Encapsulated Or With Housing Patents (Class 136/251)
  • Patent number: 11610209
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided herein. For example, a method for maintaining a power conversion system can include transmitting, to a computing apparatus in operable communication with the power conversion system, an alert message indicating non-working microinverters and which of the non-working microinverters are under warranty and eligible for replacement; receiving, from the computing apparatus, a request for replacement for the non-working microinverters; and transmitting, to the computing apparatus, an acknowledgment message indicating that the request has been successfully received and replacements for the non-working microinverters are being shipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Nitish Mathur, Ashish Bansal, Sumit Saraogi, Rohit Harlalka, Karthik Lakshminarayanan, Ashok Kumar Balasubramaniam, Samuel Mattathil Joseph
  • Patent number: 11605493
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic component capable of preventing entrance of a plating solution and a flux component at an interface to which an inner electrode of a ceramic element body is extended, and capable of forming an outer electrode of an arbitrary shape. A ceramic element body is made of a ceramic material containing a metal oxide, and part of an inner electrode is extended to extended surfaces of the ceramic element body. A base electrode is formed on each of the extended surfaces using a conductive paste to be connected to the inner electrode. Part of another surface of the ceramic element body adjacent to the extended surfaces is locally heated, and part of the metal oxide is reduced to form a reformed portion. A plating electrode is continuously formed over the base electrode and the reformed portion through a plating method to form outer electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Maki, Takuya Ishida, Shinya Hirai
  • Patent number: 11558006
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a roof covering element, a solar roof covering element, to an assembly of solar roof covering elements, and to a method for producing a solar roof covering element. A roof covering element and a solar roof covering element are to be provided for a solar roof system, which can be produced by means of a cost-effective mass production process and which enable a simple and cost-effective roof mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Autarq GmbH
    Inventors: Cornelius Paul, Dieter Neberg, Martin Mack
  • Patent number: 11545593
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a simple, fast, and high-yield method for encapsulating solar cells. This method can produce an encapsulation of solar cell(s) that is flat, bubble-free, lightweight, and flexible. In addition, it can also reduce equipment and material costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventor: Ching-Fuh Lin
  • Patent number: 11545932
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid solar panel comprising: a photovoltaic module; a heat exchanger arranged opposite in the rear surface of said photovoltaic module; a cooling fluid circulating in said exchanger; the heat exchanger including a heat exchange area; inner channels extending over the entire surface of the exchange area; the heat exchange area is made up of a double cellular plate with cells provided in the form of adjacent inner channels in fluid communication with the intake and discharge areas, characterised in that: the side ends are sealed; the plate comprises openings made in the lower wall in order to establish fluid communication between each channel and the intake and discharge areas, respectively; and the intake and discharge areas are provided in the form of collectors placed on the lower wall at the openings, so that said upper wall remains planar over the entire surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: DUALSUN
    Inventors: Laetitia Brottier, Jerome Mouterde
  • Patent number: 11538952
    Abstract: A solar cell module is discussed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells each including a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, which are formed on a back surface of the semiconductor substrate and are separated from each other, the plurality of solar cells disposed in a first direction; a plurality of first conductive lines connected to the plurality of first electrodes included in a first solar cell of the plurality of solar cells, and the plurality of first conductive lines extended in the first direction; a plurality of second conductive lines connected to the plurality of second electrodes included in a second solar cell of the plurality of solar cells which is adjacent to the first solar cell, and the plurality of second conductive lines extended in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Shangrao Jinko solar Technology Development Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Bojoong Kim, Minpyo Kim, Daehee Jang, Hyeyoung Yang
  • Patent number: 11538955
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module comprising at least a first layer and a second layer affixed to each other by means of an encapsulant, said method comprising a lamination step wherein the encapsulant material comprises a silane-modified polyolefin having a melting point below 90° C., pigment particles and an additive comprising a cross-linking catalyst; and wherein in said lamination step heat and pressure are applied to the module, said heat being applied at a temperature between 60° C. and 125° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: CSEM CENTRE SUISSE D'ELECTRONIQUE ET DE MICROTECHNIQUE SA—RECHERCHE ET DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventors: Hengyu Li, Jordi Escarre Palou, Karin Söderström, Xavier Bulliard, Laure-Emmanuelle Perret-Aebi, Christophe Ballif
