Abstract: A thermoelectric assembly and method are provided. The thermoelectric assembly can extend at least partially around a perimeter of a first fluid conduit. The thermoelectric assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies aligned with one another along the perimeter of the first fluid conduit. Each thermoelectric sub-assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric elements in parallel electrical communication with one another, and a plurality of electrically insulating elements to prevent current flow in a plane perpendicular to the first direction between adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies.

Abstract: Thin film PV cells and strings of such cells that may be electrically joined with conductive tabs or ribbons. A semi-flexible, electrically conductive adhesive is applied to join the tabs to the front and back of a cell, providing a conductive pathway between the tab and solar cell, with good adhesion to both. The tabs may be constructed of one or more materials having a thermal expansion coefficient that closely matches that of the substrate material of the cells, so that when the string or module is subsequently heated, mechanical stress between the tab and solar cell is minimized. The semi-flexible nature of the ECA also acts to relieve stress between the tab and the solar cell, decreasing the possibility of adhesion failure at critical locations. One or more dielectric materials may be applied to the PV cells and/or the tabs in regions where a tab crosses the edge of a cell, to avoid electrical shorting between the negative and positive electrodes of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting interface configured for a photovoltaic module (1) comprising a backside (2) having an overall backside surface size (4, 5), the mounting interface comprising at least six mounting elements (3) attachable to the backside (2) of the photovoltaic module (1) for mounting the photovoltaic module (1) on a mounting surface, wherein each mounting element (3) comprises a mounting element surface having an overall mounting element surface size (6, 7) such that the contact area between the photovoltaic module (1) and the mounting element (3), when attached to the photovoltaic module (1), equals the overall mounting element surface size (6, 7), and the overall backside surface size (4, 5) of the photovoltaic module (1) divided by the summarized overall mounting element surface size (6, 7) of all mounting elements (3) is ?40 and ?160, preferably ?50 and ?80, more preferably 52.

Abstract: A solar panel and an electrode structure thereof and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The electrode structure comprises a first conductive structure and a second conductive structure. The first conductive structure is electrically connected to a plurality of first pole contacts of a first solar cell. The second conductive structure is connected to the first conductive structure, and the first and the second conductive structures are substantially extended along a line. The second conductive structure is electrically connected to a plurality of second pole contacts of a second solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar module having multiple junction boxes, including solar panels, which are series-connected in series via tabbing ribbons and junction boxes. The junction boxes include a junction box with diodes which has by-pass function, and junction box without diodes which has power output function. The junction box with diodes and the junction box without diodes are connected to the solar panels respectively via bus ribbons. The junction box with diodes and the junction box without diodes are connected via external cables. The junction box without diodes is connected to a junction box cable. By increasing the amount of junction boxes and decreasing the length of connecting solder ribbon the present invention solves the problem of relatively low output power and relatively high loss when the solar module in prior art is used.

Abstract: An assembly technique for assembling solar cell arrays is provided. During the fabrication of a solar cell, openings through the semiconductor layer are etched through to a top surface of the backmetal layer. The solar cells include an exposed top surface of the backmetal layer. A plurality of solar cells are assembled into a solar cell array where adjacent cells are interconnected in an electrically serial or parallel fashion solely from the top surface of the solar cells.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes: two solar cells, each including: a first main face and a second main face; a first electrode on the first main face, comprising a bus-bar electrode having at least one of an opening portion, notch portion, and gap portion; and a second electrode on the first or second main face having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode; a wiring member that electrically connects the first electrode of one solar cell to the second electrode of another solar cell; and an electrically conductive connection layer that contacts the wiring member and the first main face.

Abstract: A transportable solar harvester system for electrical generation in expeditionary, military, and commercial settings comprising: a photovoltaic array deployable in an open configuration and in a compact closed configuration; a set of stabilizing legs to enable stable positioning of the photovoltaic array in the open configuration; and an auxiliary power module connectable to the photovoltaic array, having system management functionalities to interface the system with other devices wherein the system is deployable from the compact closed configuration to the open configuration manually by two persons in less than 30 minutes and vice versa.

Abstract: The solar tracker comprises a base (1) and a solar panel (2) having first and second opposite ends (2a, 2b). The first end (2a) can be connected to the base (1) by a first shaft (E1) and the second end (2b) can be connected to the base (1) by a second shaft (E2), such that said solar panel (2) can pivot with respect to the base (1) alternately around the first shaft (E1) and around the second shaft (E2) under the drive of a lifting mechanism. An automatic connection/disconnection device connects the second end (2b) of the solar panel (2) to the base (1) while at the same time disconnecting the first end (2a) of the solar panel (2) from the base (1), and vice versa, every time the solar panel (2) reaches a position parallel to the base (1) for inverting the inclination of the solar panel (2) with respect to the base (1).

