Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an energy production apparatus. The apparatus includes fuzzy focusing optics and a mounting plate having a generally planar surface. The planar surface is positioned relative to the fuzzy focusing optics such that at least a portion of light incident on the fuzzy focusing optics is directed onto the planar surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of solar cells coupled to the planar surface of the mounting plate. A power transmission bus is coupled to the plurality of solar cells. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mounting plate and configured to rotate the mounting plate about an axis normal to the planar surface of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is disclosed. The photovoltaic module comprises an array of shingled tiles disposed between a transparent front substrate and a back substrate, wherein the array of shingled tiles comprises a plurality of photovoltaic tiles in electrically contact with each other and positioned in overlapping rows. Each photovoltaic tile comprises a front metallic contact layer disposed on an epitaxial film stack disposed on a back metallic contact layer disposed on a support carrier layer. The photovoltaic module includes at least one busbar in electrical contact with the array of shingled tiles and disposed between the front and back glass substrates. The photovoltaic module also includes an encapsulation layer between the front and back glass substrates.

Abstract: Provided is a cover film for solar cells, with which solar cell modules are easy to produce, which comprises an encapsulant resin layer excellent in softness, transparency and heat resistance, and a weather-resistant layer excellent in weather resistance, moisture proofness, transparency and heat resistance and having high adhesiveness to the encapsulant resin layer, and is therefore excellent in handleability, and which is effective for reducing the weight of solar cell modules and for enhancing the impact resistance and the durability thereof; and also provided is a solar cell module produced by the use of the cover film for solar cells. Disclosed is production of a cover film for solar cells by laminating weather-resistant layer or a surface protective layer, and an encapsulant resin layer comprising a resin composition that contains an ethylene-a-olefin random copolymer and an ethylene-?-olefin block copolymer both having specific thermal properties.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical solar cells (PECs) have been constructed and studied, the cells comprising a photoanode prepared by direct deposition of independently synthesized nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) onto a nanocrystalline metal oxide film, aqueous electrolyte and a counter electrode. It has been shown that the light harvesting efficiency (LHE) of the NQD/metal oxide photoanode is significantly enhanced when the NQD surface passivation is changed to a smaller ligand (e.g. butylamine (BA)). In the PEC the use of NQDs with a shorter passivating ligand leads to a significant enhancement in both the electron injection efficiency at the NQD/metal oxide interface and charge collection efficiency at the NQD/electrolyte interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tandem type integrated photovoltaic module. The tandem type integrated photovoltaic module includes: a first cell and a second cell, all of which are formed respectively by stacking on a substrate a lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer including a plurality of unit cell layers, and an upper electrode, wherein the lower electrode of the first cell and the lower electrode of the second cell are separated by a lower electrode separation groove, and wherein a plurality of through holes are formed to be spaced from each other in the photoelectric conversion layer of the second cell in order to connect the upper electrode of the first cell with the lower electrode of the second cell.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) cell structures having an integral light scattering interface layer configured to diffuse or scatter light prior to entering a semiconductor material and methods of making the same are described.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a first layer to generate excitons upon absorption of incident photons, the first layer having a first organic material diluted in a second different material, in which a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the first organic material is closer to a vacuum level than a HOMO of the second different material, and a lowest unoccupied molecular orbit (LUMO) of the first organic material is farther from the vacuum level than a LUMO of the second different material.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells (22) of different materials may be integrated at the network (20) or panel level to optimize independent and cooperative efficiencies and manufacturing techniques of the different materials. The sizes and numbers of the photovoltaic cells (22) in the separate photovoltaic networks (20) may differ. Separate fabrication of the different photovoltaic networks (20) permits optimization of an interlayer material (110), which can be insulating or noninsulating and can include one or more of light-scattering or light-emitting particles, photonic crystals, metallic materials, an optical grating, or a refractive index grading. For example, adaptations of increased emitter layer thickness, lower sheet resistance, increased gridline spacing, smoother photovoltaic material surface, and/or increased AR coating thickness are made to a multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic cell (20) for optimization as a bottom network (20b) of a tandem solar module.

Abstract: A solar cell production method involves printing longer central gridlines and one or more pairs of shorter “side” gridlines such that end points of the two gridline sets form step patterns on octagonal (pseudo-square) substrates. A special printhead is used that includes a set of central nozzles which receive ink from a first valve by way of a first flow channel to print the longer central gridlines, and additional sets of side nozzles that receive ink from additional valves by way of additional flow channels to print the shorter “side” gridlines. The central nozzles have outlet orifices that offset in the process direction from side outlet orifices of the side nozzles. A start signal is simultaneously sent to the valves such that ink is substantially simultaneously extruded through both the central and side orifices, whereby the extruded ink produces gridline endpoints having the desired step pattern.

