Abstract: A heliostat for reflecting sunlight toward a target includes a first structure supporting a mirror including inner and outer tubes being rotatable relative to one another. A first actuator includes an electric motor driving a reduction gearset to rotate one of the first tubes and rotate the mirror about a first axis. A second structure also includes inner and outer rotatable tubes. A second actuator includes a second electric motor driving a reduction gearset to rotate the mirror about a second axis.

Abstract: A concentrator system having an optical concentrator and a receiver with a carrier substrate and at least one photovoltaic solar cell. The optical concentrator and the receiver are arranged to concentrate incident electromagnetic radiation onto a front side of the solar cell. The solar cell has at least one base and at least one emitter region and at least one metallic base contact structure electrically conductively connected to the base region for external interconnection, and at least one metallic emitter contact structure is electrically conductively connected to the emitter region external contact. The base and emitter contact structures are arranged on the front side of the solar cell. At least one base back-side metallization is provided, and the solar cell has at least one metallic base via structure that extends from the base back-side metallization to the base contact structure for electrically conductive connection by the base via structure.

Abstract: An energy conversion device includes a holographic lens arranged between a glass slab and the first solar cell. The holographic lens is configured to concentrate a portion of a first component of impinging electromagnetic radiation onto the first solar cell and direct a portion of a second component of the electromagnetic radiation away from the first solar cell. The first solar cell is a back contact solar cell configured to convert the first component of the electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy.

Abstract: Capable of supporting large radial loads due to heavy panels, with a simplified assembly but without compromise in terms of precision and robustness. It comprises an annular structural casing (1), a toothed crown (2) mounted in the structural casing (1), whereon an endless screw (3) actuated by a motor (4) tangentially meshes, the toothed crown (2) of which comprises a central annular protuberance (5) with a toothing that meshes with the endless screw (3), and the circular projections (6) of which of the body of the toothed crown (2) comprise a plurality of threaded holes (7) for connecting the horizontal shafts that support the solar panels for their zenithal orientation, where the toothed crown (2) comprises a toothed track whereon the endless screw (3) tangentially meshes, and two independent raceways.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy convertor/concentrator system (4) for directly converting solar energy into electric and/or thermal energy, containing at least one energy convertor. The aim of the invention is to provide at least one concentrating optic (5) for concentrating incident solar light (8) onto an absorber module (7).

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprises a pair of concentric reflectors having a spindle toroid geometry for focusing the collected solar radiation into a ring-shaped focal area, as opposed to the “point” or “line” focus of prior art configurations. In a preferred embodiment, each reflector is formed of a plurality of curved petals that are disposed in a contiguous, keystone arrangement that requires no additional fixturing to hold the petals in place. Such an arrangement reduces the weight, complexity and cost of the final solar concentrator structure.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a solar cell encapsulating module including a first substrate, a first encapsulating material layer, a metal particle layer, multiple solar cells, a routing layer, a second encapsulating material layer and a second substrate. The first substrate is formed from a light transmittance material. The first encapsulating material layer is formed on the first substrate. The metal particle layer is formed on the first encapsulating material layer. The solar cells are disposed on the metal particle layer. The routing layer is disposed on the solar cells for being electrically connected to the plurality of solar cells. The second encapsulating material layer is formed on the routing layer. The second substrate is disposed on the second encapsulating material layer. The routing layer is disposed on only one side of the solar cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar roof structure unified with glass, more particularly a solar roof structure unified with glass having transparency at a part where viewing therethrough is required and having a dye-sensitized solar cell panel equipped inside a transparent support, thus being applicable as a power source while ensuring viewability therethrough, and hence being applicable to, for example, an automotive sunroof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation apparatus including a photovoltaic power generator; a frame coupled to an edge of the photovoltaic power generator; and a holder coupled to the frame, the frame including a female coupling part coupled to the edge of the photovoltaic power generator, and an inserting part extending from the female coupling part and being inserted in the holder.

Abstract: A solar module is described. The solar module has: i) a carrier layer and, arranged thereon one over another, a first intermediate layer, at least one solar cell, a second intermediate layer, and a front pane; ii) a peripheral edge reinforcement arranged above the front pane; iii) an interspace formed by a peripheral projection of the carrier layer; and iv) a peripheral projection of the peripheral edge reinforcement beyond the front pane, the interspace having a sealant.

