Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a wash chamber and at least one dish rack located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has at least one sprayer located in the wash chamber and at least one nozzle located in the wash chamber and configured to provide a spray of liquid into the dish rack. A diverter valve controls the supply of liquid from a liquid supply to the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) for an elongate line (30), the cleaning apparatus (10) comprising an apparatus carriage (11) and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles (23) mounted thereto, said apparatus carriage (11) is positionable proximal to the elongate line (30) and adapted to move along the length of the elongate line (30) enabling the high pressure water jet nozzles (23) to clean the elongate line (30).

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an electric cleaning apparatus comprising a body, a first cleaning part, a second cleaning part, a first driving part, and/or a second driving part. The first driving part and the second driving part can be driven by a motor simultaneously and/or can drive the first cleaning part and/or the second cleaning part respectively to reciprocate relative to the body. The phase deviations of the motions of the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part can be from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 180 degrees (exclusive of 180 degrees). The cleaning effect can be improved via the reciprocation of the body caused by the phase deviations.

Abstract: The Umbrapack is an umbrella that is harnessed or anchored to a small backpack and is used to shield the wearer from the harmful UV rays from the sun or protect the wearer from the rain, basically creating an umbra or shade of protection without having to hold an umbrella by the handle. While the user is wearing the Umbrapack they may open or close the umbrella by pulling cords that run to the general mechanisms on the umbrella one would use for said function which are conveniently located on the pack itself. Now we can enjoy the comfort of shade from the weather during outside activities without the inconvenience of holding an umbrella handle.

Abstract: Embodiments of walking aids, which may comprise a handle, a shaft, and a base, are described.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a composition of Formula 1: (Bi1-x-zSbxAz)u(Te1-ySey)w,??Formula 1 wherein A is a transition metal, 0?x<1, 0?y?1, 0<z?0.03, 1.8?u?2.2, and 2.8?w?3.2.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module extends in a longitudinal direction and includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube and an interspace between the tubes. At least one first strip-shaped structure and one second strip-shaped structure are provided. The first strip-shaped structure extends from a first connection on the inner tube and the second strip-shaped structure extends from a second connection on the outer tube in opposite directions in at least one circumferential direction or in the longitudinal direction and at least partly form an overlap at least in the circumferential direction or in the longitudinal direction. At least one pair of semiconductor elements is disposed in the region of the overlap. A method for producing a thermoelectric module and a thermoelectric generator are also provided.

Abstract: An electric power generation system employs a thermoelectric generator placed between an aircraft inner skin and an aircraft outer skin. The thermoelectric generator is configured to utilize a thermal differential between the inner and outer skin to generate electricity. An electrical interface is provided for access to the electricity generated by said thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material that includes an electrically conductive polymer, and at least one metal nanoparticle coated with a protective agent, wherein said protective agent includes a compound having a first part that has at least part of the molecular backbone of said electrically conductive polymer and a second part that interacts with said at least one metal nanoparticle.

Abstract: A frameless photovoltaic module constructed as a laminated sandwich comprising an optically transparent plastic film glazing layer, an optically transparent upper adhesive layer, a matrix of PV cells, a middle layer adhering said PV cells to a PV cells back lining layer consisting of a matrix of an individual plastic film tiles having the same quantity, footprints and arrangement as the PV cells and another sides of said plastic film tiles are adhered to a PV module rigid base sheet, said plastic film glazing layer, being adhered to said PV cells and to said rigid base sheet, in spaces between said PV cells and the rigid base sheet peripheral areas, forms in-folds in the grooved spaces between said PV cells, where said in-folds allow compensation for thermal expansion and contraction of said plastic film glazing. Interspaces between adjacent PV cells chamfered corners are arranged with mounting holes reinforced by eyelets.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic panel includes a first plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series and arranged in a radial pattern. Another thin film photovoltaic panel has a first plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series. Each of the cells produces a respective current substantially equal to a selected first chain current under a selected illumination condition. The cells are shaped and arranged so that any straight-edged shadow falling on the panel at least partly shades two cells.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell module comprises: dispersing carbon nanotubes into a soldering flux; spraying the soldering flux including the carbon nanotubes, onto connection parts between solar cell devices and an interconnector; and connecting the solar cell devices with the interconnector using the soldering flux.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power from solar radiation utilizing a thin film III-V compound multijunction semiconductor solar cell mounted on a support in a non-planar configuration is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A portable modular solar energy generating system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of modular photovoltaic solar panels that collect solar energy and convert the solar energy to DC power. Each modular panel also contains a micro-inverter for converting the DC power to AC power at the site of the solar energy generating systems. The system is foldable for easy transport to a remote location and can provide readily available electrical power at remote locations.

