Abstract: A canopy adapted to be mounted on a chair having a backrest. This canopy is supported by a frame comprising a closed loop rod and an open arc rod, each rod made of flexible material. The canopy also comprises a first sheet secured throughout its entire perimeter to the closed loop rod and a second sheet secured along its back edge to the top edge of the first sheet and along its front edge to at least a portion of the open arc rod. The canopy also includes anchors configured to attach said canopy to said chair's backrest. The canopy can be compactly collapsed by folding the first sheet over the second sheet, thereby forming a stack, twisting the stack into three sets of loops, shifting the left loops in front of the right loops and folding the middle loops in front of the left loops.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly includes a tripod, a base, a reflective dish, a receptacle, and a thermoelectric module or a heat transfer module. The tripod includes legs and a top tripod connector coupled to top portions thereof. The base includes a rod coupled to the tripod; a bottom support structure coupled to the rod; a top support structure coupled to the bottom support structure; an extension coupled to the bottom support structure and the top support structure; and a cap with recesses mounted to the top support structure. The reflective dish includes support rods received within the recesses; a pliable material forms panels, wherein the support rods are inserted into seams between the panels; and a reflective material disposed on the pliable material. The receptacle is connected to the base and disposed within the reflective dish. The thermoelectric module or the heat transfer module is partially disposed within the receptacle.

Abstract: An electrical generator includes a rotor, a stator core disposed axially around the rotor, a stator sleeve assembly disposed axially around the stator core, and a stator housing disposed axially around the stator sleeve assembly. The stator sleeve assembly includes a cylindrical stator sleeve and thermoelectric elements. The cylindrical stator sleeve has a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface. The thermoelectric elements are affixed to the radially outward facing surface of the cylindrical stator sleeve. The stator housing includes at least one coolant channel. The coolant channel is in thermal contact with the thermoelectric elements. The thermoelectric elements generate power as a function of the temperature difference between the cylindrical stator sleeve and the coolant channel.

Abstract: A method for forming a thermoelectric element for use in a thermoelectric device comprises forming a mask adjacent to a substrate. The mask can include three-dimensional structures phase-separated in a polymer matrix. The three-dimensional structures can be removed to provide a plurality of holes in the polymer matrix. The plurality of holes can expose portions of the substrate. A layer of a metallic material can be deposited adjacent to the mask and exposed portions of the substrate. The mask can then be removed. The metallic material is then exposed to an oxidizing agent and an etchant to form holes or wires in the substrate.

Abstract: A solar panel has a number of rectilinear photovoltaic solar cells. Each solar cell has four edges, a current collector bar having at least two conductively coupled collector bar segments, and a grid of electrodes conductively coupled to the collector bar. A first collector bar segment is substantially parallel to and proximate to a first edge of the solar cell, a second collector bar segment is substantially parallel to and proximate to a second edge of the solar cell, the second edge being orthogonal with respect to the first edge. In some disclosed techniques, the solar panel has a string of solar cells disposed on a surface of the solar panel in a substantially spiral or serpentine manner and no solar cell within the string is electrically connected to another solar cell in the string by any means other than a cell interconnect.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an individual solar power generating and sun sensing cell formed to have a plurality of electrically isolated portions, the output of each portion being monitored and analyzed to determine whether the solar cell is optimally positioned relative to the direction of solar rays to optimize power generation of the solar cell, and also of an array of solar cells which includes the solar power generating and sun sensing cell.

Abstract: A solar panel tracking system for simultaneously rotating large arrays of solar panels positioned in multiple rows utilizing a single drive system and having a stow strategy with a stow-and-lock system built into the array support piers. A stow-and-lock stopping structure is mechanically and structurally incorporated into the support piers such that the solar panels stop at approximately 45 degrees, and the stow-and-lock assembly ensures that moment forces of the array are transmitted directly to the immediate support members, obviating the need for the driveline, locking dampers, and rotational supports to resist the forces transmitted from an entire wing and row of panels.

Abstract: A fire resistant PV shingle assembly includes a PV assembly, including PV body, a fire shield and a connection member connecting the fire shield below the PV body, and a support and inter-engagement assembly. The support and inter-engagement assembly is mounted to the PV assembly and comprises a vertical support element, supporting the PV assembly above a support surface, an upper interlock element, positioned towards the upper PV edge, and a lower interlock element, positioned towards the lower PV edge. The upper interlock element of one PV shingle assembly is inter-engageable with the lower interlock element of an adjacent PV shingle assembly. In some embodiments the PV shingle assembly may comprise a ventilation path below the PV body. The PV body may be slidably mounted to the connection member to facilitate removal of the PV body.

