With Concentrator, Housing, Cooling Means, Or Encapsulated Patents (Class 136/259)
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Publication number: 20140076400Abstract: A system monitors an operating angle of a solar tracker in real time. The system includes a solar tracker, an angle measurement device, and a processing device. The solar tracker carries a CPV module and controls a light receiving side of the CPV module to face the sun squarely. The angle measurement device is disposed on the solar tracker to measure an angle of inclination of the light receiving side of the CPV module and generate a measured signal. The processing device receives and records the measured signal. Furthermore, the system performs computation required for efficiency evaluation and performance rating of the CPV module, using the measured operating angle of the solar tracker and ambient parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUANInventor: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN
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Patent number: 8674213Abstract: Devices for converting light into electric current are provided. A representative device has an encasing structure having at least one portion transparent. The encasing structure is configured to pass light energy into an interior of the encasing structure. The device further has a photovoltaic device positioned within the interior of the encasing structure. The photovoltaic device is positioned to receive light energy. The photovoltaic device is operable to transform the light energy into electric current. The device further has a protective space material, disposed between the encasing structure and the photovoltaic device. The protective space material is operable to transmit the light energy. The protective space material is a non-solid material having a physical property such as a viscosity of less than 1×106 cP and/or a thermal coefficient of expansion of greater than 500×10?6/° C.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Solyndra, LLCInventors: Markus E. Beck, Brian Cumpston
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Publication number: 20140069501Abstract: Techniques for cooling concentrating solar collector systems are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for cooling a photovoltaic cell includes a heat exchanger having a metal plate with a bend therein that positions a first surface of the metal plate at an angle of from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to a second surface of the metal plate, and a plurality of fins attached to a side of the metal plate opposite the first surface and the second surface; a vapor chamber extending along the first surface and the second surface of the metal plate, crossing the bend; and a cladding material between the vapor chamber and the heat exchanger, wherein the cladding material is configured to thermally couple the vapor chamber to the heat exchanger. A photovoltaic system and method for operating a photovoltaic system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ayman Alabduljabbar, Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Naim Moumen, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Publication number: 20140069491Abstract: In one aspect, an interposer assembly for housing a photovoltaic device includes a frame, formed from an electrically insulating material, having a center opening with a shape/size complementary to a shape/size of the photovoltaic device thus permitting the photovoltaic device to fit within the center opening in the frame when the photovoltaic device is housed in the assembly; a beam shield on the frame having a cup-shaped inner cavity to aid in routing of light to the photovoltaic device, wherein a side of the beam shield facing the frame has one or more recesses present therein; and one or more interposer connectors positioned between the frame and the beam shield such that the interposer connectors fit within the recesses in the beam shield, and wherein a portion of each of the interposer connectors extends into the center opening of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicants: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, International Business for High Power Solar ConcentratorsInventors: Ayman Alabduljabbar, Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Supratik Guha, Theodore Gerard vanKessel, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Naim Moumen, Robert L. Sandstrom
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Publication number: 20140069500Abstract: Photovoltaic module modules are provided, along with method of their construction. The photovoltaic module includes a window substrate; a photovoltaic material; and an encapsulation substrate laminated to the window substrate with the photovoltaic material positioned therebetween. A support structure is mounted onto a back surface of the encapsulation substrate to inhibit bowing of the encapsulation substrate. The support structure can be indirectly mounted onto the back surface with an intermediate material (e.g., an adhesive strip) positioned therebetween. The support structure can include ridges that define peaks and valleys that are configured to inhibit bowing of the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC.Inventor: Max William Reed
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Publication number: 20140069496Abstract: A planar plasmonic device includes a first material layer having a surface configured to receive at least one photon of incident light. A patterned plasmonic nanostructured layer is disposed adjacent and optically coupled to the first material layer. The patterned plasmonic nanostructured layer includes a selected one of: a) at least a portion of a surface of the patterned plasmonic nanostructured layer includes a textured surface, and b) at least one compound nanofeature including a first material disposed adjacent to a second material within the compound nanofeature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Rana Biswas, Vikram Dalal
