Panel Or Array Patents (Class 136/244)
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Patent number: 11558011Abstract: A method for detecting a potential-induced degradation (PID) of PV modules of a PV installation includes operating a PV generator at a maximum power point (MPP), at a first generator voltage (U1) and first generator current (I1), and at a second generator voltage (U2) and second generator current (I2), where a first power (P1) at the first generator voltage (U1) is in a predefined first ratio V1=P1/PMPP and V1?1, with the power (PMPP) at the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV generator, and where a second power (P2) at the second generator voltage (U2) is in a predefined second ratio V2=P2/P1 and V2<1, with the first power (P1) of the PV generator, and where a quantity Y that characterizes a progress of the potential-induced degradation (PID) is determined from the values of the voltages (U1, U2) and/or the currents (I1, I2).Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Gerd Bettenwort, Christopher Merz
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Patent number: 11545635Abstract: Visibly transparent photovoltaic devices are disclosed, such as those are transparent to visible light but absorb near-infrared light and/or ultraviolet light. The photovoltaic devices make use of transparent electrodes and near-infrared absorbing visibly transparent photoactive compounds, optical materials, and/or buffer materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: UBIQUITOUS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Miles Barr, Richa Pandey, Matthew Jurow, Bo He
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Patent number: 11532761Abstract: Composite making regions are provided. These masking regions can include layers or other areas of different transparency where a first region has a first transparency and a second region has a different transparency. Masking regions can be positioned between adjacent photovoltaic cells of photovoltaic arrays.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Hoi Hong Ng
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Patent number: 11532765Abstract: A solar cell panel is disclosed. The disclosed solar cell panel includes a semiconductor substrate, a conductive region disposed in or on the semiconductor substrate, an electrode connected to the conductive region, a lead electrically connected to the electrode. The electrode includes finger lines, and a bus bar line extending across the finger lines, and electrically connected to the lead. First and second end edge areas are arranged at opposite ends of the bus bar line disposed adjacent to opposite edges of the semiconductor substrate, respectively. The bus bar line includes electrode portions respectively disposed at the first end second end edge areas. Each electrode portion includes an opening formed through the each electrode portion, and an outermost end disposed at a position flush with corresponding ones of the outermost ones of the finger lines or a position outwards of the corresponding outermost finger lines.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Shangrao Jinko solar Technology Development Co., LTDInventors: Sunghyun Hwang, Jinsung Kim, Hyunho Lee, Donghae Oh
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Patent number: 11522489Abstract: A bonding clamp includes a top bracket including opposing side walls defining a channel therebetween. The top bracket has an aperture through a central portion thereof. The top bracket is shaped to receive a first photovoltaic (“PV”) module on a first side and a second PV module on a second side. A bottom bracket includes a body and a pair of top flanges extending vertically from a top surface of the body. The pair of top flanges are spaced apart from each other. The bottom bracket also includes anti-rotation flanges extending from a bottom surface of body. A fastening mechanism fastens the top bracket in a fixed position with respect to the bottom bracket.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Unirac Inc.Inventor: Sai Uppu
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Patent number: 11522094Abstract: Photovoltaic devices, and methods of fabricating photovoltaic devices. The photovoltaic devices may include a first electrode, at least one quantum dot layer, at least one semiconductor layer, and a second electrode. The first electrode may include a layer including Cr and one or more silver contacts.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jobeda Jamal Khanam, Simon Y. Foo
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Patent number: 11522093Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device comprising a substrate having a first and a second substantially planar face, a series of grooves in the first substantially planar face, and a first and a second electrical conductor on the second substantially planar face; wherein a first face of the first electrical conductor and a first face of the second electrical conductor are reflective.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Power Roll LimitedInventor: Alexander John Topping
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Patent number: 11522495Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a substrate, a photoelectric conversion element mounted on the substrate, and a connector mounted on the substrate, the connector including a terminal that is electrically coupled to the photoelectric conversion element, wherein the connector is configured such that coupling the connector to a connector of another photoelectric conversion module causes the photoelectric conversion element to be electrically coupled to a photoelectric conversion element of the another photoelectric conversion module.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Ide, Naomichi Kanei