Abstract: Solar cells comprise metallization patterns that compensate for or tend to prevent cracking of the solar cells that might otherwise reduce performance.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes which are positioned on one surface of the substrate and extending in a first direction, an emitter region which is electrically connected to the first electrodes and is of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, a plurality of second electrodes which are positioned on another surface of the substrate and extending in the first direction, and a back surface field region including a plurality of first field regions which are locally formed at locations corresponding to the second electrodes in the same direction as the second electrodes and are electrically connected to the second electrodes. A distance between adjacent first field regions is less than a distance between adjacent second electrodes.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for solar arrays of transparent nanoantennas are generally disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) an ethylene interpolymer comprising an overall polymer density of not more than 0.905 g/cm3; total unsaturation of not more than 125 per 100,000 carbons; and; up to 3 long chain branches/1000 carbons; vinyl-3 content of less than 5 per 100,000 carbons; and a total number of vinyl groups/1000 carbons of less than the quantity (8000/Mn), wherein the vinyl-3 content and vinyl group measurements are measured by gel permeation chromatography (145° C.) and 1H-NMR (125° C.), (2) a graft polymer to enhance the adhesion, (3) optionally, free radical initiator or a photoinitiator in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt % based on the weight of the copolymer, and (3) optionally, a co-agent in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt% based upon the weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells having copper contacts can be made by using copper nanoparticles during their fabrication. Such photovoltaic cells can include a copper-based current collector located on a semiconductor substrate having an n-doped region and a p-doped region. The semiconductor substrate is configured for receipt of electromagnetic radiation and generation of an electrical current therefrom. The copper-based current collector includes an electrically conductive diffusion barrier disposed on the semiconductor substrate and a copper contact disposed on the electrically conductive diffusion barrier. The copper contact is formed from copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together. The electrically conductive diffusion barrier limits the passage of copper therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic cell, comprising a plate shaped substrate of a semiconductor material with a solar face and a connection face, a first volume of the substrate adjacent to the solar face is doted with a first polarity, the second volume is doted with a second polarity and the volumes are separated by a pn-junction, a number of apertures in the substrate extending between both faces and in which a plug has been positioned of which a part is conducting, contact tracks at the solar face of the substrate connected with the first volume and the conducting part of the plug, first contacts at the connection face of the substrate connected with the conducting part of the plug and second contacts located at the connection face of the substrate connected with the second volume, wherein the specific electrical conductivity of the plug decreases from its centre to the contact face with the substrate.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a transparent conductive film that has sufficiently low sheet resistance and a sufficiently high visible light transmittance, is capable of securing high conductivity on an entire surface thereof, and has excellent corrosion resistance to an electrolyte solution, a method of producing the transparent conductive film, and a photoelectric conversion apparatus and an electronic apparatus using the transparent conductive film. [Solving Means] A transparent conductive film includes a metal fine line network layer 12 and one or more layers of graphene layers 13 provided on at least one surface of the metal fine line network layer 12. The metal fine line network layer 12 includes at least one metal selected from a group consisting of copper, silver, aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, titanium, and platinum. The metal fine line network layer 12 is provided on a transparent substrate 11.

Abstract: A connection part for connecting an interconnector is separated from a region having a photoelectric conversion layer formed thereon to improve a strength of the connection pad, thereby provide a solar cell suppressing cracks, breaks, and the like. A solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion layer, an electrode pad formed on the photoelectric conversion layer, an interconnector connected to the electrode pad, a metal thin film formed under the photoelectric conversion layer, a relay terminal being spaced apart from the photoelectric conversion layer and the metal thin film and connected to the metal thin film by connection conductor, and a connection pad formed on the relay terminal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell, including the steps of: forming an SiNx film over a second principal surface of an n-type semiconductor substrate; forming a p-type diffusion layer over a first principal surface of the n-type semiconductor substrate after the SiNx film forming step; and forming an SiO2 film or an aluminum oxide film over the p-type diffusion layer.

Abstract: Solder can be used to wet and bind glass substrates together to ensure a hermetic seal that superior (less penetrable) than conventional polymeric (thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomer) seals in electric and electronic applications.

Abstract: Electron-deficient fluorous porphyrin molecules may have dual functions of light harvesting and electron accepting or donating and may be ideally suited for use in organic solar cells. Methods of making electron-deficient fluorous porphyrin molecules are described.