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Patent number: 8669461Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell includes a concentrator optic structure separating the solar spectrum of light into a plurality of spectral bands. The concentrator optic structure focuses these spectral bands into a plurality of concentric tightly focused ring-shaped spots and a central round spot. A multitude of circular sub-cells are each approximately positioned at a ring-shaped spot associated with a respective spectral band produced by the concentrator optic structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Rajesh Menon
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Publication number: 20140060649Abstract: A device (1) for generating electric power from solar radiation comprises a solar panel (2) and a panel holder (3). The panel holder comprsies two panel holder parts (4A, 4B) on opposite sides. Elongate profiles (5) are coupled to the panel holder parts. This device has different bending resistances in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the profiles. Since bending of the solar panel can thus be permitted in a controlled manner, it is possible to use a thin glass plate for the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: TULIPPS SOLAR INTERNATIONAL B.V.Inventor: Petrus Paulus Carolus Maria Stassen
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Publication number: 20140060625Abstract: A framed solar module includes a solar module having solar cells between a pair of sheets. The solar module is mounted in a frame, preferably a closed frame having a continuous base, and V-shaped cut outs or partially V-shaped in the upright legs where corners of the solar module are expected. A layer of a pliable moisture resistant sealant is provided between inner surface of the frame and the peripheral edge, and the marginal edge portions, of the solar module. A spacer, e.g. but not limited to a plurality of spaced protuberances formed on the inner surface of the dosed frame engage the outer surface of the solar module to provide the layer with a uniform thickness between the frame and the solar module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Beuke, Michael J. Buchanan
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Publication number: 20140060647Abstract: The present invention relates to a concentrator-type photovoltaic receiver having homogenizer with fixing structure. The resent invention improves the structure of the homogenizer, which comprises a homogenizing part providing homogenizing function and a supporting part providing supporting and fixing function. The homogenizing part and the supporting part are formed integrally. The supporting part is a straight pillar. The user can bond the supporting part to the insulating substrate via glue and thus preventing the homogenizing part therein from collapse and contamination by dirt. Accordingly, good quality and lifetime can be maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Yueh-Mu Lee, Yi-Ping Liang, Hwen-Fen Hong, Hwa-Yuh Shin
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Publication number: 20140060648Abstract: A multilayer stack is described. The multilayer stack includes: (i) one or more inorganic barrier layers for reducing transport of gas or vapor molecules therethrough; (ii) an inorganic reactive layer disposed adjacent to one or more of the inorganic barrier layers, and the reactive layer capable of reacting with the gas or the vapor molecules; and (iii) wherein, in an operational state of the multilayer stack, the vapor or the gas molecules that diffuse through one or more of the inorganic barrier layers react with the inorganic reactive layer, and thereby allow said multilayer stack to be substantially impervious to the gas or the vapor molecules.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: VITRIFLEX ,INC.Inventors: Ravi Prasad, Dennis R. Hollars
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Patent number: 8664515Abstract: A solar concentrator is described. The solar concentrator includes a plane including a plurality of concentrating elements, wherein each concentrating element includes a hollow taper including a first opening; and at least one photoelectric conversion layer covering inner side surfaces of the concentrating elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: National Cheng Kung UniversityInventors: Chau-Nan Hong, Shu-Chun Chu, Wang-Chieh Yu, Shan-Bin Chang, Min-Hsiung Hon
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Patent number: 8664516Abstract: A structure and a method of the solar cell efficiency improvement by the strain technology are provided. The solar cell has a first surface and a second surfaces which at least a gasket is disposed thereon for supporting the solar cell and being the axle whiling stressing. The method includes the steps of: (a) applying at least a stress on the first surface; (b) generating a supporting force on the second surface; and (c) generating at least a strain in the solar cell. In addition, the present invention also includes a method involving a step of: (a) applying a mechanical stress to the solar cell; (b) generating a tension in the solar cell by at least two materials having different lattice constants; or (c) generating another tension in the solar cell by a shallow trench isolation filler, a high tensile/compressive stress silicon nitride layer and a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Jyun-Jhe Tsai, Ying-Jhe Yang, Chee Wee Liu
