Abstract: Disclosed are silicon-free aluminum paste compositions for forming an aluminum back electrode with large silicon particles, processes to form aluminum back electrode of solar cells, and the solar cells so-produced. The process applys a silicon-free aluminum paste on a back surface of a p-type silicon substrate. The silicon-free aluminum paste compositions have an additive comprising calcium oxide, calcium oxalate, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, or mixtures thereof; an aluminum powder; and an organic vehicle. The process also applys a metal paste on a front side of the p-type silicon substrate and firing the p-type silicon substrate after the application of the aluminum paste at a peak temperature in the range of 600-950° C., whereupon firing the additive promotes a growth of silicon particles having an equivalent diameter in the range of 2-15 microns in a particulate layer of the aluminum back electrode.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises an active solar cell layer having a front light receiving side and opposite rear side, an encapsulant layer adhered to the rear side of the active solar cell layer, and a back-sheet adhered to the encapsulant layer. The back-sheet comprises a first polymer film adhered to said encapsulant layer, where the first polymer film comprises 20 to 95 weight percent chlorosulfonated polyolefin, such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene, based on the weight of the first polymer film, and 1 to 35 weight percent of adhesive based on the weight of the first polymer film. The first polymer film may further comprise 10 to 70 weight percent of inorganic particulates such as calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin and clays.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate having a first conductive type; an emitter layer formed on a front side of the substrate and having a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type; a reflection preventing film on the emitter layer; and a plurality of finger lines that penetrate the reflection preventing film and are connected to the emitter layer. The emitter layer includes a plurality of first regions adjoining the plurality of front finger lines and a plurality of second regions disposed between the plurality of first regions, and the plurality of second regions have a thickness thicker than a thickness of the plurality of first regions. By doing so, a photovoltaic efficiency of the solar cell is improved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element includes: forming a current-collecting wiring with a conductive paste containing therein silver particles and a low-melting point glass frit on a transparent conductive substrate when the photoelectric conversion element having a structure in which an electrolyte layer is provided between a porous electrode on the transparent conductive substrate, and a counter substrate is manufactured.

Abstract: An antireflection coating for a solar cell includes at least a first SiNx layer with a high refractive index and a second SiNx layer with a lower refractive index. An improved light coupling and a better passivation of solar cells and a more homogeneous and darker color impression may be achieved also in the laminated in solar module, while at the same time being insensitive to typical process variations.

Abstract: Photoactive layers for use in a photovoltaic cell are described. The photoactive layers comprise at least one photoactive ion paired with another ion. This photoactive ion pair can be in the form of an ionic liquid, hydrogen bonded ion pair, cocrystal, or complex to allow for greater flexibility and portability. Also described are photovoltaic cells that contain the described photoactive layers sandwiched between two electrodes.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter region of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, the emitter region forming a p-n junction along with the substrate, a passivation layer which is positioned on a back surface of the substrate and has a plurality of via holes exposing portions of the back surface of the substrate, a first electrode connected to the emitter region, and a second electrode which is positioned on a back surface of the passivation layer and is connected to the substrate through the plurality of via holes.

