Abstract: A fluid inlet housing for controlled filling of a dishwasher is provided. For example, a dishwasher comprising a tub for receiving dishware therein, a water conduit, and a fluid inlet housing is provided. The fluid inlet housing is in fluid communication with the tub and the water conduit. Additionally, the fluid inlet housing is configured to direct water from the water conduit into the tub. The fluid inlet housing comprises an inlet for receiving water from the water conduit and an outlet for directing water into the tub. The fluid inlet housing also comprises a first baffle positioned between the inlet and the outlet and configured to divide water flow from the inlet into divergent paths. Moreover, the fluid inlet housing further comprises a second baffle positioned between the first baffle and the outlet and configured to combine the divergent paths of water flow prior to flowing through the outlet.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The spraying system includes a sprayer having a body with an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and a plurality of outlets extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The spraying system includes a sprayer having a body with an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and a plurality of outlets extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage.

Abstract: A self-opening/closing umbrella includes a central shaft unit having an improved structure. The central shaft unit forms a raised channel on one side of a third shaft segment and a pulley is pivotally mounted to a lower portion of the raised channel. A second shaft segment has a top to which an internal plug including a pulley is fixed and includes a first pull rope having an end fixed to a bullet-head member and an opposite end extending upward to warp around the pulley of the internal plug, projecting through a sideway slot, extending downward to wrap around the pulley inside the third shaft segment for upward extension to fix to a top end of the third shaft segment. A second pull rope has an end fixed to the internal plug and an opposite end extending across a top cap to project outward to fix to the runner.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enclosing a user is provided. The user is shielded from the ambient conditions existing outside a portable enclosure. The enclosure includes an insulation system. The insulation system includes a radiant barrier.

Abstract: The tent frame includes an upper hub with a plurality of ribs intended to extend outwardly and a lower hub having an equal number of stretchers. The ends of the stretchers are pivotally connected to the ribs. As the lower hub moves upwardly, the stretchers force the ribs outwardly to erect the tent. Flexible cords extend down from the upper hub through the lower hub and out apertures in the bottom of the lower hub. Pulling the cords apart from within the tent causes the lower hub to move upwardly toward the upper hub to erect the tent. Alternatively, the cords can be passed around pulleys in the lower hub and upwardly through apertures in the top of the upper hub. Pulling the cords apart from above the tent causes the lower hub to move upwardly toward the upper hub to erect the tent.

Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the same. The thermoelectric module includes a substrate, a bottom electrode and a thermoelectric semiconductor. The thermoelectric module further includes an insulating layer integrally formed on a whole exposed surface of the bottom electrode, a portion of exposed surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor and a portion of exposed surface of the substrate; a contact hole provided in the insulating layer to expose a portion of a top surface of the thermoelectric semiconductor; and a top electrode to electrically connect at least two thermoelectric semiconductors by being formed on a surface of at least two thermoelectric semiconductors exposed by the contact hole and a portion of a top surface of the insulating layer.

Abstract: Thermoelectric cooling systems are disclosed that utilize the Thomson effect. The disclosed systems can be used, for example, in cryogenic applications. In one aspect, a system is provided for thermoelectric cooling. The system comprises a pair of semiconductor elements, a cold plate and a hot plate. The pair of semiconductor elements comprises a P-type semiconductor element having a first carrier concentration and an N-type semiconductor element having a second carrier concentration. The first carrier concentration is functionally graded over the P-type semiconductor element and the second carrier concentration is functionally graded over the N-type semiconductor element. Each semiconductor element has a cold end and a hot end. The cold plate is thermally coupled to the cold ends of the P-type semiconductor elements and the N-type semiconductor element. The hot plate is thermally coupled to the hot ends of the P-type semiconductor element and the N-type semiconductor element.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for thermoelectric generation of electrical energy, a base part and an opposing piece are provided, between which a thermoelectric element is arranged and which can be connected to one another as a physical unit via latching elements which are formed on an attachment adaptor. The thermoelectric element can therefore be fixed with relatively low mechanical loads, and the physical unit can be arranged in a compact form at an installation location.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are electrocaloric devices, pyroelectric devices and methods of forming them. A device which can be a pyroelectric energy generator or an electrocaloric cooling device, can include a first reservoir at a first temperature and a second reservoir at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The device can also include a plurality of liquid crystal thermal switches disposed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir and one or more active layers disposed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, such that each of the one or more active layers is sandwiched between two liquid crystal thermal switches. The device can further include one or more power supplies to apply voltage to the plurality of liquid crystal thermal switches and the one or more the active layers.

