oxide layer, and forming a first photoelectric conversion unit on the microcrystalline silicon layer.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes at least one p-type semiconductor layer made of amorphous like hydrogenated carbon film or diamond like carbon (DLC) film doped with acceptor impurities such as boron (B). In a solar cell having a photoelectric conversion region, hydrogenated carbon is used as substances forming a p-type semiconductor layer, making it possible to provide a solar cell with high photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for distributing two liquids that cannot be mixed with each other for mass transfer and heat exchange columns, comprising at least one distributor channel or a distributor channel arrangement, the distributor channel being fed one or more liquids in different phases via at least one inflow from a collecting device arranged above said distributor channel, and said distributor channel having overflow and/or outflow openings for the distribution of the liquids. The device according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the distributor channel has at least one internal means for the phase separation of the liquid and that separate outflow and/or overflow openings are provided for each of the phases to be separated, the cross section and/or elevation of which openings are arranged in dependence on the physical properties of the liquids in such a way that a homogeneous distribution of the liquids on the basis of predetermined phase components is achieved.

Abstract: A double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system prevents fuel leaks into a dispenser sump located below a fuel dispenser. An inner flexible connector and an outer flexible connector are configured such that the dispenser sump connection system may be installed on newly constructed fuel delivery systems or be retrofitted onto existing fuel delivery systems in order to bring them into compliance with recently environmental regulations.

Abstract: A freezeless hydrant includes an operating screw positioned within a head member, an operating coupling mating with the operating screw, an operating rod coupled to the operating coupling and a plug and a valve seat. Movement of the operating rod in one direction disengages the plug from the valve seat permitting water to flow through the casing and an opening of a set screw forcing a ball against an O-ring seal. Movement of the operating rod in an opposite direction causes alignment of a radial opening in the operating coupling with a passageway in the operating screw. The operating rod engages the valve seat preventing water from flowing through the casing and allowing the ball to fall away from the O-ring seal. Air enters a chamber of the operating screw thereby draining water from the chamber and out of the radial opening of the operating coupling.

Abstract: An axially oriented valve for regulating the flow of a fluid, to provide an efficient and quick cycling control of a high volume of air or other fluid flow through the valve, with a minimum of flow resistance when the valve is in the open position. The axial valve includes a valve body having a valve inlet, a valve outlet, and a valve chamber. An annular shaped valve seat within the valve chamber is positioned proximate to the valve inlet, and a piston is contained within the valve chamber, movable within the valve chamber, the piston movable along the axis of the valve, between an open position and a closed position. The piston includes an internal piston chamber and a head seat sealable upon the valve seat with the piston in the closed position, and the piston actuateable between the open valve position and the closed valve position.

Abstract: A nozzle attachment device for retrofitting fire hydrants with additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include a housing with a channel and connection means for the fire hydrant's nozzle for efficient and cost effective installation, a seat and a valve within the channel which interact to close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning drain structure includes a cover member, a base, a fan blades set and an object expeller set. The fan blades set is installed interior of a holding space of the base A wind power device extends from the object expeller set, and functional connection of the bearing between the fan blades set and the wind power device is used to effect rotation thereof, Accordingly, when a water flow flows past the fan blades set or the wind power device is blown by the force of wind, then a plurality of strip members of the object expeller set and a plurality of strip members of the wind power device rotate around the cover member about the bearing as center, thereby enabling the drain to achieve the objective of clearing away foreign objects to allow unimpeded water flow.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus includes a fluid outlet located on a first side of a barrier and at least one electrically powered component located on a second side of the barrier. The apparatus also includes a wireless power transfer device to supply power to the electrically powered component.

Abstract: A vehicle-use fuel supply device includes a fuel tank, a support base body, a reservoir cup which is mounted on the support base body and mounts a fuel pump, a case portion which incorporates a high-pressure filter, and a discharge pipe which is mounted on the case portion and discharges the fuel discharged from the case portion to the outside. The reservoir cup is provided with a first opening portion which allows the fuel to flow into the reservoir cup and to be stored in the reservoir cup, a second opening portion which allows the stored fuel to flow out to the strainer, and a bottomed vessel having a cutout portion in a portion thereof and mounted on the reservoir cup in a state that the vessel covers the second opening portion.

