Abstract: A solar module. The solar module includes a substrate member. a plurality of photovoltaic strips arranged in an array configuration overlying the substrate member. In a specific embodiment, the solar module includes a concentrator structure comprising extruded glass material operably coupled to the plurality of photovoltaic strips. A plurality of elongated annular regions are configured within the concentrator structure. The plurality of elongated annular regions are respectively coupled to the plurality of photovoltaic strips, which are configured to one or more bus bars to maintain a desired stress range.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system includes a solar collector configured to reflect sunlight to a diffused focal point, and a photovoltaic cell assembly carried by the solar collector. The photovoltaic cell assembly includes a collector housing positioned at the diffused focal point to receive the reflected sunlight, and photovoltaic cells within the collector housing to generate electricity based on the reflected sunlight. The collector housing includes a cooling liquid to cool the photovoltaic cells when generating the electricity.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with photovoltaic cell and a heat sink. The heat sink is attached on a side of the cell opposite to the light-receiving side of the photovoltaic cell. The heat sink can remove heat caused by light absorbed by the photovoltaic cell but not converted to electricity as well as heat generated by resistance to high current passing through electrodes of the photovoltaic cell. A photovoltaic module formed of such cells can exhibit greater energy conversion efficiency as a result of the ability to dissipate the heat. A method of making a solar module involves e.g. laminating a heat sink to a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Method of making a semiconductor nanowire photovoltaic device includes providing a plurality of spaced photovoltaic semiconductor nanowires on a growth substrate; applying dielectric material so that it is disposed between the semiconductor nanowires producing a layer of embedded semiconductor nanowires having a top surface opposed to a bottom surface, the bottom surface being defined by the interface with the growth substrate; depositing a first electrode over the top surface of the layer of embedded semiconductor nanowires in electrical contact with the nanowires; joining the first electrode to a device substrate; removing the growth substrate and exposing the bottom surface; depositing a second electrode on the bottom surface so that it is in electrical contact with the semiconductor nanowires; and wherein either the first or second electrode is transparent to permit light to be transmitted through the transparent electrode and be absorbed by the photovoltaic semiconductor nanowires.

Abstract: A system comprising a photovoltaic module and a terminal box. Two terminals of the box output voltage generated by the photovoltaic module. A thermal switch shorts the two terminals in response to temperature rise to a threshold temperature and is structured to prevent short-circuit due to the temperature rise of the normally operating photovoltaic module and bypass diodes in the terminal box.

Abstract: A stand is assumed to be a stand having a triangular structure, increases the strength between the front end portion of a mounting bar and a bracket and readily positions a solar cell module even without particularly increasing the number of components, and further prevents the corrosion of the bracket and metal fittings around the bracket. Abutting portions 73m of a front bracket 73 position a frame member 21 of a solar cell module 2 such that the frame member juts out beyond a bottom plate 73a of the front bracket 73 toward the abutting portions 73m. Accordingly, even if rainwater infiltrates the space between the solar cell module 2 and a mounting bar 11, gradually runs along the bottom face of the solar cell module 2, and turns into waterdrops W, and then the waterdrops W drop from the edge portion of the solar cell module 2, the waterdrops W will not fall on the bottom plate 73a of the front bracket 73 and the base rail 71.

Abstract: A solar panel backside film used in solar panel constructions. The film comprises a PET film having a net peak area as measured by differential scanning calorimetry of about ?15 J/g to about 5 J/g measured from the endpoint of the glass transition (Tg) up to 230° C., and an additive to opacify the PET film. A polymeric layer is adhered to the PET film to create a solar panel backside film. The solar panel backside film generally has a reflectivity of 50% or greater at a point in the visible range of light. Additionally, the solar panel backside film, when applied to a solar panel and exposed to 2000 hours at 85° C. and 85% relative humidity, does not result in exfoliation or visible cracks in the PET film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell having a silicone resin layer. The solar cell comprises a silicone resin film that is at least partially cured and a photovoltaic element formed adjacent the silicone resin film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell that can recycle a substrate, and a manufacturing method thereof. The solar cell includes: i) a plurality of nano-structures distanced from each other and extended in one direction; ii) a first conductive layer covering a first end of at least one of the plurality of nano-structures; iii) a second conductive layer distanced from the first conductive layer and covering a second end of the nano-structure; and iv) a dielectric layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: Leakage pathway layers for solar cells and methods of forming leakage pathway layers for solar cells are described.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells are fabricated in which the compositions of the light-absorbing layer and the electron-accepting layer are selected such that at least one side of the junction between these two layers is substantially depleted of charge carriers, i.e., both free electrons and free holes, in the absence of solar illumination. In further aspects of the invention, the light-absorbing layer is comprised of dual-shell passivated quantum dots, each having a quantum dot core with surface anions, an inner shell containing cations to passivate the core surface anions, and an outer shell to passivate the inner shell anions and anions on the core surface.

