Contact, Coating, Or Surface Geometry Patents (Class 136/256)
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Patent number: 11227961Abstract: There is provided a photoelectric conversion device which can prevent the contact resistance between a non-crystalline semiconductor layer containing impurities and an electrode formed on the non-crystalline silicon layer from increasing, and can improve the element characteristics. A photoelectric conversion element (10) includes a silicon substrate (12), a first non-crystalline semiconductor layer (20n), a second non-crystalline semiconductor layer (20p), a first electrode (22n), and a second electrode (22p). One electrode (22n) includes first conductive layers (26n, 26p), and second conductive layers (28n, 28p). The first conductive layers (26n, 26p) have a first metal as a main component. The second conductive layers (28n, 28p) contain a second metal which is more likely to be oxidized than the first metal, are formed to be in contact with the first conductive layers (26n, 26p), and are disposed to be closer to the silicon substrate (12) than the first conductive layers (26n, 26p).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenji Kimoto, Naoki Koide, Liumin Zou, Masamichi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11227965Abstract: A solar cell has a P-type silicon substrate in which one main surface is a light-receiving surface and another main surface is a backside, a dielectric film on the backside, and an N-conductivity type layer in at least a part of the light-receiving surface of the P-type silicon substrate, wherein the P-type silicon substrate is a silicon substrate doped with gallium, and the backside of the P-type silicon substrate contains a diffused group III element. This provides a solar cell with excellent conversion efficiency provided with a gallium-doped substrate, and a method for manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Otsuka, Takenori Watabe
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Patent number: 11227963Abstract: A carbon based material, an optical rectenna and a semiconductor device including the same are provided. The carbon based material includes a carbon nanomaterial and a metal material bonded to the carbon nanomaterial, where the carbon nanomaterial includes a fluorine material.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: QATAR FOUNDATIONInventors: Golibjon Berdiyorov, Hicham Hamoudi
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Patent number: 11222991Abstract: A solar cell has a P-type silicon substrate in which one main surface is a light-receiving surface and another main surface is a backside, a dielectric film on the backside, and an N-conductivity type layer in at least a part of the light-receiving surface of the P-type silicon substrate. The P-type silicon substrate is a silicon substrate doped with gallium, and the backside of the P-type silicon substrate contains a diffused group III element.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Otsuka, Takenori Watabe
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Patent number: 11211509Abstract: A multijunction solar cell includes an InGaAs buffer layer and an InGaAlAs grading interlayer disposed below, and adjacent to, the InGaAs buffer layer. The grading interlayer achieves a transition in lattice constant from one solar subcell to another solar subcell.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: SolAero Technologies Corp.Inventors: Arthur Cornfeld, Mark A. Stan
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Patent number: 11208322Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to a solar fuel generator. In one aspect, a device includes a photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic cell having a first surface and a second surface, a mesh disposed on the first surface of the photovoltaic cell, and a polymer disposed on the mesh and on the first surface of the photovoltaic cell. The mesh has a catalyst disposed thereon. The polymer covers the first surface of the photovoltaic cell, with at least a portion of the mesh not being covered with the polymer.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Karl A. Walczak, Jeffrey W. Beeman, Ian D. Sharp
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Patent number: 11204452Abstract: There is provided a diffractive optical element including a substrate, and an array of optical nanoantennas arranged on the substrate, the array of optical nanoantennas being spaced apart periodically in a lateral direction for supporting a plurality of diffraction orders at a predetermined wavelength. In particular, each optical nanoantenna in the array of optical nanoantennas is configured to control distribution of electromagnetic energy from an incident light having the predetermined wavelength amongst the plurality of diffraction orders so as to promote scattering of the electromagnetic energy in at least a first direction and suppress scattering of the electromagnetic energy in at least a second direction, the first direction and the second direction corresponding to a first diffraction order and a second diffraction order of the plurality of diffraction orders, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and ResearchInventors: Ramon Jose Paniagua Dominguez, Egor Khaidarov, Arseniy Kuznetsov, Hanfang Hao, Yefeng Yu, Xinan Liang