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Patent number: 8664523Abstract: A solar cell employs an optical fiber and semiconductor nanowires grown around the fiber. A p-n junction based design, organic-inorganic heterojunction, or a dye-sensitized structure is built at the surfaces of the nanowires. Light entering the fiber from a tip propagates through the fiber until it enters a nanowire where it reaches a photovoltaic element. Light entering the fiber cannot escape until it interacts with a photovoltaic element, thereby increasing the solar conversion efficiency. The fiber can transmit light, while the nanowires around the fibers increase the surface area of light exposure.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Zhong L. Wang, Benjamin Weintraub, Yaguang Wei
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Publication number: 20140053901Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyester film comprising polyester and at least one hydrolysis stabiliser selected from a glycidyl ester of a branched monocarboxylic acid, wherein the monocarboxylic acid has from 5 to 50 carbon atoms, wherein said hydrolysis stabiliser is present in the film in the form of its reaction product with at least some of the end-groups of said polyester, and wherein said reaction product is obtained by the reaction of the hydrolysis stabiliser with the end-groups of the polyester in the presence of a metal cation selected from the group consisting of Group I and Group II metal cations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: DuPont Teijin Films U.S. Limited PartnershipInventors: William J. Brennan, Simon Vernon Mortlock, William Bryden Goldie, Emma Ashford, Kirstin Jayne Forsyth, David R. Turner, Allan Lovatt
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Patent number: 8658886Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module is disclosed. In one embodiment, the photoelectric conversion module includes i) a plurality of photoelectric cells spaced apart from each other, wherein a perimeter is defined to surround the photoelectric cells, and wherein the perimeter does not pass through the spaces between neighboring photoelectric cells, ii) an electrolyte provided in the photoelectric cells and iii) a plurality of sealing frits surrounding the photoelectric cells, respectively, wherein each of the sealing frits is continuously formed.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nam-Choul Yang
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Patent number: 8658326Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat transfer system comprising a circulation loop defining a flow path for a heat transfer fluid, and a heat transfer fluid comprising a liquid coolant, a siloxane corrosion inhibitor of formula R3-Si—[O—Si(R)2]x-OSiR3, wherein R is independently an alkyl group or a polyalkylene oxide copolymer of 1 to 200 carbons, x is from 0 to 100, and further wherein at least one alkyl group and at least one polyalkylene oxide copolymer are present, and a non-conductive polydiorganosiloxane antifoam agent, wherein the conductivity of the heat transfer fluid is less than about 100 ?S/cm, and wherein the heat transfer system comprises aluminum, magnesium, or a combination thereof, in intimate contact with the heat transfer fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Prestone Products CorporationInventors: Filipe J. Marinho, Bo Yang
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Publication number: 20140048118Abstract: A solar energy concentrating system with high light collection efficiency includes a light concentrating unit, a light homogenizing unit and photovoltaic modules. The light concentrating unit includes a parabolic reflector and an ellipsoidal reflector which are coaxial and confocal. The light homogenizing unit includes an infrared filter and a hollow spherical reflector with a hole in its surface. When the system is under illumination, light is concentrated by the light concentrating unit through the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reflected by the inner surface of the spherical reflector onto the photovoltaic modules. The infrared filter covers the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reduces the heat in the photovoltaic modules under concentrated light. The combination of the parabolic reflector and the ellipsoidal reflector obtain highly concentrated light, and the hollow spherical reflector ensures light uniformity on the photovoltaic modules and light utilization efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Pingrong Yu
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Publication number: 20140048136Abstract: Disclosed is an optical system for concentrating effective light the wavelength whereof is comprised between two limit values (?i, ?s), comprising: an aspheric lens adapted for receiving and refracting the sunlight and provided with a convex lower portion defining a lower face with curved profile consisting of a predetermined number of curvatures with common tangency points in the contact points between two contiguous curvatures and which therefore provides for different focal points, each one corresponding to a wavelength value of effective light, comprised within the range defined by two focal points (fi, fs) respectively corresponding to said limit values (?i, ?s); an optical manifold with tapered shape, internally hollow and provided with an internal reflecting surface; said manifold extending from a larger base, facing said lower portion of the aspheric lens, to a smaller base and being adapted for receiving the effective light therein, focused by said aspheric lens, and for reflecting the effective lighType: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: SOLERGY INC.Inventors: Giovanni Lanzara, Gino D'Ovidio, Francesco Crisi
