Abstract: A solar battery module includes a substrate, a plurality of first striped electrodes separately formed on the substrate, a plurality of striped photoelectric transducing layers respectively formed on the corresponding first striped electrode and the substrate wherein parts of the first striped electrode are exposed, a plurality of second striped electrodes respectively formed on the corresponding striped photoelectric transducing layer, and a plurality of conductive layers respectively formed on a side of the corresponding second striped electrode and the first striped electrode adjacent to the side, and not contacting the other second striped electrode.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module of the present invention includes a cluster power generation unit in which multiple photovoltaic elements are connected in series via connection points, a pair of output terminals connected to respective ends of a series circuit formed by the cluster power generation unit, and a specified terminal connected to a specified connection point that is specified from among the connection points.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation apparatus includes a first photovoltaic power generation element having a surface in the shape of a triangle, and a second photovoltaic power generation element having a surface in the shape of a trapezoid, which is a polygon not having less sides than a quadrangle. The first photovoltaic power generation element is, for example, an isosceles triangle, and the second photovoltaic power generation element is, for example, an isosceles trapezoid.

Abstract: An interlayer for a photovoltaic device can include a base material and a filler material. The filler material can contain a flame retardant material, a desiccant material, a pigment, an inert material, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A solar generator apparatus includes a generator module having first to fourth corner portions; a middle column; first and second winding devices attached to the middle column; first and second cables and first to fourth elastic anchors. The middle column has first and second ends, mounted on a fixed structure and pivotally connected to the generator module, respectively. The first cable, having two ends respectively connected to the first and third corner portions, is wound around the first winding device. The second cable, having two ends respectively connected to two ends of the second and fourth corner portions, is wound around the second winding device. The first to fourth elastic anchors are elastically mounted on the fixed structure. The first cable passes through the first and third elastic anchors to form a W-shaped structure. The second cable passes through the second and fourth elastic anchors to form another W-shaped structure.

Abstract: Offset light concentrating is disclosed. An example method includes providing a parabolic optic having an offset reflective surface for incident light. The method also includes offsetting a photovoltaic device from a path of the incident light. The method also includes concentrating light from the reflective surface of the parabolic optic on the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to solar energy are provided. A modular solar panel includes heat pipes to transfer heat away from photovoltaic cells. The solar panel is supported on a tracking mechanism and the heat pipes are coupled in thermal communication with heat exchangers. The solar panel is positioned by the tracking mechanism to follow the sun across the sky. Heat is transferred from the photovoltaic cells to the heat pipes and in turn to the heat exchangers, and is ultimately rejected from the system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a photovoltaic (PV) panel in a PV system including a computing device that provides motor control signals and implements an iterative adaptive control (IAC) algorithm for adjusting an angle of the PV panel. The IAC algorithm relates P at a current time k (P(k)), an elevation angle of the PV panel at k (?S (k)), P after a next step (P(k+1)) and an elevation angle of the PV panel at k+1 (?S (k+1)). The algorithm generates a perturbed power value P(k+1) to provide a power perturbation to P(k), and calculates ?S (k+1) using P(k+1). The motor control signals cause the motor to position the PV panel to achieve ?S (k+1). A change in P resulting from the positioning is compared to a predetermined change limit, and only if the change in P is ? the change limit, again sensing P, and repeating the generating, calculating and positioning.

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and device for two-stage solar concentration and a spectrum splitting dish reflector based on dish concentration. A parabolic dish reflector is provided with a central light hole. A CPV panel and a solar-to-heat receiver are positioned at the two sides of the axial line of dish reflector, respectively, under the light hole. A splitting lens is placed at a certain distance from the apex of dish reflector over the light hole. The splitting film is applied to the curved surface of the lens near the parabolic dish, as a spectrum splitting surface. The curved surface of the lens far from the parabolic dish is covered by silver, as a reflecting surface. A supporting structure is provided between the dish reflector and the splitting lens. The whole system with a dual-axis tracking system is placed on the foundation of a support.