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Patent number: 11515438Abstract: A solar cell including: a silicon substrate; a back electrode; a doped silicon layer; an upper electrode, wherein the upper electrode includes a plurality of three-dimensional nanostructures extending along a same direction; an electrode lead, wherein a direction of the electrode lead intersects with the direction of the plurality of three-dimensional nanostructures; wherein the three-dimensional nanostructures includes a first rectangular structure, a second rectangular structure, and a triangular prism structure; the first rectangular structure, the second rectangular structure, and the triangular prism structure are stacked, a first width of a bottom surface of the triangular prism structure is equal to a second width of a top surface of the second rectangular structure, and is greater than a third width of a top surface of the first rectangular structure, materials of the first rectangular structure and the triangular prism structure are metal.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhen-Dong Zhu, Qun-Qing Li, Shou-Shan Fan
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Patent number: 11516921Abstract: A reel-to-reel lamination method to laminate a metal foil or circuitry pattern on the fly. The method includes applying a UV laminate or thermoset laminate to the metal foil or the circuitry pattern reel to reel, and then apply a UV radiation or heat to the laminate. There can be an optional enclosure connected to a suction source. The enclosure can have a flexible bladder that physically compresses the laminate.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: MANAFLEX, LLCInventor: Robert Clinton Lane
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Patent number: 11509264Abstract: Electro-magnetic (EM) energy collected in three dimensions, in layers allows for multiple planes to function operatively with optimized band gap structures whereby integrated variant and overlapping three-dimensional electro-magnetic films permit systems to collect energy across the entire electro-magnetic spectrum, and present systems utilizing both direct and indirect light to be leveraged. The EM-CS captures and contains more energy from EMR than conventional systems addressing global energy needs.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: SOLAR CUBED HOLDINGS LLCInventor: Scott Conrad Hohulin
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Patent number: 11509163Abstract: A single- or multi-phase DC to AC converter system suited for solar energy installations achieves cost reduction by eliminating low-frequency power transformers. One DC input polarity is selectively switched to an output terminal when the instantaneous AC output from a second output terminal is desired to be of the opposite polarity, while the other DC input polarity is used to form an approximation to a segment of a sine wave of the desired polarity at the second output terminal. The approximation for each phase is built in a multilevel fashion by outputting, at different times, voltage levels that differ by an integer multiple of a predetermined voltage step size, to the respective live AC output terminal through an associated low pass filter. A common-mode AC signal is thereby created on the balanced DC input lines at a frequency which is the AC output frequency times the number of phases, and which is useful for detecting ground faults in the DC circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: KOOLBRIDGE SOLAR, INC.Inventor: Paul Wilkinson Dent
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Patent number: 11502643Abstract: Embodiments of a degradation phenomenon treatment method based on a photovoltaic module and a related device are disclosed. A high frequency signal is applied to the photovoltaic module when a degradation phenomenon occurs in the photovoltaic module to protect the photovoltaic module and suppress or eliminate the degradation phenomenon. The degradation phenomenon refers to degradation of electricity generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module under effect of an electric potential. Embodiments of the degradation phenomenon treatment method and the device resolve issues associated with a declined electrical energy conversion capability and decreased electricity generation efficiency of a photovoltaic module caused by a surface polarization phenomenon, a potential induced degradation (PID) phenomenon occurring in the photovoltaic module, or both.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Tao Luo, Xiaming Jing, Boning Huang
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Patent number: 11502542Abstract: A high performance kilowatt-scale large air-gap multi-modular capacitive wireless power transfer (WPT) system is provided for electric vehicle (EV) charging. In one particular implementation, the multi-modular system achieves high power transfer while maintaining fringing electric fields within prescribed safety limits. The fringing fields are reduced using near-field phased-array field-focusing techniques, wherein the adjacent modules of the multi-modular system are out-phased with respect to one another. The inter-module interactions in this multi-modular system can be modeled, and an approach to eliminate these interactions in a practical EV charging environment is provided. To illustrate one example implementation, a prototype 1.2-kW 6.78-MHz 12-cm air-gap multi-modular capacitive WPT system comprising two 600-W modules is provided. This prototype system achieves 21.2 kW/m2 power transfer density and a peak efficiency of 89.8%.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: The Regents of the University of ColoradoInventors: Khurram K Afridi, Brandon Regensburger, Sreyam Sinha, Ashish Kumar, Zoya Popovic
