Abstract: A substrate (W) is processed with the use of a process liquid such as a deionized water. Then, a first fluid which is more volatile than the process liquid is supplied to an upper surface of the substrate (W) from a fluid nozzle (12) to form a liquid film. Next, a second fluid which is more volatile than the process liquid is supplied to the upper surface of the substrate (W) from the fluid nozzle (12), while the wafer (W) is being rotated. During this supply operation, a supply position (Sf) of the second fluid to the substrate (W) is moved radially outward from a rotational center (Po) of the substrate (W). As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of particles on the substrate (W) after it is dried by using the first and second fluids.

Abstract: A multi-function parts washer for removing contaminants from parts either by hand or automatically using an aqueous cleaning fluid includes a base cabinet having sides, a floor and an open top defining a compartment. A parts receptacle is mounted in the compartment for receiving parts to be washed. The receptacle is mounted for reciprocating, vertical movement in the compartment. An agitator assembly includes one or more compressed gas bladders mounted to the parts receptacle. The bladder has an inlet for introducing compressed gas into the bladder and an outlet for discharge of the compressed gas from the bladder. As compressed gas is introduced into the bladder, the bladder inflates and the parts receptacle is raised, and as compressed gas is discharged from the bladder, the parts receptacle is lowered to provide an agitating motion of the parts receptacle and the parts thereon in the cleaning fluid. The agitator can include a hydraulic cylinder to effect movement of the parts receptacle.

Abstract: In a submersible cleaning robot comprising a robot body (2) that moves along the surface of a cleaning subject item present underwater, and a cleaning nozzle unit (3) that is provided within the robot body and cleans the cleaning subject item by jetting high-pressure water towards the surface of the cleaning subject item, an auxiliary cleaning work device (70) is installed to the robot body.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cylinders (5) and/or rolls (5), e.g., working rolls (5) in a rolling stand, which are used for producing a rolled stock (1) such as strips or slabs, in which a liquid is sprayed onto the cylinders (5) at high pressure through several nozzles D1-Dn, a number of nozzles (D1-Dn) are stationary arranged in and/or on a nozzle beam (10), at least one on-off valve is associated with each nozzle (D1-Dn), and one or several nozzle(s) (D1-Dn) are sequentially switched on and off one after another starting from one end of the nozzle beam.

Abstract: A rechargeable power source, which is detachably coupled with a shading device to electrically connect with an electrical arrangement thereof, includes a rechargeable battery unit having a battery terminal arranged to contact with the electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement, and a locking arrangement which contains a releasable locker to detachably couple the rechargeable battery unit with the shading device and to ensure the battery terminal being contact with an electrical terminal of the electrical arrangement so as to electrically connect the rechargeable battery unit with the electrical arrangement. Therefore, the electrical arrangement of the shading device is powered by the rechargeable battery unit to eliminate the power extension to the external power source.

Abstract: Generally speaking, an umbrella having a frame formed by a plurality of rod members joined together by a plurality of hinges, is disclosed. The frame forms a periphery of a shape, such as a circle, square, hexagon, etc., and the frame is capable of movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. A canopy is attached to the frame, and may be detachable there from, and is also capable of movement with the frame between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. A stem having a first end attached to the frame along the periphery and extending there from allows the user to position the umbrella to achieve ideal coverage during use. The stem may include a handle formed at a second end opposite the first end, for improved gripping and control of the umbrella.

Abstract: Walking aids are described which are of simple construction but which allow for both resilience, i.e. the part of the walking aid which is gripped by the user and the ground-engaging end (3) can be resiliency pressed together, as well as a degree of angular flexibility so that the end (3) stays aligned with the ground even if the stick, crutch or the like (1) is angled relative thereto. This is achieved in particular by the use of a bellows structure (2) between the shaft (1) of a walking aid and a ground-engaging foot (3).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a portable floor may include one or more of the following features: (a) a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface, (b) a pre-cut hole in the floor adapted to allow a ice-fishing auger, (c) a plug to cover the at least one hole, (d) a container which is attachable to the floor, the container having a hinged top lid providing access to the interior of the container and a fishing rod holder, (e) an insulated material located adjacent to the frame, (f) a non-slip material coupled to the top surface, (g) a means for coupling the container to the floor, (h) a container to store live bait, (i) lights protruding from containers, and (j) cup holders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-temperature thermoelectric couple and the method for making the same. The method requires a very small number of fabrication steps. It includes an act of fabricating an n-type leg that, in a stacked configuration, includes a low electrical contact resistance metallization foil that is connected to each of the two sides of Lanthanum Telluride via a thin metallic adhesion layer. Additionally, a p-type leg is fabricated that, in a stacked configuration, includes a low electrical contact resistance metallization foil that is connected to each of the two sides of 14-1-11 Zintl. Finally, CTE-matched, low electrical and thermal resistance plate interconnects are used for each of the two legs to interface with the heat source and heat sink and form an electrical connection.