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Publication number: 20140048125Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat pressed multi-layer fluoropolymer film or sheet having improved bonding strength to a polyolefin film or sheet and methods for preparing the same, and which methods comprise the steps of (i) providing a multi-layer fluoropolymer film or sheet comprising an oriented fluoropolymer film or sheet layer and an oriented polyester film or sheet layer that is laminated to the oriented fluoropolymer film or sheet layer, wherein the oriented fluoropolymer film or sheet layer is positioned to provide one of the two outer surface layers of the multi-layer fluoropolymer film or sheet, and wherein the oriented fluoropolymer film or sheet layer consists essentially of a fluoropolymer and the oriented polyester film or sheet layer consists essentially of a polyester: and (ii) heat pressing the multi-layer fluoropolymer film or sheet by a heat press means, wherein the heat press means is set at such conditions that the multi-layer fluoropolymer film or sheet receives a pressure of about 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventors: Bo Fu, Qiuju Wu
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Publication number: 20140048128Abstract: A concentrator-type photovoltaic (CPV) device includes a solar cell comprising a substrate including a light receiving surface and a mounting surface opposite the light receiving surface. A conductive through-substrate interconnect having insulated sidewalls extends through the substrate from the mounting surface to the light receiving surface to provide an electrical connection to a conductive terminal on the light receiving surface. A lens support structure is formed on the light receiving surface, and a lens element is provided on the support structure opposite the light receiving surface. The support structure supports and aligns the lens element with the light receiving surface to concentrate incident light thereon. Related fabrication processes are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Semprius, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Meitl, Christopher Bower
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Publication number: 20140048135Abstract: Concentrated light from a solar collector in a CPV system is conditioned with a final optic element (FOE) that projects the light onto an adjacent photovoltaic cell where it is converted into electricity. The FOE is strategically configured and positioned to control the image formation on the solar cell. Use of this FOE in a CPV system design has large off axis acceptance angles (eg 1.4 degrees at 1000+ suns) and large CAP (eg 0.82). Light through the FOE is deterministically conditioned to provide uniform intensity distribution on the cell over the entire operating range of off axis conditions. Image control provided by the FOE also limits incident angle growth of the image on the solar cell allowing implementation of more compact smaller “f” ratio CPV systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: brightLeaf Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James E. Vander Mey
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Publication number: 20140048134Abstract: A concentrator solar receiver with an improved homogenizer is revealed. A homogenizer used in a concentrator solar module is improved. Instead of a smooth flat surface, a bottom surface of the homogenizer can be a positively curved surface, a conic solid, or a truncated tapered structure. Moreover, the bottom surface can be a rough surface. Thus not only the glue-overflow problem occurred during adhesion of the homogenizer to the solar cell can be solved, but also the possibility of air bubbles remaining between the glue and the homogenizer is reduced. Therefore the yield rate of a concentrator solar module is improved and the service life of the concentrator solar module is prolonged.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL - INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: YI-PING LIANG, HWA-YUH SHIN, HWEN-FEN HONG
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Publication number: 20140041715Abstract: A composite insulating panel comprises an external sheet, an internal sheet, and an insulating body between the sheets. The external sheet has a first longitudinally extending raised side underlap projection at one side and a side overlap projection on the opposite side of the panel with a substantially flat portion extending between the projections. A photovoltaic solar collector is mounted to the flat portion of external sheet. The solar collector comprises a photovoltaic sheet and a protective translucent cover for the photovoltaic sheet. A first adhesive layer is provided between the photovoltaic sheet and the translucent cover. A second adhesive layer is provided between the underside of the photovoltaic sheet and the external surface of the composite panel upper or external sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: KINGSPAN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTS LIMITEDInventors: James Carolan, Gregory Flynn
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Publication number: 20140041714Abstract: The invention is directed to a solar cell laminate comprising crystalline silicon photo-electricity device and comprising of the following layers: (i) a first layer comprising of a woven or knit glass mat and a thermoset polymer, (ii) a second layer comprising a crystalline silicon photo-electricity device, and (iii) a third layer comprising of a woven or knit fibre mat and a thermoset polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: FLEXSOL SOLUTIONS B.V.Inventor: Lennert Frans Van Den Berg