Abstract: A dopant material is disclosed. The dopant material comprises a polycrystalline silicon and a dopant element in the polycrystalline silicon. A concentration of the dopant element is at least 1×1018 atoms/cm3 and no greater than 1×1020 atoms/cm3. A method for producing a dopant material is also disclosed. A fused mixture is generated by mixing and fusing a silicon material with an element that serves as the dopant source. A coagulate of the dopant material is generated by cooling and coagulating the fused mixture. A semiconductor substrate is disclosed. The semiconductor substrate comprises a semiconductor material to which the dopant material is added. A solar cell element comprising the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode, and a second electrode is disclosed. The semiconductor substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface corresponding to a rear surface of the first surface.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a first busbar, and a second busbar. Along a connecting line, the first busbar has contact pads which have a maximum width bImax, perpendicular to the connecting line and between which there is respectively located on the connecting line a current collecting area which makes contact with the contact pads in a contact area, having on both sides of the connecting line two outer points whose spacing perpendicular to the connecting line defines a maximum width bSmax of the current collecting area. Width b of the current collecting area and bImax<bSmax, starting from one contact pad up to an adjacent contact pad, decreases down to a minimum width bSmin between two inner points, and then increases up to the adjacent contact pad to a maximum width bSmax?.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises an absorber layer comprising a chalcogenide material. The photovoltaic device further comprises a back contact and a reflection enhancing layer disposed between the absorber layer and the back contact.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method and/or an apparatus of a photovoltaic device having an integrated micro-mirror and of formation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic structure includes a photovoltaic cell, an oxide layer formed above the photovoltaic cell, and an integrated micro-mirror formed above the oxide layer. The integrated micro-mirror may be fabricated as a flat plate reflection form in which the light energy is deflected to the underlying photovoltaic cell. Alternatively, the integrated micro-mirror may be fabricated in a concentrator form facing a solar source to concentrate a light energy of the solar source into a target region of the integrated photovoltaic cell. An array of the integrated micro-mirrors may be physically bonded to the integrated photovoltaic cell. A shape and geometry of the array of the integrated micro-mirrors may be designed to maximize an efficiency of the integrated photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is provided having an active solar cell layer having a front light receiving side and opposite rear side, with an encapsulant layer is adhered to the rear side of the active solar cell layer. The encapsulant layer comprises a first polymer film comprising 20 to 95 weight percent chlorosulfonated polyolefin such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene, and optionally an adhesive. The first polymer film of the encapsulant layer may further comprise 10 to 70 weight percent of inorganic particulates such as calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin and clays. The first polymer film may be both a single layer encapsulant layer and back-sheet with an exposed surface.

Abstract: A heat transfer device having a working fluid capable of circulating around a fluid flow path, the circulation around the fluid flow path bringing the working fluid in and out of thermal contact with a heat source, the heat transfer device comprising: a fluid containing portion internally defining a working fluid flow path; a heat source at least partially in thermal contact with the fluid containing portion; a gas substance generator at least partially within the fluid containing portion, and arranged to generate bubbles of vapor capable of driving the working fluid along a portion of the working fluid flow path in thermal contact with the heat source; wherein, in use, the driven working fluid absorbs heat from the heat source and transports the heat away from the heat source; and the driven working fluid returns to the gas substance generator to be recycled about the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell, for example a thin-film photovoltaic cell, having a substrate glass made of aluminosilicate glass, has a glass composition which has SiO2 and Al2O3 as well as the alkaline oxide Na2O and the alkaline earth oxides CaO, MgO, and BaO, and optionally further components. The glass composition includes 10 to 16 wt.-% Na2O, >0 to <5 wt.-% CaO, and >1 to 10 wt.-% BaO, and the ratio of CaO:MgO is in the range of 0.5 to 1.7. The aluminosilicate glass used is crystallization stable because of the selected quotient of CaO/MgO and has a transformation temperature >580° C. and a processing temperature <1200° C. Therefore, it represents a more thermally stable alternative to soda-lime glass. The aluminosilicate glass is used as a substrate glass, superstrate glass, and/or cover glass for a photovoltaic cells, for example for thin-film photovoltaic cells, in particular those based on semiconductor composite material, such as CdTe, CIS, or CIGS.

Abstract: Processes for making a solar cell by depositing various layers of components on a substrate and converting the components into a thin film photovoltaic absorber material. Processes of this disclosure can be used to control the stoichiometry of metal atoms in making a solar cell, and for targeting a particular concentration. CIGS thin film solar cells can be made.