Abstract: A solar cell module having high reliability by increasing heat release of a bypass diode is provided. A solar cell panel including a photoelectric conversion unit, a holding member disposed at a periphery of the solar cell panel to hold the solar cell panel, a heat release plate spaced from the solar cell panel and disposed on the holding member, and a bypass diode attached to the heat release plate so as to be spaced from the solar cell panel and electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion unit are included. An attachment surface of the bypass diode to the heat release plate is disposed to face the holding member.

Abstract: Nanoscopically thin photovoltaic junction solar cells are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, there is provided a photovoltaic film 100 that includes a p-doped region 102, an n-doped region 106, and an intrinsic region 104 positioned between the p-doped region 102 and the n-doped region 106, wherein an overall thickness of the photovoltaic film is between about 15 nm to about 30 nm so as to extract hot carriers excited across a band gap, wherein the extracted hot carriers are capable of resulting in an open circuit voltage, Voc, of the photovoltaic film that increases with optical frequency, and wherein the extracted hot carriers are capable of resulting in a total short-circuit current density, Jsc, between about 4 mA/cm2 and about 8 mA/cm2.

Abstract: A solar panel array is formed of a plurality of solar panels juxtaposed with one another along an array axis, and has a support element having first and second support terminations disposed substantially orthogonal to the array axis, with an unobstructed spatial region intermediate of the first and second support terminations. A vehicle transports the solar panels and has wheels arranged on opposing sides thereof. First and second track structures extend along the array axis and are coupled to respective ones of the first and second support terminations. The track structures each have an elongated portion for engaging and supporting respective ones of the vehicle wheels, whereby the vehicle travels along the tracks while carrying a solar panel, and at least a portion of the vehicle is disposed within the unobstructed spatial region. One of the tracks accommodates the wiring for the solar panel array.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module configured so that a first sealing material and a rear surface support material are stacked in the stated order on a side of a photovoltaic cell. An electric output of the photovoltaic cell is output to the exterior by an electric output wire that passes through a through hole in the rear surface support material. An insulating material is disposed between the photovoltaic cell and the first sealing material in a position corresponding to the through hole.

Abstract: Thin freestanding nitride veneers can be used for the fabrication of semiconductor devices. These veneers are typically less than 100 microns thick. The use of thin veneers also eliminates the need for subsequent wafer thinning for improved thermal performance and 3D packaging.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to power at least one device disposed in a living subject, apparatuses configured to be disposed in a living subject and export power stored in an energy-storage device, and related methods of powering at least one device disposed in the living subject.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing degradation in a photovoltaic device includes adjusting a band offset of the device during one or more of forming an electrode, forming a first doped layer or forming an intrinsic layer. The adjusting reduces a band offset between one or more of the electrode, the first doped layer and the intrinsic layer to reduce light-induced degradation of the device. A second doped layer is formed on the intrinsic layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an optoelectronic device. The method includes providing a deposition surface and contacting the deposition surface with a ligand exchange chemical and contacting the deposition surface with a quantum dot (QD) colloid. This initial process is repeated over one or more cycles to form an initial QD film on the deposition surface. The method further includes subsequently contacting the QD film with a secondary treatment chemical and optionally contacting the surface with additional QDs to form an enhanced QD layer exhibiting multiple exciton generation (MEG) upon absorption of high energy photons by the QD active layer. Devices having an enhanced QD active layer as described above are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat-rejecting optic comprising an optical element and receiving element or layer with intermediate layer between is provided. Refractive indices of the optical element and receiving element or layer are greater than the intermediate layer. The optic may be part of a concentrator assembly or lens concentrator system for photovoltaic cells. The heat-rejecting optic functions to redirect wavelengths of light for which power conversion by a photovoltaic cell is inefficient and which cause undesirable photovoltaic cell heating and damage, reducing photovoltaic cell life. The receiving element or layer and intermediate layer modify the optical element to frustrate the total internal reflection of light that would otherwise occur within the optical element and divert that light into the receiving element or layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nanostructure array substrate, a method for fabricating the same, and a dye-sensitized solar cell by using the same. The nanostructure array substrate includes a plurality of metal oxide nanostructures vertically aligned on the substrate while being separated from each other. The metal oxide nanostructures include nanorods having a ZnO core/TiO2 shell structure or TiO2 nanotubes. The method includes the steps of forming ZnO nanorods vertically aligned from a seed layer formed on a substrate; and coating a TiO2 sol on the ZnO nanorods and sintering the ZnO nanorods to form nanorods having a ZnO core/TiO2 shell structure. The transparency and flexibility of the substrate are ensured. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell is improved if the nanostructure array substrate is employed in the photo electrode of the dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: A see-through thin film solar cell includes a first substrate, a photoelectric conversion film formed on the surface of the first substrate, a second substrate and a packaging adhesive film located between the second substrate and the photoelectric conversion film. The surface of the photovoltaic film is ablated via a laser to form at least one hollow-out zone through a patterned photo mask, thus averts the problem of reduced lifespan of laser equipment in conventional techniques that form patterns through laser ablation in frequent switching manner. By controlling the thickness of the patterned photo mask, grey scale patterns can be displayed and resolution thereof can also be increased, thereby improve the added value of the thin film solar cell.