  • Patent number: 11532764
    Abstract: An encapsulant of a photovoltaic module, intended for coating a photovoltaic cell, having a composition which does not include any cross-linking agent and including: an ethylene—alkyl acrylate copolymer, the copolymer making up 70% to 96% of the weight of the composition; a silane, making up 0.1% to 2% of the weight of the composition; wherein the composition also includes a terpolymer of ethylene—acrylic ester—maleic anhydride or glycidyl methacrylate, the terpolymer making up 2% to 29.9% of the weight of the composition. Also relates to the use of such an encapsulant in a photovoltaic module as well as to a photovoltaic module including such an encapsulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: SK GEO CENTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guillaume Jacques, Stéphane Bizet, Benoît Savignat
  • Patent number: 11522025
    Abstract: Polymeric films, which may be adhesive films, and display devices including such polymeric films, wherein a polymeric film includes: a first polymeric layer having two major surfaces, wherein the first polymeric layer includes a first polymeric matrix and particles. The first polymeric layer includes: a first a polyolefin-based low WVTR adhesive polymeric matrix having a refractive index n1; and particles having a refractive index n2 uniformly dispersed within the first polymeric matrix; wherein the particles are present in an amount of less than 30 vol-%, based on the volume of the first polymeric layer, and have a particle size range of 400 nanometers (nm) to 3000 nm; and wherein n1 is different than n2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Encai Hao, Zhaohui Yang, Albert I. Everaerts, Yongshang Lu, William Blake Kolb, Keith R. Bruesewitz
  • Patent number: 11522095
    Abstract: A 12th solar cell and a 13th solar cell are provided to overlap in part as viewed from a side of a light receiving surface 22. A portion of a light receiving surface of the 12th solar cell and a portion of a back surface of the 13th solar cell face each other in an overlapping portion across a wire. The overlapping portion includes a part where a resin is located both between the light receiving surface of the 12th solar cell and the wire and between the back surface of the 13th cell and the wiring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junpei Irikawa
  • Patent number: 11519638
    Abstract: Frames and processes of manufacture using single-wall frame sections coupled to other single-wall frame sections or double-wall frame sections using a connecting key are provided. The connecting key can be metallic, polymer, ceramic, a laminate, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Lee J. Gorny
  • Patent number: 11515833
    Abstract: A solar carport system has a framework comprising metal tubing and connection fittings, the framework having a length, a width and a height and rectangular faces on top, ends and sides, a plurality of wheel assemblies at a lowermost location on the framework, enabling the framework to be moved on the wheels on a supporting surface, a plurality of solar panels assembled to the framework in the top rectangular face, such that an active surface of each solar panel faces upward, and circuitry and wiring connecting the solar panels to a cable ending in a connector compatible with and connected to an inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventors: Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, Achim Ginsberg-Klemmt
  • Patent number: 11505631
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having narrow molecular weight distribution together with a low density and an ultra low molecular weight, and minimized number of unsaturated functional groups, and in which a comonomer is uniformly present to show excellent physical properties, and a method for preparing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventors: Jin Sam Gong, Seung Hwan Jung, Jung Ho Jun, Rae Keun Gwak, Choong Hoon Lee, Eun Jung Lee, Hyun Jin Ju, In Sung Park, Sang Eun Park
  • Patent number: 11495698
    Abstract: Reconfigurable PV panels can have features that include cut lines for separating full panels into smaller subpanels, connector ribbons for assembling several reconfigurable PV panels into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array and can be stacked upon each other and unstacked by rotating them about a shared connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Zachary S. Judkins, David C. Okawa, Brian S. Wares, Tamir Lance, Patrick L. Chapman
  • Patent number: 11487248
    Abstract: A movement includes a solar panel that has a substrate made of resin, and a support member that is made of resin, has a frame shape, and supports the substrate through bonding through a bonding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuichi Tamura
  • Patent number: 11489488
    Abstract: A bifacial solar module with enhanced power output including first and second transparent support layers, a plurality of electrically interconnected bifacial solar cells arranged between the transparent support layers with gaps between one or more of the interconnected solar cells and edges of the first and second transparent support layers, the bifacial solar cells having a first side directly exposed to solar radiation and a second side opposite the first. The bifacial solar module further includes one or more micro-structured reflective tapes positioned coincidentally with the gaps and attached to a surface of the second support layer such that light passing through the second support layer is reflected back into the second support layer at angles such that light reflecting from the tape is absorbed by either the first or second side of the bifacial solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: NEXTRACKER LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Shugar, Eric Cole
