Abstract: A washing apparatus is provided with a washing tub 2 whose rotating axis is in a horizontal direction or in a horizontally inclined direction, and has a concave and convex curve surface 22 installed on an inside wall surface of the washing tub 2 as well as has a baffle 25 protruding in the direction of the rotating axis installed. Then, by rotating the washing tub with a level of a cleaning liquid to be supplied to the washing tub 2 set to be higher than the rotating axis, a spurious non-gravity wash method is adopted in which damage to a washing article is small. In addition, by rotating the washing tub 2 with the level of the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the washing tub 2 set to be lower than the rotating axis, a beat wash method in which water saving effect is high is adopted.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing resin mold of this invention includes a feed port 11 through which flexible resin mold is loaded; a process tank 31 laid while horizontally aligning the longitudinal axis thereof, having one end thereof communicated with the feed port 11, having therein a housing space for housing the resin mold, and having a plurality of openings formed in the bottom surface thereof; a rotating shaft 72 disposed in the process tank 31, and rotationally driven by a drive unit 21; a plurality of rotating blades 81 to 84, 86 to 89 having the base ends thereof respectively fixed on the rotating shaft 72, and the tip ends located inside the process tank 31; a discharge path 69 formed at the other end of the process tank 31, and through which the resin mold after being washed is discharged; a washing water jetting nozzle 76 for jetting washing water to the upstream side in the process tank 31; and a sterilizing water jetting nozzle 78 for jetting sterilizing water to the downstream side in the process tank

Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbrella rib assembly and to a foldable umbrella. The umbrella rib assembly comprises: a plurality of main ribs, a plurality of first auxiliary ribs, and a plurality of second auxiliary ribs. Each of the main ribs includes an inner member, one end of which is coupled to a main rib fixing member such that the inner member is circumferentially rotatable; an intermediate member, one end of which is rotatably coupled, via a pin, to an upper portion from the other end of the inner member; and an outer member, one end of which is rotatably coupled, via a pin, to the other end of the intermediate member, wherein said inner member, said intermediate member, and said outer member are assembled so to be foldable.

Abstract: A modular linkage device used for coupling ribs of a multi-foldable umbrella frame, includes first and second modular linking halves disposed to confront each other in a pivot direction, and respectively having pivotal and pivoting holes registered with each other, and a fastening member including a shank body configured to permit a retained end thereof to fit in the pivotal hole and pass through the registered pivoting hole to be detachably engaged with the second modular linking half while an enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against an outward major surface of the first modular linking half so as to couple the ribs. The fastening member is detachable from the linking halves to permit the shank body to be nondestructively disengaged from the linking halves.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella capable of auto-adjustment of the umbrella cloth comprises: a plurality of foldable ribs; an umbrella pole for connecting one ends of the ribs; an umbrella cloth expanded along a space spanned by the ribs; at least one connection portion located on an inner side of the umbrella cloth and two adjacent ribs. Each connection portion includes two L-shaped retainers and one connecting unit; and each L-shaped retainer is made of flexible and bendable material. When the umbrella is folded, by the clamping effect of the two L-shaped retainers of one connection portion, the umbrella cloth will present a smooth folded shape so that the umbrella cloth is folded along the umbrella pole easily. Thus the umbrella cloth can be folded easily, rapidly, and directly with a beautiful outlook and a small size. It is difficult to be damaged.

Abstract: A stick that is excellent in shock absorption and is also excellent in stability is provided. A stick body is provided with a telescopic extension pipe formed by fitting an outer tube and an inner tube together in a nesting manner. Inside the extension pipe, a velocity-dependent damper that damps the relative sliding movement between the outer tube and the inner tube, and a compression coil spring that concentrically fits onto the damper and urges the extension pipe so as to be extended are connected in parallel. According to such a stick, the shock transmitted to the hand can be mitigated as the compression coil spring contracts upon landing. Also, since the damper suppresses unwanted vibration of the extension pipe, the length of the stick quickly becomes stable after landing, allowing the user to keep stable balance with the stick.

