Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and systems for making and/or cleaning semiconductor devices. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device can be formed including a metal layer and a photoresist polymer. During formation, the semiconductor device can be cleaned in a cleaning chamber by a first cleaning solution provided from a solution supply device. After this cleaning process, a second cleaning solution containing metal ions and/or polymer residues can be produced and processed in a solution processing device to at least partially remove the metal ions and/or polymer residues to produce a third cleaning solution for re-use. In an exemplary fabrication or cleaning system, the solution processing device may be configured connecting to either an inlet or an outlet of the cleaning chamber. After cleaning, the semiconductor device can be processed to include a metal plug or an interconnect wiring.

Abstract: A portable barrier has a pedestal assembly including (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first leg and the second leg. The portable barrier further has a cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms includes a first arm and a second arm, and (ii) a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Further, the portable barrier has (i) a second limiter extending between the first arm and the first leg, (ii) a supplemental component movable with respect to the second arm; and (iii) a third limiter extending between the second arm and the supplemental component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric material comprising a zinc- and tin-based oxide doped with a metal selected from Ta and Nb. The invention also relates to a thermoelectric device comprising such a thermoelectric material, and its use for waste heat recovery.

Abstract: This disclosure examines using lead telluride nanocrystals as well as other materials suitable for thermoelectric conversion, particularly materials with high Figure of Merit values, as coatings on flexible substrates. This disclosure also examines using flexible substrates with lead telluride nanocrystal coatings as sensors.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion device and a selective absorber film are provided. The thermoelectric conversion device includes at least one first selective absorber film, a cold terminal substrate, at least one first thermoelectric element pair, a first conductive substrate and a second conductive substrate. The first selective absorber film non-contactly absorbs a preset limited wavelength band of heat radiation. The first thermoelectric element pair is disposed between the first selective absorber film and the cold terminal substrate, and includes a first N-type thermoelectric element and a first P-type thermoelectric element. The first conductive substrate is disposed between the cold terminal substrate and the first N-type thermoelectric element. The second conductive substrate is disposed between the cold terminal substrate and the first P-type thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a substrate, first and second rear electrodes on the substrate and separated from each other by a first separation pattern, first and second light absorbing layers on the first and second rear electrodes and separated from each other by a second separation pattern, and first and second front electrodes on the light absorbing layer and separated from each other by a third separation pattern. One of the first and second rear electrodes has a rear connecting portion and an opposite one of the first and second front electrodes has a front connecting portion. The first separation pattern is in a bent shape to enclose the rear connecting portion and the third separation pattern is in a bent shape to enclose the front connecting portion. The rear connecting portion and the front connecting portion are disposed facing each other along a z-axis and are electrically connected.

Abstract: A stretchable photovoltaic apparatus according to the present invention includes: a stretchable substrate including islands protruded from a base such that the islands are separated by a trench, and a notch formed in an edge of each of the islands; a photovoltaic cell mounted on the stretchable substrate; and an interconnector of which at least a portion is positioned inside the notch, the interconnector electrically connecting the neighboring photovoltaic cells in one pair. According to the present invention, a semiconductor device may be configured in the form of a stretchable array. Therefore, the present invention is expected to be applied to various industrial fields such as a solar cell field, a display field, a semiconductor device field, a medical field, a clothing field, a measurement field, and a filming field.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module in which a plurality of solar cells and a wiring member for electrically connecting the solar cells are connected via connecting portions and, wherein a plurality of finger electrodes are formed on a light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion body of the solar cell, the wiring member is arranged so as to intersect with the plurality of finger electrodes, and the connecting portion on a light receiving surface side comprises a metal portion which is formed by allowing conductive particles containing a metal having a melting temperature of 200° C. or less to melt and aggregate in a resin and connects the individual finger electrodes and the wiring member; and a resin portion which is composed of the resin and surrounds the metal portion to bond the photoelectric conversion body and the wiring member.

Abstract: When a tab wire 20 is connected to a busbar electrode 12 on a surface side of a photovoltaic cell 6, the bonding strength at the connection part can be improved and electric resistance can be reduced without reducing the amount of received light. The busbar electrode 12 and the tab wire 20 are bonded via conductive resin 22 having light-transmission property. This conductive resin 22 covers at least a part of a side face of the busbar electrode 12, and preferably reaches the surface of the photovoltaic cell 6. The tab wire 20 may have a width smaller than a width of the busbar electrode 12.