  • Patent number: 11482965
    Abstract: A stacking spacer for a photovoltaic module frame comprises a main body, extending in a longitudinal direction, a connecting member, extending in the longitudinal direction and protruding from the main body, adapted for being inserted in at least one lateral profile groove of the photovoltaic module frame, and two opposed support members, arranged on respective opposed longitudinal sides of the main body, extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the two opposed support members have complementary forms, whereby at least two stacking spacers can be securely stacked on top of each other. Photovoltaic module frames and tracking device assemblies may include photovoltaic modules comprising such stacking spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-AUGUSTIN CANADA ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Christoph Schmidt, Gerrit Lange, Wolfgang Aipperspach
  • Patent number: 11463044
    Abstract: Corner connection members for a photovoltaic module frame include thru-passages for receiving insert components that perform and facilitate a variety of functions, such as attaching the photovoltaic module to a roof, providing a ground connection for the solar cells, to facilitate the mechanical and electrical connection of photovoltaic modules which are arranged side-by-side, to facilitate securing photovoltaic modules in a stack, and providing mechanical and electrical connections to adjacent photovoltaic modules in an array. Insert components may also include electronic devices, such as microinverters and energy storage devices, which are connected to the photovoltaic modules when the insert component is installed in the corner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Beryl Weinshenker, Nathan Stoddard, Steve Sefchick, Eric Olson
  • Patent number: 11450780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module comprising a solar cell element and an insulation material laminated to at least one side of the solar cell element wherein the insulation material comprises an olefin copolymer which comprises silane group-containing monomer units, to a process for the production of such a photovoltaic module, and to the use of an olefin copolymer which comprises silane group-containing monomer units for the production of an insulation layer of a photovoltaic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Borealis AG
    Inventors: Bernt-Ake Sultan, Udo Wahner
  • Patent number: 11447954
    Abstract: At least first and second rows of panels may be mounted onto, or to form, at least part of a pitched roof, wall or other structure by mounting a panel support framework onto an underlying structure and arranging the panels so that each panel on the second row is offset upwardly relative to each panel on the first row in a stepped fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Practical Renewables Racking Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. McDonald
  • Patent number: 11444571
    Abstract: A solar array may include a first rigid composite solar panel including solar cells secured to a first substrate. The solar array may further include a second rigid composite solar panel including solar cells secured to a second substrate. The solar array may also include solar panel modules including solar cells secured to a flexible sheet of material. The solar panel modules may be coupled between the first composite solar panel and the second composite solar panel. The solar array may be configured to be retained in a stowed arrangement with the solar panel modules between the first rigid composite solar panel and the second rigid composite solar panel. The solar array further configured to be extended with an extendable arm until each of the first rigid composite solar panel, the second rigid composite solar panel and the solar panel modules are arranged in a substantially straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Nortnrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael I. Eskenazi, Michael E. McEachen, Christopher Peterson
  • Patent number: 11444568
    Abstract: An apparatus for portable power generation comprises an intermodal container having a front bracket and a top bracket secured to a top thereof. At least one front solar panel assembly is hinged to the top bracket, wherein the at least one front solar panel assembly is pivotable between a stored position proximate to and substantially parallel to the front of the intermodal container and an extended position angularly rotated upward about the top bracket to an angle relative to the front of the intermodal container and at least one top solar panel assembly hinged to the top bracket wherein the at least one top solar panel assembly is pivotable between a stored position proximate to and substantially parallel to the top of the intermodal container and an extended position angularly rotated upward about the top bracket to an angle relative to the top of the intermodal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Scott Carrington
  • Patent number: 11444212
