Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a solar panel includes a first electrically conductive line engageable with and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of first output contacts of the photovoltaic modules along a common axis.

Abstract: A solution is provided for reducing the mechanical coupling of the photovoltaic array of the solar generator in relation to the latter's support substrate. Indeed, the photovoltaic cell is very slender (a few tens of microns) and very fragile. When the latter is glued onto a substrate, it undergoes all the geometric deformations due to vibrations but especially to thermo-elastic effects, possibly leading to the breakage of the cells. The cell is fastened via a flexible system making it possible to decouple the cell from the deformations of the substrate while ensuring sufficient radiative coupling of the cell toward the substrate to avoid heating thereof in flight and loss of effectiveness thereof. The solution includes using photovoltaic cells with high-emissivity rear face (rear use of a metallization or kaptoning of the Ge or Ag substrate) that is fixed with the aid of Velcro onto the substrate.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a system for collecting solar energy.

Abstract: A solar panel heat-dissipating device for adjusting temperature of a solar panel includes a base for supporting the solar panel and a cooling plate disposed between the solar panel and the base. The cooling plate includes a cooling tube contacting a side of the solar panel so as to absorb heat generated by the solar panel. In addition, conductive fluid is accommodated inside the cooling tube for dissipating the heat of the cooling tube conducted from the solar panel.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising a substantially planar photon source facing side, a plurality of edges extending around the perimeter defined by the photon source facing side, and an edge insulator arranged to prevent at least one edge of the plurality of edges from coming into electrical contact with a neighbouring electrically conductive element when the photovoltaic device is arranged as part of an array of photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels (2) comprises a panel (2) mounting structure (4) adapted to position the panels in a body of water in such a way that the top faces (3) of the panels (2) designed to receive the solar radiation are operatively covered by a layer of water of predetermined depth. A method for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels (2) comprises preparing a panel (2) mounting structure (4) and positioning the structure (4) in a body of water in such a way that the top faces (3) of the panels (2) designed to receive the solar radiation are operatively covered by a layer of water of predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) for receiving electromagnetic radiation of at least a first wavelength is disclosed. The LSC includes a core layer. A lower clad layer substantially underlies the core layer. At least one photovoltaic (PV) cell is partially embedded in at least one of the core layer and the lower clad layer. At least one dye layer substantially overlies the core layer. The at least one dye layer has embedded therein at least one absorption dipole and at least one emission dipole, the at least one emission dipole being coupled to the at least one absorption dipole.

Abstract: An integrated thin-film solar battery, comprising: a plurality of strings having a plurality of thin-film photoelectric conversion elements formed on a transparent insulating substrate, the thin-film photoelectric conversion elements being electrically connected in series to each other, wherein the thin-film photoelectric conversion elements have a first transparent electrode layer laminated on the transparent insulating substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer laminated on the first electrode layer and a second electrode layer laminated on the photoelectric conversion layer, the plurality of strings are arranged in parallel on the same transparent insulating substrate in a direction perpendicular to the series-connecting direction across one or more string separating grooves extending to the series-connecting direction, the string separating groove includes a first groove formed by removing the first electrode layer, and a second groove formed by removing the photoelectric conversion layer and the seco

Abstract: A flexible solar cell assembly having solar cells that are positioned within a sealed module chamber. A sealed wiring chamber is positioned on an end of the sealed module chamber and is interposed between the sealed module chamber and a junction box. Wiring interconnecting the junction box to the solar cells in the sealed module chamber are routed through the sealed wiring chamber to inhibit water entry into the sealed module chamber via the wiring.