Abstract: A micro fluid transfer system for transferring fluid within a micro-environment, wherein the micro fluid transfer system comprises: (a) an elongate body having first and second ends and an outer surface; (b) a plurality of bores formed within the elongate body, the bores extending along at least a portion of a length of the elongate body for carrying fluid therein; and (c) at least one interconnecting slot intercepting at least two of the plurality of bores within the elongate body at a strategic, pre-determined location and orientation so as to fluidly connect the at least two bores and to define a plurality of potential fluid passageways through the elongate body.

Abstract: A pressure washer is provided including a housing. A pump is contained within the housing for pressurizing fluid received through a water inlet port and for pumping the pressurized fluid through an outlet port. An application wand is connected to the water outlet for outputting a pressurized stream of fluid. At least one wheel is supported on the housing so as to enable rolling movement of the housing. A first handle is arranged on the housing for movement between a retracted position in which a gripping portion of the handle is arranged relatively closer to the housing and an extended position in which the gripping portion of the handle is arranged relatively further away from the housing.

Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an internal displaced water compensation system comprising a spring-biased piston in a generally axial cylinder bored into the coupling body and that is offset from the central axial bore. The cylinder is in fluid communication with an interior portion of the receiving chamber such that seawater within the receiving chamber that is displaced by the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber may move into the cylinder of the displaced water compensation system. During coupling separation, the process is reversed and seawater retained in the displaced water compensation system moves into the receiving chamber under the influence of the spring-biased piston thereby preventing a vacuum.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a solenoid can having an internal coil. A valve body connected to the solenoid can includes an inlet port and a first valve seat. An axially adjustable retainer threadably connected to the valve body includes an end portion defining a second valve seat. A homogenous valve member/armature slidably disposed in the valve body moves in the presence of a coil generated magnetic flux between valve closed and valve open positions. A valve member/armature first surface area is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid through the inlet port. A valve member/armature second surface area is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid in the valve closed position. The first surface area is equal to the second surface area and the pressurized fluid acts equally on the first and second surface areas defining a pressure balanced condition in the valve closed position.

Abstract: A control valve for use in a liquid-carrying system, such as a heating or cooling system, containing a differential pressure governor which keeps the differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet constant. The control valve also includes an arrangement for setting and adjusting the maximum flow of liquid through the valve. This arrangement comprises a flow valve having two cooperating valve members (4 and 6), which are arranged in the flow path and are constructed as two concentric rings, each of which has a recess extending about 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. The outer ring (4) is stationary relative to the valve housing, while the inner ring (6) may be displaced in the circumferential direction by means of a rotatable handle, whereby a greater or smaller overlap between the recesses may be provided. The maximum flow amount may hereby be set manually.

Abstract: Summary An arrangement for a control valve (1) for controlling pressure and flow rate of a fluid, the fluid flowing via an inlet (16) into the control valve (1) being brought to rotate about a main flow axis (20) before the fluid, at least with reduced pressure or speed energy, flows via an outlet opening (12) from the control valve (1) and where at least one inlet port (14) communicating with the inlet (16) being provided tangentially in relation to an inlet portion (22) of the speed reduction chamber (6) located in the control valve (1), and where the speed reduction chamber (6), provided substantially concentric with the main flow axis (20), is divergent over at least the first portion of the main flow direction.