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Patent number: 11195966Abstract: A solar cell and a solar laminate are described. The solar cell can have a front side which faces the sun during normal operation and a back side opposite front side. The solar cell can include conductive contacts having substantially reflective outer regions disposed on the back side of the solar cell. The solar laminate can include a first encapsulant, the first encapsulant disposed on the back side of the solar cell and a second encapsulant. The solar laminate can include the solar cell laminated between the first and second encapsulant. The substantially reflective outer regions of the conductive contacts and the first encapsulant can be configured to scatter and/or diffuse light at the back side of the solar laminate for substantial light collection at the back side of the solar cell. Methods of fabricating the solar cell are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: David D. Smith, Sung Dug Kim, Joseph Behnke, Hung-Ming Wang
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Patent number: 11195961Abstract: The solar cell element includes a semiconductor substrate with first and second surfaces, a passivation layer being in contact with the second surface, a protective layer located on the passivation layer, a bus bar electrode, and a collecting electrode. The bus bar electrode is in contact with the second surface in a first gap portion penetrating the passivation layer and the protective layer, and is sandwiching a gap region with the passivation layer and the protective layer in a first direction along the second surface. The collecting electrode includes an electrode layer located on the protective layer, a first connecting portion located in the gap region and connecting the electrode layer and the second surface, and a second connecting portion penetrating the passivation layer and the protective layer and connecting the electrode layer and the second surface in a second gap, and is electrically connected with the bus bar electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventors: Akira Murao, Norihiko Matsushima
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Patent number: 11186672Abstract: Provided is a polymer capable of providing a coating film that has good initial adhesiveness to a base material and good adhesiveness thereto after a pressure cooker test, and has excellent abrasion resistance as determined by a falling sand abrasion test. The polymer includes a perhaloolefin unit, a vinyl ester unit that contains neither a hydroxy group nor an aromatic ring; and a hydroxy group-containing monomer unit. The polymer has a hydroxyl value of 110 mgKOH/g or greater.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hideto Nakagawa, Kengo Ito, Kenji Gobou, Koichiro Ogita, Katsuhiko Imoto
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Patent number: 11177407Abstract: A method of manufacturing a back electrode type solar cell, may include forming by physical vapor deposition at least one layer of an electrode material film on both a first conductivity type semiconductor layer, to give a first electrode layer, and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer, to give a second electrode layer, and patterning the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer each in a strip-like shape such that the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer both extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction by removing a part of the electrode material film.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATIONInventors: Tooru Irie, Wataru Yoshida, Kunta Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 11177439Abstract: A method can comprise providing an ink comprising reactants, a complexing agent, and a solvent, depositing the ink onto a substrate to form a wet film, drying the wet film to form a precursor layer, and annealing the precursor layer to form a perovskite film. The reactants can comprise a first and a second cation, a first metal, and a first and a second anion, wherein the first and second cations are different from each other, and the first and second anions are different from each other. The complexing agent can comprise a heterocyclic donor material. The perovskite film can comprise a mixed-cation mixed-halide perovskite material, and less than 5% by mass of the complexing agent. The perovskite film can also be formed using a one-step process.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Tandem PV, Inc.Inventors: Colin David Bailie, Chris Eberspacher, Matthew Cornyn Kuchta
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Patent number: 11173480Abstract: A catalyst includes a carrier, and a metal obtained by reducing a metal ion supported on the carrier 1) in a supercritical state or 2) in a polar organic solvent, wherein the carrier is an inorganic porous body having a hierarchical porous structure. By employing the catalyst, it is possible to exhibit better catalytic activity than a conventional catalyst. Heat generation and spontaneous ignition are prevented because no organic porous body is used.