Abstract: The solar tracker comprises a base (1) and a solar panel (2) having first and second opposite ends (2a, 2b). The first end (2a) can be connected to the base (1) by a first shaft (E1) and the second end (2b) can be connected to the base (1) by a second shaft (E2), such that said solar panel (2) can pivot with respect to the base (1) alternately around the first shaft (E1) and around the second shaft (E2) under the drive of a lifting mechanism. An automatic connection/disconnection device connects the second end (2b) of the solar panel (2) to the base (1) while at the same time disconnecting the first end (2a) of the solar panel (2) from the base (1), and vice versa, every time the solar panel (2) reaches a position parallel to the base (1) for inverting the inclination of the solar panel (2) with respect to the base (1).

Abstract: A solar cell module is discussed. The solar cell module includes: a front substrate; a rear substrate facing the front substrate; and a plurality of solar cells disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate. The rear substrate includes a base film made of PET and coating layers containing PVDF and formed on upper and lower sides of the base film. Due to this structure, since the rear substrate has improved durability and weatherproof property, reliability of the solar cell module including the rear substrate is improved.

Abstract: Crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell-based and thin film PV material-based PV modules include a light management material configured to absorb solar energy incident on the PV module across a broad frequency spectrum and re-emit at least a portion of the absorbed solar energy in a narrow frequency spectrum at which the PV cells or PV materials are efficient at converting photon energy to electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell module which comprises a base having photovoltaically active zones and photovoltaically inactive zones, at least one diffractive element being arranged above at least one photovoltaically inactive zone of the base.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The photovoltaic device includes: a substrate; a first conductive layer formed on the substrate; P layers and N layers alternately formed along a first direction on the first conductive layer; and I layers covering the P layers and the N layers on the first conductive layer, wherein the P layers and the N layers are separated from each other by a first interval, the I layers are formed between the P layers and the N layers that are separated by the first interval, and the P layers, the I layers, and the N layers formed along the first direction form unit cells.

Abstract: Integrated solar modules are provided. In one example, a corner cap for coupling to a solar module is described. The solar module has a solar panel and a frame circumscribing the solar panel. The corner cap includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall define a corner angle substantially the same as an angle defined by a corner of the solar module. The corner cap includes a flange extending from the corner cap. The flange is configured for coupling the corner cap to a solar module.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting solar panels provides longitudinal beams thereof that are pivotally supported on the transverse beams about axes running substantially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the transverse beams or substantially horizontally, and fittings that are preassembled for fastening the longitudinal beams to the transverse beams, in which the fittings have pairs of clamping claws having members on a longitudinal beam side for clamping to the longitudinal beams in a fixed location, and on a transverse beam side for pivotally clamping to the transverse beams in a fixed location, and tie rods arranged between the longitudinal and transverse beam side members so that the clamping claws can be clamped against each other and against the longitudinal beams and the transverse beams.

Abstract: There are particularly provided a dye-sensitized solar cell and a dye-sensitized solar cell module that can ensure a sealing structure for, in particular, external connection terminals and can prevent an electrolytic solution from leaking from a solar cell. A dye-sensitized solar cell 10 is provided with a laminated structure unit 18 including a porous semiconductor layer 12 with a dye adsorbed, a conductive metal layer 14 serving as an anode electrode and a conductor layer 16 serving as a cathode electrode. Respective one end portions of the conductive metal layer 14 and the conductor layer 16 extend from the laminated structure unit 18 to provide respective extending portions 14a and 16a. The whole surfaces of a first resin sheet 22 serving as a transparent substrate and a second resin sheet 24 serving as an opposite substrate are adhered and sealed.

