Particulate Or Spherical Semiconductor Patents (Class 136/250)
  • Patent number: 11901468
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor packaging capable of supplying power by itself by including, as a power supply part, photovoltaic particles having a core-shell structure, wherein the photovoltaic particles in a semiconductor package generate voltage and current required for semiconductors so that the semiconductor package can be easily driven only with the power generated by itself, it is possible to overcome the restrictions on miniaturization of semiconductor packages due to connection with external power sources, and the photovoltaic particles are located between a semiconductor chip and a substrate so that the semiconductor package is easy to miniaturize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SOFTPV INC.
    Inventors: Sunggue Lee, Hyeonwoo Ahn
  • Patent number: 11532671
    Abstract: An organic photoelectronic device includes a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other and a light-absorption layer between the first electrode and the second electrode and including a photoelectric conversion region including a p-type light-absorbing material and an n-type light-absorbing material and a doped region including an exciton quencher and at least one of the p-type light-absorbing material and the n-type light-absorbing material, wherein at least one of the p-type light-absorbing material and the n-type light-absorbing material selectively absorbs a part of visible light, and an image sensor includes the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Leem, Kwang Hee Lee, Tadao Yagi, Sung Young Yun, Gae Hwang Lee, Seon-Jeong Lim, Yong Wan Jin
  • Patent number: 11495640
    Abstract: An organic photoelectronic device includes a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other and a light-absorption layer between the first electrode and the second electrode and including a photoelectric conversion region including a p-type light-absorbing material and an n-type light-absorbing material and a doped region including an exciton quencher and at least one of the p-type light-absorbing material and the n-type light-absorbing material, wherein at least one of the p-type light-absorbing material and the n-type light-absorbing material selectively absorbs a part of visible light, and an image sensor includes the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Leem, Kwang Hee Lee, Tadao Yagi, Sung Young Yun, Gae Hwang Lee, Seon-Jeong Lim, Yong Wan Jin
  • Patent number: 11283034
    Abstract: A hybrid particle according to the present invention includes an inorganic core particle, an electron transport layer covering a surface of the inorganic core particle, and a light absorption layer covering the electron transport layer. The light absorption layer contains a compound having an organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite crystal structure or a metal complex. The compound or the metal complex is grown in a crystalline form on a surface of the electron transport layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Miyanishi, Hiroshi Sugimura, Tatsuhiro Morita
  • Patent number: 11233332
    Abstract: A light absorber includes an insulating substrate; a reflective layer that is provided on the insulating substrate, that is composed of a metal, and that has conductivity; a conductive pattern that is disposed on the reflective layer and that has defined therein at least one first opening; a nano-antenna that is disposed on the reflective layer and that vertically overlaps the at least one first opening; and an insulating pattern having a first portion that is interposed between the reflective layer and the conductive pattern and having a second portion that is interposed between and completely fills a vertical space between the reflective layer and the nano-antenna so that the reflective layer, the conductive pattern, and the nano-antenna are electrically insulated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sunghoon Hong, Hye Won Yoon, Mi Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 10903433
    Abstract: An organic compound represented by the following formula [1] has a high absorption coefficient in a long wavelength region and is thermally stable. In formula [1], Ar1 and Ar2 each represent a group independently selected from the group consisting of aryl group and heterocyclic groups, and A represents a cyclic structure. m represents an integer of 0 to 2. Q represents a structure represented by one of the following formulas [1-1] and [1-2], wherein n represents an integer of 0 to 2, and when n is 2, the two R4's may be the same as or different from each other, and the two R5's may be the same as or different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokazu Miyashita, Naoki Yamada, Hiroki Ohrui, Hironobu Iwawaki, Yosuke Nishide, Jun Kamatani
  • Patent number: 10859279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart air purifying ventilator installed on a window frame. More specifically, the smart air purifying ventilator of the present invention includes a frame part installed on a window frame and having two or more openings formed therein, a blowing part installed in the frame part and responsible for introducing or discharging air through the openings, filters for purifying air introduced or discharged by the blowing part, an outdoor side cover part coupled to one side of the frame part, a front panel part coupled to another side of the frame part, and a control unit for comparing the inside and outside air conditions of the window frame and controlling the blowing part to determine inflow or outflow of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Gongzone S&T Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo Hyun Kim, Yeon Mee Kim, Keum Young Seo, Ja Hyeon Chang