Abstract: Coated substrates and methods for coating substrates, for example, a self-assembly method, disclosed herein are useful for, for example, photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a means to use light manipulation in engineered or structured coatings for thermal or photothermal effects and/or refractive and reflective index management. Such metallic, nonmetallic, organic or inorganic metamaterials or nanostructures could be used to manipulate light or energy for thermal or photothermal effects and/or refractive and reflective index management on or in any material or substrate on or in any material or substrate. The light scattering properties of metallic particles and film can be used to tune such coatings, structures or films over a broad spectrum.

Abstract: A vertical solar collector system having several slat-like members each of which has a custom design and radiation-reflecting surface and a heat exchange mechanism, radiation being reflected from the reflecting surface of one member of the collector to the heat exchange mechanism of another member. The members can be oriented to provide energy collection during certain periods of time and then re-oriented to provide a thermal insulating function.

Abstract: An organic photosensitive optoelectronic device having a plurality of cells disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode. Each cell includes a photoconductive organic hole transport layer adjacent to a photoconductive organic electron transport layer. A metal or metal substitute is disposed between each of the cells. At least one exciton blocking layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparation of a compound containing a group 6A element which includes reaction of at least one compound selected from a group consisting of group IB element containing compounds and group 3 A element containing compounds with a group 6A element containing compound carried out using a reductant in a desirable solvent to produce a compound containing group 1B-6A elements, a compound containing group 3 A-6A elements and/or a compound containing group 1B-3A-6A elements.

Abstract: A multi junction photoelectric conversion device that can be manufactured by a simple method is provided. In addition, a photoelectric conversion device whose mechanical strength is increased without complicating a manufacturing process is provided. A photoelectric conversion device includes a first cell having a photoelectric conversion function, a second cell having a photoelectric conversion function, and a structure body including a fibrous body, which firmly attaches and electrically connects the first cell and the second cell to each other. Accordingly, a multi-junction photoelectric conversion device in which semiconductor junctions are connected in series and sufficient electrical connection between p-i-n junctions is ensured can be provided.

Abstract: To provide a multi junction photoelectric conversion device which can be manufactured using a simple method. The photoelectric conversion device includes a first cell provided with a photoelectric conversion function, a second cell provided with a photoelectric conversion function, and a structure body having a function of fixing the first cell and the second cell to each other and electrically connecting the first cell and the second cell to each other. A multi junction photoelectric conversion device in which sufficient conductivity between p-i-n junctions is provided and semiconductor junctions are connected in series can be provided. With this structure, it is possible to obtain sufficient electromotive force.

Abstract: An object is to provide a photoelectric conversion device whose mechanical strength is increased without complicating a manufacturing process. The photoelectric conversion device includes a first cell having a photoelectric conversion function, a second cell having a photoelectric conversion function, and a structure body including a fibrous body which firmly attaches the first cell and the second cell. As a result, p-i-n junctions are bonded with the structure body in which the fibrous body is impregnated with an organic resin, which is a so-called prepreg. Thus, a photoelectric conversion device whose mechanical strength is increased can be realized while the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic module can include depositing a heavy metal-immobilizing agent proximate to one or more components of a photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device can include a second metal layer adjacent to a first layer, where the first layer is positioned adjacent to a substrate, and where the second metal layer includes a dopant; and a copper-indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) layer adjacent to the second metal layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, harmful solar cell polarization is prevented or minimized by providing a conductive path that bleeds charge from a front side of a solar cell to the bulk of a wafer. The conductive path may include patterned holes in a dielectric passivation layer, a conductive anti-reflective coating, or layers of conductive material formed on the top or bottom surface of an anti-reflective coating, for example. Harmful solar cell polarization may also be prevented by biasing a region of a solar cell module on the front side of the solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic concentration submodule (1) for photovoltaic concentration modules, including solar energy concentrators which are used to capture solar radiation and which comprise Fresnel lenses (15) and secondary optical elements. The inventive submodule is formed by a laminar body (2) comprising a central section and two essentially-perpendicular lateral flanges, such as to define an essentially U-shaped element which is made from aluminium. According to the invention, fixing means are used to fix photovoltaic cells to the central section, which are supplied to each of the concentrators. The aforementioned laminar body (2) serves as a support structure for the concentrators and as a heat-dissipating element for the photovoltaic cells. Moreover, the Fresnel lenses are disposed on a front mount (3) which is joined with the laminar body (2), said lenses being disposed in a row.