Abstract: Disclosed are multilayer film structures comprising a layer (B) that comprises a crystalline block copolymer composite (CBC) or a specified block copolymer composite (BC), comprising i) an ethylene polymer (EP) comprising at least 80 mol % polymerized ethylene; ii) an alpha-olefin-based crystalline polymer (CAOP) and iii) a block copolymer comprising (a) an ethylene polymer block comprising at least 80 mol % polymerized ethylene and (b) a crystalline alpha-olefin block (CAOB); and a layer C that comprises a polyolefin having at least one melting peak greater than 1255 C, the top facial surface of layer C in adhering contact with the bottom facial surface of layer B. Such multilayer film structure preferably comprises (A) a seal layer A having a bottom facial surface in adhering contact with the top facial surface of layer B. Such films are suited for use in electronic device (ED) modules comprising an electronic device such as a PV cell.

Abstract: An attachment member and a solar cell array are disclosed. The attachment member includes a first member; a second member on the first member; and a fixing member that fixes the first and second members. The first member includes a bottom portion; two first side walls facing each other. The second member includes a top portion; two second side walls facing to each other. The first and the second side walls are alternately arranged and face to each other. Each of the first and second side walls comprises an engagement portion. The engagement portion of one of the first side walls adjustably engages in height direction with the engagement portion of one of the second side walls. The engagement portion of the other one of the first side walls adjustably engages in height direction with the engagement portion of the other one of the second side walls.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a surface, comprising a support with an upper surface, a lower surface, tabs, one ore more openings, and a clip comprising an arm and a notch, where the apparatus resists wind forces and seismic forces and creates a grounding electrical bond between the PV module, support, and clip.

Abstract: A production method of a hole blocking layer includes: a liquid layer forming step that causes a liquid composition and a surface of a member on which the hole blocking layer is to be formed, to contact with each other thereby forming a liquid layer comprising the liquid composition on the surface of the member on which the hole blocking layer is to be formed, the liquid composition containing a zinc source comprising bis(acetylacetonato)zinc, a complexing agent comprising acetylacetone, and a polar solvent; and a drying step that heats the liquid layer formed by the liquid layer forming step to vaporize the complexing agent and the polar solvent from the liquid layer thereby forming a hole blocking layer comprising zinc oxide on the surface of the member on which the hole blocking layer is to be formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent chemically functionalized graphene with high electrical conductivity and which is stable in air. It also relates to a method of manufacturing a conductive and transparent graphene-based material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a metal oxide-carbonaceous hybrid thin film, a preparing method of the metal oxide-carbonaceous hybrid thin film, and a dye-sensitized solar cell using a photoelectrode including the metal oxide-carbonaceous hybrid thin film.

Abstract: Diffusion regions of a solar cell are formed using a blanket layer of film that is doped with dopants of a first conductivity type. Dopants of a second conductivity type are implanted in select regions of the blanket layer of film to form dopant source regions of the second conductivity type. Diffusion regions of the solar cell are formed by diffusing dopants of the first conductivity type and dopants of the second conductivity type from the blanket layer of film into an underlying silicon material. The blanket layer of film may be a P-type dopant source layer doped with boron, with phosphorus being implanted in select regions of the P-type dopant source layer to form N-type dopant source regions in the P-type dopant source layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a crystalline photovoltaic layer, a first impurity region having a first conductivity type and a second impurity region having a second conductivity type in the photovoltaic layer, a third impurity region having the first conductivity type in the first impurity region, a fourth impurity region having the second conductivity type in the second impurity region, a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer contacting the third impurity region and the fourth impurity region, respectively, and a first electrode and a second electrode contacting the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer, respectively. The first impurity region and the second impurity region are spaced apart from each other. The third impurity region and the fourth impurity region have an impurity concentration higher than the first impurity region the second impurity region, respectively.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first photoelectric conversion unit based on crystalline semiconductor, a second photoelectric conversion unit on the first photoelectric conversion unit and including a plurality of conversion portions based on amorphous semiconductor, a bonding layer disposed between the first and second photoelectric conversion units to connect the first photoelectric conversion unit to the second photoelectric conversion unit, and electrodes electrically connected respectively to the first and second photoelectric conversion units.