    Abstract: A crystalline silicon solar cell includes a gallium oxide layer in direct contact with a P-type silicon layer in the crystalline silicon solar cell. The gallium oxide layer is arranged on the P-type silicon layer of the crystalline silicon solar cell, negative charges of the gallium oxide layer are used to carry out chemical passivation and field passivation on a surface of the P-type silicon layer, and the number of dangling bonds and minority carriers of silicon atoms on the surface of the P-type silicon layer is reduced, so that a minority carrier recombination rate at the surface of the P-type silicon layer is reduced. In addition, the gallium oxide layer has a relatively wide band gap and an appropriate optical refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: JINGAO SOLAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoye Chen, Wenjuan Xue, Xiulin Jiang, Haipeng Yin
  • Patent number: 11437948
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating electricity and maintaining data are described. A unit has multiple solar panels and a set of hinges into which additional hardware may be added. Rotatable hinges allow rotatable solar panels to move between open, partial open and closed configurations of the unit. For a closed configuration, each rotatable hinge holds each solar panel relative to one another in the approximate cubic shape. A set of hinges may be a set of removeable rods and sleeves. In a further feature, electronics positioned within a solar unit are protected and electromagnetically shielded. A switch controls a security state of the solar unit that varies depending on whether the solar unit is in an open, partial open or closed configuration. The security state may include the type of external communication and access permitted. Skate or skateboard assemblies provide greater mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Community Adaptation, LLC
    Inventors: Walter D. Clapp, Donald H. Clapp, Robert Y. Seward
  • Patent number: 11430900
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells, and a polymeric film positioned on an incident light side of the plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein the polymeric film transmits a range of wavelengths of the incident light spectrum and specularly reflects wavelengths outside of the range. An encapsulant layer is in contact with the polymeric film. The polymeric film may have a first surface area larger than a second surface area of the layer of photovoltaic cells. The polymeric film may have one or more through-holes so that encapsulant can penetrate through the through-holes at elevated temperature during lamination thereby bonding to a front glass of the photovoltaic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Zachary Holman, Kathryn Fisher, Xiaodong Meng
  • Patent number: 11424714
    Abstract: This specification describes angled polymer solar modules, methods for producing angled polymer solar modules, and methods for installing angled polymer solar modules. In some examples, a method includes producing a flat polymer sheet including one or more photovoltaic cells. The method includes applying force to the flat polymer sheet to curve the flat polymer sheet in at least one region, forming an angled polymer sheet from the flat polymer sheet. The method includes mounting the angled polymer sheet on a roof deck such that the photovoltaic cells are angled with respect to the roof deck by virtue of the at least one region being curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Okawa, Tamir Lance, Gabriela Bunea, Brian Wares, Zachary Judkins
  • Patent number: 11424372
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide, at a low cost, a solar cell having high conversion efficiency. A solar cell according to the present invention is characterized by including a passivation film that protects a semiconductor substrate, a first finger electrode connected to the semiconductor substrate on a main surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first bus bar electrode that intersects the first finger electrode, and an intermediate layer provided in an intersecting position of the first finger electrode and the first bus bar electrode. The solar cell is characterized in that the first finger electrode and the first bus bar electrode are electrically connected to each other via the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Mitta, Takenori Watabe, Hiroyuki Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 11418145
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module having an external electrical connector is described. For example, the photovoltaic module may include a plug receptacle mounted on a module laminate, and a contact may extend from a photovoltaic cell within the module laminate into a plug channel of the plug receptacle. The plug receptacle may receive a mating electrical connector, e.g., an electrical plug, of off-panel electronics. Accordingly, the contact may be removably connected to the mating electrical connector, and the photovoltaic cell may be placed in electrical connection with the off-panel electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriela Elena Bunea, Cuong Manh Ta, Lewis Abra, Lee Gorny
  • Patent number: 11414774
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a manufacturing method of a display panel which includes forming a pattern of a first electrode layer on a first substrate; coating a nano particle solution on the pattern of the first electrode layer and the first substrate; providing a second substrate formed with a pattern of a second electrode layer, wherein the pattern of the first electrode layer corresponds to the pattern of the second electrode layer; and connecting the pattern of the first electrode layer and the pattern of the second electrode layer to a power supply to perform a patterning treatment on the nano particle solution to make the nano particle solution form a pattern of a nano particle layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Jinyang Zhao, Miao Zhou