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: SNG INC.Inventors: Riichi Miyamoto, Hongzhi Bai, Hironao Sajiki, Tomohiro Ichikawa, Masahiro Mizuno, Aya Ogawa, Hayato Masuda, Tsuyoshi Yamada, Tomohiro Matsuo, Yutaka Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11174193Abstract: A conductive composition has excellent adhesiveness and conductivity. A conductive composition contains copper powder, cuprous oxide, a lead-free glass frit, and an acid-based additive. The lead-free glass frit is contained in an amount of 9 to 50 parts by mass relative to 100 parts of the copper powder. The lead-free glass frit contains a borosilicate zinc-based glass frit and a vanadium zinc-based glass frit. The borosilicate zinc-based glass frit contains boron oxide, silicon oxide, zinc oxide, and optional other components, among which boron oxide, silicon oxide, and zinc oxide serve as top-three oxide components in terms of content. The vanadium zinc-based glass frit contains vanadium oxide, zinc oxide, and optional other components, among which vanadium oxide and zinc oxide serve as top-two oxide components in terms of content. The acid-based additive is contained 0.1 to 5.0 parts by mass relative to 100 parts of the copper powder.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.Inventors: Shingo Awagakubo, Katsuhiro Kawakubo
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Patent number: 11161775Abstract: A conductive composition has excellent adhesiveness to a substrate and conductivity. For example, a conductive composition contains copper powder, cuprous oxide, a lead-free glass frit, and a carboxylic acid-based additive. The cuprous oxide is contained in an amount of at least 5.5 parts by mass and up to 25 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the copper powder. The lead-free glass frit contains a borosilicate zinc-based glass frit and a vanadium zinc-based glass frit. The borosilicate zinc-based glass frit contains boron oxide, silicon oxide, zinc oxide, and optional other components, among which boron oxide, silicon oxide, and zinc oxide serve as top-three oxide components in terms of content. The vanadium zinc-based glass frit contains vanadium oxide, zinc oxide, and optional other components, among which vanadium oxide and zinc oxide serve as top-two oxide components in terms of content.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.Inventors: Shingo Awagakubo, Katsuhiro Kawakubo
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Patent number: 11152640Abstract: Solid-state lithium ion electrolytes of lithium potassium bismuth oxide based compounds are provided which contain an anionic framework capable of conducting lithium ions. Materials of specific formulae are provided and methods to alter the materials with inclusion of aliovalent ions shown. Lithium batteries containing the composite lithium ion electrolytes are provided. Electrodes containing the lithium borate based materials coated on the active material and batteries containing the electrodes are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Yifei Mo, Xingfeng He, Qiang Bai, Chen Ling, Ying Zhang
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Patent number: 11148399Abstract: A laminated glazing includes a first sheet of glass and a second sheet of glass which are bonded together via an adhesive interlayer, in which the second sheet of glass has a through-hole, wherein over the surface of the hole and a peripheral surface around same, a thin sheet of a thickness of between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, made from a material compatible with the manufacture and the mechanical stresses and the aging of the laminated glazing, is interposed between the adhesive interlayer and the second sheet of glass.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventor: Alexandre Hennion
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Patent number: 11139406Abstract: Discussed is a solar cell including a photoelectric converter and first and second electrodes connected to the photoelectric converter. The first electrode includes a finger electrode including a plurality of finger electrode portions and a bus bar electrode including a main portion formed in a direction crossing the finger electrode portions, and at least one protrusion protruding from the main portion and formed in the direction crossing the plurality of finger electrode portions. The protrusion is formed across at least two of the finger electrode portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Wonsuk Han, Jinsung Kim, Haejong Cho
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Patent number: 11139407Abstract: A method for forming a solar cell including steps of (1) providing a semiconductor wafer having an upper surface; (2) applying an electrical contact material to the upper surface, the electrical contact material forming an electrically conductive grid that includes grid lines extending from a bus bar; (3) forming an isolation channel in the semiconductor wafer to define a solar cell portion and a wing portion, wherein the wing portion is electrically isolated from the solar cell portion, and wherein the wing portion is substantially free of the electrical contact material; (4) submerging the semiconductor wafer in a solvent, wherein formation of metal dendrites on the grid lines of the electrically conductive grid is inhibited; and (5) separating the solar cell portion from the wing portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Xiaobo Zhang, Vincent A. Lim, Hoon H. Lee, John P. Serra, Uming T. Jeng, Steven M. Bunyan, Julie J. Hoskin, Kent E. Barbour, Dimitri D. Krut