Abstract: A device, method and process of fabricating an interdigitated multicell thermo-photo-voltaic component that is particularly efficient for generating electrical energy from photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum received from a heat source in the near field. Where the absorbing region is germanium, the device is capable of generating electrical energy by absorbing photon energy in the greater than 0.67 electron volt range corresponding to radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum. Use of germanium semiconductor material provides a good match for converting energy from a low temperature heat source. The side that is opposite the photon receiving side of the device includes metal interconnections and dielectric material which provide an excellent back surface reflector for recycling below band photons back to the emitter. Multiple cells may be fabricated and interconnected as a monolithic large scale array for improved performance.

Abstract: Manageable hybrid plant using photovoltaic and solar thermal technology and associated operating method, wherein said hybrid plant comprises three levels of generation: Level 1 (1) of photovoltaic generation (42) covering the self consumption of the plant; Level 2 (2) of generation of the solar thermal plant (44) and another part of photovoltaic generation (45) that covers the consumption of the auxiliary services of the solar thermal plant (43); Level 3 (3) of generation of another area of photovoltaic production (46) that improves the total production curve, the total power generated by the hybrid plant and discharged into the network (47), being the result of the sum of generation of the three levels. The photovoltaic modules of the invention are located in: in the north or south side of the tower not occupied by the cavity; the area surrounding the solar receivers of the tower; on covers or roofs of the plant at the rear of the heliostats; on land annexed to the tower plant.

Abstract: A solar module is disclosed, which includes a back plate, a reflecting structure, one or more solar cell units, a bottom sealant, a top sealant, and a transparent plate. The reflecting structure is disposed on the back plate. The reflecting structure has inclines and a reflector layer. The solar cell units are disposed on the back plate. The solar cell units are spatially separated from and adjacent to the reflecting structure. The inclines are tilted towards nearby solar cell units. The reflector layer is disposed on the incline for directing the light toward the solar cell unit through total internal reflection. The bottom sealant is disposed between the back plate and the solar cell units. The top sealant is disposed on the solar cell units, and the transparent plate is disposed on the top sealant. A method for fabricating the solar module is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided with a plurality of solar cells each having a rectangular shape with chamfered corners, a protection member arranged in a light receiving surface side of the solar cells, and a reflection member having a rectangular shape in a plan view. The reflection member is arranged in an area surrounded by the solar cells. The reflection member includes a reflection surface. The reflection surface includes a plurality of areas. The areas are provided so that reflection directions of light perpendicular to the light receiving surfaces are different from each other in adjacent ones of the areas, the adjacent ones being adjacent to each other in a row direction or a column direction of the solar cells.

Abstract: A tandem solar cell structure includes a substrate, a conductive layer, a bottom solar cell combination and a top solar cell, The bottom solar cell combination includes a plurality of solar cell units and is disposed on the substrate. A conductive layer is disposed between the top solar cell and the bottom solar cell combination. The top solar cell is connected to one of the solar cell units in series. A wide energy distribution of the solar radiation can be absorbed through the tandem solar cell structure. The electrical series connection of the top solar cell and the solar cell units of the bottom solar cell combination reduces current mismatch between the top and bottom cells and enhances the overall system open circuit voltage due to more units in the bottom cell combination. The efficiency of the tandem solar cell structure is therefore improved considerably.

Abstract: A ballasted mounting system for positioning a solar panel on a mounting surface. The system comprises a support structure and a cover assembly fastened to the support structure. The support structure has a plurality of support members for retaining the solar panel over the mounting surface at an inclined angle to the mounting surface, and as a proximal end positioned adjacent to the mounting surface and the solar panel attachable to a distal end of the support structure. The cover assembly comprises sheet material fastened to the support structure and having a first cover panel positioned between the support structure and the mounting surface and a second cover panel positioned between the proximal end and the distal end, such that the cover assembly cooperates with the solar panel when installed to form an interior.