  • Patent number: 10714647
    Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10665737
    Abstract: A method of producing a structure comprising a substrate (11) having at least one integral first face at a first angle relative to a normal from the substrate, at least one second integral second face at a second angle relative to a normal from the substrate; with a cavity in the structure between the first and second faces; the method comprising the steps of: coating a portion (15) of the first face with a first conducting layer; coating a portion (18) of the second face with a second conducting layer; and depositing in the cavity an active material (31) to provide ohmic and rectifying contacts for insertion or extraction of charge from the active material by way of the first and second conducting layers. The active material may be photovoltaic, light emitting or ion conducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: POWER ROLL LIMITED
    Inventor: Alexander John Topping
  • Patent number: 10622393
    Abstract: The method is provided for fabricating an optical metasurface. The method may include depositing a conductive layer over a holographic region of a wafer and depositing a dielectric layer over the conducting layer. The method may also include patterning a hard mask on the dielectric layer. The method may further include etching the dielectric layer to form a plurality of dielectric pillars with a plurality of nano-scale gaps between the pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Gleb M. Akselrod, Erik E. Josberger, Mark C. Weidman
  • Patent number: 10396230
    Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventor: David D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10357799
    Abstract: A method for producing an assembly of particles bound by a substrate, including: making a compact film of solid particles floating on a carrier liquid, the solid particles potentially holding objects between them; spraying particles onto a face of the compact film opposite to the one immersed in a carrier liquid, to create a substrate-forming-skin adhering to the solid particles; and extracting an obtained assembly outside the carrier liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Dellea, Philippe Coronel, Nicolas Dreuilles, Pascal Fugier
  • Patent number: 10249775
    Abstract: A solar cell includes: first and second conductivity type diffusion layers which are formed on a backside of a light-receiving surface of a substrate, first and second electrode portions, first and second electrode line portions, and first and a second electrode bus bar portions; a first insulator film which is formed to cover a side portion and a top of the second electrode portion in an intersection region of the second electrode portion and the first electrode bus bar portion, a second insulator film which is formed to cover a side portion and a top of the first electrode portion in an intersection region of the first electrode portion and the second electrode bus bar portion, wherein the second electrode portion is formed continuously in a line shape under the first insulator film, and the first electrode portion is formed continuously in a line shape under the second insulator film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoko Endo, Takenori Watabe, Hiroyuki Otsuka
  • Patent number: 10115840
    Abstract: Solar cell including: a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type having a region of the first conductivity type and region of a second conductivity type on the back side; a first finger electrode composed of a first contact portion and first current collector, a second finger electrode composed of a second contact portion and second current collector, a first bus bar electrode, a second bus bar electrode on the backside; an insulator film disposed at least in the area just under the first bus bar electrode and second bus bar electrode; wherein the electrical contact between the first current collector and first bus bar electrode as well as electrical contact between the second current collector and the second bus bar electrode are made on the insulator film; and first contact portion and the second contact portion are in a continuous line shape at least just under the insulator film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoko Matsuo, Takenori Watabe, Hiroyuki Otsuka
  • Patent number: 10020417
    Abstract: A PV module is formed having an array of PV cells, where the cells are separated by gaps. Each cell contains an array of small silicon sphere diodes (10-300 microns in diameter) connected in parallel. The diodes and conductor layers may be patterned by printing. A continuous metal substrate supports the diodes and conductor layers in all the cells. A dielectric substrate is laminated to the metal substrate. Trenches are then formed by laser ablation around the cells to sever the metal substrate to form electrically isolated PV cells. A metallization step is then performed to connect the cells in series to increase the voltage output of the PV module. An electrically isolated bypass diode for each cell is also formed by the trenching step. The metallization step connects the bypass diode and its associated cell in a reverse-parallel relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Printed Energy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Tricia Youngbull, Bradley Steven Oraw, William Johnstone Ray