Abstract: Micromorph tandem cells with stabilized efficiencies of 11.0% have been achieved on as-grown LPCVD ZnO front TCO at bottom cell thickness of just 1.3 ?m in combination with an antireflection concept. Applying an advanced LPCVD ZnO front TCO stabilized tandem cells of 10.6% have been realized at a bottom cell thickness of only 0.8 ?m. Implementing intermediate reflectors in Micromorph tandem cell devices allow for, compared to commercial SnO2, reduced optical losses when LPCVD ZnO is used. At present highest stabilized cell efficiency reached 11.3% incorporating an in-situ intermediate reflector with a bottom cell thickness of 1.6 ?m.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the fabrication and manufacture of efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells. The p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells can include a pyrite thin cell component, a window layer component, and a top surface contact component. The pyrite thin cell component can be fabricated from nanocrystal paint deposited onto metal foils or microcrystalline pyrite deposited onto foil by chemical vapor deposition. A method of synthesizing colloidal pyrite nanocrystals is provided. Methods of manufacturing the efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells are also provided.

Abstract: The invention describes photovoltaic tandem solar cells made of crystalline silicon and crystalline silicon carbide having an Si/C intermediate layer. Furthermore, the invention describes a method for the production of tandem solar cells.

Abstract: A ruthenium complex having at least one selected from an alkyl thiophene unit and a unit in which thiophenes are linked to aromatic rings in the form of a pentagonal ring and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a carbon nanotube assembly includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes having a length of 10 ?m or less in a major axis direction assembled with a space filling rate of 30% or more.

Abstract: Provided are a flexible dye-sensitized solar cell and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A solar cell structure includes a silicon crystal having at least one slant penetrating hole, the penetrating hole internally having at least one inclined surface; an emitter covering the silicon crystal and the inclined surface in the penetrating hole; and a first metal electrode being electrically connected to the emitter and located in the penetrating hole of the silicon crystal at a bottom thereof. By forming the inclined surface having an inclination angle in the slant penetrating hole, light incident upon the inclined surface of the penetrating hole can have a length-increased optical path in the solar cell to thereby enhance the photocurrent of the solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method of forming a high quality passivation layer over a p-type doped region to form a high efficiency solar cell device. Embodiments of the present invention may be especially useful for preparing a surface of a boron doped region formed in a silicon substrate. In one embodiment, the methods include exposing a surface of the solar cell substrate to a plasma to clean and modify the physical, chemical and/or electrical characteristics of the surface and then deposit a charged dielectric layer and passivation layer thereon.

Abstract: A solar cell with a doped buffer layer includes silicon and tin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a photoelectric conversion device, including the steps of: coating the surface of a conductive substrate with a porous catalyst layer; coating the surface of the conductive substrate with a porous insulating layer in such a way as to cover the porous catalyst layer; coating the surface of the porous insulating layer with a current collecting layer; coating the surface of the porous insulating layer with a porous metal oxide semiconductor layer in such a way as to cover the current collecting layer; allowing the porous metal oxide semiconductor layer to support a dye; impregnating the porous metal oxide semiconductor layer, the porous insulating layer, and the porous catalyst layer with an electrolyte solution; and forming a transparent sealing layer in such a way as to cover at least the porous insulating layer and the porous metal oxide semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing structure may include forming a layer including cadmium and tin adjacent to a substrate, annealing the layer in a first annealing environment including a reducing agent, then annealing the layer in a second annealing environment including nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for scribing a thin film solar cell that includes a soda lime glass substrate, a film of molybdenum (Mo), a film of copper indium gallium diselenide (GIGS), a buffering layer, a layer of zinc oxide (i-ZnO), a layer of aluminum doped zinc oxide (n-ZnO:Al or AZO), a first scribe, a conductive link and a second scribe. The method steps include producing the first scribe on the Mo film, depositing the CICS film, the buffering layer and the zinc oxide layer onto the Mo film, producing the second scribe on the CICS film, the zinc oxide layer and the buffering layer above the Mo film, depositing and filling a first insulating material into the first scribe. and depositing a second insulating material that covers the solar cell while filling the first scribe forming a conduction layer.