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Patent number: 11130322Abstract: A method of producing a gas barrier laminate of the present disclosure includes a step of forming a coating film on a surface of a base film or a laminate including the base film, the coating film containing zinc ions, at least one of metal alkoxide and a hydrolysate thereof, and an aqueous polymer, and a step of drying the coating film to form a gas barrier layer on the surface of the base film or the laminate including the base film. A gas barrier laminate of the present disclosure includes a base film or a laminate including the base film, and a gas barrier layer provided on a surface of the base film or the laminate including the base film. In the gas barrier laminate, the gas barrier layer contains zinc dispersed in the gas barrier layer and an organic-inorganic composite.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomokazu Murase, Hiroshi Miyazaki, Ryukichi Matsuo
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Patent number: 11127937Abstract: Disclosed is a method of carbon-coating a secondary battery active material and a second battery active material produced by the method. The method of producing a carbon-coated battery active material involves mixing a carbon precursor with liquid carbon dioxide to produce a coating solution comprising a carbon material, coating a battery active material with the carbon material by applying the coating solution to the battery active material, and sintering the coated battery active material to obtain the carbon-coated battery active material.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan UniversityInventor: Jaehoon Kim
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Patent number: 11125389Abstract: Screen-printable metallization pastes for forming thin oxide tunnel junctions on the back-side surface of solar cells are disclosed. Interdigitated metal contacts can be deposited on the oxide tunnel junctions to provide all-back metal contact to a solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Zhejiang Kaiying New Materials Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mohamed M. Hilali
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Patent number: 11114714Abstract: A miniature electrochemical cell having a volume of less than 0.5 cc includes a casing having a header assembly comprising a ceramic plate formed by co-firing a metallic-containing paste in first and second via holes extending through a green-state ceramic. The ceramic plate is joined to a metal ring by a gold-braze to form the header assembly that is secured to an open-ended metal container by a weld to provide the casing. The fill material resulting from sintering the metallic-containing paste provides a first conductive pathway to the anode current collector contacting an anode active material and a second conductive pathway to a cathode current collector contacting a cathode active material. A solid electrolyte activates the anode and cathode while also serving as a separator. Outer surfaces of the first and second conductive pathways are configured for electrical connection to a load.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.Inventors: Robert S. Rubino, Keith W. Seitz, Brian P. Hohl
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Patent number: 11101401Abstract: Disclosed herein are approaches to fabricating solar cells, solar cell strings and solar modules using roll-to-roll foil-based metallization approaches. Methods disclosed herein can comprise the steps of providing at least one solar cell wafer on a first roll unit and conveying a metal foil to the first roll unit. The metal foil can be coupled to the solar cell wafer on the first roll unit to produce a unified pairing of the metal foil and the solar cell wafer. We disclose solar energy collection devices and manufacturing methods thereof enabling reduction of manufacturing costs due to simplification of the manufacturing process by a high throughput foil metallization process.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Richard Hamilton Sewell, Gabriela Elena Bunea
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Patent number: 11088293Abstract: Methods and apparatus form a photon absorber layer of a photodiode with characteristics conducive to applications such as, but not limited to, image sensors and the like. The absorber layer uses a copper-indium-gallium-selenium (CIGS) material with a gallium mole fraction of approximately 35% to approximately 70% to control the absorbed wavelengths while reducing dark current. Deposition temperatures of the absorber layer are controlled to less than approximately 400 degrees Celsius to produce sub-micron grain sizes. The absorber layer is doped with antimony at a temperature of less than approximately 400 degrees Celsius to increase the absorption.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Philip Hsin-Hua Li, Seshadri Ramaswami
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Patent number: 11081615Abstract: A protection method for through-holes of a semiconductor wafer having the steps: providing a semiconductor wafer, and comprising a plurality of solar cell stacks, wherein each solar cell stack has a Ge substrate forming a bottom side of the semiconductor wafer, a Ge subcell, and at least two III-V subcells in the order mentioned, as well as at least one through-hole, extending from the top side to the bottom side of the semiconductor wafer, with a continuous side wall and a circumference that is oval in cross section; applying a photoresist layer to a top side of the semiconductor wafer and to at least one region of the side wall of the through-hole, said region adjoining the top side, and applying an organic filler material by means of a printing process to a region of the top side, said region comprising the through-hole, and into the through-hole.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbHInventors: Alexander Frey, Benjamin Hagedorn