  • Patent number: 9892675
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display apparatus, including a plurality of subpixels, each of which includes an anode, a cathode and a light-emitting layer. The OLED display apparatus further includes at least one photovoltaic conversion module arranged in correspondence with the subpixel, and configured to receive an optical signal from the light-emitting layer of the corresponding subpixel and convert the received optical signal into an electric signal. A testing terminal is extracted from the photovoltaic conversion module and configured to acquire the electric signal converted by the photovoltaic conversion module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Fei Yang, Dongfang Wang
  • Patent number: 9818903
    Abstract: A solar cell can include a substrate and a semiconductor region disposed in or above the substrate. The solar cell can also include a conductive contact disposed on the semiconductor region with the conductive contact including a conductive foil bonded to the semiconductor region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignees: SunPower Corporation, Total Marketing Services
    Inventors: Richard Hamilton Sewell, Michel Arsène Olivier Nagamo Toko, Matthieu Moors, Jens Dirk Moschner
  • Patent number: 9722103
    Abstract: Thermal compression bonding approaches for foil-based metallization of solar cells, and the resulting solar cells, are described. For example, a method of fabricating a solar cell includes placing a metal foil over a metalized surface of a wafer of the solar cell. The method also includes locating the metal foil with the metalized surface of the wafer. The method also includes, subsequent to the locating, applying a force to the metal foil such that a shear force appears between the metal foil and the metallized surface of the wafer to electrically connect a substantial portion of the metal foil with the metalized surface of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Hamilton Sewell
  • Patent number: 9666733
    Abstract: A solar cell using a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a substrate that is formed of an insulating material and in and through which a plurality of fixing holes and communication holes are alternately formed; a plurality of photoelectric effect generators that have ball or polyhedral shapes fixed to the substrate to be disposed over the plurality of fixing holes, and generate photoelectric effects by receiving light through light-receiving portions that are exposed to an upper portion of the substrate; a plurality of upper electrodes that are formed on a top surface of the substrate, and are connected to the respective light-receiving portions of the photoelectric effect generators; and a plurality of lower electrodes that are formed on a bottom surface of the substrate to be connected to respective non-light-receiving portions of the photoelectric effect generators, and communicate with the plurality of upper electrodes through the plurality of communication holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Hyeon Woo Ahn, Sung Gue Lee
  • Patent number: 9647223
    Abstract: A photoresponse device comprising a nanocomposite photoactive material is provided. The photoactive layer comprises a nanocomposite material of metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed within a photosensitizing organic semiconductor formed on a substrate. Methods of characterizing the nanocomposites are provided and demonstrate commercially relevant electrical and photodetection properties, particularly the ability to operate as a photodiode, photoconductor or photocapacitor. An economical process for preparing the nanocomposite and the photoresponse device is also provided as well as applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz University
    Inventors: Ahmed A. Al-Ghamdi, Yusuf Al-Turki, Fahrettin Yakuphanoglu, Farid El-Tantawy
  • Patent number: 9543361
    Abstract: An organic photoelectronic device includes a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other, and an active layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the active layer including a heterojunction of a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor, the p-type semiconductor including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Leem, Kwang Hee Lee, Sung Young Yun, Gae Hwang Lee, Xavier Bulliard, Yong Wan Jin
  • Patent number: 9478717
    Abstract: Networks of semiconductor structures with fused insulator coatings and methods of fabricating networks of semiconductor structures with fused insulator coatings are described. In an example, a semiconductor structure includes an insulator network. A plurality of discrete semiconductor nanocrystals is disposed in the insulator network. Each of the plurality of discrete semiconductor nanocrystals is spaced apart from one another by the insulator network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Light Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Benjamin Daniel Mangum, Weiwen Zhao, Kari N. Haley, Juanita N. Kurtin
  • Patent number: 9455307