Abstract: Techniques for fabrication of kesterite Cu—Zn—Sn—(Se,S) films and improved photovoltaic devices based on these films are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a kesterite film having a formula Cu2?xZn1+ySn(S1?zSez)4+q, wherein 0?x?1; 0?y?1; 0?z?1; and ?1?q?1 is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. A bulk precursor layer is formed on the substrate, the bulk precursor layer comprising Cu, Zn, Sn and at least one of S and Se. A capping layer is formed on the bulk precursor layer, the capping layer comprising at least one of Sn, S and Se. The bulk precursor layer and the capping layer are annealed under conditions sufficient to produce the kesterite film having values of x, y, z and q for any given part of the film that deviate from average values of x, y, z and q throughout the film by less than 20 percent.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes i) first and second substrates facing each other, wherein first and second electrodes are formed on the first and second substrates, respectively and ii) an electrolyte inlet formed to pass through the first substrate and configured to receive an electrolyte. The device may further include an inlet sealing member connected to an external surface of the first substrate and outwardly extending from a top portion of the electrolyte inlet, wherein the top portion is formed in the external surface of the first substrate, and wherein the inlet sealing member comprises an encapsulation space being in fluid communication with the electrolyte inlet.

Abstract: Provided are diodes and photovoltaic devices incorporating a single-crystalline ferroelectric or pyroelectric with remnant electric polarization sandwiched with transparent or semitransparent electrodes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a front contact layer over a substrate, and the front contact layer is optically transparent at specified wavelengths and electrically conductive. A first scribed area is scribed through the front contact layer to expose a portion of the substrate. A buffer layer doped with an n-type dopant is formed over the front contact layer and the first scribed area. An absorber layer doped with a p-type dopant is formed over the buffer layer. A back contact layer that is electrically conductive is formed over the absorber layer.

Abstract: A conductive paste is provided. The conductive paste includes a polymer matrix and a filler blended in the polymer matrix, wherein the filler is non-spherical and at least one dimension of the filler has a length greater than or equal to ?/2n, wherein ? is a wavelength of light reflected by the conductive paste and n is a refractive index of the filler, and the polymer matrix and the filler have a weight ratio of 3:7 to 7:3.

Abstract: There is disclosed ultrahigh-efficiency single- and multi-junction thin-film solar cells. This disclosure is also directed to a substrate-damage-free epitaxial lift-off (“ELO”) process that employs adhesive-free, reliable and lightweight cold-weld bonding to a substrate, such as bonding to plastic or metal foils shaped into compound parabolic metal foil concentrators. By combining low-cost solar cell production and ultrahigh-efficiency of solar intensity-concentrated thin-film solar cells on foil substrates shaped into an integrated collector, as described herein, both lower cost of the module as well as significant cost reductions in the infrastructure is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising electrically conductive Ag, a second electrically conductive metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al and mixtures thereof and a lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide all dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the thick film paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with at least one conductor extending along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the module. A colored opaque edge seal extends over and in contact with at least a portion of the at least one conductor, to mask the appearance of the at least one conductor visible through a substrate. A method of forming the module is also described.

Abstract: The infrared reflective layered product can reflect infrared radiation with certain wavelengths to prevent heat accumulation and, at the same time, has excellent heat resistance. The infrared reflective layered product comprises a layer (B) as a base layer, a layer (A) layered on one side of the layer (B), and a layer (C) layered on the other side of the layer (B).

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The A 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, wherein the light absorbing layer is formed with a third through hole having a first width, and the window layer is formed with a fourth through hole having a second width larger than the first width, and the fourth through hole corresponds to the third through hole.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic solar cell (1) comprises a back contact (11), a multicompound absorber layer (12), and a window layer (16). The multicompound absorber layer (12) is of a ternary or quaternary absorber material and at least one layer of the window layer (16) is a Zn—Sn—O layer with usual impurities. The thin film photovoltaic solar cell (1) is typically provided on a glass substrate (10).

Abstract: The photovoltaic cell includes an electrically conductive passivation film separated from an electrically conductive collection layer and a substrate. An electrically conductive connection pattern maintains an area of the collection layer in suspension with respect to the passivation film. Suspension of the collection layer is obtained by making an etching agent pass through a permeable area of the collection layer.

Abstract: There is provided a back electrode type solar cell including: a silicon substrate of a first conductivity type; an electrode for the first conductivity type and an electrode for a second conductivity type provided at a back surface opposite to a light-receiving surface of the silicon substrate; and a first conductivity type impurity diffusion layer and a second conductivity type impurity diffusion layer provided at the back surface of the silicon substrate, the first conductivity type impurity diffusion layer and the second conductivity type impurity diffusion layer being adjacently provided, the first conductivity type impurity diffusion layer being provided at a peripheral edge of the back surface of the silicon substrate, and a method for producing the back electrode type solar cell.

