Panel Or Array Patents (Class 136/244)
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Patent number: 11139408Abstract: Hybrid solar panel including a photovoltaic module having a front face and a rear face, a heat exchanger having a lower face and an upper face, said upper face being arranged facing the rear face of the photovoltaic module, a rigid frame surrounding the photovoltaic module and the heat exchanger, at least one elastic element adapted to exert a compression force against the lower face of the exchanger in such a way that the exchanger is thrust against the rear face of the photovoltaic module, the elastic element bears against at least one bearing element, and the bearing element being in connection with the frame in such a way that at least one portion of the compression force exerted by the elastic element on the bearing element is taken up by the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: DUALSUNInventors: Laetitia Brottier, Jérôme Mouterde
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Patent number: 11131439Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a lighting device, including a light body, a light source module mounted in the light body, and a light transmissive portion covering the light source module. The light source module includes a plurality of lenses and a light emitting unit accommodated in each of the lens; light emitted by the light emitting unit is emitted from the light transmissive portion after being distributed by the lens; the light transmissive portion is arc-shaped; and an incident angle corresponding to incident light at any point of the light transmissive portion is smaller than 45°. In the lighting device according to the present disclosure, by designing the light transmissive portion to be arc-shaped, the incident angle corresponding to the incident light on the light transmissive portion is limited within 45°.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignees: Opple Lighting Co., Ltd., Suzhou Opple Lighting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chaobo Liu, Hongbo Wang, Qingjun Wei
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Patent number: 11123716Abstract: A denitrification catalyst using ceramic nanotubes grown on a porous metal structure, including: a porous metal structure having a plurality of pores formed between metal supports such that exhaust gas penetrates through the pores in multiple directions; ceramic nanotubes grown on the porous metal structure through anodic oxidation; and an active material uniformly and highly dispersed as a nano-thin film layer on inner and outer surfaces of the ceramic nanotubes through a deposition or supporting process.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGYInventors: Dongha Lim, Uoochang Jung, Haeyoung Jeong, Yunjang Gu
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Patent number: 11127536Abstract: In one aspect, nanostructured films are described herein comprising controlled architectures on multiple length scales (e.g. ?3). As described further herein, the ability to control film properties on multiple length scales enables tailoring structures of the films to specific applications including, but not limited to, optoelectronic, catalytic and photoelectrochemical cell applications. In some embodiments, a nanostructured film comprises a porous inorganic scaffold comprising particles of an electrically insulating inorganic oxide. An electrically conductive metal oxide coating is adhered to the porous inorganic scaffold, wherein the conductive metal oxide coating binds adjacent particles of the insulating inorganic oxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSASInventors: Robert H Coridan, Mya A Norman, Walker Perez
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Patent number: 11121278Abstract: The use of photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert solar energy to electricity is becoming increasingly prevalent; however, there are still significant limitations associated with the widespread adoption of PV cells for electricity needs. There is a clear need for a high efficiency solar power system that supplies electricity at a competitive cost and that provides for an on-demand supply of electricity as well as energy storage. By combining aspects of concentrated solar power and concentrated photovoltaics, the present invention provides a device that enables the conversion of sunlight to electricity at very high efficiencies and that enables the transmission of thermal energy to heat storage devices for later use. The disclosed device enables transmissive CPV through the use of a multijunction PV cell mounted on a transparent base. The use of a multijunction cell allows for highly efficient absorption of light above the bandgap of the lowest bandgap subcell.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: THE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUNDInventors: Matthew David Escarra, Benjamin Lewson, Yaping Ji, Qi Xu, Adam Ollanik
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Patent number: 11121282Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing CdTe thin-film solar cells, in which special parameters of different processing steps and a special sequence of processing steps result in improved characteristics of the produced CdTe solar cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignees: CHINA TRIUMPH INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD., CTF SOLAR GMBHInventors: Christian Drost, Sven Frauenstein, Michael Harr, Shou Peng