Abstract: A solar module is provided and includes a support element, a frame body, a photoelectric conversion module, and a protection element. An accommodating space is formed in a region surrounded by the frame body. The photoelectric conversion module is located in the accommodating space. The support element extends past the photoelectric conversion module and is connected to the frame body. The protection element is located on the photoelectric conversion module, and is located in the accommodating space.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel which includes multiple solar cells, a bus bar being disposed at a side of the solar cell panel, an external interconnection cable including a bypass diode, and connected to the bus bar, and a case including an inner space for accommodating the solar cell panel and the external interconnection cable.

Abstract: A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes providing a substrate. A layer is deposited to form one or more layers of a photovoltaic stack on the substrate. The depositing of the amorphous layer includes performing a high power flash deposition for depositing a first portion of the layer. A low power deposition is performed for depositing a second portion of the layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optoelectronic device includes steps of: providing an optoelectronic structure; forming a first contact layer having a pattern on the upper surface of the optoelectronic structure; forming a dielectric layer on the first contact layer and the optoelectronic structure; removing the dielectric layer on the first contact layer; and forming an electrode structure on the first contact layer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a tunneling junction solar cell. The solar cell includes a base layer, an emitter layer situated adjacent to the shallow counter doping layer, a surface field layer situated adjacent to a side of the base layer opposite to the shallow counter doping layer, a front-side electrode, and a back-side electrode. The base layer includes a shallow counter doping layer having a conduction doping type that is opposite to a remainder of the base layer. The emitter layer has a bandgap that is wider than that of the base layer.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a dopant layer by doping a dopant of a first conductive type and a count dopant of a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type to a surface of a semiconductor substrate. Here, a doping amount of the count dopant is less than a doping amount of the dopant.

Abstract: A solar cell according to an embodiment includes a semiconductor substrate; a first dopant layer formed at one surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a first electrode electrically connected to the first dopant layer. At least a part of the first dopant layer includes a pre-amorphization element, and a concentration of the pre-amorphization element in one portion of the first dopant layer is different from a concentration of the pre-amorphization element in another portion of the first dopant layer.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a solar cell includes a photovoltaic layer, a plurality of front electrodes, a rear electrode, and a transparent subsidiary electrode. The plurality of front electrodes and the rear electrode are disposed respectively on front and rear surfaces of the photovoltaic layer. The subsidiary electrode is disposed on front surfaces of the photovoltaic layer and the front electrodes. The subsidiary electrode may be graphene.

Abstract: A method of forming an array of nanostructures includes forming a plurality of seed points on a surface of a substrate, and growing masks from the seed points to create masked regions of the substrate underlying the masks. A remainder of the substrate comprises an unmasked region. Each mask and masked region increase in size with growth time while the unmasked region of the substrate decreases in size. During the growing, the unmasked region is etched to remove material from the substrate in a depth direction, and, simultaneously, unetched structures are formed from the masked regions of the substrate underlying the masks. Each of the unetched structures has a lateral size that increases with depth.

Abstract: Solar cells with enhanced efficiency are disclosed. An example solar cell includes a first electrode (12). The first electrode (12) includes an electron conductor film (14). A quantum dot layer (16) is coupled to the electron conductor film (14). An electrolyte solution (18) is disposed adjacent to the quantum dot layer (16). A second electrode (20) is electrically coupled to one or more of the electrolyte solution (18) and the quantum dot layer (16). The second electrode (20) includes a sulfur-containing coating compound (24), and the electrolyte is a polysulfide electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for producing a light-absorbing semiconductor component, wherein at least one partial area of a semiconductor substrate is irradiated with a plurality of laser pulses having a predefinable length, wherein the pulse shape of the laser pulses is adapted to at least one predefinable desired shape by modulation of the amplitude and/or of the polarization. A semiconductor component for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, includes a crystalline semiconductor substrate having a first and an opposite second side, wherein a dopant is introduced at least in a partial volume of the semiconductor substrate which adjoins the first side, such that a first pn junction is formed between the partial volume and the substrate, wherein at least one first partial area of the second side is provided with a dopant and a surface modification, such that a second pn junction is formed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate having a plurality of hole shapes formed therein. The plurality of hole shapes each have a hole opening extending from a first surface and narrowing with depth into the substrate. The plurality of hole shapes form a hole pattern on the first surface, and the hole pattern includes flat areas separating the hole shapes on the first surface. A photovoltaic device stack is formed on the first surface and extends into the hole shapes. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell that includes an electrode having a semiconductor nanoparticle layer dispersed on a transparent conductive substrate, a plurality of semiconductor nanofibers dispersed on the nanoparticle layer, a first light absorption material is attached to the plurality of semiconductor nanofibers in which the first light absorption material having a first light absorption bandwidth, and a second light absorption material deposited on the light absorption material of the plurality of semiconductor nanofibers, the second light absorption material having a second light absorption bandwidth complementary to the first light absorption bandwidth, a counter electrode includes a metal-coated transparent conductive substrate, and an electrolyte in contact with the near-infrared light absorption material and the counter electrode.