Abstract: To provide a back sheet for a solar cell module, which is light in weight and excellent in productivity, wherein a coating film formed from a coating composition containing a fluorinated copolymer (A), which is formed on at least one side of a substrate sheet, is excellent in adhesion to the substrate and free from a problem of cracking, fracturing, whitening or peeling. A back sheet for a solar cell module, comprising a substrate sheet and, as formed on at least one side of the substrate sheet, a coating film formed from a coating composition containing a fluorinated copolymer (A); and a solar cell module using such a back sheet.

Abstract: Embodiment methods and structures include a resonant plasmonic nanostructure located within a thin-film solar cell. This plasmonic nanostructure may trap light and thereby improve the efficiency and light absorption of the cell without increasing physical thickness. In various embodiments, the plasmonic nanostructure may be located within a p-type semiconductor layer of the solar cell. In further embodiments, the index of refraction may vary within the p-type semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A compositional range of high strain point and/or intermediate expansion coefficient alkali metal free aluminosilicate and boroaluminosilicate glasses are described herein. The glasses can be used as substrates or superstrates for photovoltaic devices, for example, thin film photovoltaic devices such as CdTe or CIGS photovoltaic devices or crystalline silicon wafer devices. These glasses can be characterized as having strain points ?600° C., thermal expansion coefficient of from 35 to 50×10?7/° C.

Abstract: Processes for making a photovoltaic layer on a substrate by depositing a first layer of an ink onto the substrate, wherein the ink contains one or more compounds having the formula MB(ER)3, wherein MB is In, Ga, or Al, E is S or Se, and depositing a second layer of one or more copper chalcogenides or a CIGS material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive to attach solar cells and a dielectric layer to each other has been disclosed. The use of the pressure sensitive adhesive in the photovoltaic module can significantly simplify the module assembly process.

Abstract: The invention relates to solar cells. More particularly, the invention relates to arrangements and methods to increase the efficiency of solar cells. The methods and arrangements of the invention allow to increase the efficiency of solar cells (11, 12, 13, 14) by trapping photons into the photovoltaic system by thermodynamic shielding based on at least one of the following: conductive shielding, radiative shielding (20, 21, 22, 400, 410, 411) and/or convective shielding. The best mode of the invention is considered to be a tandem solar cell of Si (11) and InSb (12) enclosed in a vacuum container (200) to minimise convective heat losses. Incident sunlight is focused by a lens (320) to a diverging element (310) that disperses the sunlight into the vacuum container (200) and on to the Si (11) layer that is facing the incident side of sunlight. The vacuum container has reflective foil (400, 410, 411) on the inside to reflect retransmitted photons and thereby minimise radiative losses.

Abstract: Methods of making a photovoltaic device with an organic liquid precursor having electron donor, electron acceptor, and liquid carrier are provided. The liquid precursor is applied to an electrode. A gas permeable layer/stamp contacts and applies pressure to the organic liquid precursor removing liquid carrier to form a solid active material with uniform interpenetrating network domains of electron donor/acceptor materials. A two-step process is also contemplated. A liquid precursor with either electron donor or acceptor is applied to an electrode, contacted under pressure with a first stamp having a nanoscale pattern, thus forming a solid with a patterned surface. Then, a second liquid precursor with the other of the electron donor or acceptor is applied to the patterned surface, contacted with a second stamp under pressure to form the active material. A transparent conducting electrode with material nanograting can be formed. The methods also include continuous processing, like roll-to-roll manufacturing.

Abstract: Techniques for fabrication of kesterite Cu—Zn—Sn—(Se,S) films and improved photovoltaic devices based on these films are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming metal chalcogenide nanoparticles is provided. The method includes the following steps. Water, a source of Zn, a source of Cu, optionally a source of Sn and at least one of a source of S and a source of Se are contacted under conditions sufficient to produce a dispersion of the metal chalcogenide nanoparticles having a Zn chalcogenide distributed within a surface layer thereof. The metal chalcogenide nanoparticles are separated from the dispersion and can subsequently be used to form an ink for deposition of kesterite films.

Abstract: Techniques for preparing chalcogen-containing solutions using an environmentally benign borane-based reducing agent and solvents under ambient conditions, as well as application of these solutions in a liquid-based method for deposition of inorganic films having copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), and at least one of sulfur (S) and selenium (Se) are provided. In one aspect, a method for preparing a chalcogen-containing solution is provided. The method includes the following steps. At least one chalcogen element, a reducing agent and a liquid medium are contacted under conditions sufficient to produce a homogenous solution. The reducing agent (i) contains both boron and hydrogen, (ii) is substantially carbon free and (iii) is substantially metal free.