Abstract: A self-erecting tent, provided with at least three resilient frame elements (1, 2, 3) formed into endless loops which stretch a tent covering, with the tent in erected position, while at least two of the frame elements (1, 2) cross adjacent an underside of the tent, at least, with the tent in erected position.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion device includes a Heusler alloy film having a structure of B2 or L21 in notation of A2BC and a pair of electrodes on the Heusler alloy film to output an electromotive force generated by a thermal gradient in the Heusler alloy film. The thermoelectric conversion device further includes an electrode for applying an electric field or a voltage to the Heusler alloy film to increase and control an electric conductivity and a Seebeck coefficient S of the Heusler metal film. The device can control to increase an electric conductivity and Seebeck coefficient S by applying an electric field or a voltage through an insulation film to the Heusler alloy film. The device may have a shared connection to select one of outputs of a plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices arranged in a matrix or increase an electromotive force as an output.

Abstract: A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an evacuated enclosure which comprises a tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis, a radiation absorber disposed in the enclosure and having a front surface and a back surface, the front surface being adapted for exposure to solar radiation so as to generate heat, at least one thermoelectric converter disposed in the enclosure and thermally coupled to the absorber, the converter having a high-temperature end to receive at least a portion of the generated heat, such that a temperature differential is achieved across the at least one thermoelectric converter, a support structure disposed in the enclosure coupled to a low-temperature end of the thermoelectric converter, where the support structure removes heat from a low-temperature end of the thermoelectric converter, and a heat conducting element extending between the support structure and the evacuated enclosure and adapted to transfer heat from the support structure to the enclosure.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a plurality of pn stacks, each formed by stacking a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer one on top of the other, and a mode switching unit which effects switching to a photovoltaic power generation mode or a thermal power generation mode by connecting the plurality of pn stacks with each other. The mode switching unit effects switching to the photovoltaic power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other and the n-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other between the plurality of pn stacks. The mode switching unit effects switching to the thermal power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer 11b in series between different ones of the pn stacks.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes: a substrate; a first nanowire of a first conductive type, which is formed on one side of the substrate; a second nanowire of a second conductive type, which is opposed to the first nanowire; a high temperature part commonly connected to one end of the first nanowire and one end of the second nanowire; low temperature parts connected to the other end of the first nanowire and the other end of the second nanowire, respectively; an insulation layer formed on the first nanowire and the second nanowire; a first metal layer formed on a portion of the insulation layer over the first nanowire, so as to control an electric potential of the first nanowire; and a second metal layer formed on a portion of the insulation layer over the second nanowire, so as to control an electric potential of the second nanowire.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module has a thermoelectric conversion element and an electrode, which are metallurgically bonded together via a porous metal layer. The porous metal layer is made of nickel or silver and has a density ratio of 50 to 90%.

Abstract: A method of connecting two solar cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises gripping an interconnect with a head of positioning device, heating the interconnect with the head of the positioning device to between two predetermined temperatures, where one is higher than the other, positioning the interconnect so as to overlay two adjacent solar cells, coupling the interconnect to each of the two adjacent solar cells, and releasing the interconnect from the head.

Abstract: A method for characterizing the electronic properties of a solar cell to be used in a photovoltaic module comprises the steps of performing a room temperature IV curve measurement of the solar cell and classifying the solar cell based on this IV curve measurement. In order to take stress-related effects into account, the solar cells are reclassified depending on the result of an additional measurement conducted on the solar cells under stress. This stress-related measurement may be gained from light induced thermography (LIT) yielding information on diode shunt areas within the solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and method for textured semiconductor materials. Devices and methods shown provide a textured surface with properties that provide a high breakdown voltage. The devices and methods of the present invention can be used to make semiconductor substrates for use in photovoltaic applications such as solar cells.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an overcurrent protecting device to branch lines branched from a trunk line and to make it easy to check the overcurrent protecting device. A solar power generation system includes an electric power extracting trunk line having a plurality of solar cell strings interconnected in parallel; a plurality of branch lines that connect the solar cell strings to the trunk line, and an overcurrent protecting device connected between the branch line and the solar cell string.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter in which an intermediate layer is provided between a first photoelectric-conversion-layer including a first p-type-semiconductor-layer and a first n-type-semiconductor-layer and a second photoelectric-conversion-layer including a second p-type-semiconductor-layer and a second n-type-semiconductor-layer. The intermediate layer includes an n-type-transparent conductive-oxide-film in contact with the first n-type-semiconductor-layer and a p-type-transparent-conductive oxide-film in contact with the second p-type-semiconductor-layer respectively having a bandgap equal to or higher than 1.5 electron volts.