Abstract: Nanowire-based photovoltaic energy conversion devices and related fabrication methods therefor are described. A plurality of photovoltaic (PV) nanowires extend outwardly from a surface layer of a substrate, each PV nanowire having a root end near the substrate surface layer and a tip end opposite the root end. For one preferred embodiment, a canopy-style tip-side electrode layer contacts the tip ends of the PV nanowires and is separated from the substrate surface layer by an air gap layer, the PV nanowires being disposed within the air gap layer. For another preferred embodiment, a tip-side electrode layer is disposed upon a layer of optically transparent, electrically insulating solid filler material that laterally surrounds the PV nanowires along a portion of their lengths, wherein an air gap is disposed between the solid filler layer and the substrate surface layer. Methods for fabricating the nanowire-based photovoltaic energy conversion devices are also described.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a polymer window and at least one active semiconductor layer that is conditioned using a cadmium chloride treatment process. The photovoltaic cell is heated, during the cadmium chloride treatment process by a rapid thermal activation process to maintain polymer transparency. A method of producing a photovoltaic cell using the rapid thermal activation process and an apparatus to conduct rapid thermal activation processing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved sensor systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, sensor system is provided that includes a sensor and sensor electronics integrated into the same ground plane.

Abstract: A solar module includes a back sheet, a solar cell unit, and a cover sheet. The back sheet includes a substrate, and a rib formed on the substrate. The solar cell unit is disposed on the back sheet next to the rib. In addition, the solar cell unit includes a bottom surface facing the back sheet and a light-receiving surface disposed opposite to the bottom surface. The cover sheet is disposed on the solar cell unit. A first height from a top surface of the substrate to an upper end of the rib is greater than a second height from the top surface of the substrate to the bottom surface of the solar cell unit, and the first height is not greater than a third height from the top surface of the substrate to a lower surface of the cover sheet facing the solar cell unit.

Abstract: A conductive paste composition contains a source of an electrically conductive metal, a lead-tellurium-based oxide, a discrete oxide of an adhesion promoting element, and an organic vehicle. An article such as a high-efficiency photovoltaic cell is formed by a process of deposition of the paste composition on a semiconductor substrate (e.g., by screen printing) and firing the paste to remove the organic vehicle and sinter the metal and lead-tellurium-based oxide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an innovative way to improve the conversion efficiency of solar energy into electric energy of dye-sensitized solar cells. The solar cells of the present invention present a film obtained by painting a light reflective coating (6) onto the outer surface of the counter-electrode (4). A commercial paint of any color can be used. The solar cells of the present invention usually comprise two glass sheets coated with a transparent and electrically conductive layer (1) and (5), a photoelectrode (2), an electrolyte (3), a counter-electrode (4) and a light reflective paint film applied onto the outer surface of the counter-electrode and obtained by painting a light reflective coating (6). After applying this reflective film (6) onto the outer surface of the counter-electrode (4) a series of remarkable results were obtained; coating with a white paint as a reflective film significantly increased the solar cell efficiency up to 30%.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for obtaining a three-dimensional nanostructure array on an aluminum substrate. The method includes anodizing the aluminum substrate; forming an oxide layer on the aluminum substrate; texturizing the aluminum substrate; etching the oxide layer from the aluminum substrate to expose the texturized aluminum substrate; and forming a three-dimensional aluminum nanostructure array on the aluminum substrate. The three-dimensional nanostructure array, coated with a light absorber, is utilized in a thin film solar cell or photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic device with back contacts is disclosed. The thin film photovoltaic device may comprise 1) a first contact disposed in a first layer and having an upper surface and a lower surface; 2) a first semiconductor disposed in a second layer and having a lower surface disposed on the upper surface of the first contact; 3) an insulator or second semiconductor disposed in a third layer and on an upper surface of the first semiconductor; 4) a second contact disposed in a fourth layer and on the insulator or second semiconductor; and 5) an absorber disposed in a fifth layer and about the second contact. The absorber may comprise a p-type or a n-type semiconductor and the first semiconductor may comprise the other of the p-type and n-type semiconductor. The second contact may be patterned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cathode for use in a dye-sensitised solar cell which comprises a redox couple, wherein the cathode comprises: (a) metallic nickel; and (b) intrinsically conducting polymer that, during operation of the cell, reduces an oxidised species of the redox couple.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a glass sheet 10, 21 coated with a semiconductor material, which comprises the steps (a) production of a glass strip in a float bath 3 containing liquid tin; (b) discharge of the glass strip from the float bath 3 and optionally coating of the glass strip with a transparent, electrically conductive intermediate layer; (c) transfer of the uncoated or coated glass strip into a deposition chamber 5 for the physical deposition of the semiconductor material from the gas phase; and (d) coating of the coated or uncoated glass strip from step (c) with the semiconductor material by physical deposition of the semiconductor material from the gas phase at a gas pressure of at least 0.1 bar. The invention additionally relates to an apparatus for producing a glass strip coated with a semiconductor material, a process for producing a solar cell or a solar module and also a solar cell or a solar module which can be obtained by this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar-cell-integrated gas production device that can generate a first gas and a second gas by utilizing an electromotive force of a solar cell, and that can supply power to an external circuit by utilizing the same solar cell.