    Abstract: There is provided a method of forming an active matrix electro-optical device, the method comprising providing a backplane comprising: a backplane substrate; a semiconductor particle formed separately from the backplane substrate and then fixed upon the backplane substrate at a predetermined position; the semiconductor particle planarized to remove portions of the semiconductor particle and to expose at a cross-section of the semiconductor particle a planar surface; and a controllable gated electronic component on or directly beneath the planar surface, the controllable gated electronic component configured to control one or more pixels of the electro-optical device. The method also comprises providing an optical portion comprising one or more pixel regions, the optical portion electrically connected to the backplane such that at least one of the pixel regions of the optical portion is electrically connected to the controllable gated electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: DIFTEK LASERS, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dykaar
  • Patent number: 9123835
    Abstract: A method for electrically connecting a surface electrode of a solar battery cell and a wiring member via a conductive adhesive film, wherein the conductive adhesive film contains an insulating adhesive and conductive particles, and wherein when the ten point height of roughness profile and maximum height of the surface of the surface electrode in contact with the conductive adhesive film are Rz (?m) and Ry (?m) respectively, the average particle diameter r (?m) of the conductive particles is equal to or greater than the ten point height of roughness profile Rz, and the thickness t (?m) of the conductive adhesive film is equal to or greater than the maximum height Ry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Shimizu, Kaoru Okaniwa, Naoki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 9082917
    Abstract: In a solar cell module 100, the wiring member 11 is connected onto the connection electrode 40 through a resin adhesive 12; and the connection electrode 40 includes a plurality of projections 40a which are in direct contact with the wiring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Saita, Hiroshi Kanno
  • Patent number: 9040428
    Abstract: Hemispheres and spheres are formed and employed for a plurality of applications. Hemispheres are employed to form a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes peaks of pillars which have a base attached to the lower surface. The peaks have a density defined at the upper surface by an array of hemispherical metal structures that act as a mask during an etch to remove substrate material down to the lower surface during formation of the pillars. The pillars are dense and uniform and include a microscale average diameter. The spheres are formed as independent metal spheres or nanoparticles for other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Augustin J. Hong, Woo-Shik Jung, Jeehwan Kim, Jae-Woong Nahum, Devendra K. Sadana
  • Patent number: 9040809
    Abstract: A nano power cell and method of use are described wherein the nano power cell absorbs electromagnetic energy is nano particles in an optical fluid that flow in microchannels of the nano power cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SOLERA LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Saad Al Kenany, Marc Madou
  • Patent number: 8993869
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion layer to include a first metal layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second metal layer, all of which are laminated. In addition, at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer is a nano-mesh metal having a plurality of through holes or a dot metal having a plurality of metal dots arranged separately from each other on the semiconductor layer. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a long-wavelength absorption layer containing an impurity which is different from impurities for p-type doping and n-type doping of the semiconductor layer. The long-wavelength absorption layer is within a depth of 5 nm from the nano-mesh metal or the dot metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akira Fujimoto, Tsutomu Nakanishi, Kenji Nakamura, Kumi Masunaga, Koji Asakawa
  • Patent number: 8987038
    Abstract: A method for forming a solar cell with selective emitters is disclosed, including selectively removing a portion of a barrier layer on a substrate to form an opening, performing a texture etching process to the substrate to form a second texture structure in a second region under the opening of the barrier layer, wherein the substrate surface in the first region does not change from the first texture structure. The first texture structure and the second texture structure include a plurality of protruding portions and recessing portions. The distance between neighboring protruding portions of the first texture structure is L1, the distance between neighboring protruding portions of the second texture structure is L2, and L1 is 2˜20 times that of L2. The method for forming a solar cell with selective emitters further comprises removing the barrier layer and performing a doping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Dimitre Zahariev Dimitrov, Ching-Hsi Lin, Chung-Wen Lan, Der-Chin Wu
  • Patent number: 8969709
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for using a thick-film conductive paste composition to form an electrode on a silicon semiconductor device, e.g, a photovoltaic cell, containing a lightly doped emitter. The thick-film paste comprises a source of an electrically conductive metal and a Pb—Te-based oxide dispersed in an organic medium. Also provided are devices made by the process and a photovoltaic cell comprising a lightly doped emitter and an electrode formed from the thick-film conductive paste composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Laughlin, Kurt Richard Mikeska, Carmine Torardi, Paul Douglas Vernooy