Abstract: A dilute Group III-V nitride solar cell is provided for use in a multijunction solar cell having a p-n junction formed by p-type and n-type layers of dilute Group III-V nitride material, such as GaNAs. Blocking layers of a group III-V ternary alloy are formed on opposing surfaces of the p-n junction to improve the electron and hole collection efficiency of the p-n junction by preventing the flow of electrons and holes, respectively, into the adjacent layers of the multijunction solar cell in certain directions. The III-V nitride solar cell is current matched to other solar cells of the multijunction solar cell. The III-V nitride solar cell may possess a bandgap of approximately 1.0 eV to serve as one junction of the multijunction solar cell. The p-type and n-type layers may further have compositionally graded nitrogen concentrations to provide an electric field for more efficient charge collection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module that includes: a plurality of solar cells; wiring material electrically connecting solar cells with each other; and resin adhesive that bonds solar cells and wiring material together. Solar cells each include photoelectric conversion body and electrode. Electrode includes finger electrode. Finger electrode extends in direction y orthogonal to direction x in which wiring material extends. In bonding area of finger electrode bonded to wiring material, an end portion on one side in direction y in which finger electrode extends is bonded to wiring material with lower bonding strength than at least part of the other portion of bonding area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module that includes a plurality of solar cells, a wiring material, and a resin adhesive. The plurality of solar cells each includes a photoelectric conversion body and an electrode. The electrode is formed on a surface of the photoelectric conversion body. The wiring material includes a portion in direct contact with the electrode and thus electrically connects the plurality of solar cells with each other. The resin adhesive bonds the solar cells and the wiring material together. The electrode has corrugation in a surface. The maximum height of the corrugation in a region of the electrode in direct contact with the wiring material is lower than the maximum height of the corrugation in a region of the electrode not in direct contact with the wiring material.

Abstract: An organic solar cell module having a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode layer formed on the transparent substrate; a photoelectric conversion layer that is formed in a pattern on the transparent electrode layer and includes plural kinds of photoelectric conversion sections having different absorption wavelength regions; a plurality of back surface electrode layers respectively formed on the photoelectric conversion sections; an insulating layer that is formed so as to cover the plurality of back surface electrode layers and has an opening for each of the photoelectric conversion sections; and a plurality of charge-collecting wirings that are formed on the insulating layer and are disposed so as to be connected to the back surface electrode layers located at the openings of the insulting layer for the respective kinds of the photoelectric conversion sections.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that includes a reflective stack. The reflective stack is formed from a transparent material between two metal layers. The reflective stack is located within the photovoltaic device to partially reflect wavelengths of radiation that do not substantially contribute to the photovoltaic effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus that can convert energy across a broad spectrum of wavelengths. These embodiments utilize concentrating optics in combination with one or more of an integrated filter, a cooling mechanism, and a high-efficiency low current cell architecture to form efficient and cost-effective TPV devices. During operation, these components reduce the ratio of cell area to emitter area by concentrating the energy the emitter emits, thereby reducing the total cost of materials and promoting efficiency through integrating the filter and cooling mechanism into the device design.

Abstract: A single monolithic integrated circuit (10) containing a solar cell (or cells) with a DC-DC converter includes: a substrate (120, 220); the solar cell (101) or a solar cell array (100, 100?) on the substrate for generating an output voltage; and the DC-DC converter (102) integrated on the substrate for receiving the output voltage to generate a converted voltage, which may be higher or lower than the solar generated voltage. The substrate may be a silicon <111>, silicon carbide, or sapphire substrate. A GaN RF power amplifier and a CMOS controller including PWM modulator may also be monolithically integrated with an InGaN solar cell array and a GaN DC-DC converter. GaN switches (113, 115, 117, 119) may be used to couple InGaN solar cells (101) in series or parallel within the solar cell array (100, 100?) to yield improved or optimal voltage and current levels as required by the load.

Abstract: An organic thin-film solar cell module comprising a substrate, a first electrode layer formed on the substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer formed in a pattern on the first electrode layer and including different types of photoelectric conversion parts having different absorption wavelength ranges, a second electrode layer formed so as to cover the photoelectric conversion layer, and an insulating layer formed in a pattern between the first and second electrode layers and arranged between the photoelectric conversion parts, whereby a buffer layer or layers are formed, depending on the type of the photoelectric conversion part, in the position between the photoelectric conversion parts and the first or second electrode layer.

Abstract: A solar energy device including at least one solar energy module and a connecting structure is provided. The connecting structure includes a body and a connecting belt. The body assembled to the solar energy module has a recess. The connecting belt has a first end, a second end, and a connecting protruding configured at the second end, wherein the first end connects to the body. A using method of the solar energy module is also provided.