Abstract: The following description provides a method for preparing electrodes for solar cells, substrates for the solar cell prepared using the same, and the solar cells. The method forms conductive paste on substrates by a printing method and a wet metal plating method, and forms a non-porous cell structure by directly plating a crystallized metal layer on the substrates via etching without using excessive non-crystallized conductive paste or plating the porous conductive paste with metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminescent photovoltaic generator (1) and a waveguide for use in such a photovoltaic generator. The photovoltaic generator comprises a photovoltaic cell (4) and a waveguide comprising a transparent matrix (2) having particles of an inorganic luminescent material dispersed therein and/or an inorganic luminescent material disposed at least one side thereof (6). The waveguide is associated with the photovoltaic cell (4), such that, in use, at least some of the light emitted from the luminescent material passes into the photovoltaic cell (4) to generate a voltage in the cell. In preferred embodiments, the inorganic luminescent material is a line emitter and the emission is due to a forbidden electronic transition within the material. The inorganic luminescent material may be selected from an inorganic phosphor, an inorganic fluorescent material and quantum dots, quantum rods and quantum core/shell systems.

Abstract: A nanocrystalline superlattice solar cell utilizing a superlattice constructed from alternating amorphous and nanocrystalline layers is provided. The amorphous layers of the superlattice include Germanium. In one embodiment the Germanium content is homogeneous across the amorphous layer. Alternatively, the Germanium content is graded across the amorphous layer from a lower content to a greater content as the amorphous layer is grown. The grading of Germanium content can vary from 0% or greater at a boundary with the preceding layer to 100% or less at a boundary with a subsequent layer. The grading may be continuous or may occur in discreet step increases in Germanium content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact solar module (CSM) apparatus and a method of producing electricity using such an apparatus in residential buildings for example. One embodiment of the module is made of two arrays of 2×4 solar cells, each array having a surface area of 36 square inches for example. Each array covers an area of 1×2 square ft, generating combined power of 52.8 Watts. One CSM consists of 2×8 sub-CSM assembled back-to-back, generating a total of 422.8 Watts, and having the assembled dimension of 27.5?×8?×7.6?. The compact feature of solar module relies on sunray transmission to the solar cells and their illumination through optical fibers and sets of concave and convex mirrors & lenses. To illuminate the entire surface of a photocell, an array of 2×2 mirrors/fibers arranged in a square configuration, are utilized. This configuration optimizes material usage, cost effectiveness and provides greater sun energy for PV cells illumination.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising a metal oxide back buffer layer. Improved n-CdS/p-CdTe heterojunction photovoltaic cells comprising a metal oxide buffer layer for making low-resistance electrical contact to the p-type CdTe layer. The back buffer layer comprises metal oxides having a high work function.

Abstract: Metal pastes comprising (a) at least one electrically conductive metal powder selected from the group consisting of silver, copper and nickel, (b) at least one lead-containing glass frit with a softening point temperature in the range of 571 to 636° C. and containing 53 to 57 wt.-% of PbO, 25 to 29 wt.-% of SiO2, 2 to 6 wt.-% of Al2O3 and 6 to 9 wt.-% of B2O3 and (c) an organic vehicle.