  • Patent number: 8933321
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shutdown one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi
  • Patent number: 8907210
    Abstract: This invention describes a semiconductor material of general formula (I) Me12Me21-xMe3xMe4(C11-yC2y)4, in which x stands for a numeric value from 0 to 1, and y stands for a numeric value of 0 to 1, as well as its use as an absorber material in a solar cell. The metal Mel is a metal which is selected from the metals in group 11 of the periodic table of the elements (Cu, Ag or Au). The metals Me2 and Me3 are selected from the elements of the 12th group of the periodic table of elements (Zn, Cd & Hg). The metal Me4 is a metal which is selected from the 4th main group of the periodic table of elements (C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb). The non-metals C1 and C2 are selected from the group of chalcogenides (S, Se and Te).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: crystalsol OÜ
    Inventors: Dieter Meissner, Mare Altosaar, Enn Mellikov, Jaan Raudoja, Kristi Timmo
  • Patent number: 8829330
    Abstract: In an example, a solar energy system includes multiple PV modules, multiple reflectors, and a racking assembly. Each of the reflectors is positioned opposite a corresponding one of the PV modules. The racking assembly mechanically interconnects the PV modules and the reflectors to form an interconnected system. The racking assembly defines gaps within the racking assembly and between adjacent PV modules and reflectors. The interconnected system includes multiple contact points associated with the gaps. The gaps and contact points configure the interconnected system to accommodate surface unevenness of an installation surface up to a predetermined surface unevenness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tenksolar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Lowell J. Berg, Lance E. Stover, Orville D. Dodd, Thomas L. Murnan
  • Patent number: 8802480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a monograin membrane and a monograin membrane produced according to said method. The invention further relates to the production of a solar cell from such a monograin membrane as well as a produced solar cell. The monograin membranes produced according to the invention can also be used for other applications, e.g. for converting electric energy into radiation energy or in detectors for detecting radiation. The aim of the invention is to improve the production of monograin membranes and solar cells. Said aim is achieved by first preparing a horizontally oriented layer made of a binder that is not yet cured or cross-linked such that the binder is liquid or at least viscous. Grains are partially introduced into the layer through a surface of the layer in such a way that only a portion of each grain is immersed in the layer and a zone of the grain remains above the surface of the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: crystalsol GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Meissner
  • Patent number: 8759666
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a photovoltaic device (PVD) having a quantum dot (QD) array structure that is capable of performing wavelength conversion. The PVD is configured to generate charge carriers from incident photons. An electric field generator is operable to apply an electric field to the PVD. Strength of the electric field is sufficient to cause the charge carriers to transition through a plurality of discrete energy states formed within a corresponding one of a conductive band and a valence band of the QD array structure. The transition of the charge carriers through the plurality of discrete energy states enables the PVD to generate emitted photons being radiated as an electromagnetic wave. A frequency (and hence wavelength) of the emitted photons being radiated as the electromagnetic wave is tunable by configuring physical attributes of the QD array structure and controlling the electric field strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew H. Evans
  • Patent number: 8735712
    Abstract: A system and method directed to using a PV array and laser beamed-power for aircraft and satellites is provided. More specifically, a system and method directed to a PV receiver that reduces power losses caused by variations in irradiance is provided. The use of a sloped array with a grooved cover glass coated with reflective coating allows the system and method to receive the laser beamed power at an angle and reduce any losses while producing a maximum power output. In addition, the use of capacitors in parallel with the PV cells in the array reduces resistive losses caused by short-term optical fluctuations and assists in maximizing power output for the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Tillotson
  • Patent number: 8716590
    Abstract: This stacked solar battery device includes a plurality of solar battery units 4, an enclosure case made of a metal plate to house these solar battery units 4 therein, a cover glass having a partial cylindrical lens formed. The plurality of solar battery units 4 are housed in a plurality of recesses of the enclosure case, and are sealed with a sealing material of synthetic resin. The solar battery unit 4 has a planar light receiving solar battery module 10, and rod light receiving solar battery modules 30 and 50 stacked so that the module having a shorter center wavelength of the sensitivity wavelength band is positioned closer to the incident side of the sunlight. The solar battery module 10 is configured so that five planar light receiving solar-battery cells 11 are connected in parallel with four connection rods 20a and 20b, and the sunlight modules 30 and 50 are configured so that five sub modules 31 and 51 are connected in parallel respectively with the connection rods 40a, 40b, 60a and 60b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Kyosemi Corporation