Abstract: A black silicon solar cell includes a metal back electrode, the crystal silicon, a black silicon layer, a passivation layer and a metal gate; wherein, the metal back electrode is located on the back surface of the crystal silicon, the black silicon layer is located on the crystal silicon, the passivation layer is located on the black silicon layer, the metal gate is located on the passivation layer. The fabrication method includes: carrying out pretreatment of the silicon wafer; preparing the black silicon layer on the surface of the pretreated silicon wafer by using plasma immersion ion implantation technology; preparing an emitter on the black silicon layer, and carrying out passivation treatment on the emitter to form the passivation layer; respectively preparing the metal back electrode and the metal gate on the back surface of the single crystal silicon wafer and the passivation layer, respectively.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The solar cell includes: i) a first conductive layer; ii) a plurality of nano structures that are positioned on the first conductive layer and that are extended to cross a surface of the first conductive layer and that are separated from each other; iii) a resin layer that is positioned on the first conductive layer and that is filled at space between the plurality of nano structures; iv) at least one semiconductor layer that is positioned on the resin layer and that covers the plurality of nano structures; and v) a second conductive layer that covers the semiconductor layer and that has a light transmittance lower than that of the first conductive layer.

Abstract: A spherical phosphor is formed by including a fluorescent substance and a transparent material including the fluorescent substance. In addition, a wavelength conversion-type photovoltaic cell sealing material is formed by including a light transmissive resin composition layer including the spherical phosphor and a sealing resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Luminescent Solar Concentrator system (400) and a method for collecting and concentrating external light, particularly sunlight (?1, ?2). The external light is collected by a luminescent converter component (410) having a thickness D and a ratio R=ax/ac between the absorption coefficient ax for sunlight and the reabsorption coefficient ac for luminescence light. Due to the luminescent material comprised by said converter component (410), at least a part of the external light is converted into luminescence light. Moreover, light propagating within the converter component (410) is extracted from it at light extraction sites (EX) having distances W?0.1·R·D from each other. Light extraction components may for example comprise slanted mirroring surfaces (414) and/or optical elements in contact to the converter component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for a roughened back surface of a semiconductor absorber layer of a photovoltaic device to improve adhesion. The roughened back surface may be achieved through an etching process.

Abstract: An apparatus for solar tracking using minimal energy is described. A prismatic energy harvester (10) is positioned above a spring (20). The harvester has a pair of ears (14) at both side of the top portion of the harvester. The ear is moved by strings (16) from a reel (18) connected to a box of motor (12). At least two photo-resistive elements track the sun rays intensity to identify the position of the sun. Then, the motor adjust the reels to rotate the harvester using strings until the harvester and the sun is at right angle. The photo-resistive elements continuously track the sun so that the harvester can be rotated towards the sun at right angle.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a multilayer composition containing fluoropolymer and method for fabricating the same, and a solar cell module. The multilayer composition includes: a fluoropolymer layer; a non-fluorinated polymer layer; and an adhesion promoter layer formed between the fluoropolymer layer and the non-fluorinated polymer layer, wherein the adhesion promoter layer includes aromatic diamines or aromatic polyamines.

Abstract: There is provided a sealing material including a composite resin (A) including a polysiloxane segment (a1) having a structural unit represented by general formula (1) and/or general formula (2) and a silanol group and/or a hydrolyzable silyl group and a vinyl-based polymer segment (a2) having an alcoholic hydroxyl group, the vinyl-based polymer segment (a2) being bonded to the polysiloxane segment (a1) through a bond represented by general formula (3), and a polyisocyanate (B), wherein the content of the polysiloxane segment (a1) is 10% to 50% by weight relative to the total solid content of a curable resin composition, and the content of the polyisocyanate (B) is 5% to 50% by weight relative to the total solid content of the curable resin composition. There are also provided a solar cell module and a light-emitting diode that each use the sealing material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a p-doped conjugated polymer electrolyte and an organic electronic device using the same. The p-doped conjugated polymer electrolyte according to the present invention not only has an outstanding hole-transport capability but can also act as an electron-blocking layer and hence can be used in organic electronic devices, such as organic light-emitting devices or organic solar cells, in order to improve the light-emitting efficiency of the organic light-emitting device or the energy-conversion efficiency of the organic solar cell. Also, because the charge on the p-doped conjugated polymer electrolyte is almost completely neutral, the present invention can solve the problem of anode corrosion and make a positive contribution to increased life-cycle of the device.