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Patent number: 11121276Abstract: The present disclosure provides a panel structure for receiving light and generating electricity. The panel structure comprises a panel material that has a light receiving surface. The panel material is at least partially transmissive for light having a wavelength in the visible wavelength range. The panel structure further comprises a photovoltaic material being positioned in or at the panel material. The photovoltaic material is distributed between transmissive areas that are void of the photovoltaic material such that features of the photovoltaic material are sufficiently narrow to be at least largely invisible to the naked eye.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: TROPIGLAS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventor: Kamal Alameh
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Patent number: 11114580Abstract: Embodiments of a photovoltaic device are provided herein. The photovoltaic device can include a layer stack and an absorber layer disposed on the layer stack. The absorber layer can include a first region and a second region. Each of the first region of the absorber layer and the second region of the absorber layer can include a compound comprising cadmium, selenium, and tellurium. An atomic concentration of selenium can vary across the absorber layer. The first region of the absorber layer can have a thickness between 100 nanometers to 3000 nanometers. The second region of the absorber layer can have a thickness between 100 nanometers to 3000 nanometers. A ratio of an average atomic concentration of selenium in the first region of the absorber layer to an average atomic concentration of selenium in the second region of the absorber layer can be greater than 10.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: First Solar, Inc.Inventors: Kristian William Andreini, Holly Ann Blaydes, Jongwoo Choi, Adam Fraser Halverson, Eugene Thomas Hinners, William Hullinger Huber, Yong Liang, Joseph John Shiang
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Patent number: 11107939Abstract: This disclosure describes various structures, devices, and arrangements that replace a PSA used to hold shingled cells together with an adhesive film. For example, in an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a shingled arrangement of photovoltaic (PV) cells. In some aspects, the shingled arrangement of PV cells may include a first PV cell, a second PV cell, and an adhesive film placed between a backside the first PV cell and a front side of the second PV cell. The adhesive film may be thermally bonded to the first PV cell and to the second PV cell after the application of localized heat and pressure and holds the first PV cell and the second PV cell together. Additionally, a bus bar of the second PV cell may be electrically connected to the first PV cell by a conductive via formed through the adhesive film.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: UTICA LEASECO, LLCInventors: Todd Allen Krajewski, Jason Tolentino
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Patent number: 11101397Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell panel including a plurality of solar cells including a first solar cell and a second solar cell, and a wiring portion extending in a second direction crossing the first direction and electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells. Each of the plurality of solar cells includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes extending in a first direction. The wiring portion includes a first wiring connected to the plurality of first electrodes of the first solar cell, the first wiring includes a plurality of first partial wirings in the second direction in the first solar cell, and the plurality of first partial wirings are different members from each other and are electrically connected to each other by a first connection portion on the first solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Daeseon Hyun, Hyeyoung Yang
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Patent number: 11094884Abstract: Methods of forming a perovskite-containing film comprising depositing one or more metal oxide layers onto a substrate; and irradiating each metal oxide layer with a UV LED light source after deposition to sinter and/or anneal a target metal oxide in the one or more metal oxide layers without damaging the underlying substrate or perovskite material. The LED light source can be selected to emit a narrow spectral width of pulsed radiation. The radiation emitted can consist essentially of wavelengths within 20 nm of the wavelength of maximum absorbance (?max) of the target metal oxide, that is, wavelength from UV LED can be ?max±20 nm, to achieve layer-specific annealing and sintering of metal oxide charge transport layer. The target metal oxide can include tin oxide in the electron transport layer or nickel oxide in the hole transport layer. Perovskite-containing films formed from the methods described herein are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMAInventors: Dawen Li, Zhongliang Ouyang