Abstract: Laminated structures comprising a (i) glass layer, (ii) first alkoxysilane-containing polyolefin (PO) layer, (iii) catalyst layer, and (iv) second alkoxysilane-containing polyolefin layer, each layer having opposing facial surfaces, are prepared by a method comprising the steps of applying in adhering contact: A. One facial surface of the first PO layer to one facial surface of the glass layer; B. The catalyst layer to the facial surface of the first PO layer opposite the facial surface of the first PO layer in adhering contact with the glass layer; and C. The second PO layer to the facial surface of the catalyst layer opposite the facial surface of the catalyst layer in adhering contact with the first PO layer.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes at least one solar cell operable to harvest solar energy, and a translucent cover concealing the solar cell. The translucent cover exhibits a haze of at least 80% and a light transmission efficiency of at least 70%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a type of solar energy photo-voltaic power generation equipment that can automatically track the sun. This device includes a pedestal installed on a mounting platform. On the pedestal, a main support frame is provided. On the support frame, a solar cell panel platform is provided. On this platform, a solar energy photo-voltaic assembly is installed. The pedestal is connected to the mounting platform and can rotate relative to the mounting platform. On the pedestal, a circumferentially driven planet reduction gear is installed. On the main support frame, a platform elevation angle adjustment lifter is installed. The end of the telescopic link on the lifter is hinged to the solar cell panel platform. The circumferentially driven planet reduction gear and platform elevation angle adjustment lifter are connected to an electric control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a porous semiconductor film and the film resulting from such production. It furthermore relates to an electronic device incorporating such film and to potential uses of such film.

Abstract: The present invention provides strategies for improving the adhesion among two or more of transparent conducting oxides, electrically conductive grid materials, and dielectric barrier layers. As a consequence, these strategies are particularly useful in the fabrication of heterojunction photovoltaic devices such as chalcogenide-based solar cells. When the barrier is formed and then the grid is applied to vias in the barrier, the structure has improved moisture barrier resistance as compared to where the barrier is formed over or around the grid. Adhesion is improved to such a degree that grid materials and dielectric barrier materials can cooperate to provide a hermetic seal over devices to protect against damage induced by environmental conditions, including damage due to water intrusion. This allows the collection grids to be at least partially exposed above the dielectric barrier, making it easy to make electronic connection to the devices.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for improving the power generated, and thus efficiency of solar cells, a double or triple junction tandem solar cell that has one or two photon filters of the invention in between the solar cell layers, respectively. The photon filter is arranged to reflect photons with wavelength shorter than ?x and arranged to be transparent to photons of wavelength longer than ?x by focussing the lower energy photons out of small area apertures on the other side of the photon filter and arranging the other side of the photon filter to reflect at least some of the photons of wavelength longer than ?x. By using the photon filters of the invention in between the solar cell layers, photons can be trapped between filters to solar cell layers at an energy at which the quantum efficiency of the solar cell layer is the best.

Abstract: A multi-junction photovoltaic cell device. The device includes a lower cell and an upper cell, which is operably coupled to the lower cell. In a specific embodiment, the lower cell includes a lower glass substrate material, e.g., transparent glass. The lower cell also includes a lower electrode layer made of a reflective material overlying the glass material. The lower cell includes a lower absorber layer overlying the lower electrode layer. In a specific embodiment, the absorber layer is made of a semiconductor material having a band gap energy in a range of Eg=0.7 to 1 eV, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the lower cell includes a lower window layer overlying the lower absorber layer and a lower transparent conductive oxide layer overlying the lower window layer. The upper cell includes a p+ type transparent conductor layer overlying the lower transparent conductive oxide layer.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell, comprising a light transmissive substrate, a transparent electrode, a first photovoltaic layer, a second photovoltaic layer and a back electrode, is provided. The light transmissive substrate has a light incident surface and a back surface opposite to the light incident surface, and the transparent electrode is disposed on the back surface. The first photovoltaic layer is disposed on the transparent electrode, and the material of the first photovoltaic layer is an amorphous semiconductor, and the first photovoltaic layer has a first energy gap. The second photovoltaic layer is disposed on the first photovoltaic layer and has a second energy gap lower than the first energy gap. The material of the second photovoltaic layer is a micro-crystalline semiconductor, and the crystallization ratio of the second photovoltaic layer is between 30%˜100%. The second photovoltaic layer can absorb a light ray with a wavelength between 600 nm-1100 nm.