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Patent number: 11502210Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes: a first photoelectric conversion layer including: a bottom electrode; a photoelectric conversion layer; and a top electrode; and a second photoelectric conversion part including: a bottom electrode; a photoelectric conversion part; and a top electrode. A conductive layer is formed on the bottom electrode. The top electrode and the bottom electrode are electrically connected by a conductive portion and the conductive layer. The conductive portion is formed of a part of the top electrode filled in a first groove that makes a surface of the conductive layer exposed and separates a photoelectric conversion layer and a photoelectric conversion layer from each other. The top electrodes are physically separated by a second groove provided to make a step surface of a stepped portion provided in the photoelectric conversion layer exposed and have a bottom surface thereof overlap the surface of the conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions CorporationInventors: Haruhi Oooka, Kenji Todori, Kenji Fujinaga
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Patent number: 11502642Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the hack sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Inventor: Nagendra Srinivas Cherukupalli
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Patent number: 11495415Abstract: A solar cell system and a flexible solar panel are disclosed herein. The solar cell system includes a glass housing, a set of rows of solar cells each defining a front side and a rear side and arranged within the glass housing. The solar cell system can also include a reflective element disposed in the glass housing and facing the rear side of the set of rows of solar cells and a first terminal coupled to a first end of the set of rows of solar cells, traversing through and sealed against the first end of the glass housing. The solar cell system can be configured with other solar cell systems into the flexible solar panel that is deployable in a wide range of potential applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Taka Solar CorporationInventor: Christopher Dwight Barnes
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Patent number: 11496092Abstract: A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the back sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Inventor: Nagendra Srinivas Cherukupalli
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Patent number: 11495414Abstract: A solar cell system and a flexible solar panel are disclosed herein. The solar cell system includes a glass housing, a set of rows of solar cells each defining a front side and a rear side and arranged within the glass housing. The solar cell system can also include a reflective element disposed in the glass housing and facing the rear side of the set of rows of solar cells and a first terminal coupled to a first end of the set of rows of solar cells, traversing through and sealed against the first end of the glass housing. The solar cell system can be configured with other solar cell systems into the flexible solar panel that is deployable in a wide range of potential applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Taka Solar CorporationInventor: Christopher Dwight Barnes
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Patent number: 11482640Abstract: The present disclosure provides a support device for conveying at least one solar cell element in a transport direction, wherein the support device comprises a support element configured for supporting the at least one solar cell element and an electric arrangement configured for providing an electrostatic force for holding the at least one solar cell element on the support element.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS ITALIA S.R.L.Inventors: Daniele Gislon, Luigi De Santi, Thomas Micheletti, Andrea Baccini, Mirko Galassi, Roberto Boscheratto
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Patent number: 11482639Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells conductively bonded to each other in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Ratson Morad, Gilad Almogy, Itai Suez, Jean Hummel, Nathan Beckett, Yafu Lin, John Gannon, Michael J. Starkey, Robert Stuart, Tamir Lance, Dan Maydan
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Patent number: 11476376Abstract: A hybrid-integrated series/parallel-connected photovoltaic diode array employs 10s-to-100s of single-wavelength III-V compound semiconductor photodiodes in an array bonded onto a transparent optical plate through which the array is illuminated by monochromatic light. The power-by-light system receiver enables high-voltage, up to 1000s of volts, optical transmission of power to remote electrical systems in harsh environments.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Gregory A. Vawter, Erik J. Skogen, Charles Alford, Junoh Choi
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Patent number: 11476799Abstract: A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into a interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Meir Adest
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Patent number: 11469818Abstract: A modulating circuit adapted to modulate between an energy harvesting mode and a wireless transmitter mode is disclosed which includes a solar cell, an energy-harvesting circuit, a first switch coupling the solar cell to the energy harvesting circuit and controlled by a first control line, a second switch coupling the solar cell to a programmable current source and controlled by a second control line, a transmitter/energy harvesting mode circuit adapted to select between a transmitter mode and an energy harvesting mode, and a symbol-to-current mapping circuit adapted to encode data to be communicated by the solar cell, the symbol-to-current mapping circuit adapted to adjust the programmable current source to thereby provide a metered current to the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventor: Walter Daniel Leon-Salas