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Patent number: 11063160Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell string including a plurality of solar cells connected through a wiring member. The solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion section, a light-receiving-surface electrode disposed on a light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion section, and a metal film disposed on a back face of the photoelectric conversion section. The metal film has a plurality of openings along the extending direction of the wiring member, in a connection region between the solar cell and the wiring member. The wiring member is connected through an adhesive layer to the metal film and to the photoelectric conversion section exposed from the openings of the metal film or an electrode fixed on the photoelectric conversion section. There is a non-bonding portion between the metal film and the photoelectric conversion section.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATIONInventors: Toru Terashita, Kunta Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 11056287Abstract: The present invention discloses an isodiketopyrrolopyrrole dye and use thereof. A series of pure organic dye based on isodiketopyrrolopyrrole are synthesized in the present invention, using 4,4?-dihexyloxytriphenylamine as an electron donor, isodiketopyrrolopyrrole as a ?-bridge, and cyanoacetic acid as an electron acceptor and an anchoring group, and with a alkyl chain introduced on an isodiketopyrrolopyrrole group. The types of dyes have a relatively good light-harvesting performance as well as a relatively large steric hindrance, and they are not easy to gather while being absorbed on a semiconducting film. The pure organic dye with isodiketopyrrolopyrrole as an electronic ?-bridge, which is used in a dye-sensitized solar cell, has a good ability of inhibiting the recombination of electrons, and the dye-sensitized solar cells have a high photoelectric conversion efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: SOUTH CHINA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Derong Cao, Xufeng Zang
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Patent number: 11048024Abstract: A light shielding plate includes an infrared transmitting region next to a visible/infrared opaque region. The light shielding plate includes a glass plate including first and second principal surfaces; a visible/infrared opaque film on or over the second principal surface; an infrared transmitting film on or over the first principal surface or the second principal surface; and a light absorption film on or over the first principal surface or the second principal surface. The light shielding plate includes a visible/infrared opaque region including the visible/infrared opaque film; and an infrared transmitting region that transmits infrared light next to the visible/infrared opaque region, the light absorption film is in the visible/infrared opaque region and the infrared transmitting region, and the infrared transmitting film is at least in the infrared transmitting region.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Ikegami, Yusuke Yamazaki
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Patent number: 11049988Abstract: Provided is a solar cell including, on a first main surface of a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type, a base layer which has the first conductivity type, and an emitter layer which is adjacent to the base layer and has a second conductivity type which is a conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, and further including a base collecting electrode provided on at least the base layer, and a part of the base collecting electrode is also arranged on the emitter layer adjacent to the base layer on which the base collecting electrode is arranged. Consequently, the inexpensive solar cell having high photoelectric conversion efficiency can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Takenori Watabe, Ryo Mitta, Hiroshi Hashigami, Hiroyuki Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 11049982Abstract: A solar cell element includes a semiconductor substrate, a passivation layer located on the semiconductor substrate, a protective layer located on the passivation layer, and a first electrode located on the protective layer. The protective layer includes at least one void located from a first lower surface of the first electrode close to the semiconductor substrate up to a first upper surface of the passivation layer close to the first lower surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventors: Takanobu Yoshida, Ryo Matsuoka
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Patent number: 11048032Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing method for a metal grating, a metal grating, and a display device. In this manufacturing method, after forming a plurality of parallel grating strips by means of an adhesive film layer, a metal thin film with a uniform thickness is formed over the plurality of grating strips and gaps between the grating strips. Furthermore, a metal grating is formed by performing topping treatments on both of an upper surface and a lower surface of the resulting structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Lianjie Qu