Abstract: Nanorod and nanowire compositions are disclosed comprising copper indium selenide, copper indium gallium selenide, copper indium sulfide, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are photovoltaic devices comprising the nanorod and/or nanowire compositions. Also disclosed are methods for producing the nanorod and nanowire compositions, and photovoltaic devices described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a I-III-VI compound in the form of a thin film for use in photovoltaics, including the steps of: a) electrodepositing a thin-film structure, consisting of I and/or III elements, onto the surface of an electrode that forms a substrate (SUB); and b) incorporating at least one VI element into the structure so as to obtain the I-III-VI compound. According to the invention, the electrodeposition step comprises checking that the uniformity of the thickness of the thin film varies by no more than 3% over the entire surface of the substrate receiving the deposition.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte for a photoelectric conversion element capable of obtaining a dye-sensitized solar cell having excellent stability. The electrolyte for a photoelectric conversion element of the present invention is an electrolyte for a photoelectric conversion element that contains an organic salt compound (A) having a tertiary or quaternary cation and an organically modified lamellar double hydroxide (B).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte for a photoelectric conversion element that can achieve superior moisture resistance, and a photoelectric conversion element and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the electrolyte. The electrolyte for a photoelectric conversion element of the present invention includes an organic solvent (A) and a lamellar clay mineral (B). The organic solvent (A) has a boiling point of 150° C. or higher, and a relative dielectric constant of 20 or higher.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein disclose a system and a method for regulating a flow of fluid stream in fluid storage and dispensing systems. The system comprising a valve arrangement including a compressed air unit bloated by a connecting air inlet tube, a frame and a valve elevating means to mount the valve arrangement on the frame, several sensors to detect one crisis factor, a communication unit, a data logger and processing unit, a remote management system and several actuators to regulate the operation of the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement shuts down the outflow of fluid stream on receiving a valve shutdown signal from one of the sensors and data processing unit in case of a crisis detection. The data processing unit informs the remote management system to take adequate safety measures through the communication unit.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for transport of energy and/or materials. In one aspect a method includes generating gaseous fuel (e.g., from biomass dissociation) at a first location of a low elevation. The gaseous fuel can be self transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A liquid fuel can be generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the gaseous fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor, and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste.

Abstract: A valve and method for use is provided. The valve has a valve body having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defining a flow path therethrough. The valve has a closure member within the inner perimeter configured to selectively close and open the flow path. The valve has a valve seat located at least partially within the inner perimeter and configured to engage a portion of the closure member when the closure member is in a closed position. The valve has a stem configured to support the closure member within the flow path wherein a portion of the stem has an actuator offset. The valve has a bearing pedestal configured to support the stem. The valve has a closure member-stem connector configured to rotationally couple the closure member to the stem while allowing the closure member to move relative to the stem along a longitudinal axis of the stem.

Abstract: The present invention regards a valve assembly (100) for injecting fluid, preferably a liquid, into a tubing, comprising a first and a second valve sections arranged in series within at least one outer housing (10, 11), the first valve section comprises an internal bore (13) in the housing (10) and a first sealing surface (14) and a first valve element (20) arranged movable within the bore (13) with an sealing surface (25) interacting with the first sealing surface (14) of the at least one housing (10, 11) to form a metal-metal seal, and pretension means (33) keeping the first valve section in a closed position against a hydrostatic pressure independent of tubing pressure, the second valve section arranged downstream of the first valve section and comprises an internal bore (16) in the housing (11) and a second sealing surface (17) and a second valve element (26) arranged movable within the bore (16) with a sealing surface (31) interacting with the second sealing surface (17) of the at least one housing (10,

Abstract: Variable-volume injection valves include a stator and a rotor. The stator has a first port, a second port, and a contact surface with a groove therein. The first port opens into the stator groove. The rotor has a contact surface with a groove therein. The contact surface of the rotor is urged against the contact surface of the stator such that the rotor groove opposes the stator groove with one end of the rotor groove overlapping the stator groove and the opposite end of the rotor groove overlapping the second port of the stator. The overlapping grooves of the rotor and stator provide a fluidic channel between the first and second ports of the stator. The rotor is movable with respect to the stator in order to vary a length of overlap between their overlapping grooves.

Abstract: A device for flushing a hydrant includes a stem connected to a fluid valve of the hydrant and an actuation system including a biased translational system coupled to the stem, a compressed gas, and a normally-open gas discharge valve. An actuation system for flushing a hydrant includes a fluid, a piston assembly movable by the fluid, a manual bleed valve in communication with the fluid, and a biasing element at least indirectly biasing the piston assembly towards a stop position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an acousticaly actuated flow valve having temperature-sensitive reed valves thereon. The flow valve and reed valves are configured to impart acoustical energy into a fluid flowing through the flow valve and one or more fluids downstream of the valve, leading to increased mixing of the fluids. The reed valves are further configured to be temperature-sensitive, thereby allowing more fluid to flow through the flow valve as the result of a change in temperature.