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Patent number: 11092359Abstract: The present disclosure provides a photovoltaic-photothermal reaction complementary full-spectrum solar utilization system, comprising: a waveband thermal reactor having a reactant flow channel and a reaction chamber therein, a photovoltaic cell attached to a surface of the waveband thermal reactor, and a full spectrum concentrator configured to concentrate full spectrum sunlight onto a surface of the photovoltaic cell, wherein the full spectrum concentrating device concentrates the full spectrum sunlight onto a upper surface of the opaque or transmissive photovoltaic cell, wherein a portion of the sunlight is converted into electric energy and another portion of the sunlight is converted into thermal energy, and wherein the thermal energy is utilized by the waveband thermal reactor to preheat reactant(s) in the reaction chamber and to make a portion of the reactant(s) to undergo an endothermic chemical reaction such that the thermal energy is stored as chemical energy.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2016Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of SciencesInventors: Hongguang Jin, Hui Hong, Yong Hao, Jie Sun, Yawen Zhao, Wenjia Li, Qibin Liu
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Patent number: 11094841Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell including a first layer having a checkered layout of fields having a photovoltaic layer and fields having at least a reflective layer; a second layer arranged above and spaced apart from the first layer, which second layer has a checkered layout of fields having a photovoltaic layer and of openings, with the openings of the second layer registered with the fields having a photovoltaic layer of the first layer; a burning glass layer arranged above and spaced apart from the second layer, with the fields having a photovoltaic layer of both the first and second layer as well as the fields having at least a reflective layer facing the burning glass layer; and a third layer arranged between the first and second layer, preferably arranged to the second layer, which third layer has a checkered layout of fields having a photovoltaic layer and of openings, with the openings of the third layer registered with the openings of the second layer and with the fields having a photovoltaicType: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: ASVB NT Solar Energy B.V.Inventor: Adrianus Brugman
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Patent number: 11091098Abstract: There is provided a storage apparatus for documents capable of preventing the storage apparatus from being an obstacle to getting-on/off motions and securing front visibility in good condition. A storage apparatus includes a frame having an opening and wall portions and a lid portion attached to the frame, in which an entrance of the canopy is provided on a left side or a front side of a vehicle body, the frame is fixed to a right side of the vehicle body, the lid portion has a structure in which a right end is attached to the right wall portion of the frame, a left end turns between a position of the left wall portion and a position in a lower direction of the right wall portion, and a holding portion holding the documents is provided in an inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: TAKEUCHI MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Shingo Shiraishi, Nobuyuki Sakurai
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Patent number: 11084412Abstract: Certain embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as an enclosed, mobile emergency response unit that comprises an enclosure and an underlying support frame on which the enclosure is established, where that enclosure may include a medical compartment that is unsecured when the enclosed, mobile emergency response unit is on operational standby, an onboard equipment compartment that is secured, when the enclosed, mobile emergency response unit is on operational standby, and a ramped, portable equipment compartment that is unsecured when the enclosed, mobile emergency response unit is on operational standby. Embodiments of the inventive technology may further include, e.g., a fire suppression system, a fueled electrical power generator, a compressor, a solar power system, medical equipment, wi-fi provision componentry and/or operational parameter monitors, among other componentry.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Enviro-Safety SolutionsInc.Inventors: Adam B. Shultz, Robert D. Stringer
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Patent number: 11078632Abstract: A landscape paver includes a PV panel and a frame. The PV panel includes one or more PV cells and is operable to provide electrical power at a panel output terminal in response to operating light incident on a panel upper surface. The frame extends along the panel peripheral edge and defines a frame inside surface which, together with a lower panel surface, defines a base volume. A molded base material is located in the base volume. A light-transmissive paver cover material extends over the panel first surface and over at least a portion of a frame outside surface which faces away from the base volume. The landscape paver may be incorporated in a landscape installation and connected with other such pavers in the installation to provide a ground mounted PV panel array which also functions as a hardscape such as a walkway or patio.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Solar Hardscapes, LLCInventor: Joe Don Byles
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Patent number: 11081616Abstract: A method for producing a CdTe solar cell is provided, wherein at least the following layers are deposited on a glass substrate within a vacuum chamber: a TCO layer acting as a frontal contact; at least one CdTe layer; a thin layer of a chlorine-containing compound, and an electrically conductive layer acting as a return contact. Here, a maximally 20 nm thick passivation layer made from CdS, in which chemically non-bound oxygen is embedded, is deposited on the TCO layer prior to deposition of at least one CdTe-layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.Inventors: Daniel Hirsch, Olaf Zywitzki, Thomas Modes, Torsten Werner, Torsten Kopte, Christoph Metzner