Abstract: The direction of sunlight is tracked according to variations of the altitude of the sun to maximize condensing efficiency. An apparatus for tracking and condensing sunlight includes a horizontal truss, a roof truss forming a triangular structure inclined to both sides of the horizontal truss, and a hinge formed on a top of the roof truss. Solar module plates are formed on both inclined surfaces of the roof truss to condense sunlight and interoperate with each other in a lateral direction. A driving means supports lower portions of the solar module plates, and moves the lower portions thereof so the solar module plates can pivot in both left and right directions around the hinge. The apparatus tracks sunlight and pivots the solar module plates to maximize condensing efficiency, improves energy production efficiency by using a roof area, and firmly fixes the solar module plate to the roof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module which can collect solar light to a solar cell, while reducing accumulation of dusts and particles. The solar cell module is provided with a plurality of bifacial solar cells. The solar cells are coated together with a sealing film formed of a sealing resin material. A front surface side transparent board is bonded on the upper surface in the gravity direction, i.e., the front surface of the sealing film. On the front surface side of the front surface side transparent board, a lenticular lens is arranged for collecting solar light to a solar cell by refracting solar light entered from the front surface side of the solar cell module. On the lower surface in the gravity direction, i.e., the rear surface, of the sealing film, a rear surface side transparent board is bonded.

Abstract: A man-made island [10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation, holds an array of photovoltaic solar collectors [421] aligned with an array of linear Fresnel lenses [422], which concentrate solar radiation on the photovoltaic solar collectors [421]. The island [10] is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island [10] uses a platform [12] that includes a large outer ring [14] that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover [16] attached to the ring [14] to define an airtight volume [30] below the cover [16]. A plurality of rows [419] of supports [420] are located above the cover [16], and carry the photovoltaic panels [421]. A compressor or blower [32] creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume [30] to assist in supporting the cover [16] and the other components mounted thereabove.

Abstract: A variant packaging structure for a solar module in the present invention includes a solar module that is shaped as a non-regular square and has an outer side sealed with a packaging layer. In addition to having function of converting solar energy into electric energy, the solar module of this invention can be made into various shapes for increasing decorative effect.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device can include an intrinsic metal layer adjacent to a semiconductor absorber layer; and a doped metal contact layer adjacent to the intrinsic metal layer, where the doped metal contact layer includes a metal base material and a dopant.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a solar powered flower of dynamic simulation comprising a stem, a solar power supplier, a connecting base, a driving unit, a movable tray, and plurality of swinging members as well as petals. Wherein, the connecting base fixed on the top end of the stem and peripherally provided with multiple inlaying slots, in which the swinging member is pivoted. Each swinging member provides an upper arm to install a petal, and a lower arm to pivot the movable tray, on which contacts an output terminal of the driving unit for the movable tray to move up- and downward to motivate the vacillation of the swinging member as a seesaw. The petals then swing conforming to the swinging member to bloom and close achieving a dynamic simulation of the reality.

Abstract: A polyester film includes a polyester layer (W layer) containing an aromatic polyester resin (A) and a component (B) incompatible with the polyester resin (A), wherein the incompatible component (B) contains an acid-denaturated polyolefin resin (b2) and is dispersed as dispersion pieces with a flatness of 10 or higher in the polyester layer (W layer), and wherein volume occupancy of the dispersion pieces in the polyester layer (W layer) is 3 vol % to less than 50 vol %, and volume occupancy of voids in the polyester layer (W layer) is less than 3 vol %.