Abstract: Methods are generally disclosed for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. According to one embodiment, a transparent conductive oxide layer and an oxygen getter layer can be formed on a transparent substrate. The transparent conductive oxide layer and the oxygen getter layer can then be annealed together such that oxygen atoms move from the transparent conductive oxide layer into the oxygen getter layer. A photovoltaic heterojunction can be formed on the TCO layer. Thin film photovoltaic devices are also generally disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a solar cell module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a first electrode on a transparent substrate; forming a first groove at the first electrode by performing a first laser scribing process; forming a semiconductor layer on the first electrode; forming a second groove at the semiconductor layer by performing a second laser scribing process; forming a second electrode on the semiconductor layer; forming a third groove at the semiconductor layer and the second electrode by performing a third laser scribing process; and forming fourth and fifth grooves at the semiconductor layer and the second electrode by performing a fourth laser scribing process. The fourth laser scribing process includes using first and second laser beams.

Abstract: An organic solar cell with patterned electrodes comprises a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and an organic active layer. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are arranged opposite to each other. The first electrode layer has a first carrier injection surface having a plurality of first protrusions. The organic active layer is arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and has a first surface joined with the first carrier injection surface. The first surface is bonded to the first carrier injection surface to form a first carrier supply interface having a plurality of crests and troughs corresponding to the first protrusions. Thereby is increased the area of the first carrier supply interface, improved the carrier transport efficiency, and promoted the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells, methods of fabricating photovoltaic cells, and methods of using photovoltaic cells to capture light energy are provided. A photovoltaic cell can include an electron transporting layer, a photoactive layer, and a hole transporting layer. The electron transporting layer can be ultraviolet ozone treated. The photovoltaic cell can have an inverted configuration.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell manufacturing method is disclosed. Methods include manufacturing a photovoltaic cell having a selective emitter and buried contact (electrode) structure utilizing nanoimprint technology. The methods include providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; forming a first doped region in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first surface; performing a nanoimprint process and an etching process to form a trench in the semiconductor substrate, the trench extending into the semiconductor substrate from the first surface; forming a second doped region in the semiconductor substrate within the trench, the second doped region having a greater doping concentration than the first doped region; and filling the trench with a conductive material. The nanoimprint process uses a mold to define a location of an electrode line layout.

Abstract: UV-curable coatings for photovoltaic systems, photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating, and methods of generating energy through photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating are disclosed. The UV-curable coating includes a urethane acrylate blend, a montmorillonite platelet, a light stabilizer, a UV absorber, and a photoinitiator. The coating is substantially transparent to visible and near infrared light and provides a barrier to oxygen and moisture and the coating is configured to adhere to a film.

Abstract: An electrode structure is provided for use in an electronic device. In certain example embodiments, an electrode structure includes a supporting glass substrate (e.g., soda-lime silica based float glass), a buffer layer (e.g., SixNy), and a conductive electrode (e.g., Mo) provided in this order. The buffer layer is advantageous in that it prevents or reduces sodium (Na) migration from the glass substrate into semiconductor layer(s) of the electronic device.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a photovoltaic device capable of generating power whether day or night, without affecting the appearance of a structure or reducing lighting or other functions, and able to inhibit rises in room temperature by converting thermal radiation into electrical energy. [Means to Solve Problems] Provide a photoelectric conversion element 3 with a photovoltaic device 1 on structural members 2a-2d facing the outside of a house or other structure. Power generated by the photoelectric conversion element 3 is extracted via a power extraction unit 4. The power conversion element 3 includes a semiconductor layer 11, conductive layer 20, a metal nanostructure 30 having multiple periodic structures 33, a first electrode 41 and a second electrode 42. The first and second electrodes 41, 42 are separated in the direction of the surface of the photoelectric conversion element 1 with the terminals 71, 81 of the power extraction unit 4 respectively connected.