Abstract: Solution-based processes for making thin film solar cells including CIGS are disclosed. A solar cell can have a conversion efficiency of 15% to 20% or greater. Processes for making solar cells include depositing various layers of monomer and polymeric components on a substrate and converting the components into a thin film photovoltaic absorber material. The stoichiometry of metal atoms in a solar cell can be controlled and targeted.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells comprising an active layer comprising, as p-type material, conjugated polymers such as polythiophene and regioregular polythiophene, and as n-type material at least one fullerene derivative. The fullerene derivative can be C60, C70, or C84. The fullerene also can be functionalized with indene groups. Improved efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolyte formulations comprising at least one imidazolium difluorodicyanoborate or pyrrolidinium difluorodicyanoborate and their use in an electrochemical and/or optoelectronic device such as a photovoltaic cell, a light emitting device, an electrochromic or photo-electrochromic device, an electrochemical sensor and/or biosensor, preferably their use in a dye or quantum dot-sensitized solar cell

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a thin film of CZTS such as for use as an absorber in a photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a substrate in a chamber, and, then, depositing a film of CZTS material on the substrate, the CZTS material comprising copper, zinc, tin, and at least on chalcogen species. The depositing includes tuning an optical bandgap of the film with heterovalent alloying. The depositing is performed at low temperatures with the substrate provided in the chamber free of direct/active heating. For example, the substrate may be maintained at a temperature below about 150° C. during the depositing of the film. The heterovalent alloying involves controlling deposition rates for the copper and the zinc to define a copper to zinc ratio set the optical bandgap such as a value between about 1.0 eV and about 2.75 eV.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for decreasing the scrubber exhaust from gas panels, lower the cost of operation, lower the facilitation cost and power consumption by increasing the air velocity in areas of high potential risk of ignition. The apparatus includes a supply of compressed dry air (CDA) through the tubing with individual dispersion nozzles. The CDA dispersion nozzles can be installed at various key locations in order to provide additional ventilation turbulence and reduce potential dead zones inside the gas panel. Aspects of the invention help to save the energy and protect the environment by reducing the power consumption. In addition human safety shall be improved by minimizing the potential risk of ignition.

Abstract: A system includes a set of valves and a handle, in which one valve in the set of valves is to be open at one time, and the handle is configured to move the valve between an open position and a closed position. The handle is configured to engage and disengage with the valve only when the valve is in the closed position such that the handle is not removed from the valve when the valve is in the open position. Thus, the system facilitates the sequential opening of valves in a set of valves by generally allowing a limited number of valves to be open at one time.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including an electronic faucet having a plurality of faucet components, and a primary capacitive sensor coupled to at least one of the faucet components and providing a primary output signal. At least one secondary capacitive sensor is located on or near an item which causes unintended effects on the output signal from the primary capacitive sensor and provides a secondary output signal. A controller determines a difference signal between the primary and secondary output signals of the primary and secondary capacitive sensors to control operation of the electronic faucet.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for reducing flow resistance in a flow restrictor during high flows.

Abstract: A method for isolating a leak in a closed-volume liquid system comprises circulating a fluid through a plurality of isolatable zones and a non-isolatable zone in a closed-volume liquid system, detecting a leak in the closed-volume liquid system, isolating all of the isolatable zones from the non-isolatable zone, sequentially detecting if the leak is present in the non-isolatable zone and each of isolatable zones, and taking corrective action after the leak is detected.

Abstract: A valving system includes, a plurality of flow control valves, a plurality of chemical injection devices, and a control line in selective operable communication with at least one of the plurality of flow control valves and at least one of the plurality of chemical injection devices.

Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a closed-volume liquid system comprises circulating a fluid through a closed-loop with a pump having a reservoir and that is driven by an electric motor. The method also comprises sensing a pressure in the closed-loop, sensing current draw by the motor and sensing fluid level in the reservoir. The method further comprises determining a presence of a leak of fluid from the closed-loop based upon two of the sensed signals using a first leak detection logic, and determining the presence of a leak of fluid from the closed-loop based upon at least one of the sensed signals using a second leak detection logic.