Abstract: A method of microfluidic control via localized heating includes providing a microchannel structure with a base region that is partially filled with a volume of liquid being separated from a gas by a liquid-gas interface region. The base region includes one or more physical structures. The method further includes supplying energy input to a portion of the one or more physical structures within the volume of liquid in a vicinity of the liquid-gas interface region to cause localized heating of the portion of the one or more physical structures. The method also includes transferring heat from the portion of the one or more physical structures to surrounding liquid in the vicinity of the liquid-gas interface region and generating an interphase mass transport at the liquid-gas interface region or across a gas bubble while the volume of liquid and the gas remain to be substantially at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The shut-off system according to the invention for large conduit cross-sections has a swing flap which can be swung to and fro between two end positions about a pivot axis by means of a drive device, wherein the drive device has a drive shaft which is connected to the swing flap via an elbow lever, and at least one lever arm rigidly connected to the drive shaft is provided which is in operative connection with at least one operating cylinder for rotation of the drive shaft. The drive device has a motion link which is fastened so as to be rotatable about a pivot bearing, wherein the operating cylinder is connected to the motion link to pivot the same, and a transmission element is provided between the lever arm and the motion link in order to transmit the pivoting motion of the motion link to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A subsea equipment (1) used for natural gas or crude oil production, such as a subsea actuator (2) for a valve, a restrictor or the like, a control module or other means, comprises at least an oil-filled first component (3) and a compensator unit (4) which is associated with said first component and which is in fluid communication therewith for pressure compensation. To improve such a subsea equipment in a structurally simple manner in such a way that it is capable of functioning and that pressure compensation is still possible, even if the associated compensator unit is damaged or fails to operate, a second compensator unit (5) is in fluid communication with said first component (3) or said first compensator unit (4) for pressure compensation.

Abstract: A lateral liner assembly provides for sealing of the junction between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer pipe. The lateral liner assembly includes a body portion attached to a collar portion. A flange assembly is secured to the collar to provide a rigid base for a seal. The seal supported on the flange seals against the inner surface of the main sewer pipe. The seal provides a desired water tight seal for the junction between the main sewer line and the lateral sewer line.

Abstract: A composite hose is constructed to have an outer peripheral portion and an inner peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion includes an elastic layer and a reinforcing layer provided on an outer periphery of the elastic layer. The inner peripheral portion includes a corrugated metal tube which is provided with a corrugated portion formed with corrugation his and corrugation valleys. A distance between the reinforcing layer and tops of the corrugation hills of the corrugated metal tube is designed 0.27 mm or less.

Abstract: A tube is made of profiled metal strip which includes an end leg extending in parallel relationship to a tube axis, an inner leg extending in parallel relationship to the tube axis at a first distance, and an outer leg extending in parallel relationship to the tube axis at a second distance which is greater than the first distance. The inner leg is connected with the outer leg by a transition. A double-folded loop hook extends radially for connecting the end leg with one member from the group consisting of the inner leg and the outer leg, and an end hook extends radially and is connected to the other member of this group.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a load and transferring the load to an inverted orientation for placement includes a fixed frame, a first moveable frame slidably connected to the fixed frame to move longitudinally relative thereto, a second moveable frame sidably connected to the first moveable frame to move longitudinally relative thereto upon movement of the first moveable frame relative to the fixed frame, and a load platform pivotally connected to the second moveable frame so as to allow rotation of the load platform and a load carried thereon so as to invert the orientation of the load. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus for lifting and transferring is integrated with a beverage dispenser for lifting a large water bottle to the top of the dispenser, and inverting and placing the water bottle on the dispenser for use. In another embodiment a mobile lifting apparatus is provided.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a fuel gas storing and supplying device in which high-pressure fuel tanks are disposed parallel to each other and each tank is provided with a discharge valve and a regulator valve; the apparatus being able to suppress the amount of fuel gas that has to be consumed or discharged when the system is stopped, and able to increase fuel efficiency, and to able make it possible to stop the system rapidly. The fuel gas storing and supplying device of the present invention includes high-pressure fuel tanks that are piped and connected in parallel to a fuel gas receiver device, a discharge valve provided for each high-pressure fuel tank, and a regulator valve provided downstream of each discharge valve; and at least one discharge valve is closed when fuel gas is supplied.

Abstract: An automated ice vending apparatus and method including an ice generating machine capable of producing enough ice to sufficiently keep full a receptacle positioned beneath the ice generating machine, a first ice moving device with cutting members positioned within the receptacle to move ice from the receptacle to a second ice moving device, wherein the ice is subsequently transferred to a removable container.