Abstract: A polyvinyl acetal film as an intermediate film for a laminated glass, can provide a laminated glass that exhibits a low degree of yellowness and excellent surface appearance, and is useful as a sealing material or intermediate film that can prolong the life of a laminated glass provided with a solar cell or functional unit. The content of corrosion-causing substance in the polyvinyl acetal film is low, so that the polyvinyl acetal film permits high-temperature lamination and ensures excellent productivity. A solar cell module and a laminated glass are prepared using the polyvinyl acetal film. A plasticized polyvinyl acetal film which comprises 15 to 60 parts by mass of a plasticizer having a total number of 28 or more of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms constituting a molecule based on 100 parts by mass of a polyvinyl acetal resin, and which has an acid value of 5.0 meq/kg or less.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including a CZTS absorber layer and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The photovoltaic device includes a substrate, a bottom electrode, an absorber layer formed on the bottom electrode, a buffer layer formed on the absorber layer and a top electrode layer formed on the buffer layer. The absorber layer includes a first region adjacent to the bottom electrode and a second region adjacent to the first region. Both of the first region and the second region include a formula of Cua(Zn1-bSnb)(Se1-cSc)2, wherein 0<a<1, 0<b<1, 0?c?1 and a Zn/Sn ratio of the first region is higher than that of the second region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell or component thereof that includes a p-type thin film solar light absorbing layer having one or more compositions of group II-VI alloys described as CdTexM1-x, where M is S, Se or O. An n-type thin-film transparent window layer comprising CdS is provided adjacent to the CdTexMi-x p-type thin film solar light absorbing layer such that a p-n junction formed between the layers.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises a first electrode that includes a first transparent conductive substrate, a first layer having a plurality of first semiconductor nanofibers, and a second layer having a plurality of second semiconductor super-fine fibers, the first semiconductor nanofibers having an average diameter smaller than an average diameter of the second semiconductor super-fine fibers, a light absorbing material adsorbed to at least some of the first semiconductor nanofibers and second semiconductor super-fine fibers, a second electrode includes a second transparent conductive substrate, and electrolytes dispersed in the first and second layers.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a photovoltaic device. The photovoltaic device includes a window layer disposed on a support and a doped absorber layer disposed on the window layer, wherein the doped absorber layer includes an absorber material and a first metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, cobalt, chromium, zinc, indium, tungsten, molybdenum, and combinations thereof. The photovoltaic devices further includes an interfacial layer disposed on the doped absorber layer, wherein the interfacial comprises a second metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a flexible photovoltaic film cell with an iron diffusion barrier layer. The method includes: providing a foil substrate including iron; forming an iron diffusion barrier layer on the foil substrate, where the iron diffusion barrier layer prevents the iron from diffusing; forming an electrode layer on the iron diffusion barrier layer; and forming at least one light absorber layer on the electrode layer. A flexible photovoltaic film cell is also provided, which cell includes: a foil substrate including iron; an iron diffusion barrier layer formed on the foil substrate to prevent the iron from diffusing; an electrode layer formed on the iron diffusion barrier layer; and at least one light absorber layer formed on the electrode layer.

Abstract: A process for the production of a MWT silicon solar cell, wherein a conductive metal paste with no or only poor fire-through capability is applied, dried and fired to form a continuous metallization comprising a top set of conductive metal collector lines and a metallization of the inside of the holes of a p-type MWT silicon solar cell wafer, wherein the top set of conductive metal collector lines superimposes a bottom set of conductive metal collector lines on the front-side of the p-type MWT silicon solar cell wafer, said bottom set of conductive metal collector lines having no contact with the inside of the holes.

Abstract: A process for the production of a MWT silicon solar cell, wherein a conductive metal paste with no or only poor fire-through capability is applied, dried and fired to form a continuous metallization comprising a top set of conductive metal collector lines and a metallization of the inside of the holes of an n-type MWT silicon solar cell wafer, wherein the top set of conductive metal collector lines superimposes a bottom set of conductive metal collector lines on the front-side of the n-type MWT silicon solar cell wafer, said bottom set of conductive metal collector lines having no contact with the inside of the holes.

Abstract: Disclosed are vacuum window glazing including a solar cell function and a manufacturing method thereof. The vacuum window glazing includes a first sheet glass, a second sheet glass that is vacuum-bonded to the first sheet glass; a vacuum layer that is formed between the first sheet glass and the second sheet glass; and a solar cell panel that is formed on a surface of the second sheet glass in a direction of the vacuum layer. By this configuration, power can be produced through the solar cell formed within the vacuum window glazing while more increasing the heat insulation effect of the vacuum window glazing, and the cooling and heating efficiency of the building can be greatly improved using the outer wall covered with glass.