Abstract: Improved efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cells is provided using a combination of dyes that have distinct roles—a sensitizing dye and an energy relay dye. The sensitizing dye is disposed on the surface of a photo-electrode, and is capable of absorbing incident radiation and of transferring charge at the photo-electrode surface. The energy relay dye is disposed in the electrolyte of the solar cell. The energy relay dye is capable of absorbing incident radiation and is capable of non-radiative energy transfer to the sensitizing dye. The energy relay dye need not be capable of direct charge transfer at the photo-electrode surface. We have found that the presence of such an energy relay dye can significantly increase solar cell efficiency compared to conventional dye-sensitized solar cell approaches having the dye (or dyes) all adsorbed to the photo-electrode surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a heterojunction III-V photovoltaic (PV) cell includes performing layer transfer of a base layer from a wafer of a III-V substrate, the base layer being less than about 20 microns thick; forming an intrinsic layer on the base layer; forming an amorphous silicon layer on the intrinsic layer; and forming a transparent conducting oxide layer on the amorphous silicon layer. A heterojunction III-V photovoltaic (PV) cell includes a base layer comprising a III-V substrate, the base layer being less than about 20 microns thick; an intrinsic layer located on the base layer; an amorphous silicon layer located on the intrinsic layer; and a transparent conducting oxide layer located on the amorphous silicon layer.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises a p-type layer, an i-type layer, and an n-type layer, the p-type layer comprises a high-absorption amorphous silicon carbide layer and a low-absorption amorphous silicon carbide layer which have different absorption coefficients with respect to light of a wavelength of 600 nm along a thickness direction, and a buffer layer is provided between the low-absorption amorphous silicon carbide layer and the i-type layer.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises a p-type layer (30), an i-type layer (32), and an n-type layer (34), and the p-type layer (30) comprises a high-absorption amorphous silicon carbide layer (30a), a silicon layer (30b) substantially not doped with a p-type dopant, and a buffer layer (30c) formed between the silicon layer (30b) and the i-type layer (32).

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof. The solar cell includes: a substrate; an adhesive electrode disposed on the substrate; a first electrode adhered to the substrate by the adhesive electrode; a light absorption layer disposed on the first electrode; a window layer disposed on the light absorption layer; and a second electrode disposed on the window layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device and a method for manufacturing the same. The photovoltaic device includes: a first semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer, disposed on the first semiconductor layer; a first electrode layer, connected to the first semiconductor layer; a second electrode layer, connected to the second semiconductor layer, in which the second electrode layer has an open area to expose the second semiconductor layer; and a low reflective conductive film, disposed in the open area and connected to the second electrode layer and the second semiconductor layer, in which the resistivity of the low reflective conductive film is less than or equal to that of the second semiconductor layer. Accordingly, the photovoltaic device provided by the present invention exhibits effectively reduced parasitic series resistance effect and thereby improved photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell and its preparation method are provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell comprises a first electrode, an electrolyte layer and a second electrode. The electrode layer comprises an electrolyte with non-fluidity and the second electrode comprises a conductive material with a proviso of including no substrate. Also, the electrolyte layer and the second electrode are formed in that order on the first electrode.

Abstract: A solar battery module comprises a substrate over a surface of which a solar battery unit is formed, and a resin structure which contacts the substrate and which covers a part of a side surface and a back surface of the substrate. The resin structure comprises a resin and a buffer material having a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the resin, and a mixture ratio of the buffer material with respect to the resin is reduced as a distance from the substrate is increased.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell includes providing an active absorption layer, forming a pseudo-periodic grating adjacent to the active absorption layer, and forming a reflector adjacent to the pseudo-periodic grating. A photovoltaic cell includes an active absorption layer, a pseudo-periodic grating adjacent to the active absorption layer, and a reflector adjacent to the pseudo-periodic grating.

Abstract: The present invention provides organic optoelectronic devices including organic photovoltaic devices. In some embodiments of the present invention, organic optoelectronic devices are operable to convert electromagnetic energy received at one or more points at the side or circumferential area of an optical fiber core into electrical energy.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell for converting a light source into electricity, including an at least partially transparent cell wall having an intenor surface, an electrolyte, disposed within the cell wall, containing a redox species, and at least partially transparent conductive coating disposed on the intenor surface, an anode adapted to convert photons to electrons, including a porous titania film disposed on the conductive coating and adapted to contact the redox species, the film having a plurality of continuous areas separated by gaps disposed along a length of the film, and a dye, absorbed on a surface of the film, a cathode disposed opposite the anode, to effect electrolytic communication, via the electrolyte, with the porous film, and at least two conductor structures, disposed within the gaps, electrically connected to the anode and to the conductive coating, and abutting the film

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device which is thin, lightweight, and flexible even in the case of using a crystalline semiconductor such as single crystal silicon. A photoelectric conversion layer is provided in contact with an insulating film provided on one surface of a support substrate. An electrode (rear electrode) which is in contact with one surface of the photoelectric conversion layer is provided in accordance with a opening which passes through the support substrate and the insulating film. The rear electrode is in electrical contact with the photoelectric conversion layer and the support substrate. On the other surface of the photoelectric conversion layer, an electrode (surface electrode) on a light incidence side is provided. The photoelectric conversion layer is formed using a semiconductor material; preferably, a single crystal semiconductor or a polycrystalline semiconductor is used.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises an amorphous silicon solar cell unit in which a p-type layer, an i-type layer, and an n-type layer are laminated. The p-type layer includes a high-concentration amorphous silicon carbide layer doped with a p-type dopant and an amorphous silicon buffer layer which is substantially undoped with the p-type dopant. Then, a band gap of the amorphous silicon buffer layer is defined to be 1.65 eV or greater.