Abstract: A mass flow controller (MFC), a method for calibrating an MFC, and a method for operating an MFC are disclosed. The MFC may include a valve that is adjustable between a closed position and an open position to control a flow rate of a fluid responsive to a control signal, a thermal mass flow sensor that provides an indication of the flow rate of the fluid, calibration data including data that relates the control signal to the flow rate of the fluid at a plurality of fluid flow rates, and a control system that provides, based upon the calibration data and run time data, an adjustable non-zero starting control signal to the valve when the valve is closed to more quickly respond to a set point signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a vehicle powertrain with an engine capable of being selectively turned on and turned off includes an accumulator, a plurality of fluid passages through which a fluid flows between the accumulator and a transmission associated with the powertrain, and a smart memory alloy (SMA) valve in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid passages. The SMA valve has a transition temperature. When the temperature of the fluid is less than or about equal to the transition temperature, the SMA valve closes, and when the temperature of the fluid exceeds the transition temperature, the SMA valve opens. When the SMA valve is closed, the accumulator cannot be charged with fluid, that is, the accumulator, does not fill with fluid, and when the SMA valve is open, the accumulator charges with fluid passively.

Abstract: A potable water storage system includes a plurality of water storage containers that are connected to a water inlet. Water flows through the water storage container to water outlets that provides water to the equipment and fixtures of the building. Routine consumption of water by systems and occupants in the building continually refreshes water in the storage containers, without requiring additional energy input or effort in routine operation. The system also includes a bypass pipe that connects the water inlet to the water outlet and bypasses the plurality of water storage containers. Valves are also coupled to the water storage system. In the event of an emergency where potable water is not available, the valves can be closed to isolate the potable water in the water storage containers. The water storage containers can provide emergency potable water to the people in the building and can be expanded or reconfigured.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for performing a high throughput assay. The device includes a plate structure having a plate and a plurality of microfluidic structures positioned thereon. Each microfluidic structure defines a channel having an input and an output. At least one of the input and the output of the channel of each of the plurality of mircofluidic structures includes a first plurality of ports. In operation, the channels are filled with fluid and pressure gradients are generated between the fluids at the inputs and the fluids at the outputs of the channels. As a result, fluid flows through the channels toward the outputs.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system may include a by-pass fluid filter that combines high volume, in-tank fluid filtration with low volume fluid delivery to an external device such as an SCR injector. One or more outlet ports located along the fluid filter housing can be configured to discharge fluid toward other fluid distribution system components. In systems such as SCR systems, where the liquid reducing agent may freeze when not in use, directing already thawed liquid toward other system components can help thaw the frozen reducing agent at desired locations first. The fluid distribution system can also be arranged so that flow through the filter is in the same direction during the distribution cycle and during the purge cycle.

Abstract: A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce an ultra high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: A closed-loop system includes a pump driving a fluid through a series of conduits. A control system is included that minimizes pressure fluctuations in a bootstrap reservoir to maintain a desired minimum pressure at the pump inlet. Moreover, the control system reduces a maximum system pressure by reducing the magnitude of pressure fluctuations encountered by the bootstrap reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compression of boil-off gas produced in the storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG), in which the boil-off gas is compressed in a single-stage or multistage manner and then fed to a further use. The boil-off gas (1) that is to be compressed undergoes a pressure elevation by means of at least one ejector (Y) and then warmed (E2), before being compressed (V) in a single-stage or multistage manner> The motive gas (2) used for the ejector (Y) is a substream of the compressed boil-off gas and/or a gas, the composition of which is substantially identical to or similar to that of the boil-off gas (1) and/or the addition of which to the boil-off gas does not adversely affect the intended use of the compressed boil-off gas.

Abstract: In a method or apparatus for closed-loop-control of a fluid conveying system, at least one pump, at least one consumer, at least one controller valve, and at least one armature as an actuator of said control valve are provided. Pressure and volume flow rate of the consumer are controlled independently of each other by means of a decoupling controller.

Abstract: An exemplary pressure influencing assembly for an aircraft auxiliary system an inlet opening to an aircraft auxiliary system and an exhaust opening from the aircraft auxiliary system. Both the inlet opening and the exhaust opening face at least partially radially away from an axis. At least some of the inlet opening is circumferentially aligned with at least some of the exhaust opening relative to the axis.