Abstract: A single-lens solar module includes solar cells that convert solar radiation into electrical energy, a glass slab, and a single-layer holographic lens formed directly on the glass slab and separated by a distance from the solar cells. The lens is adapted to selectively deflect a first light component comprising visible light and excluding non-visible light, and to concentrate the first component of light onto the solar cells.

Abstract: A hinge for solar tracking apparatus is disclosed. The hinge includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate and a plurality of connecting elements. The first mounting plate has a pair of beveled or curved side faces. The second mounting plate has a pair of beveled or curved side faces. The plurality of connecting elements connect the first mounting plate to the second mounting plate in a spaced apart configuration, wherein each of the plurality of connecting elements connects diagonally opposite side faces of the first mounting plate to the second mounting plate. The hinge facilitates the solar tracking apparatus to track the Sun.

Abstract: At best, photovoltaic solar modules only convert 20% of solar energy into electrical energy, the rest of this energy being dissipated. This heat stored in the photovoltaic module reduces efficiency, which decreases in an inversely proportional manner to the temperature of the photovoltaic module. To dissipate and recover this heat, it is common to associate the photovoltaic module with a heat exchanger which, in addition to cooling the photovoltaic module, will supply heat, for example to heat the sanitary water of a building. This assembly forms a hybrid solar module, whose main limitation is its weight and relatively short service life. The invention described in the present document solves these two problems by replacing the first layer of the hybrid solar module, which is conventionally a glass sheet, with a material which is lighter, less rigid, more transparent, and more compatible with the material from which is constructed the heat exchanger, which now provides the system with its rigidity.

Abstract: A wasted heat harvesting device for harvesting electricity including a switching device configured to convey a magnetic field from a first region to at least a second region when the temperature of the switching device crosses a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A crack resistant solar cell module includes a protective package mounted on a frame. The protective package includes a polyolefin encapsulant that protectively encapsulates solar cells. The polyolefin has less than five weight percent of oxygen and nitrogen in the backbone or side chain. In other words, the combined weight percent of oxygen and nitrogen in any location in the molecular structure of the polyolefin is less than five. The polyolefin also has a complex viscosity less than 10,000 Pa second at 90° C. as measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) before any thermal processing of the polyolefin. The protective package includes a top cover, the encapsulant, and a backsheet. The solar cell module allows for shipping, installation, and maintenance with less risk of developing cracks on the surfaces of the solar cells.

Abstract: A back-face protection sheet for a solar cell module exhibits excellent adhesion strength and tensile strength even under a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, by using a plastic film that has excellent characteristics such as electrical insulation characteristic, heat resistance, dimension stability, mechanical strength, weatherability, and water resistance, and using a two-part type lamination adhesive having excellent weatherability. The back-face protection sheet is made to have excellent adhesion strength and tensile strength for a long period of time, even under a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, by improving weatherability (hydrolysis resistance) as base material films, and giving weatherability (hydrolysis resistance) to the two-part type lamination adhesive to be used in pasting together the base material films.

Abstract: A solar panel apparatus includes a set of photovoltaic modules. The modules are configured to photovoltaically generate electricity from light. Each module is elongated along an axis and has first and second axially opposite ends. An end rail has a groove into which the first end of each module is potted in place with potting material.

Abstract: A solar canopy structure mounted in ground to receive solar energy and convert the solar energy to electrical energy. The solar canopy structure has support columns, solar canopies retained in opposition by the support column, photovoltaic material retained by the solar canopies, and a block of material establishing a point of fixation along the body portion of the support column spaced from the first and second ends of the support column. At least approximately one-half of the support column can be embedded in the ground with the block of material fixed to the support column adjacent to the ground surface. The solar canopies can be have decking supported by wing arms that are joined by a central portion to form a unified, continuous wing arm structure, and the central portion can be received in and secured to a channel in the support column by first and second brackets.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a photovoltaic element, comprising a photovoltaic laminate; a structural substrate; wherein the photovoltaic element further comprises a plurality of hairs which are arranged to improve adhesion between said photovoltaic laminate and said structural substrate. There is also provided an intermediate product which is used in the manufacture of such a photovoltaic element and a method of manufacturing such a photovoltaic element.