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Patent number: 11082004Abstract: A shutdown control system and a shutdown control method are provided. A main circuit is a series circuit formed by connecting multiple shutdown circuits in series or a series-parallel circuit formed by connecting multiple such series circuits in parallel. Each shutdown circuit is connected to at least one direct current power supply. A control circuit includes a SCU and multiple PCUs corresponding to the multiple shutdown circuits. The SCU and the PCUs are configured to transmit respective mode control instructions when respective condition is satisfied. Each PCU is configured to obtain multiple criteria based on the mode control instructions from the SCU and other PCUs, determine a target operation mode of the shutdown circuit corresponding to the PCU based on the multiple criteria, and control the shutdown circuit corresponding to the PCU to operate in the target operation mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yanfei Yu, Zongjun Yang, Hua Ni, Huajin Chen
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Patent number: 11075351Abstract: A packaging structure with groove includes a substrate, a lower conductive layer, an optical element, a sealing layer and a barrier layer. The lower conductive layer is arranged on one face of the substrate. The optical element is arranged on one face of the lower conductive layer. The upper conductive layer is arranged on one face of the optical element. The packaging structure further comprises a groove defined on an inactive area of the optical element. The sealing layer is arranged on one face of the optical element and on one face of the upper conductive layer. The barrier layer is arranged on one face of the sealing layer. Because the groove is formed on inactive area of the optical element to enhance lateral sealing tightness, extended interface is provided between sealing layer/barrier layer and the substrate, thus enhance the water-resistant and gas-resistant property for package.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: NANOBIT TECH. CO., LTD.Inventors: Shih-Wen Liao, Yu-Yang Chang
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Patent number: 11070290Abstract: A modulating circuit is disclosed which includes a switch, wherein the switch comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, a transistor, wherein the transistor comprises a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, a power converter, wherein the power converter comprises a power input, a multiplexer, wherein the multiplexer comprises an output, and a feedback controller, wherein the feedback controller comprises a first output, a third input, and a fourth input, wherein the power input is coupled to the first terminal, wherein the second terminal is coupled to the fourth terminal, wherein the third terminal is coupled to the first output, wherein the third input is coupled to the fourth terminal, wherein the fourth input is coupled to the output.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventor: Walter Daniel Leon-Salas
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Patent number: 11063551Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell section and a step forming plate. The solar cell section includes a front side transparent plate, a back surface member, and a solar cell sealed therebetween. The step forming plate is disposed on a front side of the front side transparent plate, overlapping partly with the front side transparent plate and forming a step between the solar cell section and the step forming plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATIONInventors: Stefan Friedrich, Yuta Minami, Thomas J. Moran, Fumihiro Tanikawa
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Patent number: 11063166Abstract: A solar device includes a first string of first solar wafers, wherein a plurality of the first solar wafers each overlap with at least one vertically adjacent solar wafer from the first string. Additionally, the solar device includes a second string of second solar wafers, wherein a plurality of the second solar wafers each overlap with at least one vertically adjacent solar wafer from the second string, wherein a plurality of the first solar wafers overlap with one or more of the plurality of second solar wafers to electrically connect horizontally adjacent solar wafers in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventor: Nathaniel Caswell
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Patent number: 11056997Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module can include a PV laminate, a frame coupled to a perimeter of the laminate, a junction box that includes a housing for an electrical connection between a plurality of PV cells of the laminate and a plurality of conductors, and an electronics enclosure coupled to the frame. In embodiments, the electronics enclosure can include electronic circuitry that is electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors and to another photovoltaic module.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2015Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: David B. DeGraaff
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Patent number: 11050292Abstract: A redundant power transfer apparatus provides an uninterrupted power transfer for a rear-stage circuit. The redundant power transfer apparatus includes a main loop switch coupled to a main power source, a standby loop switch coupled to a standby power source, and a control unit. The control unit controls the redundant power transfer apparatus to make the main power source or the standby power source supply power to the rear-stage circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Te-Chih Peng, Ming-Hsiang Lo, Chia-Hao Chang