Abstract: Solar concentrator devices and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a solar concentrator device is provided. The solar concentrator device comprises at least one solar converter cell; a heat sink; and a liquid metal between the solar converter cell and the heat sink, configured to thermally couple the solar converter cell and the heat sink during operation of the device. The solar converter cell can comprise a triple junction semiconductor solar converter cell fabricated on a germanium (Ge) substrate. The heat sink can comprise a vapor chamber heat sink. The liquid metal can comprise a gallium (Ga) alloy and have a thermal resistance of less than or equal to about five square millimeter degree Celsius per Watt (mm2° C./W).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of dibenzotetraphenylperiflanthene as an electron donor material in an organic solar cell.

Abstract: A method of preparing a wet-processible metal oxide solution and a method of fabricating a film using the same are provided. A metal oxide that has been widely used as a photocatalyst is improved and a metal oxide solution having new functionality is formed. The metal oxide solution is transparent, wet-processible, and facilitates electron transfer. The metal oxide solution can be applied in various ways to an electronic device and is well-suited for application to an electronic device using organic materials. Also, a titanium oxide solution functions to remove and block oxygen and moisture. Thus, when it is applied to an electronic device using organic materials that are vulnerable to oxygen and moisture, the lifetime of the device can be increased.

Abstract: A solar cell including a photovoltaic layer, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, an insulating layer and a light-transparent conductive layer is provided. The photovoltaic layer has a first surface and a second surface. The first electrode layer having at least one gap is disposed on the first surface, wherein the at least one gap exposes a portion of the photovoltaic layer. The second electrode layer is disposed on the second surface. The insulating layer having a plurality of pores is located on the photovoltaic layer exposed by the at least one gap, wherein the holes expose a portion of the photovoltaic layer. The light-transparent conductive layer covers the insulating layer and is connected with the first electrode layer. The transparent electrode is connected with the photovoltaic layer through at least a part of the pores. A method of fabricating a solar cell is also provided.

Abstract: A solar cell module is disclosed. The solar cell module comprises a first protective layer, a solar cell layer, a sealing material layer and a second protective layer, wherein the sealing material layer is composed of polyurethane formed by reacting an acrylic resin with a curing agent such that the yield of the solar cell module can be improved.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a front electrode for solar cell devices (e.g., amorphous silicon or a-Si solar cell devices), and/or methods of making the same. Advantageously, certain example embodiments include a layer that acts as an etch-stop layer. In certain example embodiments, the blocking layer is provided between a transparent conductive oxide layer including AZO and a conductive layer. In certain example embodiments, a weak acid may be used to texture the layer including AZO. A semiconductor may be provided over the textured layer including AZO. The blocking layer provided between the layer of AZO and the IR reflecting layer may be more resistant to etching by weak acids than the layer based on AZO. Therefore, in certain example embodiments, the blocking layer may substantially reduce the risk of the semiconductor coming into contact with the conductive layer (which may be based on Ag).

Abstract: An electrode substrate of a photoelectric transformation device includes a transparent conductive substrate, a current-collecting electrode disposed on the transparent conductive substrate, and a coating film coating the surface of the current-collecting electrode. The coating film includes a combustion product of a glass paste composition applied on the current-collecting electrode. The glass paste composition includes a filler made of a material that does not melt at a temperature which is not higher than a glass transition temperature or a phase transition temperature of the transparent conductive substrate.

Abstract: An electrode plate for a dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell includes a transparent substrate and a transparent conductive film. The transparent conductive film includes a zinc oxide thin film layer formed over the transparent substrate, the zinc oxide thin film layer being doped with gallium, and a tin oxide thin film layer formed over the zinc oxide thin film layer, the tin oxide thin film layer being doped with a dopant.