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Patent number: 11041967Abstract: A radiation detector includes a substrate having a plurality of charge collection electrodes, a radiation absorption layer disposed on one side with respect to the substrate and formed of a perovskite material, a voltage application electrode disposed on the one side with respect to the radiation absorption layer, a bias voltage being applied to the voltage application electrode so that a potential difference is generated between the voltage application electrode and each of the plurality of charge collection electrodes, and a protective member disposed on the one side with respect to the substrate and being in contact with at least portions opposite to each other in a side surface of the radiation absorption layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Keiji Abe, Toshiyuki Izawa
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Patent number: 11031514Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate having a transparent conductive oxide layer with a dopant selectively distributed in the layer includes selectively supplying an oxide precursor material and a dopant precursor material to each coating cell of a multi-cell chemical vapor deposition coater, wherein the amount of dopant material supplied is selected to vary the dopant content versus coating depth in the resultant coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V.Inventors: James W. McCamy, Peter Tausch, Gary J. Nelis, Ashtosh Ganjoo
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Patent number: 11031512Abstract: A solar cell of an embodiment includes: a substrate having a light transmitting property; a first electrode including a plurality of metal portions and having a light transmitting property; a light absorbing layer disposed on the first electrode and absorbing light; and a second electrode disposed on the light absorbing layer and having a light transmitting property.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Soichiro Shibasaki, Miyuki Shiokawa, Naoyuki Nakagawa, Kazushige Yamamoto, Yuya Honishi, Takeshi Niimoto
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Patent number: 11024813Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element has a conductive film, a photoelectric conversion film, and a transparent conductive film in this order, in which the above-described photoelectric conversion film contains a compound represented by Formula (1). In Formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group. R1 and R2 may be linked to each other to form a ring. R3 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group. A represents a ring at least containing one carbon atom and one cationic nitrogen atom.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Tomoaki Yoshioka
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Patent number: 11024753Abstract: A PERC solar cell capable of improving photoelectric conversion efficiency and a preparation method thereof are provided. The solar cell consecutively includes, from the bottom up, a rear silver electrode (1), a rear aluminum field (2), a rear silicon nitride film (3), a rear aluminum oxide film (4), P-type silicon (5), N-type silicon (6), a front silicon nitride film (7), and a front silver electrode (8). The rear aluminum field (2) is connected to the P-type silicon (5) via a rear aluminum strip (10). The P-type silicon (5) is a silicon wafer of the cell. The N-type silicon (6) is an N-type emitter formed by diffusion via the front surface of the silicon wafer. The front silicon nitride film (7) is deposited on the front surface of the silicon wafer. The rear aluminum oxide film (4) is deposited on the rear surface of the silicon wafer.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignees: Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Wen Lai, Jiebin Fang, Gang Chen
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Patent number: 11018271Abstract: Methods of producing a graphic mesh for a solar module are described in which mesh parameters such as warp fiber thickness, weft fiber thickness, and open area size are determined to meet a target energetic efficiency and a chromatic effectiveness. In some embodiments, chromatic effectiveness is based on mesh count, where the mesh count is set according to a distance at which the mesh will be viewed when assembled into the solar module. The mesh has a plurality of warp fibers having the warp fiber thickness and a plurality of weft fibers having the weft fiber thickness, that are interlaced to form a plurality of mesh unit cells. A graphic appearance is printed into the mesh using a coloring substance, where the coloring substance is absorbed by the fiber material to form the graphic mesh.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Kamereon, Inc.Inventors: Andrea Demonte, Daniele Pes