Abstract: A solar element with increased efficiency and also a method for increasing the efficiency of a solar cell are provided. The solar cell comprises a luminescent element, an upconverter, and also at least one selectively reflecting structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of films containing plasticiser and based on polyvinyl acetal with a polyvinyl alcohol content in the polyvinyl acetal of less than 18% by weight and low creep tendency to produce photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: One example of a solar photovoltaic concentrator has a primary mirror with multiple free-form panels, each of which forms a Köhler integrator with a respective panel of a lenticular secondary lens. The Köhler integrators are folded by a common intermediate mirror. The resulting plurality of integrators all concentrate sunlight onto a common photovoltaic cell. Luminaires using a similar geometry are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling an optical property of a wavelength conversion sheet. The method is a method for controlling an optical property of a wavelength conversion sheet that contains a transparent resin and a phosphor and achieves wavelength conversion by absorbing light in a specific wavelength range other than a target wavelength range and emitting light in a target wavelength range, wherein the phosphor contains a phosphor having a perylene skeleton, and a stokes shift of the wavelength conversion sheet is controlled by adjusting a concentration of the phosphor having a perylene skeleton to the transparent resin in a range of 0.5% to 3.5% by weight.

Abstract: Solar cell structures including an n-type semiconductor layer, an i-type semiconductor layer on the n-type semiconductor layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer on the i-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer each respectively contacts a transparent conductive layer having a transparent conductive material.

Abstract: An organic solar cell includes; a cathode, an anode disposed substantially opposite the cathode, a photoactive layer disposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein the photoactive layer includes an electron donor, an electron acceptor, and a nanostructure, and wherein the nanostructure includes an electron conductive material selected from the group consisting of a semiconductor element, a semiconductor compound, a semiconductor carbon material, a metallic carbon material which is surface-treated with a hole blocking material, a metal which is surface-treated with a hole blocking material and a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique in which a cheap zinc oxide material can be used as a light-transmitting conductive film of a photoelectric conversion device. The present invention is a photoelectric conversion device including, between a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one unit cell in which a first impurity semiconductor layer having one conductivity type, a semiconductor layer, and a second impurity semiconductor layer having a conductivity type opposite to the first impurity semiconductor layer are sequentially stacked and a semiconductor junction is included. The first electrode or the second electrode includes conductive oxynitride containing zinc and aluminum. In the conductive oxynitride containing zinc and aluminum: the relative proportion of the zinc is less than or equal to 47 at. % and higher than that of the aluminum; and the relative proportion of the aluminum is higher than that of nitrogen.

Abstract: A method for forming a single-junction photovoltaic cell includes forming a dopant layer on a surface of a semiconductor substrate; diffusing the dopant layer into the semiconductor substrate to form a doped layer of the semiconductor substrate; forming a metal layer over the doped layer, wherein a tensile stress in the metal layer is configured to cause a fracture in the semiconductor substrate; removing a semiconductor layer from the semiconductor substrate at the fracture; and forming the single junction photovoltaic cell using the semiconductor layer. A single-junction photovoltaic cell includes a doped layer comprising a dopant diffused into a semiconductor substrate; a patterned conducting layer formed on the doped layer; a semiconductor layer comprising the semiconductor substrate located on the doped layer on a surface of the doped layer opposite the patterned conducting layer; and an ohmic contact layer formed on the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ITO electrode and the method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The three-dimensional ITO electrode of the present invention has a conductive layer and a plurality of ITO nanorods formed on the conductive layer, wherein the length range of the ITO nanorods can vary from 10 nm to 1500 nm. The best length is about 50 nm-200 nm for organic solar cells. When applied into organic optoelectronic devices such as organic solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the three-dimensional structure of the ITO electrode may increase the contact area to the active layer, thus improving the electric current collecting efficiency and uniformity of current spreading (flowing). Also, an evaporator, a solar cell comprising the above three-dimensional ITO electrode, and the method of fabricating the solar cell are disclosed.