Abstract: The solar cell panel inspection device comprises a housing, a first terminal for abutting against a back-side electrode layer, a second terminal for abutting against a region in proximity to an outer peripheral end of an outer peripheral insulating area, a mechanism moving first terminal and second terminal vertically and horizontally, a voltage applying section for applying voltage respectively between first terminal and second terminal, a current detecting section for detecting a current flowing between first terminal and second terminal applied with voltage by voltage applying section, means for regulating moisture amount in housing, and means for reducing moisture amount in housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell apparatus includes a substrate, a back electrode layer on the substrate, a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer, and a window layer on the light absorbing layer. A third through hole is formed through an entire portion of the window layer and a portion of the light absorbing layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor material of a photovoltaic device that includes providing a surface of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material, and annealing the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material in a deuterium containing atmosphere. Deuterium from the deuterium-containing atmosphere is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material through the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. In some embodiments, the deuterium that is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material increases the stability of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor material of a photovoltaic device that includes providing a surface of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material, and annealing the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material in a deuterium containing atmosphere. Deuterium from the deuterium-containing atmosphere is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material through the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. In some embodiments, the deuterium that is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material increases the stability of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material.

Abstract: A cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, a backsheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, and a photovoltaic module are provided. The cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules which includes a resin layer can be prepared by coating or impregnating one surface of a porous substrate with a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) containing a fluid. Here, the resin layer includes the fluid-containing SAP which is formed on one surface of the porous substrate or impregnated with the porous substrate. When the cooling sheet for photovoltaic modules is attached to the outside of the weather-resistant substrate to prepare the backsheet for photovoltaic modules, it is possible to suppress an increase in power generation temperature of a photoelectric cell by evaporation of the fluid, for example water, included in the SAP, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element module includes a first base material, a second base material, a photoelectric conversion element having a light incident side and sealing portion and arranged between the first and second base materials, an anchoring layer adapted to anchor one of main sides of a light incident side and a side opposite to the light incident side, and one of a main side of the first and second base material opposed to one of the main sides, and a covering section adapted to cover the sealing portion. The Young's modulus of the covering section is 0 MPa or more and 20 MPa or less.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices including a thin film stabilization layer between the photovoltaic heterojunction and a back contact are provided. The thin film stabilization layer generally includes cadmium sulfide, but may also include copper and/or other materials. Methods are also provided for forming a thin film photovoltaic device via forming a thin film stabilization layer on a photovoltaic heterojunction (that generally overlies a transparent conductive oxide layer on a transparent substrate) and forming a back contact on the thin film stabilization layer.

Abstract: Provided are compounds with a donor moiety, a first acceptor moiety and a second acceptor moiety, as shown by Formula (I): With the unique molecular design, compounds of Formula (I) can provide a desirable power conversion efficiency. Moreover, this invention also provides organic thin-film solar cells comprising the above-mentioned compounds.

Abstract: An air discharge apparatus such as an air nozzle manifold comprises an elongated air distribution enclosure having an air supply inlet and an elongated air discharge slot. There is at least one removable insert, and generally multiple removeable inserts in the discharge slot. At least one of the inserts has a discharge opening for discharge of air from the enclosure where air can pass through the slots substantially only through the discharge openings.

Abstract: A multi-vane throttling valve for a vacuum process chamber includes a throttle chamber body having an inside exposed to the vacuum process chamber and an outside exposed to atmospheric pressure, the chamber body defining a through-opening for controlling vacuum within the vacuum process chamber, a plurality of rotatable vanes mounted within the through-opening for controlling a flow of gases through the through-opening where each rotatable vane includes a cooling flow pathway in fluid communication with and disposed longitudinally along each rotatable vane, and a drive mechanism disposed on and connected to an outside of the throttle chamber body for rotating the plurality of rotatable vanes to vary the flow of process gases.

Abstract: A detection method of a breakdown of a pressure relief valve of a fuel injection circuit for a turbomachine, the injection circuit including a low pressure stage and a high pressure stage, the low pressure stage having an inlet and an outlet, the high pressure stage having an inlet and an outlet, the low pressure stage being connected to the high pressure stage, the pressure relief valve being connected in parallel with respect to the high pressure stage, the injection circuit further including a recirculation loop including an inlet connected to the outlet of the high pressure stage and an outlet connected to the outlet of the low pressure stage, the method including measuring a differential pressure in the injection circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate includes introducing a material and a carrier gas into a heated chamber. The material may be a semiconductor material, such as a cadmium chalcogenide. A resulting mixture of vapor and carrier gas containing no unvaporized material is provided. The mixture of vapor and carrier gas are remixed to achieve a uniform vapor/carrier gas composition, which is directed toward a surface of a substrate, such as a glass substrate, where the vapor is deposited as a uniform film.