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Patent number: 11048137Abstract: Thin-film devices, for example electrochromic devices for windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. Particular focus is given to methods of patterning optical devices. Various edge deletion and isolation scribes are performed, for example, to ensure the optical device has appropriate isolation from any edge defects. Methods described herein apply to any thin-film device having one or more material layers sandwiched between two thin film electrical conductor layers. The described methods create novel optical device configurations.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignees: View, Inc., Corning IncorporatedInventors: Tom Toan-Cong Tran, Brian D. Griedel, Robert T. Rozbicki, Todd William Martin
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Patent number: 11047599Abstract: A solar array is mounted on a surface of a structure, the surface being generally planar. The solar array comprises a solar module and a support that supports the solar module a distance above the surface. The support defines a channel to receive the solar module. A locking mechanism engages the support to secure the solar module to the support, wherein the solar module extends between the support and the locking mechanism and into the channel such that the solar module is allowed to move relative to the support in a first plane generally parallel to the surface when the solar module is secured to the support. The locking mechanism and the support inhibit movement of the solar module in a second plane generally perpendicular to the surface when the solar module is secured to the support.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Inventor: Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker
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Patent number: 11043606Abstract: Edge interconnects for interconnecting solar cells are disclosed. The edge interconnects include a layer of an electrically conductive adhesive overlying an insulating dielectric layer applied to edge of a solar cell and electrically interconnected to a busbar. Solar cell modules include adjacent solar cells comprising edge interconnects interconnected using an interconnection element. An interconnection element can be a solder paste or a solder containing electrically conductive ribbon. Methods of forming solar cell edge interconnects include applying an insulating dielectric coating to edges of a solar cell, depositing a busbar in proximity to the insulated edges of the solar cell, depositing an electrically conductive adhesive over at least portion of the busbar an over at least a portion of the dielectric layer. Solar cell modules can be formed by interconnecting adjacent solar cells using an interconnection element.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: ZHEJIANG KAIYING NEW MATERIALS CO., LTD.Inventors: Mohamed M. Hilali, Zhiyong Li
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Patent number: 11043915Abstract: Roof panel comprising a photovoltaic module having a top surface, a bottom surface and lateral edges, and at least one rib fixedly connected to the photovoltaic module and transversely, preferably perpendicularly, projecting away from the bottom surface and extending along a lateral edge of the photovoltaic module. The height (h, h1, h2) of the at least one rib increases, preferably continuously increases, in direction along the lateral edge, such that the lower edge of the at least one rib is inclined with respect to the bottom surface and/or the top surface of the photovoltaic module.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: g-neration.energy AGInventor: Claudio Gisep
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Patent number: 11038130Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of display technologies, and a stretchable display device, a method for manufacturing the same, and an electronic device are disclosed. In the present disclosure, the device includes: a stretchable substrate, a stretchable wire and a plurality of rigid islands. The stretchable wire and the plurality of rigid islands are all arranged on the stretchable substrate. The plurality of rigid islands are spaced apart on the stretchable substrate, and a pixel encapsulation body is formed on the rigid island. The stretchable wire is connected to the pixel encapsulation body to form a power supply circuit for the pixel encapsulation body. The present disclosure realizes a reliable electrical connection condition, effective encapsulation and structural stability of light-emitting pixels under stretching conditions by connecting the light-emitting pixel that is separately encapsulated on each rigid island, to one another through the stretchable wire.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignees: Kunshan New Flat Panel Display Technology Center Co., Ltd., Kunshan Go-Visionox Opto-Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Huimin Liu, Rubo Xing, Dong Wei, Jiantai Wang, Xiaolong Yang