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Patent number: 11462652Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, a conductive region on or at the semiconductor substrate, and an electrode electrically connected to the conductive region. The electrode includes a plurality of finger lines formed in a first direction and parallel to each other and a bus bar electrically connected to the plurality of finger lines and formed in a second direction crossing the first direction. The bus bar includes a plurality of pad portions positioned in the second direction, and the bus bar has a plurality of regions, which are different from each other in at least one of an arrangement and an area of the plurality of pad portions, in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yunhui Cho, Wondoo Song, Youngjun Kim, Suchun Lee, Sungho Chang
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Patent number: 11463041Abstract: A building material-integrated solar cell module (5) includes a solar cell panel (11), a cushioning member (13) disposed at a back side of the solar cell panel (11), a base plate (9) formed of an incombustible material and supporting the cushioning member (13), and a cable (35) drawn from the back side of the solar cell panel (11) and wired on a front side of the base plate (9).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATIONInventors: Kensuke Ishida, Hideki Ooe, Takehiko Yoshioka, Yuki Fuji, Yasumasa Sano, Masashi Kirimura, Hiroyuki Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 11454027Abstract: A first plurality of roofing shingles installed in on a roof deck, and a second plurality of roofing shingles installed in a second plurality of rows. An edge of one of the second roofing shingles in each of the second rows is offset from the edge of another one of the second roofing shingles in another adjacent one of the second rows. An edge of a first photovoltaic shingle is juxtaposed with the edge of a first roofing shingle of the second roofing shingles in a first row of the second rows. The edge of at least another photovoltaic shingle in at least one of another row of the second rows is substantially aligned with the edge of the first photovoltaic shingle. An additional roofing shingle is installed intermediate one of the second roofing shingles and one of the photovoltaic shingles.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Michael David Kuiper, Evan Michael Wray, Daniel East, Olan T. Leitch, Ming-Liang Shiao
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Patent number: 11437533Abstract: A solar cell for a solar cell array with one or more grid on a surface thereof, wherein electrical connections are made to the grids in a plurality of locations positioned around the solar cell; and the electrical connections extend to one or more conductors located under the solar cell. The conductors located under the solar cell are buried within a substrate, and each of the conductors comprises a low resistance conducting path that distributes current from the solar cell. The conductors are loops, U-shaped, or have only up or down pathways. The solar cell comprises a full cell that has four cropped corners and the locations are in the cropped corners.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Eric Rehder, Philip Chiu, Tom Crocker, Daniel Law, Dale Waterman
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Patent number: 11431288Abstract: One embodiment is a photovoltaic (PV) module including a frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (PV) laminate. The cross rail assembly may include: a conductive frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (PV) laminate; one or more conductive cross rail members provide structural rigidity to the conductive frame; and one or more pairs of couplers coupled to the conductive frame, wherein: at least one coupler comprises a grounding coupler having a first keyed section to insert into an opening in the conductive frame and a second keyed section to mate with an end of a conductive cross rail member of the one or more conductive cross rail members to ground the conductive cross rail member to the frame; or at least one coupler of at least one of the one or more pairs includes a length to define a cabling channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Lee Gorny
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Patent number: 11431281Abstract: A photovoltaic module having a superstrate layer, an encapsulant having an upper layer and a lower layer, the upper layer being juxtaposed with a lower surface of the superstrate layer, and a photovoltaic layer intermediate the upper layer and the lower layer of the encapsulant. A first portion of the upper layer of the encapsulant includes a first light scattering value as measured in accordance with an ASTM E430 standard, and a second portion of the upper layer of the encapsulant has a second light scattering value as measured in accordance with the ASTM E430 standard. The second light scattering value is greater than the first light scattering value.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Richard Perkins, Alex Sharenko, Thierry Nguyen, Gabriela Bunea, Anna Wojtowicz