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Patent number: 11011661Abstract: Improved high work function back contacts for solar cells are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a solar cell includes: forming a completed solar cell having a substrate coated with an electrically conductive material, an absorber disposed on the electrically conductive material, a buffer layer disposed on the absorber, a transparent front contact disposed on the buffer layer, and a metal grid disposed on the transparent front contact; removing the substrate and the electrically conductive material using exfoliation, exposing a backside surface of the solar cell; depositing a high work function material onto the back side surface of the solar cell; and depositing a back contact onto the high work function material. A solar cell formed by the present techniques is also provided. Yield of the exfoliated device can be improved by removing bubbles from adhesive used for exfoliation and/or forming contact pads to access the metal grid.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Priscilla D. Antunez, Douglas M. Bishop, Gloria W. Fraczak, Oki Gunawan, Richard A. Haight
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Patent number: 10998140Abstract: A solar cell module (100) includes: one or more cells that are enclosed by a barrier packaging material (13A, 13B) and that include first and second base plates (3, 7) and a functional layer; and first and second lead-out electrodes (11A, 11B) that are respectively connected to electrodes (2, 6) disposed at the sides of the respective base plates (3, 7) via electrical connectors (12A, 12B). The electrical connectors (12A, 12B) are separated from the functional layer in a base plate surface direction. The lead-out electrodes (11A, 11B) are disposed on an outer surface of the barrier packaging material (13A, 13B). Gaps between the barrier packaging material (13A, 13B) and the lead-out electrodes (11A, 11B) are sealed by a lead-out electrode seal (15).Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: ZEON CORPORATIONInventors: Takatoshi Matsuo, Yuki Hayashi, Midori Yamaai
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Patent number: 10998459Abstract: The present invention relates to a light absorbing layer (1a) for a photovoltaic device, comprising a plurality of grains (2) of a doped semiconducting material and a charge conductor (3) made of a charge conducting material in physical contact with the grains. The grains are partly covered with the charge conductor (3) so that a plurality of junctions (4) are formed between the grains and the charge conductor. The present invention also relates to a photovoltaic device comprising the light absorbing layer (1a).Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Exeger Operations ABInventors: Henrik Lindström, Giovanni Fili
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Patent number: 10998463Abstract: A solar cell including a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type an emitter region, having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, on a first main surface of the semiconductor substrate an emitter electrode which is in contact with the emitter region a base region having the first conductivity type a base electrode which is in contact with the base region and an insulator film for preventing an electrical short-circuit between the emitter region and the base region, wherein the insulator film is made of a polyimide, and the insulator film has a C6H11O2 detection count number of 100 or less when the insulator film is irradiated with Bi5++ ions with an acceleration voltage of 30 kV and an ion current of 0.2 pA by a TOF-SIMS method. There can be provided a solar cell having excellent weather resistance and high photoelectric conversion characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Hashigami, Shun Moriyama, Takenori Watabe, Hiroyuki Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 10998514Abstract: A photoelectric device includes a first photoelectric conversion layer including a heterojunction that includes a first p-type semiconductor and a first n-type semiconductor, a second photoelectric conversion layer on the first photoelectric conversion layer and including a heterojunction that includes a second p-type semiconductor and a second n-type semiconductor. A peak absorption wavelength (?max1) of the first photoelectric conversion layer and a peak absorption wavelength (?max2) of the second photoelectric conversion layer are included in a common wavelength spectrum of light that is one wavelength spectrum of light of a red wavelength spectrum of light, a green wavelength spectrum of light, a blue wavelength spectrum of light, a near infrared wavelength spectrum of light, or an ultraviolet wavelength spectrum of light, and a light-absorption full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the second photoelectric conversion layer is narrower than an FWHM of the first photoelectric conversion layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung Bae Park, Takkyun Ro, Kiyohiko Tsutsumi, Chul Joon Heo, Yong Wan Jin
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Patent number: 10985286Abstract: This power generation module includes: a power generating portion (30) including a power generating element (19); and a wiring substrate. The wiring substrate includes: a reinforcement plate; and a flexible printed circuit (79) provided above the reinforcement plate. The flexible printed circuit (79) has: an FPC land portion (70) configured to have the power generating portion (30) mounted thereto; and a FPC wire portion (73) connected to the FPC land portion (70). The width of the FPC wire portion (73) is smaller than the width of the FPC land portion (70).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazumasa Toya, Takashi Iwasaki, Youichi Nagai, Koji Mori, Kenji Saito, Rui Mikami, Takeshi Yamana