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Patent number: 11038070Abstract: A solar cell having, on a semiconductor substrate's first main surface a first conductivity type, a base layer having first conductivity type and an emitter layer which is adjacent to base layer and has a second conductivity type which is a conductivity type opposite to first conductivity type, the solar cell includes: a base electrode which is electrically connected with base layer; and an emitter electrode which is electrically connected with emitter layer, solar cell including: dielectric films which are in contact with base and emitter layer on first main surface; first insulator films which cover the emitter electrode, are placed on the dielectric films, and are arranged to have a gap at least on base layer; and a base bus bar electrode placed at least on first insulator films, and being wherein gap distance between the first insulator films is 40 ?m or more and (W+110) ?m or less.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Takenori Watabe, Shun Moriyama, Hiroshi Hashigami, Hiroyuki Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 11038114Abstract: A method for manufacturing an organic solar cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application comprises: preparing a substrate; forming a first electrode on the substrate; forming a photoactive layer on the first electrode; drying the photoactive layer with a wind force of 0.01 Mpa to 0.07 Mpa; and forming a second electrode on the photoactive layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Inventors: Doowhan Choi, Jiyoung Lee, Songrim Jang, Bogyu Lim, Junghyun Park
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Patent number: 11029276Abstract: A technique for producing a device for sensing a target species, comprising: providing first end second components, each comprising a support film, wherein at least one of said first and second components comprises at least one working electrode supported on the respective support film, at least one of said first and second components comprises at least one counter electrode supported on the respective support film, at least one of said first and second components defines a containing barrier supported on the respective support film, and at least one of said first and second components comprises an array of spacer structures supported on the respective support film; depositing a volume of liquid electrolyte on said first component; laminating said second component to said first component so as to spread said volume of liquid electrolyte out in a space created by said array of spacer structures within a liquid electrolyte area bounded by said containing barrier; wherein said liquid electrolyte functions to traType: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: FLEXENBLE LIMITEDInventors: Micheal James Banach, Guillaume Fichet
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Patent number: 11028492Abstract: An electrolytic system includes, a power generator that outputs a first DC power, a plurality of converters each of which converts the first DC power into a second DC power according to a target duty ratio, and outputs voltage information and current information of the second DC power, a plurality of electrolyzers each of which receives the second DC power output from each of the plurality of converters and generates a gas, a control circuit that outputs control information by which the first DC power approaches a maximum power, based on a voltage value and a current value of the first DC power, and a selection circuit that outputs the target duty ratio, and a selection signal as to whether to select each of the plurality of electrolyzers and each of the plurality of converters, based on the control information and the voltage information and the current information.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Yu Yonezawa, Hiroshi Nakao, Yoshiyasu Nakashima, Daiji Yamashita
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Patent number: 11024761Abstract: Lateral multi-junction photovoltaic cells, devices, and methods of fabrication are provided. The photovoltaic cells include a plurality of photovoltaic subcells mechanically stacked together in a stack. Each photovoltaic subcell includes a subcell substrate, and a light absorption structure associated with the substrate. Each light absorption structure is optimized for a respective defined spectral range of incoming radiation, with the light absorption structures of multiple subcells of the plurality of photovoltaic subcells being optimized for different spectral ranges, and being offset in the stack relative to an optical axis to avoid overlap. The photovoltaic cell further includes a spectrally-dispersive optical element, with the photovoltaic subcells in the stack being respectively located and aligned relative to the optical element based, at least in part, on the respective spectral ranges of the subcells' light absorption structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Hans-Juergen Eickelmann, Ruediger Kellmann, Markus Schmidt
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Patent number: 11024751Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a semiconductor substrate which has a substrate outer edge including a circular arc, and a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal disposed in this order along a circumferential direction of the circular arc on one surface side of the semiconductor substrate, and in which each of a distance from the substrate outer edge to the second terminal and a distance from the substrate outer edge to the fourth terminal is greater than both a distance from the substrate outer edge to the first terminal and a distance from the substrate outer edge to the third terminal.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Hiromu Kawai