Abstract: Enhanced adhesion of seed layers for solar cell conductive contacts and methods of forming solar cell conductive contacts are described. For example, a method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming an adhesion layer above an emitter region of a substrate. A metal seed paste layer is formed on the adhesion layer. The metal seed paste layer and the adhesion layer are annealed to form a conductive layer in contact with the emitter region of the substrate. A conductive contact for the solar cell is formed from the conductive layer.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of fabricating a solar cell. A silicon lamina is cleaved from the silicon substrate. The backside of the silicon lamina includes the P-type and N-type doped regions. A metal foil is attached to the backside of the silicon lamina. The metal foil may be used advantageously as a built-in carrier for handling the silicon lamina during processing of a frontside of the silicon lamina. Another embodiment relates to a solar cell that includes a silicon lamina having P-type and N-type doped regions on the backside. A metal foil is adhered to the backside of the lamina, and there are contacts formed between the metal foil and the doped regions. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic cell has an insulating substrate divided into a plurality of unit cells by alternately forming patterning lines in layers stacked on two faces of the insulating substrate; a rear face electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a transparent electrode layer stacked in order on one face of the insulating substrate accordingly; and a back face electrode layer deposited on the other face of the insulating substrate. The photovoltaic cell further has a first penetrating hole penetrating the insulating substrate to electrically connect the transparent electrode layer and the back face electrode layer; a second penetrating hole penetrating the insulating substrate to electrically connect the rear face electrode layer and the back face electrode layer; and a transparent electrode layer removal portion in which the transparent electrode layer at least in a region surrounding the second penetrating hole is removed by an ultraviolet pulsed laser.

Abstract: Disclosed are surface-textured conductive glass for solar cells, and a preparation method and application thereof. In the surface-textured conductive glass for solar cells, a transparent conductive film is coated on a glass substrate, and the upper surface of the transparent conductive film is textured with nano/micro-scopic U-shaped pits uniformly distributed. The preparation method comprises: coating the transparent conductive film by magnetron sputtering, and then absorbing nano/micro-spheres onto the surface of the transparent conductive film as a mask by using an immersion coating method, followed by increasing the thickness of the transparent conductive film in gaps among the nano/micro-spheres by magnetron sputtering, and finally removing the nano/micro-spheres by using an ultrasonic vibration method to realize the large-scale and low-cost production of the conductive glass with nano/microscopic U-shaped surface texture.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a solar cell. The solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of finger electrodes, and a plurality of bus electrodes. The finger electrodes are disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The bus electrodes are disposed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate separately. At least one of the bus electrodes includes a plurality of branch electrodes, and the branch electrodes are disposed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate in parallel. An outer side of each of the branch electrodes is connected to at least one of the finger electrodes. This embodiment may help reduce the cost for manufacturing the solar cell.

Abstract: Provided are a sheet for a photovoltaic cell, a method of manufacturing the same, and a photovoltaic module. The sheet for a photovoltaic cell having excellent moisture barrier property, weather resistance, moisture resistance, thermal resistance, and light resistance, and the photovoltaic module including the same may be provided.

Abstract: Provided are a counter electrode, which is excellent in electrolytic solution resistance and electrical conductivity, and which is capable of corresponding to an application process carried out by pattern printing during a manufacturing process, a photoelectric conversion element using the counter electrode, and a method for manufacturing the same. A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element has a structure in which an electrolyte layer is filled between a porous electrode to which a photosensitizing dye is adsorbed and a counter electrode. The counter electrode includes: a metal counter electrode; a conductive primer layer that contains conductive carbon, and at least one resin selected among a polyamide imide resin, a polyamide resin, and polyimide resin as a binder resin; and a catalyst layer containing conductive carbon and an inorganic binder. The metal counter electrode and the catalyst layer are formed to come into close contact with each other through the conductive primer layer.

Abstract: Known photovoltaic cells with wrap through connections have output terminals of both polarities on its back surface, one of which is coupled to the front surface via the wrap through connections. The invented solar cell is manufactured by creating an emitter layer on the back surface. Electrode material is applied in mutually separate first and second areas on the back surface. The electrode material in the first area contacts the emitter. The second area covers a surrounding of a hole that provides for the connection on the back surface. The electrode material in the second area lies on the emitter and around the second area the emitter is interrupted by a trench. On the front surface a further area of electrode material is applied over the hole. If necessary the electrode material in the second area on the back surface is applied on a supporting surface that is substantially electrically isolated from current flowing laterally through the emitter layer underneath the first area.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to photovoltaic devices and methods of fabricating photovoltaic devices, and more particularly relates to interdigitated back contact photovoltaic cells and methods of fabricating the same. In one aspect, a method of forming first and second interdigitated electrodes on a semiconductor substrate comprises providing a dielectric layer on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method additionally comprises providing a metal seed layer on the dielectric layer. The method additionally comprises patterning the metal seed layer by laser ablation, thereby separating it into a first seed layer and a second seed layer with a separation region interposed therebetween, wherein the first seed layer and the second seed layer are interdigitated and electrically isolated from each other. The method further comprises thickening the first seed layer and the second seed layer by plating, thereby forming the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell such as a solar cell is disclosed. The cell comprises (a) a semiconductor substrate having a front surface, (b) one or more anti-reflection coating layers on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, (c) a plurality of silver-containing fingers in contact with the one or more anti-reflection coating layers and in electrical contact with the semiconductor substrate; and (d) one or more base metal containing buss bars each in contact with the one or more anti-reflection coating layers and the silver-containing fingers. The base metal may be selected from one or more of copper, nickel, lead, tin, iron, indium, zinc, bismuth and cobalt. Methods for making protovoltaic cells with base metal containing buss bars are also disclosed.