Abstract: A space based solar array has a substrate on which are placed a plurality of spaced apart solar cells. A transparent adhesive bonding layer is on the plurality of solar cells covering the solar cells and the substrate between said solar cells. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive bonding layer is silicone. A transparent rigid buffer layer is on the transparent adhesive bonding layer. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent rigid buffer layer is made of polyimide and has properties suitable for the application of performance- or durability-enhancing thin-film coatings. A transparent thin-film stack including inorganic radiation protection layer is on the transparent rigid buffer layer. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent radiation protection layer is made of silica, alumina or thin glass. Performance enhancing layers can also be included into the thin film stack for anti-reflection and ESD control purposes.

Abstract: A solar conversion apparatus and method includes two or more conversion cells and a reflector assembly. Each of the two or more solar conversion cells is responsive to a different one of at least a first band of wavelengths from solar radiation and a second band of wavelengths from the solar radiation. The reflector assembly comprises at least two integrated reflective sections. One of the at least two reflective sections is positioned to reflect and direct the first band of wavelengths towards one of the two or more solar conversion cells and another one of the at least two reflective sections is positioned to reflect and direct the second band of wavelengths towards another one of the two or more solar conversion cells. At least one of the two integrated reflective structures further comprises a Fresnel microstructure.

Abstract: A luminescent concentrator for solar light is provided. The luminescent concentrator comprises a wavelength-selective filter, an energy concentrating area, and a luminescent material. The wavelength-selective filter is adapted to pass the solar light and to reflect light emitted by the luminescent material. Further, a method for concentrating solar light is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) passing incident solar light through a wavelength-selective filter and an energy concentrating area onto a luminescent material, and (b) converting the incident solar light in the luminescent material to light having a wave-length reflectable by the wavelength-selective filter. The method further comprises a step (c) of concentrating the converted light in a pre-determined area arranged between the wavelength-selective filter and the luminescent material.

Abstract: The present invention is a Solar Concentrator composed of a generally V shaped trough of reflective Fresnel steps. Said Fresnel reflective steps concentrate the sunlight entering the mouth of the V shaped trough and parallel to its' central axis into a central focal area. By disposing a solar energy receiving element at the central focal area of sunlight concentration a preferred embodiment as a concentrating solar energy collector is realized. Various types of solar energy receiving structures are shown that serve to convert the concentrated sunlight into other forms of useful energy to realize the preferred embodiment as a concentrating solar energy collector.

Abstract: A building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the longitudinal channels, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each of the strings, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of solar electric roof tiles generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens collects the solar energy and converts into thermal energy through running the liquid which is extracted to the heat exchanger resulting in producing domestic hot water.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains a metal component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.001 to about 10.0 wt % of one or more aldehyde scavengers, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with a metal component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: A solar cell module laminated body includes a solar cell module and a supporting body, such as a metal plate, resin sheet, or tile, which supports the solar cell module. The solar cell module is bonded to the supporting body using an adhesive layer, which has a structure in which a minimum necessary adhesive area is calculated based on the ratio of a minimum adhesive strength required for the solar cell module laminated body and an adhesive strength of the solar cell module and adhesive layer, and an amount of adhesive used is kept to a minimum. According to this structure, cost is reduced in accordance with the amount of adhesive used. Consequently, it is possible to balance a reduction in the cost of the solar cell module laminated body and sufficient adhesive strength.