Abstract: A drain valve includes an inlet plenum, a first orifice downstream from the inlet plenum, a second orifice downstream from the first orifice, and a fluid passage between the first and second orifices. A piston having a first position and a second position has a first surface area exposed to the fluid passage when the piston is in the first and second positions and a second surface area exposed to the inlet plenum when the piston is in the second position.

Abstract: A system includes a forwarding skid configured to forward a liquid supply from a liquid storage vessel toward a downstream component. The forwarding skid includes a pumping system configured to receive a gravity feed of the liquid supply from the liquid storage vessel, and the pumping system is configured to pump the liquid fuel supply toward the downstream component. The forwarding skid also includes a monitoring system configured to obtain at least one sensed parameter of the gravity feed of the liquid supply received at the forwarding skid upstream from the pumping system. The at least one sensed parameter is indicative of a supply level remaining at the liquid storage vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting the flow of wastewater in a lift station, or other liquid storage tank, along the interior wall of the station. In particular, wastewater introduced into a lift station by an inlet is directed by piping so it is discharged along the interior wall to impart a generally circular or vortex-like movement of the wastewater in the station. This generally circular or vortex-like movement prevents coagulation of solids not removed from the station by the pumps therein, reducing the need for cleaning and other maintenance of the lift station.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a housing that includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a first work port and a second work port. The housing defines a spool bore and a pilot spool bore. A main stage spool is disposed in the spool bore. A pilot stage spool is disposed in the pilot spool bore. The pilot stage spool is in selective fluid communication with the main stage spool. A microprocessor includes a controller having a position controller module, a velocity transform module, and a dynamic offset module. The controller is configured to implement a training process, and to compensate for viscosity changes in the working fluid based on data obtained during the training process. Outputs of the controller are communicated to the pilot stage spool.

Abstract: An microfluidic device and methods for its use, where the microfluidic device comprises: (a) a porous membrane, (b) a gradient layer defining a plurality of gradient micro-channels, where the gradient layer is coupled to a top surface of the membrane, (c) a distributor layer defining a plurality of distributor micro-channels, where the distributor micro-channels are coupled to the plurality of gradient micro-channels, where the distributor layer defines at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, each inlet opening and outlet opening are coupled to the plurality of distributor micro-channels, and (d) self-supporting means coupled to one or more of the porous membrane, the gradient layer and the distributor layer.

Abstract: A downhole pumping system in production tubing having a seal between the intake and discharge of a through tubing downhole pump that automatically deploys when the pump initiates operation. The seal automatically disengages when the pump suspends operating and redeploys when the pump starts operating again. The pumping system can be set at a different depth before restarting the pump. The seal can include a bladder like member that has an opening facing towards the pump discharge, so that discharged fluid expands the bladder radially outward into sealing contact with the tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include suspensions for use in enhanced oil recovery, and methods of using the suspensions for recovering oil. Suspensions of the present disclosure include a nonionic surfactant that can dissolve in supercritical carbon dioxide, and a metal salt having a concentration of 200 to 1 parts-per-million.

Abstract: A flow valve with an integral pressure-independent fluid flow controller for controlling the flow of fluid and corresponding methods for controlling fluid flow are provided. The flow valve comprises a valve body, one or more valve blades arranged on the valve body for controlling fluid flow in a duct section, an actuator for modulating the one or more valve blades, a flow sensor or sensors for sensing fluid flow, a tuning calculation module adapted for determining or monitoring a pressure drop across the valve body and for calculating tuning constants based on the pressure drop, and a controller for controlling the actuator based on a difference between a fluid flow setpoint and the sensed fluid flow in accordance with the tuning constants. The pressure drop may be determined from an algorithm based on blade position and sensed fluid flow, or may be directly measured.

Abstract: Provided are various devices and processes that harness the inherent kinetic energy of a flowing pressurized fluid to drive a compressor to compress a fluid without any need for electrical or chemical energy. The flowing fluid flows over a boundary layer disk turbine, or Tesla turbine, which is mechanically coupled to a compressor that compresses a fluid. The flowing fluid may be a natural gas from a hydrocarbon recovery operation. The compressed fluid may be a vapor gas from a hydrocarbon production, processing, or storage facility. Harnessing the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid increases economic efficiency of the process, while also avoiding unwanted emissions adverse to the environment and public health.

Abstract: A burner insertion aid for a burner includes a funnel-shaped component, wherein the funnel-shaped component has foamed polymer and an outer edge for mounting on a burner fastening device and also has an inner funnel region for the insertion of a burner mouth.