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Patent number: 11424373Abstract: Thermocompression bonding approaches for foil-based metallization of non-metal surfaces of solar cells, and the resulting solar cells, are described. For example, a solar cell includes a substrate and a plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions disposed in or above the substrate. A plurality of conductive contact structures is electrically connected to the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. Each conductive contact structure includes a metal foil portion disposed in direct contact with a corresponding one of the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignees: SunPower Corporation, Total Marketing ServicesInventors: Richard Hamilton Sewell, Gabriel Harley, Nils-Peter Harder
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Patent number: 11417782Abstract: The invention relates to a layered structure (1) with semiconducting materials on a support layer (3) comprising at least one planar semiconducting layer (6) and several electrodes, in particular a first (4) and second (5) one. The semiconducting layer (6) has a top (8) and bottom (7) flat face extending essentially parallel and spaced apart from one another by the height of the layer (10). The semiconducting layer (6) is also applied by the bottom flat face (7) to a flat face of the support layer (2) and the two electrodes are connected to the semiconducting layer in an electrically conducting manner. The at least two electrodes are applied by means of a structuring process and are disposed on two oppositely lying faces of the semiconducting layer and/or in planes at least approximately parallel between the two faces.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: ASMAG—Holding GmbHInventors: Franz Padinger, Klaus Schröter
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Patent number: 11411528Abstract: Present invention relates to the field of Building Integrated Solar systems that help in generating electricity. It is a solar board that can be used as a roof, façade or other building applications. It also relates to a method of preparing, designing and producing the Solar Cement Boards by integrating the Cement boards with that of solar panels to form an envisaged single entity. The Solar Cement Board SCB comprises a plurality of Solar energy capturing components like Photo Voltaic (PV) cells or the like, sandwiched over specially treated Fiber cement board or the likes. The SCB comprises of a toughened glass and/or a thin film on top, ethylene vinyl acetate film as an encapsulate in the middle, and polyvinyl fluoride film as a back sheet. The SCB with top, middle and a back sheet is laminated together with Fiber cement board or the like providing a water-resistant enclosure. This is ultimately a unique integrated solar product.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Inventor: Vamsi Krishna Gaddam
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Patent number: 11411531Abstract: A method for cleaning solar panels when snow, ice, or dust accumulates on the solar panels to reduce or eliminate the electrical power output from the solar panels. The method of cleaning includes selecting specific cleaning locations, on the array of solar panels, based primarily upon obstruction location and obstruction size differences. The method of cleaning also includes the incremental and sequential selection of the cleaning locations, and the incremental and sequential activation of cleaning devices within the selected cleaning locations. Additional groups of incrementally and sequentially activated cleaning devices may be powered, in whole or in part, by the prior solar panels that have been cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: PASCO Ventures LLCInventor: Paul A. Stewart
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Patent number: 11398795Abstract: A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a starter bar having a foot base and configured to be installed to a roof deck, a plurality of water shedding layers, and a photovoltaic module. One of the plurality of water shedding layers is configured to be installed over the foot base of the starter bar, and one of another of which is configured to overlap and be installed over the one of the plurality of water shedding layers. The system further includes a foot module configured to be attached to an upper portion of the photovoltaic module. A lower portion of the photovoltaic module is configured to align with the foot base of the starter bar, and the foot module is configured to be affixed on a last overlapping layer of the plurality of water shedding layers to the roof deck.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: GAF Energy LLCInventors: Brian Edward Atchley, Peter Clemente, Nazar Dzoba, Anthony Folk, Amy Ochsenrieter, Daniel East
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Patent number: 11380814Abstract: A dicing method for separating a wafer comprising a plurality of solar cells stack along at least one parting line, at least having the steps of: providing the wafer with a top, a bottom, an adhesive layer which is integrally bonded with the top and a cover glass layer which is integrally bonded with the adhesive layer, wherein the wafer includes a plurality of solar cell stacks, each having a germanium substrate layer forming the bottom of the wafer, a germanium sub-cell and at least two III-V sub-cells; creating a separating trench along the parting line by means of laser ablation, which extends from a bottom of the wafer through the wafer and the adhesive layer at least up to a top of the cover glass layer; and dividing the cover glass layer along the separating trench.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbHInventors: Steffen Sommer, Wolfgang Koestler, Alexander Frey
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Patent number: 11381201Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds four 60-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Inventor: Gregory K. Miller