Abstract: A slurry feed system suitable for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) processes in a semiconductor fabrication facility and related method. The slurry feed system includes a valve manifold box having a discharge piping header fluidly connected to at least one CMP station and a first slurry supply train. The first slurry supply train may include a slurry mixing tank, day tank, and at least two slurry feed pumps arranged in series pumping relationship. The first slurry supply train defines a first slurry piping loop. In one embodiment, a second slurry supply train defining a second slurry piping loop is provided. The valve manifold box is operable to supply slurry from either or both of the first and second slurry piping loops to the CMP station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a differential pressure valve comprising: a valve body, the valve body having at least one flow inlet and one flow outlet: at least one shutter, the shutter being movable between an open position and a closed position under a differential pressure across the valve; at least one flow passage from the flow inlet to the flow outlet; at least one biasing member configured to bias the shutter towards a closed position so as to block the flow passage through the flow inlet. The biasing member is a non-linear biasing member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for establishing a constant flow rate of a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid, into a process system. The apparatus typically includes a fluid pressure regulator, a rotameter, and a back pressure regulator. The system may also include a throttle valve. Establishing a constant flow rate involves established a fixed pressure drop across a fixed flow resistance device, such as a rotameter. The pressure of the output of the rotameter is adjusted to be higher than the backpressure from the process system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas-dispensing device for connecting a plurality of pressurized gas sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) to a user, the device including a housing provided with a plurality of gas inlets to be connected to respective gas sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) and an outlet to be connected to a user member, a dispensing member that selectively movable, relative to the body, into separate dispensing positions for selectively putting each inlet in communication with the outlet in turn, while the other inlets are isolated from the outlet, characterized in that the device comprises an emergency discharge system that is movable into an operative position in which all the gas inlets are simultaneously forcedly connected to a gas discharge outlet.

Abstract: An energy-saving valve includes a spool-driving unit which changes the position of a spool to a position at which compressed air is discharged from a first output port without pressure control and includes a pressure control unit which changes the position of the spool to a position at which compressed air is discharged from a second output port in a predetermined pressure level due to pressure control. The pressure control unit includes a pressure control piston, a pressure-receiving surface which enables air pressure in the second output port to act on the pressure control piston, a cylinder chamber, a pressure control channel, and an elastic member which applies biasing force to the pressure control piston in a direction opposite to the action of air pressure on the pressure-receiving surface to determine pressure.

Abstract: An air valve includes a seat unit having an air passageway and formed with a vent hole in fluid communication with the air passageway, a valve unit operable to block and unblock the air passageway, and a pressure-regulating member disposed on the seat unit. The pressure-regulating member has an engaging portion retained in the vent hole and defining at least one air channel in the air passageway, and a blocking portion blocking the vent hole and movable to unblock the vent hole when the air pressure in the air passageway meets a predetermined condition for permitting air to flow from the air passageway to the external environment via the at least one air channel.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for generating a chemical precursor. The apparatus comprises an inlet line to be connected to an ampoule and an outlet line to be connected to an ampoule. The inlet line having an inlet valve to control the flow of a carrier gas into the ampoule and the outlet line has an outlet valve to control the flow exiting the ampoule. A bypass valve allows carrier gas to bypass the ampoule and purge the outlet valve without flowing gas into the ampoule.

Abstract: Embodiments of controlled atmosphere systems, apparatus, and methods for the same can include systems and/or methods that can include provisions for adaptive control of compressor discharge pressure. In one embodiment, variable membrane temperature can regulate compressor discharge pressure.

Abstract: A float valve comprising a shut-off lever and a float lever is disclosed. The shut-off lever is supported for pivotal movement about a first axis between a first closed position and a second open position. The float lever is supported for pivotal movement about a second axis between a first closed position and a second open position. The float lever and the shut-off lever include cams which cooperate to transmit closing forces and opening forces between the levers. The valve exhibits a snap closing action whereby seeping is prevented over a substantial range of liquid levels.

Abstract: A fuel cut-off valve assembly may include a housing disposed within a fuel tank and defining therein a float chamber communicating with a space defined in the fuel tank. The housing has a fuel vapor outlet hole, so that fuel vapor can flow from within the float chamber to a fuel vapor processing device. A float valve may be received within the float chamber so as to be vertically movable for opening and closing the fuel vapor outlet hole in response to change in a level of fuel within the fuel tank. The float valve may have a valve body and a buoyancy center positioned at a level higher than a central position of the valve body with respect to the height of the valve body.

Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes a vibration detection means to detect vibrations caused by a conveyed flow. The conveyed flow can be controlled by the actuating device.