Abstract: A connection part providing communication between biopharmaceutical containers and/or conduits, includes a connection sheath (32) and two connection skirts (38a, 38b). The connection sheath (32) and both connection skirts (38a, 38b) have resiliency such that the connection part (30), from a disassembled state, is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened without loss of integrity so as to be made threadable through both collars (14, 24). Then, due to the resiliency thereof, the connection part contacts, with resilient clamping for support and with sealability, the coupled portion of the outer surface of both collars (14, 24). Moreover, from the assembled state, the connection part is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened so as to be capable of being unthreaded from both collars (14, 24) and thus be converted to the disassembled state.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a fire hose adapter comprising of a body and a vacuum generator, the body having a cap and a hose connector, the cap being penetrated by a generator channel that connects an intake port with an exhaust port, the two ports being located on an exterior of the cap; the hose connector defining a vacuum channel that continuously connects the generator channel to a vacuum aperture located on an exterior of the hose connector; the vacuum generator being located within the generator channel, wherein a stream of pressurized air passes through the vacuum generator causing a reduction in air pressure in the generator channel that subsequently induces air in an interior of a fire hose section connected to the hose connector to flow into the vacuum aperture and be directed out the exhaust port.

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged valve stem assemblies includes enlarging a bore within a body of a valve stem to form an enlarged bore portion and creating a conical hole in an end of the valve stem body around the enlarged bore portion. Internal threads are created within the enlarged bore portion, and a valve stem repair extension is installed in the enlarged bore portion. The valve stem repair extension has a beveled surface that facilitates formation of a hermetic seal between the valve stem body and the valve stem repair extension. The steps of enlarging the bore and creating the conical hole may both be performed using a countersinking drill bit having a beveled cutting portion.

Abstract: A coded cartridge holder for use with a drug delivery device is provided. The cartridge holder includes a fastener that becomes operative based in part on a length of a cartridge or a diameter of the cartridge. In one embodiment, the cartridge holder is coupled to the drug delivery device. The cartridge holder comprises a first blocking feature. The drug delivery device includes a cartridge detector comprising a second blocking feature. This feature may be a pin, for engagement with the first blocking feature of the cartridge holder when the cartridge acts on the cartridge detector. The cartridge holder may further include a fastening mechanism configured to fasten the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device only when the second blocking feature engages the first blocking feature.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems are disclosed for providing a protective material for a gas-delivery system of a processing system. In an embodiment, a processing system includes a processing chamber for processing substrates and a gas-delivery system for delivering processing gases to the processing chamber. The gas-delivery system includes a protective material to protect the gas-delivery system from processing gases including at least one processing gas heated to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. A pressure compensating drip emitter allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate. The emitter comprises a labyrinth structure having a plurality of serpentine pathways formed in its outer surface.

Abstract: A control valve for an oil-injected screw-type compressor, in particular for installation in a vehicle, wherein oil located in a screw-type compressor housing can be supplied in a controlled manner via the control valve to a heat exchanger and/or to a bypass in such a way that cold oil is conducted through a bypass around the heat exchanger and warm oil is conducted through the heat exchanger. A control valve is provided for an oil-injected screw-type compressor and ensures rapid heating of the oil in the screw-type compressor even with a short activation time. The control valve has a control piston that is actuated by a control element and cooperates respectively with a heat exchanger opening disposed in a control valve housing and a bypass opening, and that the control piston controls at least one bypass opening which cooperates with the heat exchanger opening.

Abstract: A check valve filter assembly is configured to be used with an isolation cartridge of an anti-lock braking system. The check valve filter assembly includes a main body formed of a first material. The main body includes an internal check valve bore. The assembly also includes a separate and distinct bore insert formed of a second material that differs from the first material. The bore insert may be secured over a surface of the internal check valve bore. The bore insert is configured to sealingly engage a check ball.

Abstract: A chemical supply system comprises: a first container and a second container for storing a chemical solution; a first pump, located on a first pipe connecting the first and second containers, for directing the solution stored in the first container to the second container; and a first filter, located in the first pipe, for filtering the solution flowing through the first pipe from the first container toward the second container. The system further includes: a second pipe for connecting the first container and the second container; and a second pump, located on the second pipe, for directing the solution stored in the second container to the first container.

Abstract: A valve, including a valve opening and a valve plate arranged to seal the valve opening in a closed state by means of compressing a sealing structure is provided, wherein the sealing structure includes an uncompressed dimension in a compression direction of less than 100 ?m.