  • Patent number: 11407215
    Abstract: Methods of rapidly debonding encapsulant in solar modules and disassembling the modules for reuse or recycling of components. Electromagnetic radiation is applied to a solar module in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to debond the encapsulant layers. Peel blocks are used to separate the front layer and back sheet of the module from the solar cells. The components are then sorted for reuse or recycling of valuable materials. The embodiments described also include a system of performing the methods that can be arranged in one or more shipping containers to be delivered to a solar module decommissioning site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Taesung Kim
  • Patent number: 11381200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for aligning a solar panel (20) with respect to an installation rail which is attached to a base, in particular a roof, prior to installation. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one solar panel (20) and at least one such device (1) which is coupled to a frame (21) of the solar panel (20). The invention furthermore relates to a method for aligning a solar panel (20), with respect to an installation rail attached to a base, in particular a roof, prior to installation by using at least one such device (1), optionally followed by the installation of the at least one solar panel (20) to the support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Esdec B.V.
    Inventors: Vincent De Vogel, Jeroen De Vogel, Frank Van Regteren
  • Patent number: 11376820
    Abstract: A method of fabrication of a laminated glazing unit, includes cutting out a first through-hole in a first glass sheet; positioning a conducting wire and a film of thermoplastic polymer between the first glass sheet and a second glass sheet so that a first extremity and a second extremity of the conducting wire extend outside the laminated glazing unit to be formed, and feeding out the first extremity of the conducting wire via the first through-hole so that the first extremity exits the laminated glazing unit to be formed via the first through-hole, the conducting wire extending continuously from the first extremity to the second extremity, and after the positioning and feeding out, assembling the conducting wire, the film of thermoplastic polymer, the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet all together to form the laminated glazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Dominique Bureloux, Adeline Girod, Alexandre Hennion, Andreas Schlarb, Bernd Stelling
  • Patent number: 11374144
    Abstract: A method for recovering a resource from a CIGS thin-film solar cell to be recycled includes a) providing the CIGS thin-film solar cell, and b) subjecting the CIGS thin-film solar cell to a cooling treatment at a predetermined temperature, such that a light absorbing unit of the CIGS thin-film solar cell can be recovered due to thermal strain difference of materials of the CIGS thin-film solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chih-Huang Lai, Wei-Sheng Chen, Yu-Lun Chueh, Fan-Wei Liu, Tzu-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 11374139
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module incorporates a lamination including a back-sheet, an array of solar cells supported on the back-sheet, and a transparent protective covering over the array of solar cells. The solar cells are arranged in offset or staggered patterns on the back-sheet to present a more random and less rigid industrial appearance to an observer. In some cases, cleaved solar cell segments are arranged into groups that are staggered on the back-sheet. This allows for finer control of the net voltage produced by a module. In other embodiments, full single wafer solar cells are arranged into larger groups, which themselves are staggered on the back-sheet. In either case, the result is a photovoltaic module with an appearance that is more organic and acceptable to homeowners and architects than traditional modules having cells arranged in rigid aligned rows and columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: BMIC, LLC
    Inventor: Babak Farhangi
  • Patent number: 11374606
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided, the electronic device including a housing including a side member comprising a side housing comprising a metal material; a display disposed in an inner space of the housing to be viewable through at least a portion of the housing; a mid plate disposed in the inner space and comprising a metal material; a waterproof member comprising an adhesive material disposed between a first portion of the mid plate and a second portion of the side member and facing the first portion; and a coating layer disposed between the first portion and the waterproof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daehyeong Park, Jongmin Choi, Byounguk Yoon, Minsung Lee
  • Patent number: 11362226