Abstract: An actuatable punch assembly forms a hole within an article. The actuatable punch assembly comprises a base plate coupled to the actuator. At least one segment block is adjustably coupled to the base plate. At least one cutting device for forming the hole within the article is coupled to the segment block. The segment block is adjustable relative to the base plate. The cutting device is adjustable relative to the segment block. As such, the cutting device is adjustable relative to the base plate for varying a position of the cutting device relative to the article to vary a size of the hole formed in the article.

Abstract: Design and use of photo-switching, fullerene-based dyads of the design x-D-y-A or D-y-A-x as interfacial layers (IFL) for organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are described herein. The fullerene-based dyads and triads of the present invention contain electron-donating substituents such as porphyrins or phthalocyanines that exhibit charge separation states with long lifetimes upon irradiation, resulting in rejection of electrons reaching the electrode and concurrently promoting the conduction of holes. This phenomenon has a strong rectifying effect on the whole device, not just the interfaces, resulting in improved charge extraction from the interior of the photo-active layer. The invention further describes anchoring an IFL to the ITO surface as a monolayer, bilayer, or greater multilayers. One OPV design embodiment of the present invention embodiment involves the formation of covalent bonds via silane groups (—SiR3) as the anchor (x), to form siloxane bonds.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells (e.g., p-CdTe thin film photovoltaic cells) comprising a back contact buffer layer that makes low-resistance electrical contact to the p-type semiconductor material of the cell (e.g., CdTe). The back contact buffer material comprises Cu and Te.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to an electrode (e.g., front electrode) for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. In certain example embodiments, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) based front electrode for use in a photovoltaic device is of or includes zinc oxide, or zinc aluminum oxide, doped with yttrium (Y). In certain example embodiments, the addition of the yttrium (Y) to the conductive zinc oxide or zinc aluminum oxide is advantageous in that potential conductivity loss of the electrode can be reduced or prevented. In other example embodiments, a low-E coating may include a layer of or including zinc oxide, or zinc aluminum oxide, doped with yttrium (Y).

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing a zinc oxide nanostructure electrode and a method of preparing a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. According to the present invention, the method of preparing a zinc oxide nanostructure electrode may include sequentially forming a superhydrophobic self-assembled layer and a zinc layer on a carrier substrate having a stamp pattern included therein, disposing the zinc layer on the carrier to face a first substrate and performing a stamp method to form at least one zinc pattern on the first substrate, oxidizing the zinc pattern to form zinc oxide seeds, and growing at least one zinc oxide nanostructure from the zinc oxide seeds by using a hydrothermal synthesis method to form a zinc oxide nanostructure electrode composed of the at least one zinc oxide nanostructure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell element that comprises: a semiconductor substrate; and a collector electrode including a plurality of conductor portions elongated in a first direction on one main surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the plurality of the conductor portions comprise: a linear first conductor region; and a linear second conductor region including a plated surface, the linear second conductor region being electrically connected to the first conductor region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin-film solar cell which has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency and is provided with a substrate (1), a backside surface electrode layer (2) formed on the substrate (1), a p-type light-absorbing layer (3) formed on the backside surface electrode layer (2), and an n-type transparent conductive film (5) formed on the p-type light-absorbing layer (3). Voids (6) are formed at the interface of the backside surface electrode layer (2) and the p-type light-absorbing layer (3).

Abstract: A solar energy application device, comprising: a solar cell panel comprising a light receiving surface; an electrochromic unit provided on the light receiving surface; and a heat collection device electronically connected to the electrochromic unit; wherein a color of the electrochromic unit changes between a transparent state to a darkened state; wherein in the transparent state of the electrochromic unit, light is incident on the light receiving surface, and the solar cell panel converts the light into electricity; and wherein in the darkened state of the electrochromic unit, the electrochromic unit absorbs the ray to generate heat and then transmits the heat to the heat collection device.

Abstract: The invention provides highly fluorescent materials comprising a single (n=0) or a series (n=1, 2, etc.) of benzo heterocyclic systems. The photo-stable highly luminescent chromophores are useful in various applications, including in wavelength conversion films. Wavelength conversion films have the potential to significantly enhance the solar harvesting efficiency of photovoltaic or solar cell devices.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion type photovoltaic cell sealing sheet of the present invention includes a dispersion medium resin, and a fluorescent material having an absorption wavelength peak at from 300 to 450 nm, wherein a content of an ultraviolet absorber other than the fluorescent substance is 0.15 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the dispersion medium resin. Furthermore, a photovoltaic cell module of the present invention has a photovoltaic cell and the wavelength conversion type photovoltaic cell sealing sheet.