Abstract: A diffusion agent composition including an impurity-diffusing component (A); a binder resin (B) that thermally decomposes and disappears below a temperature at which the impurity-diffusing component (A) begins to thermally diffuse; SiO2 fine particles (C); and an organic solvent (D) that contains an organic solvent (D1) having a boiling point of at least 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), and a method for manufacturing the same. In the present invention, the DSSC comprises: a dye-sensitized semiconductor electrode, a counter electrode opposite to the dye-sensitized semiconductor electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the dye-sensitized semiconductor electrode and the counter electrode. Herein, the dye-sensitized semiconductor electrode comprises: an anode; a TiO2 layer disposed on the anode; and a dye absorbed to the TiO2 layer. In addition, the counter electrode comprises: a first transparent substrate with a first transparent electrode formed thereon; and a Pt film disposed on the first transparent electrode, wherein the Pt film is formed with plural Pt nanoparticles, the diameters of the Pt nanoparticles are 1-8 nm, and the thickness of the Pt film is 0.5-3 nm.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell module includes a substrate, a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell. The substrate has first and second surfaces. The first photovoltaic cell includes a first electrode layer on the first surface, a first active layer covering the first electrode, and a second electrode covering the first active layer, and the first active layer absorbs the light having a first wavelength range. The second photovoltaic cell is serially connected with the first photovoltaic cell and includes a third electrode layer on the second surface, a second active layer covering the third electrode, and a fourth electrode covering the second active layer, and the second active layer absorbs the light having a second wavelength range. A surface of the second electrode layer of the first photovoltaic cell serves as a light incident surface and a surface of the second photovoltaic cell serves as a light reflective surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dye-sensitized solar cell including a first substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a second substrate positioned on the second side of the first substrate, a first electrode unit positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed on the first substrate and a second electrode unit positioned between the first electrode unit and the second substrate and disposed on the second substrate. At least one of the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit may include a current collector electrode and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the current collector electrode. The plurality of electrodes may be positioned within an effective area and the current collector electrode may be positioned outside the effective area. A first resistance of the current collector electrode may be less than a second resistance of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of thin film solar cells and thin film solar cells thereof. The thin film solar cells comprise a substrate, an amorphous silicon layer, a first conductive layer, a stacked I-layer, a second conductive layer and a back contact layer. The amorphous silicon layer is on the substrate. The first conductive layer is on the amorphous silicon layer. The stacked I-layer is on the first conductive layer; the stacked I-layer from bottom to top is sequentially stacked by three different deposition rate I-layers: a first I-layer, a second I-layer and a third I-layer. Compared with the first and the third I-layer, the second I-layer has deposition rate higher than those of the other two I-layers. The second conductive layer is on the stacked I-layer. The back contact layer is on the second conductive layer for getting electric energy.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, an emitter region which is positioned at the substrate and having a first sheet resistance, a first highly doped region which is positioned at the substrate and having a second sheet resistance less than the first sheet resistance, a first electrode positioned at the substrate and connected to the emitter region and the first highly doped region, and a second electrode positioned at the substrate and connected to the substrate, wherein the first highly doped region crosses the first electrode and is connected to the first electrode, an upper surface of the first highly doped region is projected from an upper surface of the emitter region toward a light incident surface of the substrate, and a lower surface of the first highly doped region has the same height as a lower surface of the emitter region.

Abstract: A solar cell of the present invention comprises a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type semiconductor layer and a superlattice semiconductor layer sandwiched between the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer, wherein the superlattice semiconductor layer has a superlattice structure in which barrier layers and quantum layers are stacked alternately and repeatedly, and has two or more intermediate energy levels where electrons optically excited from a valence band of the quantum layers or the barrier layers stay for a constant time, the intermediate energy levels being located between a top of the valence band of the barrier layers and a bottom of a conduction band of the barrier layers, and can achieve a high incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A thin-film photovoltaic device includes a semi-transparent back contact layer. The semi-transparent back contact layer includes a semi-transparent contact layer and a semi-transparent contact interface layer. The thin-film photovoltaic device may be formed in a substrate or superstrate configuration. A tandem thin-film photovoltaic device includes a semi-transparent interconnect layer. The semi-transparent interconnect layer includes a semi-transparent contact layer and a semi-transparent contact interface layer.

Abstract: A process for the formation of a silver back anode of a silicon solar cell wherein a silver paste comprising particulate silver, an organic vehicle and glass frit comprising at least one antimony oxide is applied in a silver back anode pattern on the back-side of a p-type silicon wafer having an aluminum back-side metallization and fired.