    Inventor: Josuke Nakata
  • Patent number: 8686280
    Abstract: A see-through type solar battery module includes optically transparent first and second substrates and a plurality of annular clusters. Each cluster includes: a plurality of spherical solar cells; a conductive layer to which first electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a conductive member to which second electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a bypass diode connected to the conductive layer and the conductive member; and a conductive connection member that electrically connects the conductive layer to conductive member of the cluster that is adjacent in a predetermined direction. By providing the clusters in a snowflake configuration, or in a single rectilinear pattern, the scope is enlarged for selecting the ratio between sunlight transmission ratio and electrical generation capability, so that enhanced freedom of design for use as a window material is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kyosemi Corporation
    Inventor: Josuke Nakata
  • Patent number: 8685858
    Abstract: Hemispheres and spheres are formed and employed for a plurality of applications. Hemispheres are employed to form a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes peaks of pillars which have a base attached to the lower surface. The peaks have a density defined at the upper surface by an array of hemispherical metal structures that act as a mask during an etch to remove substrate material down to the lower surface during formation of the pillars. The pillars are dense and uniform and include a microscale average diameter. The spheres are formed as independent metal spheres or nanoparticles for other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Augustin J. Hong, Woo-Shik Jung, Jeehwan Kim, Jae-Woong Nah, Devendra K. Sadana
  • Patent number: 8668984
    Abstract: A multilayer composite includes a metal substrate layer, an electrically insulating layer directly disposed on the metal substrate layer, and a light absorbing layer directly disposed on said electrically insulating layer. In one embodiment, the light absorbing layer includes carbon black. This multilayer composite is bifunctional having the characteristics of both energy generation upon the absorption of electromagnetic radiation of the solar spectrum (making it useful as the photovoltaic component of a solar cell) and electrical energy storage. Therefore, in one embodiment, the multilayer composite is included in a solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: WNC Solar, LLC
    Inventor: Donald H. Martin
  • Patent number: 8614393
    Abstract: A new photovoltaic (PV) cell structure, prepared on transparent substrate with transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer and having nanorod zinc oxide layer. The cell has a thin conductive layer of doped zinc oxide deposited on the nanorod zinc oxide layer, an extremely thin blocking layer of titanium oxide or indium sulfide on the thin conductive layer, a buffer layer of indium sulfide on the extremely thin blocking layer, an absorber layer, comprising copper indium disulfide on said buffer layer and one electrode attached to the transparent conductive oxide layer and a second electrode attached to the absorber layer. Also, a method of preparing a zinc oxide nanorod PV cell entirely by chemical spray pyrolysis is disclosed. Efficiency up to 3.9% is achieved by simple continuous non-vacuum process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tallinn University of Technology
    Inventors: Malle Krunks, Atanas Katerski, Tatjana Dedova, Arvo Mere, Ilona Oja Acik
  • Patent number: 8601753
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical wiring systems suitable for use in roofing applications. One aspect of the invention is a wiring system on a roof comprising a roof deck having a slope and one or more roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, the wiring system including one or more wires extending along the roof disposed within a tube having an outer surface that is substantially exposed and complements the appearance of the roofing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Charles Gombarick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8586860
    Abstract: A module includes optically transparent first and second substrates and a plurality of clusters, with each cluster including: a plurality of rod type solar cells; a conductive layer to which first electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a conductive member to which second electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a bypass diodes connected to the conductive layer and the conductive member; and a conductive connection member that electrically connects the conductive layer to conductive member of the cluster that is adjacent in a predetermined direction. By providing the plurality of clusters arranged in a hexagonal or rectilinear configuration, it is possible to enlarge the permitted scope for selection of the ratio between sunlight transmission ratio and electrical generation capability, so that it is possible to obtain enhanced freedom of design for use as a window material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kyosemi Corporation