Abstract: An electrode structure is disposed on a substrate of a solar cell. The electrode structure includes a plurality of bus electrodes and a plurality of finger electrodes. The bus electrodes are separately disposed on the substrate. The finger electrodes are disposed on two sides of the bus electrodes and electrically connect to the bus electrodes. The bus electrodes and the finger electrodes are formed by at least two screen printing processes, and at least one of the screen printing processes does not form the bus electrodes. Thus, the thicknesses of the finger electrodes are greater than those of the bus electrodes.

Abstract: A photonic device, a method of making the device and a nano-scale antireflector employ a bramble of nanowires. The photonic device and the method include a first layer of a microcrystalline material provided on a substrate surface and a second layer of a microcrystalline material provided on the substrate surface horizontally spaced from the first layer by a gap. The photonic device and the method further include, and the nano-scale antireflector includes, the bramble of nanowires formed between the first layer and the second layer. The nanowires have first ends integral to crystallites in each of the first layer and the second layer. The nanowires of the bramble extend into the gap from each of the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: Utilization of the near percolation plasmonic nanostructures near the photoconversion layer in photovoltaic device provide significant enhancement in the efficiency. Photovoltaic devices utilizing efficiency enhancement due to utilization of near percolation plasmonic nanostructures and methods of photovoltaic device fabrication provide an improved solar cells that can be used for power generation and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layer system (1) for thin-film solar cells and solar modules based on CIS-absorbers (4). The layer system (1) according to the invention has a buffer layer (4) made of In2(S1?x,Sex)3+?, wherein 0?x?1 and ?1???1. Additionally, the buffer layer (5) is amorphously designed. With this buffer layer (5), the disadvantages of CdS-buffers frequently used to date, namely toxicity and poor process integration, are overcome, whereby in addition to high efficiency, high long-term stability is also achieved; and thus again the disadvantages of conventional buffer layers alternative to CdS do not exist.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell is employed having a power generation layer formed with a microcrystalline silicon film including, in its plane, a first region and a second region in which a percentage of crystallization is lower than the first region and a carrier lifetime is higher than the first region.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to reflectors comprising a tapered polyhedron including a plurality of substantially planar facets. The reflector may comprise an input end or aperture that is larger than an output end or aperture. The input aperture or end may have a different shape and/or orientation than an output end or aperture. Some embodiments relate to “developable” geometries made of substantially planar facets which, when folded, form a tapered hollow polyhedron that can efficiently receive light (e.g., from a primary reflector or lens) and direct light onto a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Designs for ultra-high, broadband transmittance through windows over a wide range of incident angles are disclosed. The improvements in transmittance result from coating the windows with a new class of materials consisting of porous nanorods. A high transmittance optical window comprises a transparent substrate coated on one or both sides with a multiple layer coating. Each multiple layer coating includes optical films with a refractive index intermediate between the refractive index of the transparent substrate and air. The optical coatings are applied using an oblique-angle deposition material synthesis technique. The coating can be performed by depositing porous SiO2 layers using oblique angle deposition. The high transmittance window coated with the multiple layer coating exhibits reduced reflectance and improved transmittance, as compared to an uncoated transparent substrate.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The object of the present invention is to provide an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film having excellent adhesion properties and improved film formation properties. [Means for Solving Problem] An ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer composition comprising ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a crosslinker and trimellitic acid ester, wherein the trimellitic acid ester is contained in the range of 0.01 to 3.0 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: Higher efficiency, lower cost silicon based solar cells are provided by modifying the absorption coefficient of Silicon so that it strongly overlaps with the solar spectrum. In one embodiment this is achieved by co doping of the silicon with appropriate impurities. In another embodiment it is achieved by modifying the structure of silicon whereby a portion is converted into Silicon XII having the R8 structure.