Abstract: To provide a wavelength conversion film which is capable of maintaining an optical wavelength converting function for a long term as compared with conventional wavelength conversion films. A wavelength conversion film 1 comprising a single layered film consisting of a resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin 10, a wavelength converting material 12 and a specific nickel(II) dialkyldithiocarbamate 14, or a laminated film having a wavelength converting layer consisting of the resin composition, wherein the alkyl group of the specific nickel(II) dialkyldithiocarbamate 14 is an ethyl group or a butyl group, and the content of the specific nickel(II) dialkyldithiocarbamate 14 is from 20 to 250 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the wavelength converting material 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of fluorescence conversion dyes in plastics mouldings made of polymethyl (meth)acrylate, where these are used to convert natural insolation into light that can be used by the solar cells.

Abstract: An interlayer comprised of a thermoplastic resin, varying amounts of an epoxidized vegetable oil, and, optionally, a conventional plasticizer. The use of a thermoplastic resin, an epoxidized vegetable (plant) oil, and, optionally, a conventional plasticizer creates synergy allowing the flow of the interlayer to be increased without sacrificing other characteristics typically associated with an increased flow (e.g., increased blocking and creep, exudation, surface roughness formation, decreased mechanical strength, and decreased manufacturing capability). In this regard, the epoxidized vegetable oil acts as a flow improvement agent, resulting in a high-flow interlayer. As a result, a thinner interlayer can be utilized in forming multiple layer panels because the resulting thinner interlayer has improved flow properties.

Abstract: A solar cell package structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a sealant. The first substrate has a first surface with a first rough portion. The second substrate has a second surface with a second rough portion, which is opposite to the first surface. The sealant is disposed between the first and second substrates and bonds the first and second surfaces. At least a part of the sealant covers the first rough portion and the second rough portion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes: a back electrode; a transparent front electrode; a p-type semiconductor layer disposed between the transparent front electrode and the back electrode and made from a first semiconductor compound including M1, M2, and A1, the p-type semiconductor layer having a M1/M2 atomic ratio; and an n-type layered structure disposed between the p-type semiconductor layer and the transparent front electrode and cooperating with the p-type semiconductor layer to form a p-n junction therebetween. The n-type layered structure includes an n-type semiconductor layer made from a second semiconductor compound including M3, M4, and A2 and having a M3/M4 atomic ratio less than the M1/M2 atomic ratio and greater than 0.1 and less than 0.9.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) cell structures are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a PV cell includes an emitter layer, a base layer adjacent to the emitter layer, and a back surface field (BSF) layer adjacent to the base layer. The BSF layer includes a first layer, and a second layer adjacent to the first layer. The first layer includes a first material and the second layer includes a second material different than the first material.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein is an aqueous dye dispersion for making a dye sensitized electronic device having, a water insoluble dye, an alkalizing agent, a surfactant; and water. The water insoluble dye has at least one acid group and the aqueous dye dispersion is substantially free of volatile organic solvents, co-solvents and diluents. Further disclosed and claimed is a method of making a photoelectronic device using the claimed aqueous dye dispersion.

Abstract: A reductant delivery and supply system including a storage tank, a pump, a dosing module, and a mis-fill prevention system. The storage tank stores a fluid. The pump is coupled to the storage tank by a delivery line. The dosing module is coupled to the pump by a supply line. The mis-fill prevention system includes an expandable plug. The expandable plug is configured in contact with the fluid. Moreover, the expandable plug is configured to expand on contact with a hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A switchover manifold for selectively connecting one of a plurality of compressed gas vessels to a point of use such that the supply of compressed gas remains uninterrupted even as the compressed gas vessels are opened and closed to the point of use for renewal of depleted compressed gas vessels. The switchover manifold has an inlet for each gas vessel all in communication with a utilization outlet, and an externally operated valve which opens only one compressed gas vessel to the utilization outlet at any one time. The manifold may be utilized in conjunction with a gas bottle cart. The gas bottles may be medical side D bottles being used in association with a medical procedure comprising insufflation.

Abstract: A faucet includes a faucet body, a switch unit and a monitoring device. The switch unit is coupled rotatably to the faucet body. The monitoring device is mounted to the switch unit and includes an angle detector, a microprocessor and an alert unit. The angle detector is for detecting angular rotation of the switch unit, and is for generating angle information. The microprocessor is for receiving the angle information, for recording a cumulative time period within which the switch unit is in an open state, and for calculating an outflow value accordingly. The microprocessor generates an alert signal for the alert unit upon determining that the outflow value has reached a predetermined threshold.