Abstract: An oil filter removal tool and system for the removal and drainage of an oil filter comprising: an oil drain connector, where said connector connects to an oil filter cap of the oil filter; a turn bolt at a distal end of the tool, where said bolt is used to turn the removal tool; a second turn bolt, where the second turn bolt turns counter clockwise to secure the connector to the filter cap; a drain tube provided at the distal end of the tool that inserts onto a drain plug; a body portion, where the body portion secures around the oil filter and surrounds the oil drain connector; and notches, where said notches are provided around a perimeter edge of the body portion of the removal tool.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises a housing, a flow restriction member, and a flow control ring defining a flow control port which is configured to receive the flow restriction member. The flow control ring is configured so as to be sealingly mounted onto a base pipe. The flow restriction member is at least partially inserted into the flow control port so as to at least partially define a predetermined flow restriction through the flow control ring. The housing is sealingly mounted on the flow control ring. The flow control device may be mounted on a base pipe. The flow control device may be used for controlling fluid flow, in particular, though not exclusively in oil and/or gas wells.

Abstract: Appliance pedestal that contains liquid leaks due to condensation, overflow, or system failure originating from the supported liquid filled or handling appliance, provides for multiple methods of discharge of collected liquids, and reduces installation and maintenance requirements and their associated hazards and provides an improved ergonomic operating position for the appliance operator. There is also a system to facilitate the movement of an appliance or pedestal supporting an appliance along a supporting surface. That system includes a chamber located at or proximate to the bottom of the appliance or pedestal having a plurality of openings formed therein. The chamber is pressurized to create a plurality of jets where fluid passes outwardly from the jets toward the supporting surface. The jets raise or float the appliance or the pedestal raising the appliance upwardly off of the supporting surface and allows the easy movement of the appliance along that supporting surface.

Abstract: A drain assembly includes a drain head, which includes a flange and a cylindrical stem, with the flange extending outwardly from the cylindrical stem. The assembly also includes an adapter. The adapter is configured to engage the cylindrical stem of the drain head to adjustably support the drain head on the adapter and has a support flange, the support flange having a top surface. The assembly further includes a clip having a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the clip is connected to an underside of the flange of the drain head and the bottom end is configured to engage the top surface of the support flange of the adapter to permit downward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter and prohibit upward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for a container with a spiking solution for individual adjustment of dialysis solutions and/or dialysis concentrates. The connector ensures a contamination-free introduction of the spiking solution into the container of the dialysis solution and/or of the dialysis concentrate and reliable labeling of same as soon as the original contents have been altered by adding a spiking solution.

Abstract: An air valve connector is threadly engaged to a nozzle head of an air pump, which is eccentrically and pivotally connected with a cam lever. The cam lever is adapted to press against a plug and an airtight ring disposed in the nozzle head to compel the valve connector to connect with different types of air valves such as a French type valve, a German type valve, a English type valve, and an American type valve. The air valve connector of the present invention is reversed easily between first and second positions to be adapted to connect with the different type valves by the user.

Abstract: Provided are a bubble-based microvalve and a microfluidic chip using the microvalve. Also provided are methods of using the microvalve for manipulating fluid in a microfluidic channel by changing the volume and/or location of the gas in the microvalve.

Abstract: Containment devices, for example for containing fluid or contaminant spills, are described. An example containment device includes a flexible absorbent structure which is configured to absorb a first liquid material, for example a liquid hydrocarbon, antifreeze, engine coolant, or combinations thereof, while being further configured to repel and/or resist the absorption of a second liquid material, such as water. The absorbent structure may be attached to a containment structure, which is made from a flexible material impervious to the first liquid material, and which may include a pocket for receiving a reinforcement member therein. During use, a reinforcement member is provided in a pocket along a perimeter of the containment structure, the containment structure being adapted to be collapsed into a compact configuration when not use.

Abstract: A piping system drain down tool allows for a controlled draining of any pipe or piping system in a safe, efficient and professional manner. Current methods for draining piping systems is messy, time-consuming and uncontrolled. The piping system drain down tool includes a boring shaft that can turn to penetrate a pipe clamped into the tool. A seal prevents water from leaking and directs draining water out through the tool and through a valve and a hose connector, where a hose can be connected to direct flow of the draining water. The tool can also be used to create a water supply tap at any location within a water system.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of producing it are proposed, in which a film covers a chamber in a carrier. The film is locally re-tightened in the region of the chamber after the film has been secured to the carrier. In this way it is possible to prevent undesirable bulging of the film into the chamber.