Abstract: Methods and devices for moving a droplet on an elongated track on a textured surface using vibration. The elongated track on the textured surface includes a plurality of transverse arcuate projections such that a droplet on the surface is in the Fakir state and when the surface is vibrated the droplet is urged along the track as a result of an imbalance in the adhesion of a front portion of the droplet and a back portion of the droplet to the textured surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for recovering oil from a sunken ship wreck (1) resting on the bottom (2) of a body of water, which wreck including a compartment (3) with contains a fluid, such as bunker oil or cargo oil, includes first stage heating elements (10) immersed in the fluid in the compartment (3), second stage heating elements (11) outside the wreck (1) and connected to the compartment (3) according to a fluid circulation loop (6). Furthermore, a fluid transfer line (9) is connected to the fluid circulation loop (6). Selector valve elements (20) are connected the fluid circulation loop (6) and the fluid transfer line (9) for selectively allowing fluid flow through the fluid circulation loop and/or the fluid transfer line.

Abstract: A gas handling transport assembly includes a bellows assembly together with a bellows engaging structure. The bellows engaging structure includes an engaging surface that engages an outer surface of the bellows assembly to restrain movement thereof. An open first end and an open second end may be provided along a longitudinal axis of the bellows assembly. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and premade and/or prepositioned kits for bypassing damaged or blocked standpipes during fire or other emergencies to quickly restore water supply near the location of the fire.

Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve element and a single piece packing that seals the valve element within a valve cavity. The single piece packing is installed over the valve element at room temperature or may be molded thereon. The valve element may include a flow control element such as a ball and upper and lower trunnions. The various dimensions of the valve element and packing are selected to facilitate room temperature assembly and to substantially reduce the volume of packing material, thereby improving the performance of the valve over wider temperature ranges and pressure ratings.

Abstract: A connector is described that is capable of reducing an amount of liquid remaining in a container when the liquid is drawn out therefrom. The connector includes a connecting unit having a threaded portion that is screwed onto a container-side threaded portion; a main body coupled so as to have a common a central axis with the connecting unit, and a siphon tube that is secured to the main body and that extends to a bottom portion of the container. The connecting unit and the main body are connected so as to be capable of relatively rotating about the central axis.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, a quick cap device for use with a tire valve stem, which may be a pushed-to-put-on/squeezed-to-remove tire valve stem cap. Optional interior female threads and grooves may also be used with versions of the invention.

Abstract: There is described a cleaning apparatus for a surface (e.g., a radiation source assembly) in a fluid treatment system. A preferred embodiment of the cleaning apparatus comprises: a wiping element for contact with at least a portion of the surface; at least one cutting element connected to the wiping element for cutting elongate debris in contact with the surface; and a motive element for moving the carriage between a first position and a second position. This preferred embodiment of the present cleaning apparatus is particularly advantageous for removing elongate debris from one or more radiation source assemblies disposed in the fluid treatment system. The approach utilized in this preferred embodiment of the present cleaning apparatus is to include at least one cutting element which is moved along the exterior of the radiation source assembly. The cutting element is connected to a wiping element that is translated between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: The gas regulator with non-metal components comprises a membrane (4), a body (1), an adjustment screw (2), and a cap (3) made of a non-metal thermoplastic material and equipped with molded threads. The body (1) is connected to the cap (3) via a larger-diameter thread (6) and a smaller-diameter thread (5). The molded threads (5, 6) on the cap (3) are of the same pitch “h” and are arranged coaxially. The cap (3), the adjustment screw (2), and the body (1) are made of glass-reinforced polyamide and equipped with molded threads.

Abstract: A vehicle (3) equipped with gas tanks (30a, 30b) has a common channel (34c) and branch channels (34a, 34b) that branch from the common channel (34c) to the gas tanks (30a, 30b), as a filling passageway (34) through which gas is supplied from an external gas station (2) to the gas tanks (30a, 30b). The gas tank (30a) is better in heat dissipation characteristic than the gas tank (30b). Only the branch channel (34a) that corresponds to the gas tank (30a) is provided with a shutoff valve (40) or a flow regulation valve (46) that is capable of restricting the amount of gas supplied to the gas tank (30a).