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Patent number: 11015037Abstract: A method of manufacturing a graphene sheet comprising the steps of: providing a container containing liquid and a volume above the liquid; supplying carbon atoms to the volume; and allowing carbon atoms to settle on the surface of the liquid and to coalesce to form the graphene sheet.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventor: Nicholas Giacomo Robert Colosimo
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Patent number: 11018619Abstract: Photovoltaic cabling optimization for trackers using a plug and play harness configuration. A cable harness configuration for a photovoltaic, PV, installation including a plurality of solar trackers arranged in rows in a N-S direction, each solar tracker comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules, and a switch-box or an inverter, the cable harness configuration comprising a plurality of output strings, for each solar tracker, a trunk cable, and one or more connector devices connecting said plurality of strings and said trunk cable. Each solar tracker has associated a fuse-box with a plurality of connection inputs and said fuse-box has a single cable or connector output which is connected to the trunk cable through the use of said connector device.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Inventors: Francisco Javier Torrano Carrillo, Jose Alfonso Teruel Hernandez
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Patent number: 11012027Abstract: A system for converting solar energy to electric power and a glass for a layer of solar cells in the system. A solar panel installation comprises a solar panel with at least one solar cell formed with a stack of plural layers of photovoltaic wafer material. Each layer of wafer material has an edge direction from a recipient edge to a back edge, and the solar cell is retained within the solar panel installation with the photovoltaic wafer material disposed with the edge direction aligned with incident solar direction. Reflective material applied to facing surfaces of the photovoltaic wafer material facilitates internal reflection of photons. A glass layer has plural sheets of Graphene layered to form a Graphene Cube constructed to exhibit Multiple Excitation Generation (MEG). A method for assembling the glass fixes a top glass above a bottom glass with photovoltaic wafer material establishing a fixed distance therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Nex-Gen Solar Technologies, LLCInventor: Mathew M. Zuckerman
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Patent number: 11011912Abstract: This invention relates to a photovoltaic (PV) unit adapted to provide wireless power transfer output comprising one or more photovoltaic cells that generate electrical output, and at least one wireless power transfer transmitter coupled to transfer the electrical output via wireless power transfer. Such a PV unit can be provided in combination with a roofing, cladding or siding module. Such a module comprises an underlapping region and an exposed region of an adjacent module when installed on a building surface; and an outer surface and an under surface, wherein the under surface of the underlapping region is profiled to define a pathway for air flow between the module and the building surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Zinniatek LimitedInventors: Andrew Leo Haynes, Ashton Cyril Partridge, Pengcheng Liu, Sing Kiong Nguang
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Patent number: 11004987Abstract: Methods of fabricating a solar cell, and system for electrically coupling solar cells, are described. In an example, the methods for fabricating a solar cell can include placing conductive wires in a wire guide, where conductive wires are placed over a first semiconductor substrate having first doped regions and second doped regions. The method can include aligning the conductive wires over the first and second doped regions, where the wire guide aligns the conductive wires substantially parallel to the first and second doped regions. The method can include bonding the conductive wires to the first and second doped regions. The bonding can include applying a mechanical force to the semiconductor substrate via a roller or bonding head of the wire guide, where the wire guide inhibits lateral movement of the conductive wires during the bonding.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignees: SunPower Corporation, Total Marketing Services and Total Energies Nouvelles Activites USAInventors: Richard Hamilton Sewell, David Aaron Randolph Barkhouse, Nils-Peter Harder, Douglas Rose
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Patent number: 11005268Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optimizer for a photovoltaic system, a control method for an optimizer, and an optimizer parallel arrangement thereof. In the method, a DC bus voltage output by the optimizer is acquired; and the optimizer is controlled to switch among an MPPT mode, a limited power mode and a fast shutdown mode based on the DC bus voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Xuancai Zhu, Bingwen Weng, Jiao Zhang, Yanlong Li, Jinfa Zhang