Abstract: Discussed are a thin film solar cell module and a method of fabricating the same. A solar cell module includes a substrate; and a transparent electrode layer. The transparent electrode layer in turn includes a first electrode layer provided on the substrate; and a second electrode layer provided on the first electrode layer, wherein the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are made of different materials and the second electrode layer is locally formed on portions of the first electrode layer. Accordingly, the transparent electrode layer exhibits improved transmittance of monochromatic light as well as increased light scattering, thereby enhancing efficiency of the thin film solar cell module.

Abstract: A reflection blocking film provided on a solar cell includes a transparent substrate with a plurality of patterns having incident light collected on the top surface thereof, and a reflector on the bottom surface of the transparent substrate and with holes through which the collected incident light is transmitted. A method of manufacturing a reflection blocking film includes: forming a plurality of patterns on the top surface of a transparent substrate; coating a photo resin on a bottom surface of the transparent substrate; exposing to irradiate light to the top surface of the transparent substrate to react the light collected by the pattern with the photo resin; developing to lift off a portion, which does not receive light, by using a developer during the exposing; coating a reflector on the bottom surface of the transparent substrate; and forming holes by lifting off the photo resin interposed in the reflector.

Abstract: A polyimide polymer solution, a polyimide polymer, a transparent film, a display device and a solar cell are provided. The polyimide polymer has at least one of a repeating unit of formula (D) and a repeating unit of formula (J) and at least one of a repeating unit of formula (Q) and a repeating unit of formula (T). One of B and B? is cyclo-aliphatic compound, and the other is aromatic compound, a molar mass ratio of the cyclo-aliphatic compound to the aromatic compound is 1˜4, A and A? are identical or different aromatic diamines, and at least one of A and A? is aromatic diamine with ether groups, and A could be the same as or different from A?.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell apparatus includes a support substrate, a back electrode layer on the support substrate, a light absorbing layer covering the back electrode layer while exposing a first expose region of the back electrode layer, and a window layer covering the light absorbing layer while exposing a second expose region of the light absorbing layer. The above layers are formed by moving one mask at a predetermined pitch. The layers have step difference from each other, and are stacked on each other so that the layers are offset from each other by the predetermined pitch. The solar cell apparatus is fabricated by using one mask, so that the solar cell apparatus is very easily formed.

Abstract: In a solar battery including: a photoelectric conversion layer that converts light into electricity; and a reflecting electrode layer that is provided on an opposite side of a light incident side in the photoelectric conversion layer and reflects light passed through the photoelectric conversion layer to the photoelectric conversion layer side, to realize a reflecting electrode layer having excellent adhesion and thermal corrosion resistance, stable electrical characteristics and satisfactory light reflection characteristics and to obtain a solar battery having high reliability, excellent electrical characteristics and optical characteristics, the reflecting electrode layer includes, on the photoelectric conversion layer side, a metal layer containing silver as a main component and containing nitrogen.

Abstract: An aqueous acidic etching solution suitable for texturing the surface of single crystal and polycrystal silicon substrates and containing, based on the complete weight of the solution, 3 to 10% by weight of hydrofluoric acid; 10 to 35% by weight of nitric acid; 5 to 40% by weight of sulfuric acid; and 55 to 82% by weight of water; a method for texturing the surface of single crystal and polycrystal silicon substrates comprising the step of (1) contacting at least one major surface of a substrate with the said aqueous acidic etching solution; (2) etching the at least one major surface of the substrate for a time and at a temperature sufficient to obtain a surface texture consisting of recesses and protrusions; and (3) removing the at least one major surface of the substrate from the contact with the aqueous acidic etching solution; and a method for manufacturing photovoltaic cells and solar cells using the said solution and the said texturing method.

Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.

Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.

Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.