Abstract: A specified indenopyrene compound containing a disubstituted amino group substituted with a group having a carbon number of from 1 to 40, which is a useful indenopyrene compound as an organic electronics material, and in particular, an indenopyrene compound which when used for organic thin film solar cells, displays a photoelectric conversion characteristic with high efficiency, is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of operating a safety valve and a safety valve system are provided. The valve system includes a valve, an actuator, a mechanical override, and an indicator. The actuator includes a fail-safe mechanism and the indicator is configured to indicate whether the fail-safe mechanism is operable during use of at least one of the actuator and the mechanical override. In one embodiment, a method of operating the safety valve includes actuating the valve into an open position and sending a signal to indicate that the fail-safe mechanism is operable to move the valve to the closed position, while the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: In one aspect this invention provides an article fabricated in one piece comprising at least one aperture through the piece, wherein the aperture defines a non-microfluidic volume, and a microfluidic channel formed in a surface of the piece onto which the aperture opens, wherein the channel is in fluidic communication with the aperture, wherein the aperture and the microfluidic channel define a fluidic circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining effective area coefficient for a pilot operated safety relief valve. The relief valve may have a piston with an upper surface area, an inlet, and a dome. The method may include determining a total force acting on the piston (Ftotal) and determining a downward force (Fdome) on the piston due to dome pressure. The method may further include determining an upward force on the piston due to inlet pressure (Fmain) by subtracting the downward force (Fdome) from the total force (Ftotal) and determining an instantaneous Effective Area coefficient (Ae) by dividing the upward force on the piston (Fmain) by a main inlet pressure (Pmain).

Abstract: A system for performing in-situ aggregate size analysis in a feedwell assembly, which includes a feedwell assembly, which receives an influent feed stream from at least one feed pipe, and at least one flocculant feed pipe within the feed stream or feedwell assembly, which delivers a flocculant to the feed stream. An in-situ device provides images of flocculated particles within the feedwell assembly to an image analysis software application. The image analysis software application receives the images of the flocculated particles within the feedwell assembly and provides for size measurement and averaging for dosage control of the flocculant added to the influent feed stream within the feedwell assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for inhibiting scale formation or precipitate formation in oil field flow lines and processing equipment exposed to fluid containing components that form scale or precipitates on surfaces of oil field flow lines and processing equipment, especially in highly paraffinic crude oils, where the method and system include applying an electric field across the fluid flowing through a flow line, where the fluid includes a scale or precipitate inhibitor and where the fluid strength and the inhibitor concentration is sufficient to reduce or prevent scale or precipitant formation.

Abstract: A pressure and prevacuum testing system for an AC system in a vehicle includes an air pressure source for pressurizing a cooling circuit of the AC system to a predetermined high pressure threshold and a vacuum source for prevacuuming the cooling circuit either to a predetermined prevacuum low pressure level or for a predetermined time period. The system also includes a pressure gauge for operatively measuring a pressure level in the cooling circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the air pressure source, the vacuum source and the pressure gauge. The controller compares the pressure level as measured by the pressure gauge to the predetermined high pressure threshold during a pressurized test of the cooling circuit and to the predetermined prevacuum low pressure level during a prevacuum test of the cooling circuit to determine if leaks are present in the cooling circuit.

Abstract: A fast opening pressure relief valve (200) for providing pressure relief for a vessel. The valve (200) has an ejector (216) and a sleeve structure (210) in which the ejector (216) moves longitudinally. The ejector (216) is constructed of material that will expand outward slightly upon pressurization, increasing friction between staging glands (202) provided on the sleeve structure (210) and buckling glands (206) provided on the ejector (216). Also, as pressure on the ejector (216) increases, the buckling rings (206) deform slightly to release their grip on the staging glands (202) and move past them. Once the buckling rings (206) move past the staging glands (202), the pressurized ejector (216) quickly moves to its open position, i.e. opening within 2 and 3 milliseconds, thereby releasing the pressure on the vessel. The valve (200) can be reset by returning the ejector to its closed position.

Abstract: A flow cell device for observing a fluid includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a first viewing member, and a second viewing member. The first viewing member, which is disposed in and coupled to the housing, includes a first window and a spray ring. The spray ring includes cleaning ports in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid inlet port. The second viewing member includes a second window and is disposed in and coupled to the housing opposite the first viewing member such that an aperture that is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet is defined between the first window and the second window. The spray ring does not extend past a surface of the first window facing the aperture and each of the cleaning ports is oriented such that a fluid provided under pressure to the cleaning ports is ejected toward the second window.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator.