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell string includes: providing a first adhesive layer, wherein the first adhesive layer includes N placement regions being used for N solar cells respectively; placing the N solar cells on the placement regions; laying first wires on a surface of at least one solar cell away from the first adhesive layer, and stretching the first wires across adjacent placement regions to electrically connect two adjacent solar cells; disposing a second adhesive layer on the surface of the at least one solar cell of the N solar cells away from the first adhesive layer, wherein the first wires are located between the second adhesive layer and the at least one solar cell; performing a pressing treatment to bond and fix the first adhesive layer, the first wires, the at least one solar cell of the N solar cells and the second adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD., JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiliang Huang, Zhiqiu Guo, Jiaming Zhu, Guohui Hao
  • Patent number: 11355660
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a photovoltaic module including a base plate, a cell string and a cover plate stacked in order; a first packaging layer located between the base plate and the cover plate and surrounding the cell string, the first packaging layer, the base plate and the cover plate defining a sealed space; and a moisture treatment layer located in the sealed space. The moisture treatment layer includes at least one of a functional layer and a moisture detection layer. The functional layer is adaptive to absorb moisture and be converted into a solidified layer, the solidified layer has a degree of cross linking greater than a degree of cross linking of the functional layer. The moisture detection layer is adaptive to detect and determine whether there is moisture in the sealed space through response information of the moisture detection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD., JINKO SOLAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bairu Li, Menglei Xu, Jie Yang, Xinyu Zhang, Hao Jin
  • Patent number: 11336221
    Abstract: A solar array includes a solar module and a support structure for the solar module. The support structure includes a support member. The solar module is mounted on the support structure such that the solar module is positioned at least partially above the support member. The solar array also includes a wire receiver for securing wires to the solar module or the support member. The wire receiver includes a wire insert slot sized for receiving wires, a wire transition slot connected to the wire insert slot, and a catch adapted to inhibit movement of the wires. The wire insert slot and the wire transition slot are sized and arranged for the wires to be inserted into the wire insert slot and positioned around the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker
  • Patent number: 11329178
    Abstract: A solar panel comprises a double-glass photovoltaic module mounted in a frame. The double-glass photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of solar cells embedded between a front glass sheet and a rear glass sheet. The rear glass sheet exhibits a larger extension than the front glass sheet, in at least two spatial directions, as measured in the rear glass sheet plane. The frame comprises a clamping element clamping only the rear glass sheet and not the front glass sheet of the double-glass photovoltaic module. The front glass sheet is either flush with a plane defined by inner edges of a front face of the frame or protrudes beyond the front face of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SOLYCO TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Lars Podlowski
  • Patent number: 11312119
    Abstract: The present invention provides resins for use as a sealant layer in a multilayer film, multilayer films, and packages formed from such films. In one aspect, a resin for use as a sealant layer in a multilayer film comprises (a) 10 to 30 weight percent low density polyethylene based on the total weight of the resin; (b) 60 weight percent or more of a random copolymer polypropylene based on the total weight of the resin; and (c) 5 to 25 weight percent of a crystalline block copolymer composite (CBC) comprising: i) a crystalline ethylene based polymer (CEP) comprising at least 90 mol % polymerized ethylene; ii) an alpha-olefin-based crystalline polymer (CAOP); and iii) a block copolymer comprising (1) a crystalline ethylene block (CEB) comprising at least 90 mol % polymerized ethylene and (2) a crystalline alpha-olefin block (CAOB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Alvarez, Yushan Hu, David Lopez, Marcello Tognola
  • Patent number: 11309474
    Abstract: A thermoelectric module of the invention includes: first and second thermoelectric elements; a first electrode having a plate-shaped body whose first surface is bonded to a first end surface of the first thermoelectric element and a first end surface of the second thermoelectric element; a second electrode bonded to a second end surface of the first thermoelectric element; and a third electrode bonded to a second end surface of the thermoelectric element. The first electrode includes: a first cutout formed at a first side in a width direction; and a second cutout formed at a second side in the width direction. In the width direction, at least one of the first cutout or the second cutout is present in a section between the first side and the second side of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: KELK Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Kushibiki, Masato Horikoshi, Hideaki Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 11283397