Abstract: A concentrating solar mirror panel assembly having a reflective sheet with a reflective major surface and an opposing major surface and a corrugated stiffener having ridges and troughs each having an outer surface with land areas, wherein the land areas of at least a portion of the ridges are joined to at least a portion of the opposing major surface of the reflective sheet. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is non-planar and substantially rigid. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is assembled such that a desired non-planar shape is maintained: either using a locking sheet or having the corrugated stiffener attached so that its principal axes of corrugation are substantially perpendicular to the axis of curvature of the assembly. Methods of making the concentrating solar mirror panel assembly are also disclosed. Concentrated solar power systems and solar collection devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a silicon thin film, a method of manufacturing a silicon thin-film photovoltaic cell, and a silicon thin film. There is provided a method of manufacturing a silicon thin film in a form in which an inert face formed by an exposed face of a silicon substrate and an inert layer is formed by selectively forming the inert layer on the silicon substrate in which growth of a silicon crystal is inactive for a raw material gas of the silicon crystal, and the silicon crystal is grown from the exposed face such that the silicon crystal covers the silicon substrate by supplying a raw material gas, of which a surface decomposition reaction on the silicon substrate is dominant, out of the raw material gas to the silicon substrate. By forming a width of the exposed face in a range of 0.001 ?m to 1 ?m, the silicon thin film is formed in a state that the silicon thin film can be peeled off from the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A photoelectrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell, the photoelectrode including a coating product of a composition including a metal oxide, an acid, a first additive comprising one or more compounds represented by Formula 1 below, and a second additive comprising one or more compounds represented by Formula 2 below: where in Formula 1, Ra is a C10 to C30 alkyl group, X is a hydrogen atom or —(CH2CH2O)n—Rb, n is an integer of 1 to 20, and Rb is a C10 to C30 alkyl group, and where in Formula 2, Rc is a C10 to C30 alkyl group, and n is an integer of 1 to 20.

Abstract: System and method for axial support of a pump or compressor rotor shaft during start-up or shut-down of a vertical fluid displacement module for subsea operation including a motor and a pump or compressor. Lubrication fluid is momentarily supplied for hydrostatic operation of hydrodynamic thrust bearing(s) from a topside or land-based fluid supply via a flow control module arranged in conjunction with a subsea pressure control unit configured for controlling the supply and discharge of barrier and lubrication fluids to/from the fluid displacement module.

Abstract: A hydraulic swivel has a case defining a substantially cylindrical interior and a first access port defined in a side thereof, the first access port providing a path for fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the case. A spool occupies the interior of the case, the spool and the case together defining a first circumferential channel such that the access port is in fluid communication with the channel regardless of the rotational relationship between the case and the spool, and wherein the spool defines a first interior passageway, the first interior passageway having a port connecting to the first circumferential channel. An actuator occupies at least a portion of the first interior channel selectively blocking and enabling fluid communication between the first circumferential channel and the first interior passageway and therefore selectively blocking and enabling fluid communication between the access port and the first interior passageway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a fluid that is to be transported through a fluid conduit within a hydrocarbon exploration and production installation is described. A monitoring zone is established upstream of the fluid conduit configured such the fluid supply to the fluid conduit is introduced via the monitoring zone. The fluid supply within the monitoring zone is monitored for the occurrence of events detrimental to the flow of the fluid supply through the fluid conduit. Monitoring the fluid supply prior to entering the fluid conduit allows for the early detection of an event detrimental to the flow of the fluid supply e.g. a chemical reaction indicative of corrosion of the fluid conduit or the formation of a potential blockage within the fluid conduit. In this way the risk of costly blockages or structural failure occurring within the fluid conduit is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (30) for continuously producing a liquid product (P) comprising at least two liquid components (k1, k2) that can be pumped, wherein the system comprises two storage tanks (1a, 1b) for each component (k1, k2), two mass-flow control circuits (2a, 2b) for the storage tanks (1a, 1b) for establishing a target mass flow of the component (k1, k2), a first line (9a) into which the components of the liquid product (P) are fed, a second line (9b) for feeding in carbon dioxide, and a filling tank (1c), wherein the first line (9a) feeds the liquid product (P) mixed with carbon dioxide into the filling tank (1c), wherein the storage tanks (1a, 1b) and the filling tank (1c) are designed as pressure vessels and are interconnected by means of at least one pressure equalization line (1) for establishing a pressure equalization between the storage tanks (1a, 1b) and the filling tank (1c).