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Publication number: 20140041708Abstract: A low cost concentrating photovoltaic system includes a condenser system having refractive or reflective optics and a photovoltaic module having one or more thin film solar cells. The thin film solar cells may be a-Si, CdTe, Cu(InGa)Se2, organic solar cell or dye sensitized solar cells. The condenser system may be a flat, cylindrical or hemispherical Fresnel lens, a parabolic reflector, a compound parabolic concentrator, a reflective V-trough, or a combination thereof. The condenser system has a concentration ratio of about 10 to 100 or higher. No tracking system is needed in many examples, or a simple one-axis tracking may be used. In one example, the condenser system uses a hemispherical Fresnel lens which focuses sunlight onto a hemispherical focal surface, and one thin film solar cell (mounted on a tracking unit) or multiple cells (without tracking) are disposed on the hemispherical focal surface of the Fresnel lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: PU NI TAI YANG NENG (HANGZHOU) CO., LIMITEDInventors: Dong Wang, Pingrong Yu, Xuegeng Li
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Patent number: 8648248Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly includes an optical element comprising a body having opposed planar major surfaces with a plurality of open-mouthed inclusions (grooves) formed on the light output surface. Each groove has a closed apex with an included apex angle. The body is formed from a material having an index of refraction of at least 1.3 and an induced absorbance rate ?Abs/Dose less than or equal to about 0.4. The optical element is attached to a photovoltaic cell using an adhesive having an index of refraction in the range from about 1.34 to 1.50. The apex angle is selected such that light incident upon the body is conveyed the light output surface by the mechanism of total internal reflection from the boundary walls of the grooves and/or without retro-reflection toward the incident surface. The thickness of the adhesive layer and the dimension of the mouth of the grooves are selected such that light incident on the surface of the photovoltaic cell is not obscured by conductor lines on the cell's surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Parada, Ronald Jack Riegert, Mark E. Lewittes, Roger Harquail French
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Patent number: 8647914Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming an emitter layer of a second conductive type on a front surface and a back surface of a substrate of a first conductive type opposite to the second conductive type, forming an anti-reflection layer on the front surface of the substrate, partially removing the anti-reflection layer and the emitter layer to form an isolation groove dividing the emitter layer into a plurality of regions, removing a portion of the emitter layer formed on the back surface of the substrate, and forming a passivation layer covering the isolation groove and the back surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoung-Jin Seo, Yoon-Mook Kang, Min-Chul Song, Dong-Chul Suh, Ju-Hee Song
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Patent number: 8648252Abstract: A high transmission low iron glass, that is highly oxidized, is provided for use in solar cells or the like. In certain example embodiments, the glass composition used for the glass is a low-iron type glass composition which is highly oxidized thereby permitting the glass to realize a combination of high visible transmission (Lta or Tvis), high ultraviolet (UV) and/or infrared (IR) transmission, and high total solar (TS) transmission. These features may be achieved without the need for antimony in certain example instances. The glass substrate used in a solar cell may be patterned in certain example embodiments of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Scott V. Thomsen, Richard Hulme, Leonid M. Landa, Ksenia A. Landa
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Patent number: 8648249Abstract: A geo-cooled photovoltaic power conversion apparatus including a cooling system having liquid-to-earth sub-grade heat exchanger, multiple cooling loops, and a coolant reservoir which provides thermal storage for the cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Renewable Power Conversion, Inc.Inventor: Richard Travis West
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Publication number: 20140034126Abstract: A solar cell module includes a substrate, a lower electrode on the substrate, a light absorption layer on the lower electrode, an upper electrode on the light absorption layer, and a protective layer on the upper electrode, the protective layer extending along sidewalls of the light absorption layer to the lower electrode, the protective layer including a moisture absorbing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., LtdInventors: Jung-Yup YANG, Young-Kyoung AHN, Bong-Kyoung PARK, Yury Lebedev
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Publication number: 20140039463Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer composition may comprise a liquid crystal polymer and an adhesion enhancement compound. Such a liquid crystal polymer may be utilized in layered articles, molded articles, and like and products like solar cells, optoelectronic structures, medical equipment, and tubing. Further, ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives may be utilized in some of the layered articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Ticona LLCInventors: Young Shin Kim, Bernard Jason Smith, Sung Hye Kim
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Publication number: 20140034127Abstract: A concentrator-type photovoltaic (CPV) receiver includes a solar cell on a substrate. The solar cell includes a light receiving surface having a conductive terminal thereon. A conductive lens support frame is mounted on the substrate and includes an opening therein that exposes the light receiving surface of the solar cell. A lens element is provided on the support frame opposite the light receiving surface of the solar cell. The support frame is electrically connected to the conductive terminal on the light receiving surface and an electrical node on the substrate. The support frame also supports and self-aligns the lens element with the light receiving surface to concentrate incident light thereon. Related fabrication processes are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Semprius, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Meitl, Christopher Bower, Baron Kendrick, Bruce Furman