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a rapidly deploying transportable power system for generating power. The rapidly deploying transportable power system embodiment disclosed herein can have a plurality of frame members containing a plurality of solar panels. Any embodiments of the rapidly deploying transportable power system can also have a transport enclosure configured to support the plurality of frame members and a rail system coupleable with the transport enclosure, the rail system being configured to support the plurality of frame members outside of the transport enclosure. In any embodiments, the plurality of frame members can be positionable within the transport enclosure with one frame member positionable above another frame member. Furthermore, the plurality of frame members can be movable along the rail system to positions outside of the transport enclosure along the track system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Kunesh
  • Patent number: 11271523
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes: a photovoltaic solar cell module; a junction box disposed on a back surface of the photovoltaic solar cell module, and to convert a DC power from the photovoltaic solar cell module to an AC power; and a first cable electrically connected to the junction box and to output the AC power. The junction box includes an insulating case having an insulating material, and disposed on the back surface of the photovoltaic solar cell module, and a circuit board within the insulating case, and mounted thereon a converter for converting a level of the DC power from the photovoltaic solar cell module, and an inverter for converting a DC power from the converter into an AC power. Th first cable includes first and second conductive lines for outputting the AC power output from the circuit board to the outside, without a grounding line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyeonjae Lee, Joongtae Kim, Youngchan Park, Juhwan Yun, Suchang Lee
  • Patent number: 11258399
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CertainTeed LLC
    Inventors: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Gregory F. Jacobs, Ming Liang Shiao
  • Patent number: 11258398
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as multi-region roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized regions. Such multi-region photovoltaic modules can replicate the look of individual roofing tiles or shingles. Further, multi-region photovoltaic modules can include support structures between the distinct regions having a degree of flexibility, allowing for a more efficient installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce, David Molina
  • Patent number: 11259414
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit. A rigid structure component is on a first side of the printed circuit board. An interconnection interface is on a second side of the printed circuit board opposite to the rigid structure component and is configured to interconnect the flexible printed circuit and the printed circuit board. A conductive interconnection material is at the interconnection interface between the flexible printed circuit and the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: David Powney, Ilkka Saarinen, Mikko Kylkilahti, Lei Han
  • Patent number: 11251631
    Abstract: A power supply for providing power and charging electronic devices in remote locations comprising: a case having a device pocket and a power unit pocket; a power unit including a USB port, indicators, power switch, induction coil, battery, solar panel, and power unit controller. A top flap for at least partially covering the device pocket and the power unit pocket; and so that when an electronic device is placed in the device pocket, its internal battery is charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Chrome City Productions, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Howard, Rick Wrenn
  • Patent number: 11239577
    Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Ash, Shawn Meine
  • Patent number: 11217711
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes: a p-type diffusion layer (11) and a n-type diffusion layer (12) on a back face of a semiconductor substrate (1); electrodes (4 to 6); and a wiring board (8). The electrodes (4, 6) are disposed on the p-type diffusion layer (11), and the electrodes (5) are disposed on the n-type diffusion layer (12). The wiring board (8) has wires (82) connected to the electrodes (4, 6) by conductive adhesive layers (7) and wires (83) connected to the electrodes (5) by the conductive adhesive layers (7). The electrodes (6) are disposed, on both ends of the n-type diffusion layer (12) with respect to the x-axis direction, between an end region of the n-type diffusion layer (12) and an edge of the semiconductor substrate (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Higashikawa, Yixiao Song
  • Patent number: 11211518
    Abstract: In an example, a method includes providing a photovoltaic string comprising a plurality of from 2 to 45 strips, each of the plurality of strips being configured in a series arrangement with each other, each of the plurality of strips being coupled to another one of the plurality of strips using an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) material, detecting at least one defective strip in the photovoltaic string, applying thermal energy to the ECA material to release the ECA material from a pair of photovoltaic strips to remove the defective photovoltaic strip, removing any residual ECA material from one or more good photovoltaic strip, aligning the photovoltaic string without the damaged photovoltaic strip, and a replacement photovoltaic strip that replaces the defective photovoltaic strip, and curing a reapplied ECA material on the replacement photovoltaic strip to provide the photovoltaic string with the replacement photovoltaic strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Solaria Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Gibson, Aureo Parilla, Manny Castro