Abstract: Provided is a glass base material having excellent sodium feeding capability as a glass base material for solar cells such as compound semiconductor solar cells. The invention is concerned with a glass base material which is used for solar cells, wherein on at least one surface thereof, a sodium concentration in a depth of 0.2 ?m from the surface of the glass base material is 0.55 or larger in terms of a relative value relative to a sodium concentration in a depth of 1 ?m from the surface of the glass base material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesoporous titania bead and the preparation method thereof, wherein said mesoporous titania bead has a diameter of 200-1000 nm, specific surface area of 50-100 m2/g, porosity of 40-60%, pore radius of 5-20 nm, pore volume of 0.20-0.30 cm3/g, and the titania comprised in the bead is anatase titania.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell layer and a method of making the same. The solar cell includes a substrate, a rear electrode layer on the substrate, a light absorbing layer on the rear electrode layer, a buffer layer on the light absorbing layer, a transparent electrode layer on the buffer layer, and an anti-reflection layer on the transparent electrode. The light absorbing layer has a first region having a graded bandgap energy profile, a second region having a graded bandgap energy profile, and third region, between the first region and the second region, having a substantially flat bandgap energy profile. Such bandgap energy profiles allows for easy excitation of the valence band into the conduction band, while also preventing electrons and holes from combining in the light absorbing layer, thus increasing efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a solar cell having a structure wherein a silicon thin film (52) is formed on a crystalline silicon substrate (50). The manufacturing method is provided with: a thin film forming step, wherein, as a silicon thin film (52), a microcrystalline silicon thin film containing a fine silicon crystal is formed on the crystalline silicon substrate (50) by means of an inductively-coupled plasma CVD in which plasma is generated by inductive coupling; and a water vapor thermal treatment step, wherein the substrate having the microcrystalline silicon thin film formed thereon is thermal-treated under water vapor atmosphere under a pressure of 5×105 Pa or more.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device which includes a first conductivity type inorganic semiconductor layer, a noble metal film provided partially on the surface of the first conductivity type inorganic semiconductor layer, and a photoelectric conversion layer including a first conductivity type organic semiconductor pillar being in contact with the noble metal film and containing a sulfur atom, and a second conductivity type organic semiconductor pillar being in contact with the first conductivity type inorganic semiconductor layer and including a material not containing a sulfur atom.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method include a substrate, a conductive layer formed on the substrate and an absorber layer formed on the conductive layer from a Cu—Zn—Sn containing chalcogenide material. An emitter layer is formed on the absorber layer and a buffer layer is formed on the emitter layer including an atomic layer deposition (ALD) layer. A transparent conductor layer is formed on the buffer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass composition that includes: 57 to 75 percent by weight of SiO2; 3 to 11 percent by weight of Al2O3; 6 to 11 percent by weight of Na2O; 16 to 21 percent by weight of CaO; 0.01 to 0.1 percent by weight of Li2O; and less than 0.05 percent by weight of K2O. Each percent by weight is based on total weight of the glass composition. Glass products are also provided that have a bulk glass composition as described above. The glass products, such as flat glass products and glass substrates, have a strain point of at least 590° C. and a thermal expansion of at least 7.4 ppm/° C. The present invention also relates to magnetic recording articles and photovoltaic cells that include a glass substrate that has a bulk glass composition as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to backsheets containing formulated thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) which may be used with photovoltaic modules. More specifically, the backsheets of the present invention have a first exterior layer that comprises TPO and a polyamide, such that a residual fusion heat after lamination of that layer is at least 40 J/g. Using such a layer, sufficient bonding to the encapsulant of a photovoltaic module can be achieved, while maintaining high heat resistance, having low distortion at high operating temperatures, and having relatively low high water vapor transmission rate. The present invention also relates to photovoltaic modules containing the backsheets of the present invention, as well as to methods for making the backsheets of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions useful for preparing films of CZTS and its selenium analogues on a coated substrate. This invention also provides processes for preparing films and coated substrates comprising CZTS/Se microparticles embedded in an inorganic matrix. This invention also provides processes for preparing photovoltaic cells comprising films of CZTS and its selenium analogues.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a transparent electrode includes preparing conductive nanoparticles, preparing a metal oxide sol, mixing and reacting the conductive nanoparticles with the metal oxide sol to form a metal oxide solution including a metal oxide combined with the conductive nanoparticles, coating the metal oxide solution on a substrate, and performing an annealing process on the coated metal oxide solution.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element of an embodiment includes: a back electrode; a heterojunction-type light absorbing layer on the back electrode, containing Cu, selected from Al, In and Ga, and selected from Se and S, and having a chalcopyrite structure; a transparent electrode on the light absorbing layer, wherein aback electrode side-part of the light absorbing layer is of p-type, and a transparent electrode-side part of the light absorbing layer is of n-type, the light absorbing layer has a part with an average crystal grain size of 1,000 nm to 3,000 nm in the vicinity of the back electrode, and the light absorbing layer has apart with an average crystal grain size of at most 500 nm in the vicinity of the transparent electrode or the light absorbing layer has an amorphous part in the vicinity of the transparent electrode.