Abstract: A lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide glass composition is useful as a component of a conductive silver paste. Especially useful are P-containing and V-containing lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide glass composition. Conductive silver via paste comprising particulate conductive silver and any of the lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide glass compositions of the invention can be used in providing the metallization of the holes in the silicon wafers of MWT solar cells. The result is a metallic electrically conductive via between the collector lines on the front side and the emitter electrode on the back-side of the solar cell. The paste can also be used to form the collector lines on the front-side of the solar cell and the emitter electrode on the back-side of the solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrosion-resistant photovoltaic module characterized in that an interconnector ribbon connects the photovoltaic cells and a sacrificial metal as an anode for cathodic protection is attached to the interconnector ribbon to prevent corrosion of a connective part between the photovoltaic cells. The present invention can prevent an increase of serial resistance at a connective part between the ribbon and the cell and can significantly reduce the degradation of generation efficiency by preventing the corrosion of the interconnector ribbon due to the external environment.

Abstract: Methods, structures and devices are provided in which a crystalline silicon surface is passivated by an ultra-thin silicon oxide layer and an outer passivating dielectric layer, where the ultra-thin silicon oxide layer has a thickness on an Angstrom scale. In some embodiments, both layers are formed by low temperature processes. The outer passivating layer may be formed according to a PECVD process that employs hydrogen-containing precursor gases, such that hydrogen is incorporated into one or both of the silicon oxide layer and the passivating dielectric layer. The present methods may be employed for the passivation of a wide variety of structures and devices, including photovoltaic cells, MOSFET devices, flash memory devices, and thin-film silicon substrates that may contain such devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides strategies for making higher quality p-n heterojunctions that incorporate cuprous oxide and another material suitable for forming the heterojunction. When incorporated into microelectronic devices, these improved heterojunctions would be expected to provide improved microelectronic properties such as improved defect density, in particular lower interfacial defect density at the p-n heterojunction, leading to improved microelectronic devices such as solar cell devices with improved open circuit voltage, fill factor, efficiency, current density, and the like.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element includes: forming a hole injection layer by applying a solvent containing a first p-type organic semiconductor and an oxidant capable of oxidizing the first p-type organic semiconductor on a transparent substrate and a transparent electrode provided on the transparent substrate and by removing the solvent by drying to oxidize the first p-type organic semiconductor with the oxidant; forming a photoelectric conversion layer by applying a solvent containing an n-type organic semiconductor and a second p-type organic semiconductor on the hole injection layer and by removing the solvent by drying; and forming a metal electrode using a metal layer on the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A multi-part transparent conductive zinc oxide layer for a photoelectric conversion device, and a method of producing same. The transparent conductive zinc oxide layer includes at least one basic layer sequence with a varying boron dopant concentration. The basic layer sequence includes a thinner transparent conductive zinc oxide higher-boron-doped layer and a thicker transparent conductive zinc oxide lower-boron-doped layer. The doping density through each individual conductive zinc oxide layer is substantially constant, which is achieved by intentionally doping the thicker transparent conductive zinc oxide lower-boron-doped layer. Optionally, an interlayer may be present between the at least one basic layer sequence and the substrate or an n-doped silicon layer upon which it is disposed. This advantageously permits efficient Edge Isolation by Laser EIL ablation of the transparent conductive zinc oxide layers while maintaining good electrical and optical properties in said layers.