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Patent number: 10983253Abstract: An optical member includes a base material and an antireflective layer on the base material wherein the antireflective layer includes a plurality of fine protrusions on a surface thereof and a support layer for supporting the protrusions, and the support layer contains boron in an amount of 7×1019 atoms/cm3 or more and 2.5×1020 atoms/cm3 or less.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Makino, Tomonari Nakayama, Keiko Abe
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Patent number: 10978601Abstract: Example embodiments relate to partially translucent photovoltaic modules and methods for manufacturing partially translucent photovoltaic modules. One embodiment includes a method for electrically interconnecting a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic plates. The method includes positioning a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic plates side by side. The thin-film photovoltaic plates are partially translucent or non-translucent. The method also includes providing at least one connection element on a surface of each of the plurality of thin-film photovoltaic plates. The at least one connection element includes a plurality of electrically conductive wires arranged in a grid structure. Further, the method includes physically separating each connection element into a first connection part that includes a plurality of first electrically interconnected, conductive wires and a second connection part that includes a plurality of second electrically interconnected, conductive wires.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: IMEC vzwInventors: Marc Meuris, Tom Borgers, Bart Onsia
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Patent number: 10978994Abstract: A photovoltaic module is specified, comprising: a cylindrical light-transmissive tube enclosing an interior and having a main extension direction and a curved inner surface facing the interior, and a mechanically flexible photovoltaic component comprising a solar cell arrangement applied on a carrier film, wherein the photovoltaic component is arranged in the interior, the solar cell arrangement has a curvature, wherein the curvature follows the curved course of the inner surface of the tube at least in places and the solar cell arrangement at least partly covers the inner surface, wherein the covered inner surface forms a light passage surface of the photovoltaic module.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: TUBESOLAR AGInventors: Vesselinka Petrova-Koch, Reiner Mackh, Annette Goss, Johann Mayer, Roland Huttinger, Joerg Leckert, Joachim Wirth-Schon
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Patent number: 10978586Abstract: A switching device may include: a n-type source layer; a p-type body layer in contact with the source layer; a n-type drift layer in contact with the body layer; a gate insulating film covering a range extending across a surface of the source layer, a surface of the body layer, and a surface of the drift layer; and a gate electrode opposed to the source layer, the body layer, and the drift layer via the gate insulating film, wherein the gate electrode includes a first electric conductor and a second electric conductor having a work function smaller than a work function of the first electric conductor, the first electric conductor is in contact with a part of the gate insulating film covering the body layer, and the second electric conductor is in contact with a part of the gate insulating film covering the drift layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Atsushi Watanabe
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Patent number: 10971637Abstract: A radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cell includes a back contact layer formed of an electrically conductive material, at least one aperture formed in the back contact layer, and at least one photovoltaic cell section disposed on the back contact layer. An airship includes one or more radio frequency antennas disposed in an interior of the airship. One or more radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cells are disposed on an outer surface of the airship.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Daniel F. Sievenpiper, Michael Wechsberg, Fangchou Yang
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Patent number: 10964831Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a plate-like first protector having translucency, a second protector, a solar cell element, first to third sealers, and first and second wiring members. The solar cell element is located between the first protector and the second protector. The first sealer covers the solar cell element from a side of the first protector between the first protector and the solar cell element. The second sealer covers the solar cell element from a side of the second protector between the solar cell element and the second protector. The third sealer covers the second sealer from a side of the second protector between the second sealer and the second protector. The first wiring member is electrically connected to the solar cell element and passes through the second sealer. The second wiring member is connected to the first wiring member between the second sealer and the second protector.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventor: Kenichirou Sumida