Abstract: A polymer sheet for a solar cell, including: a first polymer layer; a second polymer layer; and a polymer support, arranged in this order, wherein the first polymer layer includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of a fluorine polymer and a silicone polymer, the first polymer layer contacts the second polymer layer, and a roughness (Rz) of an interface between the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer is in a range of from 0.2 ?m to 3.0 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a UV curable sealing composition for a dye-sensitized solar cell. The UV curable sealing composition includes a polymer bead as a spacer for maintaining an interval between electrodes of the dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: Provided are a glass which is used in an optical element for a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus, has excellent weather resistance, and can be easily processed into a complicated shape; an optical element for a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus using the glass; and a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus. The glass used in an optical element for a concentrating photovoltaic power generation apparatus contains, in % by mass, 30 to 80% SiO2, 0 to 40% B2O3, 0 to 20% Al2O3, not less than 0.1% Li2O, and not less than 0.1% ZrO2.

Abstract: A grating structure and a solar cell assembly. In one aspect, the grating structure suppresses the zero order transmission to near 0%. In another aspect, the solar cell assembly has improved absorption due to coupling with a grating structure.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a rear electrode layer on the substrate, a light-absorption layer on the rear electrode layer, the light-absorption layer including Se and S, and a buffer layer on the light-absorption layer; the light-absorption layer including a depletion region extending from a surface of the light-absorption layer adjacent to the buffer layer, the depletion region having an average S/(Se+S) mole ratio in a range of about 0.10 to about 0.30.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic device, such as, a solar cell, having a substrate and an absorber layer disposed on the substrate. The absorber layer includes a doped or undoped composition represented by the formula: Cu1-yIn1-xGaxSe2-zSz wherein 0?x?1; 0?y?0.15 and 0?z?2; wherein the absorber layer is formed by a solution-based deposition process which includes the steps of contacting hydrazine and a source of Cu, a source of In, a source of Ga, a source of Se, and optionally a source of S, and further optionally a source of a dopant, under conditions sufficient to produce a homogeneous solution; coating the solution on the substrate to produce a coated substrate; and heating the coated substrate to produce the photovoltaic device. A photovoltaic device and a process for making same based on a hydrazinium-based chalcogenide precursor are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organic solar cell comprising new truxequinone derivatives used as acceptor, electron transport material, and doped electron transport materials.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element of an embodiment includes: a p-type light absorbing layer having a chalcopyrite structure; an n-type semiconductor layer on the p-type light absorbing layer; an oxide layer on the n-type semiconductor layer; and a transparent electrode on the oxide layer.

Abstract: A system includes a solids pressurizing feeder and an outlet pipe coupled to an outlet channel of the solids pressurizing feeder. The outlet pipe includes a plurality of pipe segments telescopically coupled to one another such that a length of the outlet pipe is adjustable. The solids pressurizing feeder may be used to convey a mixture of solids and fluids.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for dispensing different chemicals used for high productivity combinatorial processing. A dispense panel may include multiple inlet lines for supplying different chemicals. Each inlet line is connected to its own three-way valve that either allows the supplied chemical to flow from the inlet line towards a dispense valve connected to a dispense manifold (during dispensing of the supplied chemical) or allows another chemical to flow from the dispense valve to a waste manifold (during priming of the dispense manifold with this other chemical). Specifically, during priming a chemical supplied from its inlet line and is passed through a corresponding three-way valve and is directed to its dispense valve and then into the dispense manifold. Other dispense valves and three-way valves of the dispense panel allow this chemical to flow out of the dispense manifold, thereby priming remaining parts of the panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating pulsatile flows includes a liquid vessel capable of containing a liquid, a plurality of revolving mechanisms associated with each other, and a microchannel supplied with a liquid from the liquid vessel. As the plurality of revolving mechanisms rotate, a periodically changing pressure difference occurs between the liquid vessel and the microchannel, thereby implementing a pulsatile flow having a wave functional form in the microchannel. By applying the hydraulic head difference and controlling revolution of the revolving mechanisms based on Fourier cosine series, a minute and precise pulsatile flow of a wave functional form may be implemented by means of simple configuration and fabrication, which may not easily obtained by a conventional pump.