    Inventor: Josuke Nakata
  • Patent number: 8581091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a serial circuit of solar cells with integrated semiconductor bodies, a serial circuit produced thus and photovoltaic modules, comprising at last one serial circuit. The invention is characterized in that conducting bodies (20) and semiconducting bodies (30) are applied to an insulating support layer, according to a pattern, whereby said pattern provides at least one dividing line (21) of conducting bodies. The regions adjacent to the conducting bodies are provided with spherical or particle-shaped semiconducting bodies (30). Parts of the semiconductor bodies are removed and the support layer coated on the side with a back contact layer (50). The back contact layer of a semiconducting body is thus exposed, for example, and brought into contact with the back contact layer (50) of the solar cell. The other side of the support layer (10) is provided with a front contact layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Scheuten Glasgroep
    Inventors: Volker Geyer, Patrick Kaas
  • Publication number: 20130255754
    Abstract: An organic/inorganic hybrid photovoltaic device architecture. In some variations, power conversion efficiencies approach 1%. Some variations include an unexpected order of magnitude improvement of power conversion efficiency approaching 5%. Methods of fabricating a photovoltaic device, including depositing over a first electrode an organic semiconductor layer; depositing over the organic semiconductor layer a cross-linking ligand layer; depositing over the cross-linking ligand layer an inorganic nanocrystal layer; and depositing a second electrode over the inorganic nanocrystal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Henry Friend, Neil Clement Greenham, Bruno Ehrler, Brian Walker
  • Patent number: 8513095
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing solar strips. The method includes providing a photovoltaic material including a back side region, a front side surface, and a plurality of photovoltaic strip regions separated by a plurality of scribe regions. A first portion of the photovoltaic material is supported while a second portion of the photovoltaic material including at least one of the photovoltaic strips is left unsupported. The method includes applying a predetermined force along a portion of the photovoltaic strip that remains unsupported to cause the photovoltaic strip to be separated from the supported photovoltaic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Solaria Corporation
    Inventors: Alelie Funcell, Rick Briere, Douglas R. Battaglia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8507786
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a shaped thin-film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a shaped substrate member including a surface region and forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region. Additionally, the method includes forming an absorber comprising copper species, indium species, and selenide species overlying the first electrode layer. The method further includes scribing through the absorber using a mechanical tip to form a first pattern. Furthermore, the method includes forming a window layer comprising cadmium sulfide species overlying the absorber including the first pattern. Moreover, the method includes scribing through the window layer and the absorber using the mechanical tip to form a second pattern. The second pattern is separated a distance from the first pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Stion Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Wieting
  • Patent number: 8481846
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell that includes a semiconductor layer, to which a photosensitive dye generating electrons is adhered; a photo electrode disposed on a side of the semiconductor layer so as to transfer electrons; and an auxiliary electrode disposed on the other side of the semiconductor layer so as to transfer the electrons, and at least one semiconductor layer and at least one auxiliary electrode are stacked alternatively. Thus, an amount of molecules of the photosensitive dye may be increased without increasing the moving distance of electrons, and the efficiency of the solar cell may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Hyun Son, Ji-Won Lee, Moon-Sung Kang
  • Patent number: 8482309
    Abstract: A failure detecting method for a solar power generation system having plural solar cell strings in each of which plural solar cell modules are connected to each other in series. Specifically, by comparing the current value of each of the solar cell modules or strings with the average current value per one module or string, calculated from the total current value of the entire solar cell modules or strings, one or more failure candidates can be detected with high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Onamba Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitaka Miyata, Jun Ishida, Osamu Shizuya
  • Patent number: 8467633
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities and a light reflecting film. The asperities are formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port. The light reflecting film is formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Hao Liang, Teruo Koike