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Patent number: 11374533Abstract: A solar power generation paddle includes a blanket that is stored by being taken up into a roll with using extension masts, and that is extended. Solar battery cells are disposed on one surface of the blanket, and thermoelectric conversion elements are disposed on the other surface of the blanket. A plurality of heat dissipation members are disposed on surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements which are opposite to surfaces near the blanket, along an extending direction, to cover the thermoelectric conversion elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kazushi Sekine, Masahiro Miyashita, Kazunori Takagaki, Naoko Koyama
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Patent number: 11370522Abstract: The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for harvesting, storing, and generating energy by permanently placing a large rigid buoyant platform high in the earth's atmosphere, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. Long, strong and light tethers can connect the buoyant structure to the ground which can hold it in position against wind forces. Weights suspended from the buoyant platform with cables are raised and lowered by electric winches to store and release gravitational potential energy. High voltage transmission lines electrically connect the platform to the earth's surface. Electrical energy from the high voltage transmission lines or from photovoltaic arrays on the platform can be stored as gravitational potential energy and subsequently released as electricity from generators driven from the stored gravitational potential energy and used on the platform or transmitted via the high voltage transmission lines.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Stratosolar, Inc.Inventors: Edmund J. Kelly, Roger Arnold
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Patent number: 11372509Abstract: A method for making a touch panel, the method includes the following steps. Two touch panel units are made. The two touch panel units are spaced apart from each other. Making each of the two touch panel units includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube material and a substrate are provided. A carbon nanotube floccule structure is made by flocculating the carbon nanotube material. A conductive layer on the substrate is obtained by applying the carbon nanotube floccule structure on the substrate. Two electrodes on opposite ends of the substrate formed to obtain an electrode plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Chang-Hong Liu, Kai-Li Jiang, Liang Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
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Patent number: 11374141Abstract: A solar cell assembly includes a plurality of solar cells and an inter-cell region provided between adjacent ones of the solar cells included in the plurality of solar cells. Each of the solar cells and the inter-cell region includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type and having a first main surface and a second main surface that face away from each other; a first amorphous semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type and being provided on a first main surface side of the semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer provided on part of the first amorphous semiconductor layer; and a first transparent conductive film provided on the first amorphous semiconductor layer so as to cover the insulating layer. In a plan view of the solar cell assembly, the insulating layer is provided along the inter-cell region and partially overlapping the inter-cell region.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORPORATIONInventors: Toshiyuki Sakuma, Kazuya Murata, Masayuki Katagiri, Akiyoshi Ogane, Akinao Kitahara
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Patent number: 11362234Abstract: Local patterning and metallization of semiconductor structures using a laser beam, e.g., micro-electronic devices, semiconductor substrates and/or solar cells, are described. For example, a method of fabricating a solar cell includes providing a substrate having an intervening layer thereon. The method also includes locating a metal foil over the intervening layer. The method also includes exposing the metal foil to a laser beam, wherein exposing the metal foil to the laser beam forms openings in the intervening layer and forms a plurality of conductive contact structures electrically connected to portions of the substrate exposed by the openings.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Pei Hsuan Lu, Benjamin I. Hsia, Taeseok Kim
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Patent number: 11349432Abstract: A method for arc detection in a system including a photovoltaic panel and a load connectible to the photovoltaic panel with a DC power line. The method measures power delivered to the load thereby producing a first measurement result of the power delivered to the load. Power produced by the photovoltaic panel is also measured, thereby producing a second measurement result of power produced by the photovoltaic panel. The first measurement result is compared with the second measurement result thereby producing a differential power measurement result. Upon the differential power measurement result being more than a threshold value, an alarm condition may also be set. The second measurement result may be modulated and transmitted over the DC power line.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Ilan Yoscovich, Guy Sella, Meir Gazit, Yoav Galin, David Braginsky, Lior Handelsman, Meir Adest