Abstract: A method for constructing a riser assembly (1) for transporting a fluid from a vessel and on a seabed includes providing an elongate frame (4) having a first frame end (5) and a second frame end (6), where the first frame end is connected to the seabed (3) and the second frame end is connected to a buoy (7), providing at least one riser (9) for transporting a fluid, and connecting the at least one riser to the second frame end and/or the buoy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle component (23) cooling assembly (30), said assembly (30) comprising at least one composite wall (20) separating a cold zone (8) and a hot zone (16) containing said component (23), said assembly (30) comprising at least one opening (31) made in said composite wall (20) and a thermally conductive interface element (33) positioned on the composite wall (20) in such a way as to obstruct said opening or openings (31), said element (33) being intended to be associated with said component (23). The invention also relates to a nacelle comprising a component (23) that is intended to be cooled, and to such a cooling assembly (30).

Abstract: A fluid level sensor and drain fitting is provided that includes a fitting body having a first annular end, a second external-threaded end with an opening therein, and a passage extending from the opening to the first annular end. The drain fitting further includes a plurality of sensors forming an array on the second external-threaded end radially spaced around the opening such that at least one sensor is above the centerline of the opening regardless of the rotational position of the fitting. Each of the sensors are configured to provide an output that changes in response to contact with water. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect a water level relative to the opening in the fitting body based on the number of sensors in the array that provide an output indicative of contact with water.

Abstract: A device for detecting leaks and shutting off a water inlet into a main toilet flushing cistern in which the water inlet is controlled by a main valve which is closed by an operating lever, said main valve supplying the main cistern via a filling column, a float contained in a float compartment pivoting the operating lever when the main cistern is full. The float compartment is closed in its bottom part and over its entire lateral periphery so that the water contained in said float compartment can be expelled only by causing it to pass over at least one of the side walls thereof, and in that said device comprises an actuating mechanism for emptying said float compartment. The mechanism is configured to bring about the lowering of the float into said float compartment so as to cause the opening of the water inlet.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring device includes a fluid resistance member through which measurement target fluid flows; an upstream side pressure sensor configured to measure pressure on an upstream side of the fluid resistance member from a change of electrical resistance of a resistive element attached to a pressure sensitive surface onto which the target fluid is introduced, and also to measure a temperature of the pressure sensitive surface from a temperature-dependent change of the electrical resistance of the resistive element; a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the target fluid flowing through the fluid resistance member; and a flow rate calculation part that calculates a flow rate of the target fluid based on the pressure measured by the upstream side pressure sensor, pressure-flow rate characteristics of the fluid resistance member, the upstream side pressure sensor temperature, and the target fluid temperature in the fluid resistance member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for actuating a flow channel (12), having a valve housing (16) disposed in the flow channel (12) with a throttle body (28) for forming a throttle point (14), and having a bypass valve (11) disposed in the flow channel (12) that can be actuated dependent on the temperature of the fluid, forming a bypass passage (30) together with at least one bypass opening (32), wherein a continuous change in the cross section of the bypass passage (30) of the bypass valve (31) can be actuated dependent on the temperature-based changes in viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: A flow controller includes a housing having a space formed in one end portion of the housing and communicative with a chamber of the housing, a valve piece slidably engaged in the housing and limited to move relative to the housing and having a compartment formed by a fence and having a passage communicative with the compartment of the valve piece for changeably communicating with the space of the housing and for allowing a communicating area of the passage of the valve piece with the space of the housing to be changed and for allowing a fluid to changeably flow from the space of the housing and through the passage of the valve piece when the valve piece is moved relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow controller for fluids, having an energy supply by means of the flow of said fluid. Said flow controller consists of a supply line for the fluid and a turbine wheel which is rotationally mounted and through which the fluid flows and which drives an electric generator which charges the energy accumulator and a consumption point for the fluid. The forwarding of the liquid can be blocked by a shut-off valve which can be electrically controlled by control electronics which use at least one sensor and which can be adapted to various types of sensors and to the characteristics of the various types of consumption points and the shut-off valve, the control electronics and the sensor can be supplied with electric energy by the energy accumulator.