Abstract: A dispensing and metering system, in particular of substances in microfluidic systems, includes a fluid and a stored substance. In an initial configuration, the stored substance is separated from the fluid by a separation element. The stored substance is dispensed to the fluid by actuation upon the separation element.

Abstract: A production control system for an underwater well, comprises: first electrically operated means for supplying first hydraulic fluid, for opening a first control valve of the well; second electrically operated means, for supplying second hydraulic fluid at a higher pressure than said first fluid, for opening a further control valve of the well; electronic circuitry (SEM1) for providing electrical power for operating said first and second means; and means for controlling the sequence of closing said control valves as a result of a loss of electrical power from said electronic circuitry. The controlling means comprises: electrical power storage means; detection means responsive to said loss of power from said electronic circuitry; and means coupled with said detection means for using electrical power from said storage means to keep said further control valve open for a period after closure of said first control valve and close it after said period.

Abstract: A method of draining a standpipe includes moving a valve control device toward a closed position sufficient to uncover at least one drain hole before the valve control device achieves a fully closed position, the at least one drain hole being disposed in a slot of a saturation ring and draining a contents of the standpipe through a drain route to an external portion of the standpipe, the drain route is defined by the drain hole in the valve seat ring, drain ports in the drain ring, outlet notches and a drain channel in the saturation ring. The drain hole is radially offset from each of the drain ports in the drain ring and each of the drain ports are radially offset from each of the outlet notches in the saturation ring. A valve control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and propagating a plurality of plasma armatures along electrodes. In particular embodiments, the electrodes are flush mounted to the surface and the plasma armatures are formed and propagated at a high frequency and velocity.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for moving a droplet on an elongated track formed on a patterned surface using vibration. The elongated track includes a plurality of patterned transverse arcuate regions such that when the surface is vibrated the droplet is urged along the track as a result of an imbalance in the adhesion of a front portion of the droplet and a back portion of the droplet to the transverse arcuate regions.

Abstract: An aircraft nacelle comprising a first duct secured to an air intake and a second duct secured to a powerplant, the first duct comprising an exterior surface and an end portion connected to the second duct. The nacelle includes a hollow section piece in contact with the exterior surface of the first duct which extends over at least part of the circumference of that end portion of the first duct that is connected to the second duct.

Abstract: An elongated pipe member having a distal end, an opposite end, and an axial direction of water flow, at least one tap member adapted to allow water to leave the pipe member, a valve member attached at the distal end of the pipe member to allow and cut-off water flow through the at least one tap member, and an accumulator means attached to an attachment receiver attached to the pipe member at a position in between the distal end and the opposite end, wherein the accumulator means extends perpendicularly upwards from the axial direction of the pipe member, and is configured such that water flowing through the water tap can also flow upwards into the accumulator means, such that when the water in the pipe member begins to freeze and expand.

Abstract: An anti-flooding safety device includes two connection bodies, a valve arrangement that includes a valve member, a retention member for withholding the valve member in a respective opening position, and an inner hose and an outer hose impermeable to water. The inner hose hydraulically connects the two connection bodies and extends at least in part within the outer hose so that defined between the two hoses is a gap designed to withhold inside it any possible leaking water. A connection body has a control chamber that is at least in part delimited by a movable element, and a control member is coupled to the movable element so that a displacement of the latter will cause a displacement of the control member towards a respective position of release, wherein the valve member is free to pass into its closing position. The gap is in fluid communication with the control chamber, to obtain a substantially closed volume therewith.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides a packaged air conditioning & heating (PACH) system that comprises a housing, an air cooling system contained within the housing and an air heating system contained within the housing. A first utility access point is located on a first side of the housing and a second utility access point is located on a second side of the housing. The first and second utility access points provide multiple utility access connectivity for the air cooling and heating systems.

Abstract: An adhesive melter includes a melter tank with an interior communicating with a top opening, a sealing flange surrounding the top opening, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes guide rails and a lid for sliding on the guide rails between an open position exposing the top opening a closed position over the top opening. The lid includes a closure surface that slides generally along a plane of the sealing flange when the lid slides on the guide rails, and the closure surface also moves in a direction transverse to the plane defined by the sealing flange simultaneous to this sliding movement. The sliding movement of the lid enables an operator to grasp the handle and control the lid movement over the full range of lid movement, while the transverse movement of the closure surface avoids stiction forces from preventing sliding movement.