Abstract: Poly(5,5?-bis(thiophen-2-yl)-benzo[2,1-b;3,4-b?]dithiophene) comprising as repeating units the group of the formula (I) wherein R is independently selected from a) a C1-2O alkyl group, b) a C2-20 alkenyl group, c) a C2-20 alkynyl group, d) a C1-20 alkoxy group, e) a —Y—C3-10 cycloalkyl group, f) a —Y—C6-14 aryl group, g) a —Y-3-12 membered cycloheteroalkyl group, or h) a —Y-5-14 membered het-eroaryl group, wherein each of the C1-20 alkyl group, the C2-20 alkenyl group, the C2-20 alkynyl group, the C3-10 cycloalkyl group, the C6-14 aryl group, the 3-12 membered cycloheteroalkyl group, and the 5-14 membered heteroaryl group is optionally substituted with 1-4 R1 groups, R1 is independently selected from a) a S(O)m—C1-20 alkyl group, b) a S(O)m—OC1-20 alkyl group, c) a S(O)m—OC6-14 aryl group, d) a C(O)—OC1-20 alkyl group, e) a C(O)—OC6-14 aryl group, f) a C1-20 alkyl group, g) a C2-20 alkenyl group, h) a C2-20 alkynyl group, i) a C1-20 alkoxy group, j) a C3-10 cycloalkyl group, k) a C6-14 aryl group, I) a 3-12 m

Abstract: A valve for preventing water hammer includes a speed reduction device for reducing a speed at which the valve may be closed. A method of preventing water hammer includes closing a valve at a fire hydrant after extracting water from the fire hydrant, in which the valve comprising a speed reduction device that increases an amount of time needed for closing the valve, and operating the valve to close the valve comprises operating the speed reduction device.

Abstract: A closed system water conservation apparatus for connection to a hot water supply and delivery system includes a first valve disposed along the hot water conduit upstream of the delivery opening for selectively directing water between a first path for receipt and distribution by the delivery opening and a second path for use by a toilet; a second valve disposed along the hot water conduit upstream of the toilet, the second valve being in fluid communication with the cold water source and the first valve for selectively directing water to the toilet from at least one of the second path and the cold water source, and a water transfer conduit extending in fluid communication between the first valve and the second valve along the second path for intermediate cold water flow therethrough between the first valve and the second valve.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device (402) for fixing to and delivering a fluid into a pressurised pipe (308), the device comprising flow restriction means (404) operable to restrict a flow of fluid through the said pipe (308), thereby generating a restricted flow region (416) within the pipe (308) at or around the position of the flow restriction means (404), as compared to an unrestricted flow upstream of the device, the device further comprising a delivery conduit (408) arranged to open into or proximal to the said restricted flow region (416).

Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a first fluidic compartment (10) and a second fluidic compartment (11). The microfluidic device furthermore comprises at least one micromechanical actuator element (14) for, when in use, forcing a sample fluid to flow from the first fluidic compartment (10) into the second fluidic compartment (11).

Abstract: In one aspect, an extended range fluid flow resistor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and defining a fluid passageway therebetween A plunger is slidably received within the fluid passageway and an actuator is rotatably coupled to the housing and the plunger, such that rotation of the actuator causes sliding movement of the plunger within the fluid passageway The plunger has a sealing region and a variable flow region axially adjacent the sealing region Fluid flow through the fluid passageway is prevented when the sealing region is aligned with the inlet and fluid flow through the fluid passageway is permitted when the variable flow region is aligned with the inlet The variable flow region includes a helical groove extending from a first end of the variable flow region adjacent the sealing region and away from the sealing region to a second end of the vanable flow region.

Abstract: A doser valve with a seat comprising at least one axially located slot from an outer surface of the seat and at least one radial/tangential extending passage in fluid communication with the at least one axially located slot and an exit passage out of the seat.