Abstract: An organic electronic device includes at least an organic-inorganic layered barrier layer, a plastic support, a transparent electrode layer, an organic active layer, a metal electrode layer and an upper sealing member, and contains a strong acid polymer, wherein an n-type oxide semiconductor layer is provided adjacent to the metal electrode layer on the plastic support-side of the metal electrode layer.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to conductive aluminum paste for fabricating a silicon solar cell. Herein, the conductive aluminum paste is composed of organic carrier, aluminum powder, nano-scale metal particle, and glass frit, wherein the nano-scale metal particle has a particle size distribution D50 in the range from 10 nanometers to 1000 nanometers and the weight percentage of the nano-scale metal particle associated with the conductive aluminum paste is around 0.1 through 10 wt %. Furthermore, the characteristics of the conductive aluminum paste are for reducing the sheet resistance value of the electrode, increasing the adhesion in the silicon solar cell package module, and enhancing the electro-optical conversion efficiency of the silicon solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell includes; a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate, and including a first groove formed therein, a semiconductor layer disposed on the first electrode, and including a second groove formed therein, and a second electrode disposed on the semiconductor layer and connected to the first electrode via the second groove, wherein a third groove passing through the first electrode, the semiconductor layer, and the second electrode is formed in a first region, a fourth groove passing through only the semiconductor layer and the second electrode is formed in a second region, and the first region and the second region are alternately disposed along a direction of extension of the third groove.

Abstract: A solar cell has a collecting electrode formed therein. The collecting electrode is provided with: a main conductive layer that contains copper; and an overcoat layer that covers at least a part of the main conductive layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a solar cell and methods of forming a solar cell. Specifically, the methods may be used to form a passivation/anti-reflection layer having desired functional and optical properties on a solar cell substrate. In one embodiment, a method of forming an anti-reflection layer on a solar cell substrate, the method includes flowing a first processing gas mixture into a processing chamber, wherein the first processing gas mixture includes at least a silicon containing gas and a nitrogen containing gas, wherein a ratio by flow volume of the silicon containing gas to the nitrogen containing gas supplied to the first processing gas mixture is controlled at between about 2:1 to about 1:5, applying a source RF power to the processing chamber in the presence of the first processing gas mixture, controlling the process pressure under 100 mTorr, and forming a silicon nitride containing layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A solar module with a front support, a back support, and a photovoltaic active material located between the front and back supports. An electrically insulative light transmissive seal is located at the peripheral edges of the front support and back support to electrically isolate the active material from the outer surfaces of the solar module.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are used to enhance the light gathering and converting abilities of a photo voltaic (PV) cell. The nanoparticles may be incorporated into a substrate and disposed a desired distance from the PV cell to create a plasmon. The nanoparticles may effect a wavelength shift (e.g., a “red shift”) to better align the wavelength of available light with the sensitivity of the PV cell. The nanoparticles may also be used to trap the light above the PV cell to effect better absorption of the light. The nanoparticles may include composite nanoparticles having, for example, a metallic core and a substantially transparent shell or coating about the core. The nanoparticles may be constructed to provide uniform distribution in a carrier medium.

Abstract: In an example, a solar energy system includes multiple PV modules, multiple reflectors, and a racking assembly. Each of the reflectors is positioned opposite a corresponding one of the PV modules. The racking assembly mechanically interconnects the PV modules and the reflectors to form an interconnected system. The racking assembly defines gaps within the racking assembly and between adjacent PV modules and reflectors. The interconnected system includes multiple contact points associated with the gaps. The gaps and contact points configure the interconnected system to accommodate surface unevenness of an installation surface up to a predetermined surface unevenness.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell has an active area formed electron donor-fullerene conjugated molecules. The electron donor is formed of a polymer, which is conjugated with an electron acceptor, such as fullerene. By conjugating the fullerene, such as C60, with electron donor moieties, such as that of the polymer, double channels are formed therebetween, whereby one channel provides hole transport and the other channel provides electron transport. As a result, the electronic coupling between the fullerene and the electron donor moiety leads to increased short-circuit current density (Jsc) and increased open-circuit voltage (Voc), resulting in high power conversion efficacy (PCE) in the solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new naphthalene carbodiimide (NTCDI) derivatives, and organic electronic device using the same and especially to an organic solar cell. The new NTCDI derivatives are used as acceptor, electron transport material, and doped electron transport materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound and an organic electronic device comprising the same.