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Patent number: 10998458Abstract: A solar cell having, on a semiconductor substrate's first main surface a first conductivity type, a base layer having first conductivity type and an emitter layer which is adjacent to base layer and has a second conductivity type which is a conductivity type opposite to first conductivity type, the solar cell includes: a base electrode which is electrically connected with base layer; and an emitter electrode which is electrically connected with emitter layer, solar cell including: dielectric films which are in contact with base and emitter layer on first main surface; first insulator films which cover the emitter electrode, are placed on the dielectric films, and are arranged to have a gap at least on base layer; and a base bus bar electrode placed at least on first insulator films, and being wherein gap distance between the first insulator films is 40 ?m or more and (W+110) ?m or less.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Takenori Watabe, Shun Moriyama, Hiroshi Hashigami, Hiroyuki Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 10998452Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device having a lateral semiconductor heterojunction involves forming a first metal chalcogenide layer of the lateral semiconductor heterojunction adjacent to a first metal electrode on a substrate. The first metal chalcogenide layer includes a same metal as the first metal electrode and at least some of the first metal chalcogenide layer includes metal from the first metal electrode. A second metal chalcogenide layer of the lateral semiconductor heterojunction is formed adjacent to the first metal chalcogenide layer. A second metal electrode is formed adjacent to the second metal chalcogenide layer. The second metal chalcogenide layer includes a same metal as the second metal electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Ming-Yang Li, Jing-Kai Huang, Lain-Jong Li
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Patent number: 10992256Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intelligent circuit control for solar panel systems. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining, by a controller, that a first electrical output of a first solar panel configured to charge a plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a second electrical output of a second solar panel configured to charge the plurality of rechargeable batteries, and causing the second solar panel to be disconnected from the plurality of rechargeable batteries. Example methods may include determining that a voltage potential of the plurality of rechargeable batteries is greater than a total output voltage, where the total output voltage is a sum of the first electrical output and the second electrical output, and causing a connection between the plurality of rechargeable batteries to be changed from a series connection to a parallel connection based at least in part on the first electrical output.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Premergy, Inc.Inventors: Richard Edward Botts, Blakely Lane Fabiani
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Patent number: 10992255Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system can include a plurality of PV modules and circuitry configured to receive an indication of a status of the PV system and to, in response to the indication, determine whether to switch between a first state in which the PV modules output DC power and a second state in which the PV modules do not output power.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Benjamin Alexander Johnson, Andrew Joseph Ponec
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Patent number: 10991837Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are generally related to solar panel configurations. In some embodiments, the active surface area of the solar panel is increased compared to traditional flat solar cell arrays. The increase in active surface area may increase solar panel efficiency. For example, in some embodiments, a single light ray may have portions reflected onto a plurality of solar cell surfaces to provide further opportunities for light capture and conversion to electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Inventor: Jitsen Chang
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Patent number: 10985288Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbHInventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
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Patent number: 10976251Abstract: Disclosed is a surface plasmon resonance sensor. The surface plasmon resonance sensor includes an optical fiber; a microfiber provided at an end of the optical fiber; and a nanostructure provided in a specific region of the microprobe. The specific region of the microprobe is present at a position separate by a predetermined distance from the end of the optical fiber, and, in the nanostructure, a conductive layer is provided at an interval of a nano size at each of both sides of an insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Dankook UniversityInventors: Seung-Ki Lee, Hyeong-Min Kim, Jae-Hyoung Park
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Patent number: 10978878Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: SOLARLYTICS, INC.Inventors: Robert P. McNamara, Douglas M. Raymond
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Patent number: 10976077Abstract: A linear fresnel solar power system which is transportable in a goods container, wherein the solar power system comprises: a number of rows of reflective mirrors, and a support structure, the support structure comprising a base for assembling the support structure on a commercial goods container, and the container defining a volume, wherein the support structure further comprises: two foldable lateral platforms articulated to the base of the support structure; and two mirror-carrying banks, supported by the lateral platforms, wherein the rows of reflective mirrors are mounted on the mirror-carrying banks. The invention helps to save transportation and assembling costs.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: SOLATOM CSP S.L.Inventors: Raul Villalba Van Dijk, Miguel Herraiz Frasquet