Abstract: There is provided a solar battery, including: a solar cell including a porous electrode provided on at least one surface of a substrate; a conductive wire electrically connected to the porous electrode; and an adhesive material provided between the porous electrode and the conductive wire, wherein a part of the adhesive material penetrates into the porous electrode. There is also provided a method of manufacturing the solar battery.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. Also provided are: a semiconductor device which can be obtained by the method; and a dispersion that can be used in the method. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device (500a) of the present invention comprises the steps (a)-(c) described below. (a) A dispersion which contains doped particles is applied to a specific part of a layer or a base. (b) An unsintered dopant implanted layer is obtained by drying the applied dispersion. (c) The specific part of the layer or the base is doped with a p-type or n-type dopant by irradiating the unsintered dopant implanted layer with light, and the unsintered dopant implanted layer is sintered, thereby obtaining a dopant implanted layer that is integrated with the layer or the base.

Abstract: A reflective photovoltaic solar concentration system is formed by a primary reflecting mirror (1) changing the direction of the light beams entering the system and redirecting the beams toward a secondary reflecting mirror (2), changing again the direction of the received light beams and redirecting them toward a tertiary optical element (3), which in turn transmits the received light beams to a photovoltaic receiver. The tertiary optical element (3) has a convex-curved input face (4) of circular section, and truncated pyramid section (5) which transmits the received light beams by complete internal reflection to a photovoltaic receiver. The leading end (6) of the truncated pyramid section (5) has, immediately after the input face (4), a circular cross-section (6) which is progressively transformed into a square cross-section until reaching the trailing end (7) of the truncated pyramid section (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing manufactured aggregates and other compositions from a particulate PCM slurry, suspension or emulsion by combining a cementitious binder and a adsorbent and/or absorbent with the PCM slurry. The PCM-containing composition can be produced in an agglomeration process. The ingredients can also be mixed to form a viscous mass which can be extruded or otherwise formed to produce useful products.

Abstract: A method to improve CdTe-based photovoltaic device efficiency is disclosed. The CdTe-based photovoltaic device can include oxygen or silicon in semiconductor layers.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells comprising an active layer comprising, as p-type material, conjugated polymers such as polythiophene and regioregular polythiophene, and as n-type material at least one fullerene derivative. The fullerene derivative can be C60, C70, or C84. The fullerene also can be functionalized with indene groups. Improved efficiency can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid delivery machine configured to deliver fluid on a worksite is disclosed. In the method, operation of a power source of the fluid delivery machine is controlled with a control module. Fluid delivery on the worksite is also controlled by the control module.

Abstract: A method of purging air from a tank includes opening, with a controller, a purging orifice on the tank to release a gas mixture contained within the tank, operating a timer to track multiple time intervals during which the purging orifice is open, each time interval having a beginning time and an ending time, determining an initial value of a system variable at each beginning time and a subsequent value of the system variable at each ending time, deriving a characteristic value of the gas mixture based on a change in the system variable from the initial value to the subsequent value measured over each time interval, and closing, with the controller, the purging orifice if a rate of change of the characteristic value over sequential time intervals is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold rate of change value.

Abstract: An injector mixer arrangement (10) for supplying a reducing agent in gaseous form into a flue gas flowing in a gas duct (14) communicating with a catalyst (18a) in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactor (12) arranged downstream of said injector mixer arrangement (10). The injector mixer arrangement (10) comprises an injector grid (22) equipped with a plurality of nozzles (30) arranged horizontally within the gas duct (14). The nozzles (30) are adapted to supply said reducing agent to the gas duct (14). The injector mixer arrangement (10) further comprises first stage mixer plates (24) and second stage mixer plates (26) arranged in the gas duct (14) downstream of said nozzles (30) and upstream of SCR reactor 12.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A water distribution system having a dual use water treatment unit. The same water treatment unit can be used to treat water supplied from a fill port to a storage tank during a fill operation, as well as water leaving the storage tank for supply to one or more points of water use during a supply operation. When a diverter valve is in a fill position, water supplied to the fill port can flow through the diverter valve and to the water treatment unit for treatment then to the storage tank for storage. When the diverter valve is in a supply position, the water from the storage tank can be delivered using means for pressurizing water to the same treatment unit for treatment, then through the diverter valve and to a point of water use device.