Abstract: Actuations systems in which pulley systems may be used as redundant (back-up) mechanisms are described. The systems provide mechanical advantage, especially useful when manual input is required to deploy a back-up mechanism. A pulley may be integrated into a clevis, a cable routed about the pulley, and one end of the cable made stationary, causing the pulley to counterbalance approximately twice the input force provided.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are described that facilitate the evaluation and characterization of ALD processes as a function of process parameters such as temperature, gas flow rate, and pressure. In some embodiments, systems and apparatus are described that allow the ALD process to be characterized at different pressures in a combinatorial manner.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to rotary shear valves which include a stator, a rotor defining a cavity extending at least partially therethrough, and a bladder. The rotor is rotatably mounted relative to the stator to create at least one fluidic path therebetween. The bladder comprises a polymer disposed inside the cavity. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of operating a rotary shear valve.

Abstract: A disposable for use in blood treatment including a blood treatment unit and two membrane pumps connected in parallel on one side of the blood treatment unit. The disposable is operable in a single-needle mode, in which the pumps generate a pulsatile flow of blood through the blood treatment unit, and in a double-needle mode, in which the pumps generate an essentially continuous flow of blood through the blood treatment unit. The pumps connect to a supply of treatment fluid such that alternating flows of treatment fluid causes the pumps to generate the desired flows of blood in the single-needle and double-needle modes. The treatment fluid may be used as motive fluid for displacing the blood in the membrane pumps and/or as control fluid for controlling opening and/or closing of upstream and downstream commutation valves in the membrane pumps.

Abstract: Methods for initiating and implementing fail operational modes in an electro-hydraulic system are disclosed. In one step, a plurality of valve assemblies is provided wherein each of the valve assemblies has a pressure sensor and a position sensor in communication with an electronic system controller. The valve assemblies are in fluid communication with a hydraulic actuator, for example a linear actuator or hydraulic motor. In one step, a fault condition with one of the sensors is detected. The method may also include the steps of determining the type and location of the sensor associated with detected fault condition. In another step, an actuator state is determined wherein the actuator is in a passive state or overrunning state. Another step is initiating and implementing one of a plurality of fail operational modes based on the determination of the sensor type and location, and the actuator state.

Abstract: A valve includes a generally cylindrical housing including first and second end portions that are offset from each other along a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical housing. First and second inlet ports are arranged on one of said first or second end portions, and at least one outlet port is arranged on one of said first or second end portions. A disk is disposed in the generally cylindrical housing and is configured to independently control both mixing and flow rate of fluid flowing into at least one of the first and second inlet ports.

Abstract: A thermally actuated valve is provided herein. The thermally actuated valve includes a valve fitting, a valve body, and a movement control mechanism. The valve fitting includes an active member to selectively activate based on an input. The valve body includes a passive wax member that moves between a passive contraction state and a passive expansion state based on a passive temperature. The movement control mechanism is disposed between the valve fitting and the valve body. The movement control mechanism controls movement of the valve body between an open state and a dosed state based on movement of at least one of the active member and the passive wax member.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluid additive control system to inject a fluid additive into a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes receiving a first control signal indicating that a fluid dispensation device within the fluid dispensation system is active, and determining a fluid additive quantity based upon the identity of the fluid dispensation device. The method also includes activating a fluid additive injection system, where the fluid additive dispensation system injects the fluid additive into the fluid dispensation system in response to the activation.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an error in the measurement of a water level in a washing machine includes a water level sensor measuring a water level in a washing tub; a water supply and drain device supplying water to the washing tub or discharging water from in the washing tub; and a control unit controlling the water supply and drain device to adjust the water level in the washing tub, and detecting a measurement error of the water level sensor based on a water level change measured by the water level sensor while the water level is adjusted.

Abstract: An additive delivery system including a tank for storing an additive, an active component, and a controller connected to the component, wherein the controller is adapted to determine a value representative of temperature of the additive in the system based on an electrical characteristic of a part inside the component, or inside the controller, wherein the part has a further function next to the temperature estimation function in normal operation of the additive delivery system.