Abstract: Flexible reinforced rubber hose adapted for conveying fluids under low temperatures and high pressures. The hose includes a inner tube formed of an acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) or other low temperature rubber compound having an elastic modulus of not greater than about 8.4 MPa (1200 psi), and an outer jacket formed of a chloroprene rubber (CR) or other low temperature rubber compound having a durometer of not greater than about 75 Shore A.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting liquids and melt streams through magnetic fields, in particular in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-chamber tank for fuels of motor vehicles, said tank comprising at least one internally coated first and at least one internally coated second chamber. The method comprises the following steps: making a first metal tank segment available, said segment containing the first chamber and an externally protruding peripheral collar, rotolining the first tank segment (4) to internally coat the first chamber with a plastic material, and connecting a second metal tank segment to the peripheral collar to form the second chamber between the second tank segment, the peripheral collar and the exterior of the second tank segment, the first tank segment being retained by its peripheral collar during rotolining.

Abstract: A gas impulse blower for cleaning a surface within a vessel is fillable with a combustion gas-oxi-dizer mixture. The blower comprises: (a) a combustion assembly configured to generate a deflagration wave; and (b) an impulse generator having an inlet and an outlet and adapted to receive the deflagration wave into said inlet and eject the wave from said outlet onto a surface to be cleaned. The impulse generator has a compartmentalized housing comprising at least two serially-connected compartments. The compartments are configured for being fed with said gas-oxidizer mixture by the combustion assembly in an individual manner so as to conduct the wave to the outlet.

Abstract: An oil control valve mounting arrangement includes a resin cover 5 with a metal cylindrical body 4 insert-molded therein, a valve sleeve 3 housed within the cylindrical body 4, and a spool 2 inserted in the valve sleeve 3. In at least at one end portion 14 of the cylindrical body 4 in the axial direction of the valve sleeve 3, the cover 5 includes an engaging portion 19 engageable with an interior-facing face 15b of the cylindrical body 4 facing the radially inner side of the valve sleeve 3 at an end of the cylindrical body 4 in the axis direction of the valve sleeve 3 so as to restrict displacement of the cover 5 away from the cylindrical body 4 in the radial direction of the valve sleeve 3.

Abstract: A safety discharge system comprises a pressure relief valve having an inlet, designed to mate with an outlet of a heating appliance, and a relief outlet, wherein at least the inlet of the pressure relief valve and the outlet of the heating appliance include a threaded region, and wherein the threaded region is threaded with a reverse or left handed thread.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to avoid a gap between the total using amount of gas and the sum of a plurality of change amounts held in a gas cutoff device. The gas cutoff device includes a flow rate detection unit 11, a flow rate calculation unit 12, an increase and decrease calculation unit 13, an increase and decrease determination unit 14, a valve driving unit 15, a valve 16, an increase and decrease correction unit 17, and a constant increase and decrease correction unit 18. The increase and decrease determination unit 14 acquires a corrected change amount ‘G’ from the increase and decrease unit 17 or the constant increase and decrease correction unit 18 and adopts the amount as a new change amount ‘C’. In this way, it is possible to prevent the using time of gas until the gas path is closed from being lengthened.

Abstract: A flow rate controller is arranged such that a control circuit controls a proportional electromagnetic valve so that a flow rate detected by a flow rate sensor reaches a target flow rate. The proportional electromagnetic valve includes a coil supported in a holder, a bobbin and a fixed core, a valve element and a plate spring placed on a movable core, the valve seat, lead-in path, lead-out path, and orifice being formed in a body. The movable core is displaced by balance between an attractive force of the fixed core generated by excitation of the coil and an urging force of the plate spring, thereby adjusting the position of the valve element with respect to the valve seat to adjust the flow rate of a fluid. The orifice has an inside diameter set to a value of “?1 mm or more” and an axial length set to a value to have a ratio of “from 0.1 to 0.6 inclusive” to the inside diameter. The lead-out path has an inside diameter set to be larger than the inside diameter of the orifice.