Abstract: A male connector includes a connecting member which has a cone-shaped exit defined therein and the connecting member is connected to a pipe connector to define a space therebetween. A movable member has a cone-shaped end and multiple openings are defined through the wall of the movable member. The movable member is movably located in the space and the cone-shaped end seals the cone-shaped exit of the connecting member along the direction of the fluid. The cone-shaped end has multiple grooves or release holes to slowly release the residual pressurized fluid of the pneumatic tool or the hydraulic tool so as to safely separate the male and female connectors and mitigate the noise.

Abstract: A double-seat valve device, with a valve seat region, includes a first circular cylindrical-shaped seat surface with a first diameter, which with a first sealing element forms a radial seal for a connection opening to a first housing part, and a second circular cylindrical-shaped seat surface with a second diameter smaller than the first, which with a second sealing element forms a radial seal for the opening to a second housing part. A third seat surface is arranged between the first and second surfaces. In a closed position of the first closing member, the contact region rests against the third seat surface, to form a solid-state stop for the contact region. A deflecting surface is arranged between the first and third seat surfaces. The deflecting surface has an outlet edge offset to the third seat surface. A direction vector at the outlet edge points away from the second sealing element.

Abstract: A water switch of a water-bearing appliance, in particular a domestic appliance, including at least one water supply path, several water discharge paths and an adjustable water distribution element, the water distribution element having at least one passage opening and being rotatable around an axis from a first angular position to a second angular position, in the first angular position the at least one passage opening connecting the at least one water supply path to a first water discharge path, and in the second angular position the at least one passage opening connecting the at least one water supply path to a second water discharge path, is characterized in that a guiding mechanism is provided for guiding an axial movement along the axis of the water distribution element when the water distribution element rotates from the first angular position to the second angular position.

Abstract: A distribution valve for a concrete pump, the concrete pump, a control method thereof and a concrete pump truck are provided. The distribution valve comprises a valve body (200) and a wear resistance plate (300). The valve body (200) comprises a first suction pipe (210) and a first pumping pipe (220), the rear end of the first suction pipe (210) is communicated with an outlet (401) of a material container (400) so as to communicate the material container (400) and a conveying cylinder. The rear end of the first pumping pipe (220) is rotatablely connected with a delivery line of the concrete pump so as to communicate the conveying cylinder and the delivery line. The valve body (200) can be switched between a first state and a secondary state under the driving of a drive mechanism (500).

Abstract: A pulling-wire waterway switching mechanism has a fixed unit, a water division body, a ratchet shaft, a stopping claw, a returning body and a pulling wire. The water division body can be rotationally arranged in the fixed unit, and can use the rotation between the water division body and the fixed unit to achieve the switch of the outlet functions, a plurality of lower ratchets in anuular array are arranged on the top surface of the water division body, and a plurality of stopping teeth in anuular array are arranged on the outer rotative surface of the water division body. The ratchet shaft provided with a pulling block extending out of the fixed unit and a plurality of upper ratchets in annular array. The pulling block drives the ratchet shaft to rotate forward. The upper ratchets can drive the water division to rotate forward.

Abstract: A bladeless air fan includes a host and an airflow guiding frame. The host divides into a housing section to hold an airflow generator and a pivoting section to include two first pivoting portions. The airflow generator is connected to an airflow guiding manifold extended from the housing section to the pivoting section. The airflow guiding frame includes an air discharging portion and an airflow guiding passage and two second pivoting portions being annular to form two air intake ports communicating with the airflow guiding passage. The second pivoting portions are rotatably coupled with the first pivoting portions such that the airflow guiding passage communicates with the airflow guiding manifold. The air discharging portion encircles an airflow passage being formed at an inner diameter allowing the housing section to pass through to enlarge the range of the second pivoting portions rotating against the first pivoting portions.