Abstract: An automated ice vending apparatus and method including an ice generating machine capable of producing enough ice to sufficiently keep full a first receptacle positioned beneath the ice generating machine, a plurality of augers positioned at least partially within channels on the lower portion of the receptacle to move ice from the first receptacle to a second receptacle with a second ice moving mechanism, which in turn moves the ice to a third, substantially inclined, ice moving mechanism, wherein the ice is subsequently transferred to a removable container.

Abstract: A stump grinding wheel includes a wheel disc, which includes multiple recesses formed about its periphery. A peripheral cutter assembly is disposed in each one of the recesses and is mounted on the wheel disc. Multiple side cutter assemblies are mounted on the wheel disc, and each one includes a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket is disposed on one side of the wheel disc and the second pocket is disposed on the other side of the wheel disc, and a wear pad is formed adjacent a selected end of each pocket. A cutting tooth is received in aligned openings formed in the first pocket, the wheel disc, and the second pocket. A nut threadably engages the cutting tooth of the side cutter assembly to secure the tooth to the first and second pockets, and to secure the pockets to the wheel disc.

Abstract: A portable workbench is provided for holding a work piece, and includes a bench top, foldable legs, and a plurality of horizontal and vertical holes adapted to receive a pipe clamp for clamping the work piece to the bench top. The bench top is a torsion box with an internal grid so that the workbench is lightweight, yet strong and stable. The legs include two-piece crossbraces which are quickly and easily connected and disconnected via male and female ends and a securing pin.

Abstract: A method for preparing a rare earth permanent magnet material comprising the steps of: disposing a powder comprising one or more members selected from an oxide of R2, a fluoride of R3, and an oxyfluoride of R4 wherein R2, R3 and R4 each are one or more elements selected from among rare earth elements inclusive of Y and Sc on a sintered magnet form of a R1—Fe—B composition wherein R1 is one or more elements selected from among rare earth elements inclusive of Y and Sc, and heat treating the magnet form and the powder at a temperature equal to or below the sintering temperature of the magnet in vacuum or in an inert gas. The invention offers a high performance, compact or thin permanent magnet having a high remanence and coercivity at a high productivity.

Abstract: Lubricated surfaces and methods for improving wear performance of gears and bearings are described. The lubricated surfaces include a manganese phosphate film on the surfaces having a film layer density ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.5 milligrams per square centimeter. A lubricating oil containing a phosphorus anti-wear agent is used to provide lubrication of the surfaces.

Abstract: Chromate-free and metal phosphate free treatments and compositions for applying a conversion or passivation coating for metals, more particularly, steel, zinc coated steel, and aluminum surfaces. The methods of the invention comprise contacting the requisite metal surface with a treatment composition comprising a member or members comprising one or more Group IV B elements, fluoride, and phosphonic acid or phosphonate. Optionally, a silane may be added as a treatment component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming an article with a diffusion portion comprises: forming a slurry comprising chromium and silicon, applying the slurry to the article, and heating the article to a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient period of time to diffuse chromium and silicon into the article and form a diffusion portion comprising silicon and a microstructure comprising ?-chromium. In one embodiment, a gas turbine component comprises: a superalloy and a diffusion portion having a depth of less than or equal to 60 ?m measured from the superalloy surface into the gas turbine component. The diffusion portion has a diffusion surface having a microstructure comprising greater than or equal to 40% by volume ?-chromium.

Abstract: Alloys containing aluminium are characterised by an outstanding oxidation resistance at high temperatures, that is based on, inter alia, the formation of a thick and slow-growing aluminium oxide layer on material surfaces. If the formation of the aluminium oxide layer reduces the aluminium content of the alloy so far that a critical aluminium concentration is not reached, no other protective aluminium oxide layer can be formed. This leads disadvantageously to a very rapid breakaway oxidation, and the destruction of the component. This effect is stronger at temperatures above 800° C. due to the fact that, often at this point, metastable Al203 modifications, especially ?- or ?-Al203, are formed instead of ?-Al203 that is generally formed at high temperatures. The above-mentioned oxide modifications are disadvantageously characterised by significantly higher growth rates.