Abstract: A flow control device is capable of performing accurate flow control over a wide range of temperatures by using a housing made of resin with superior chemical resistance. The flow control device includes: a housing made of resin; a diaphragm which is supported in the housing so as to split the housing into a gas chamber side to which gas is introduced and a fluid chamber side through which fluid passes, and is activated by the differential pressure between the gas chamber side and the fluid chamber side; and a valve body which operates in integration with the diaphragm to regulate the flow of the fluid introduced into the fluid chamber side. The gas chamber side includes a holding member which holds the diaphragm between itself and an opposing surface of the fluid chamber side opposite to the diaphragm, the holding member being screwed to the inner peripheral wall of the gas chamber side through a screw part.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a hydraulic low-pass filter for a pressure sensor. The hydraulic low-pass filter includes a housing having an inlet and an internal fluid chamber configured to be filled with hydraulic fluid, the fluid chamber connected to a pressure sensor. The hydraulic low-pass filter further includes an adjustable flow restriction member provided between the inlet and the pressure sensor; and a compliant member provided within the chamber. A cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter is a function of a size of a flow restriction applied by the flow restriction member and a compliance of the compliant member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a check valve having a housing, a connector mounted inside the housing, a flapper joined to the connector, and a biasing member joined to the connector at one end and joined to the flapper proximate another end. The biasing member is internal to the housing, and includes a compression spring.

Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel gas tank; a temperature detecting portion; a fuel gas discharge flow path; a main stop valve that is provided in the fuel gas discharge flow path; and a control portion. The main stop valve includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a main valve that is arranged between the inlet portion and the outlet portion and that opens and closes the fuel gas discharge flow path, a pilot flow path that is provided so as to communicate the inlet portion with the outlet portion, a pilot valve that opens and closes the pilot flow path, and an actuator capable of opening and closing the main valve and the pilot valve at different timings. The control portion opens the pilot valve and closes the main valve when the detected temperature is equal to or lower than a first reference temperature.

Abstract: Valve comprising a shutter (2) rotating as one (A) with a shaft (3) and a sensor sensing the rotational position of the shaft (3), which comprises a target holder (4a) push-fitted onto the shaft (3), a plate (6) slipped onto the shaft (3), the target holder (4a) and the annular part (6a) being in one and the same plane.

Abstract: A nonlinear air stop valve of an air sealing body includes an inner member having left arcs on one side and right arcs on the other side, and both left and right arcs are asymmetrically arranged sideway, and a breach is formed at the bottom of the left and right arcs and on a concave arc surface, and left and right arcs are arranged from top to bottom, such that air entering from an air inlet at the top of the inner membrane flows along an upper arc of the left and right arcs to a lower arc and is blocked by the concave arc surface to flow to the breach and pass through the right arc, breach, left arc and breach in turn from right to left or from left to right into an air outlet at the bottom of the inner membrane and enter into the sealing body.

Abstract: A pilot stage for a jet type servo-valve, the pilot stage including an ejector for ejecting a jet of fluid and that is movable facing a deflector suitable for generating a pressure difference that can be used for moving a spool of the servo-valve. The ejector extends radially projecting from a column to which the ejector is secured and is in fluid-flow communication with a central bore of the column through which the ejector is fed with fluid, the column having a first end that is embedded in the servo-valve and through which the fluid is introduced into the column, and the column has a second end that is subjected to drive from a torque motor for selectively twisting the column in one direction or the other about a rest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic coupling bush (1), comprising a bush housing (4), in particular a sleeve-shaped bush housing (4), in which a hush tappet (12), an axially movable compression sleeve (13) that surrounds the hush tappet (12) in an axially parallel manner, in particular coaxially, and an axially movable retaining sleeve (16) that surrounds the compression sleeve (13) in an axially parallel manner, in particular coaxially, are arranged in an axially parallel manner, in particular coaxially, the outer surface of the retaining sleeve supporting or releasing securing elements (18) arranged in the bush housing (4) in the radial direction and the in particular annular end face (16a) of the retaining sleeve lying at least substantially in one plane with the end faces (12a) of the bush tappet (12) and of the bush housing (4) in the decoupled state, wherein the compression sleeve is exposed from the inside to a hydraulic fluid to be conveyed through the bush at least substantially without applying axi