Abstract: An interlock monitoring system includes a magnetic proximity sensor within a poppet valve type coupler to detect whether the poppet valve is opened or closed. An open poppet valve indicates a proper connection. The sensor consists of dedicated electronics that prevent cheating, or bypassing, by either shorting out or opening the contacts to the sensor. In addition, a ferrous metal proximity switch is used to provide a redundant confirmation of proper connection of the coupler. The ferrous magnetic proximity switch will indicate whether or not the coupler is actually in contact with an appropriate connection. Each of the magnetic proximity sensor and the ferrous magnetic proximity switch must indicate a respective proper condition in order to determine a valid interlock condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an overpressure hatch (21) intended to be mounted on a wall (23) of a nacelle (1) for a turbojet engine (5), the overpressure hatch (21) comprising a support (22) intended to be fixed to the wall (23), and at least one discharge element (25) able to move with respect to said support (22), said hatch (21) comprising at least one part (27) of lower mechanical strength than the remainder of the overpressure hatch (21) so that air at an overpressure inside the nacelle (1) can be discharged when the internal pressure applied to said hatch (21) more or less reaches a threshold pressure level lower than the maximum pressure that the nacelle structure can withstand. The invention also relates to a turbojet engine nacelle comprising at least one hatch (21) according to the invention.

Abstract: An operating mode of an electro-pneumatic converting unit is stored in advance in an electro-pneumatic converting unit operating mode storing unit. A blockage location identifying function is provided in a calculating unit. The operating unit monitors the magnitude of shift and the direction of shift of the control output, relative to the nozzle back pressure, through the blockage location identifying function, and identifies whether a blockage has occurred in the fixed orifice or the nozzle/flapper mechanism based on the magnitude of shift and direction of shift of the control output, relative to the nozzle back pressure, and based on the operating mode of the electro-pneumatic converting unit, stored in the electro-pneumatic converting unit operating mode storing unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a natural gas compression system, comprising a gas inlet component for the entrance of natural gas into the system, a booster component for increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a drying component for drying the natural gas, a compressor component including a reciprocating compressor for further increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a valve control panel and storage component, and a dispensing component.

Abstract: An exemplary inflatable leak diverter for collecting falling fluids. The invention may comprise one or more flexible, inflatable, generally tubular, circumferential inflation chambers of substantially identical dimensions superimposed upon each other and fixedly joined along their line of juncture, if applicable; a fluid-collecting well portion of the same general plane shape encompassed within the inner contours of said plurality of chambers; and drain located approximately in the center of the fluid-collecting well portion.

Abstract: A heated fuel delivery system for vegetable oil or other fuels of temperature dependent viscosity, which may be used as fuel for a diesel engine. The system includes one or more heated fuel lines and/or a heated fuel tank to heat the fuel and reduce its viscosity for more efficient use. Recovered engine heat from the engine coolant system is transferred to heat the fuel.

Abstract: A valve body cover of an automatic transmission, may include a cover plate having a hole, an oil level plug having a cap detachably mounted onto the cover plate from the outside of the cover plate and an insertion extended from the cap and selectively inserted into the hole of the cover plate, and rotational pressing members formed in the insertion of the oil level plug and the cover plate respectively to press the cap against the cover plate while the insertion of the oil level plug inserted in the hole is rotated relatively with respect to the cover plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an air aspiration device to release trapped air in a pipe containing a solution that is to be delivered to a nozzle body. The air aspiration device can include an air port in fluid communication with the air and the solution, an exit port, and a passageway in fluid communication with the air port and the exit port. The air aspiration device can also include a main body and a female pipe fitting forming an end cap for one end of the pipe.

Abstract: The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus of the present invention comprises: a housing installed between the inlet and the outlet of a fluid pipe in which a fluid flows; a valve block installed inside the housing to allow inflow of the flowing fluid in the housing and to discharge a portion of the flowing fluid to the outside according to the change in the internal pressure; and a temperature-responsive device for generating a pressure difference in the valve block according to the temperature change of the temperature-responsive fluid filled therein. The temperature-responsive fluid flow control apparatus prevents the fluid flowing pipe from freezing by discharging a portion of the fluid flowing in the housing to the outside, when the temperature of the temperature-responsive fluid reaches a preset temperature as the external temperature drops.

Abstract: An isolation valve includes a flow restrictor disposed in a passage and having a piston with a first orifice and a depressurization valve with a second orifice. The valve also includes a solenoid valve assembly having a coil that is selectively energized by a signal from a controller and an armature that is moveable between first and second positions to open and close the first orifice and/or the second orifice. When the coil is energized, the armature moves to the second position to allow vapor to flow through the first orifice, the depressurization valve selectively opens to allow vapor to flow through the first orifice, the second orifice, or both. The two orifices work together to provide controlled vapor flow.