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Patent number: 11342783Abstract: A solar control device includes: an execution unit configured to cause a DC-DC converter (DDC) to perform a scan process of scanning an output voltage of the solar panel and retrieving a maximum power point based on a predetermined instruction; and a determination unit configured to determine whether a predetermined first time has elapsed after the scan process has been previously completed, to additionally determine whether the panel power continues to be equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold value for a predetermined second time when the first time has elapsed, and to output the instruction to cause the DDC to perform the scan process next to the execution unit when the panel power continues to be equal to or less than the first threshold value for the second time.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuma Miyamoto, Koichi Go, Takashi Nakado
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Patent number: 11336223Abstract: The present invention provides a building exterior cladding. The panel includes an upper overlap area, a lower overlap area and a central part, covered by at least one photovoltaic module. A perforation is located in the lower overlap area and traversed by an electrical cable connecting one of two electrical poles of the photovoltaic module to an electrical plug located on the reverse side of the panel in the lower overlap area. An opening is located in the upper overlap area, into which is inserted an electrical junction box connected to another electrical pole of the photovoltaic module by an electrical cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: ArcelorMittalInventors: Renaud Vignal, Laurent Geron
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Patent number: 11329601Abstract: Disclosed is an energy harvesting apparatus which comprises: a flexible energy harvesting module having a flat plate shape; a connector which is mechanically and electrically connectable to an external connector; a rigid member having a flat plate shape; and an electric wiring constituting a part of a front surface of the rigid member, wherein an edge of a back surface of the energy harvesting module is disposed on the front surface of the rigid member, and the connector is disposed on the front surface of the rigid member at a position spaced apart from the energy harvesting module and is electrically connected to the energy harvesting module via the electric wiring.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: ZEON CORPORATIONInventors: Masayoshi Yoshida, Kiyoshige Kojima, Midori Yamaai, Naomi Shiga
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Patent number: 11322631Abstract: A solar cell panel can include a solar cell; a sealing member for sealing the solar cell; a first cover member disposed on the sealing member at one side of the solar cell; and a second cover member disposed on the sealing member at another side of the solar cell, in which the first cover member includes a base member and a colored portion having a light transmittance lower than a light transmittance of the base member, the first cover member constituting a colored area, and the colored portion includes at least two layers each formed of an oxide ceramic composition and having different colors or different light transmittances.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Chungyi Kim, Minpyo Kim, Junghoon Choi
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Patent number: 11323064Abstract: A processing device for forming connection conductors for semiconductor components, in particular for producing a periodic structure, which device includes a forming unit for forming at least one connection conductor. The processing device has an advancing unit which is designed to move the connection conductors and the forming unit relative to one another in a direction of advance, and the forming unit has at least one step element, at least one forming element which can be moved relative to the step element, and a forming-element moving unit for moving the forming element relative to the stop element, the forming element, stop element and forming-element moving unit being designed to cooperate such that the connection conductor can be bent by moving the forming element between the stop element and the forming element by the forming-element moving unit. A method for forming connection conductors for semiconductor components is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventor: Li Carlos Rendler
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Patent number: 11323062Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the localized capture, storage and specialized use of power generated from natural sources, such as solar power or hydropower. The apparatus can be used, for example, on a deck or a side of a marine vessel, or on a land-based structure, where there is a requirement for managed power generation and storage.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: GRAFMARINEInventor: Martin Leigh
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Patent number: 11312463Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described herein for providing electrical power to a marine vehicle. In some aspects, a marine vehicle includes a power system arranged to receive and store electrical power delivered from a solar panel assembly. The power system may include one or more batteries. The vehicle also includes a processor arranged to determine an extension time and an retraction time for a solar panel assembly and a controller that, in response to instructions from the processor, is arranged to extend the solar panel assembly and retract the solar panel assembly. The solar panel assembly is arranged to be configured in at least one of an extended position and a retracted position. The solar panel assembly includes one or more solar panels where the solar panel assembly is in electrical communication with the power system.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: HADAL, INC.Inventor: Richard J. Rikoski