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Publication number: 20140034117Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic (PV) concentrator receiver for concentrated illumination which comprises a substrate with at least one solar cell, wherein on the front surface of the substrate and the at least one solar cell an encapsulation material and a cover plate are disposed. The edges of the receiver are protected by a frame. The inventive PV concentrator receiver can be used for producing electricity from concentrated solar radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHLUNG E.V.Inventors: Maike Wiesenfarth, Oliver Wolf, Joachim Jaus, Gerhard Peharz, Fabian Eltermann
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Patent number: 8642373Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device that includes: providing a substrate having a first electrode formed thereon; forming a first unit cell, the first unit cell including a first conductive silicon layer, an intrinsic silicon layer and a second conductive silicon layer, which are sequentially stacked from the first electrode; exposing to the air either a portion of an intermediate reflector formed on the first unit cell or the second conductive silicon layer of the first unit cell; forming the rest of the intermediate reflector or the entire intermediate reflector on the second conductive silicon layer of the first unit cell in a second manufacturing system; and forming a second unit cell on the intermediate reflector in the second manufacturing system, the second unit cell including a first conductive silicon layer, an intrinsic silicon layer and a second conductive silicon layer, sequentially stacked.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seung-Yeop Myong
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Publication number: 20140026962Abstract: A solar cell module includes a light guide body that guides incident light to propagate therein, and a solar cell element that receives the light propagating within the light guide body, wherein the light guide body is made of a light-transmissive base material and has a curved surface in at least a part thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi Kamada, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Hideki Uchida, Tokiyoshi Umeda, Hideomi Yui
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Publication number: 20140026961Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a gas barrier characteristic film that has a gas barrier characteristic and that is excellent in the repetitive reproducibility of the gas barrier characteristic. The film is a gas barrier characteristic film in which an [A] layer and a [B] layer mentioned below are sequentially layered on at least one surface of a macromolecular base, the [A] layer being a crosslinked resin layer whose pencil hardness is greater than or equal to H and whose surface free energy is less than or equal to 45 mN/m, and the [B] layer being a silicon-containing inorganic layer whose thickness is 10 to 1000 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Hiroyuki Uebayashi, Yusuke Tskamura, Osamu Watanabe
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Publication number: 20140026959Abstract: A solar cell receiver is provided that includes a semiconductor element that has a front face, a solar cell provided on the front face, a rear face, multiple lateral surfaces and two electric connectors; a carrier for receiving the semiconductor element, the rear face of the element being fixed to the carrier; and an optical element for concentrating the light onto the rear face of the semiconductor element. The optical element has an underside which partially faces the upper side of the semiconductor element, the underside of the optical element has a first shaped section with a first surface that lies on the front face of the semiconductor element and a second surface that lies on the carrier. The shaped section is designed as a cavity or groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbHInventors: Roland Schilling, Victor Khorenko
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Publication number: 20140026960Abstract: An encapsulant for a photovoltaic module, intended to coat a photovoltaic cell, including at least two adjacent thermoplastic layers together forming a core-skin assembly: the skin layer is a polyamide graft polymer including a polyolefin backbone representing 50 wt % to 95 wt % of the polyamide graft polymer, containing a residue of at least one unsaturated monomer (X) and at least one polyamide graft, representing 5 wt % to 50 wt % of said polyamide graft polymer; the polyolefin backbone and the polyamide graft of the skin layer are chosen so that the polyamide graft polymer has a flow temperature greater than or equal to 75° C. and less than or equal to 160° C., this flow temperature being defined as the highest temperature out of the melting temperature and the glass transition temperature of the polyamide graft and of the polyolefin backbone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: ARKEMA FRANCEInventors: Stéphane Bizet, Samuel Devisme, Thomas Fine, Dominique Jousset
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Publication number: 20140026939Abstract: A photovoltaic structure includes, from bottom to top, a conductive substrate, at least one electrical isolation layer, and a patterned conductive material layer. The patterned conductive material layer includes at least one solar concentrator receiver plate configured to mount a photovoltaic concentrator cells and at least one metallic wiring structure. The at least one electrical isolation layer can include a stack of an electrically insulating metal-containing compound layer and an organic or inorganic dielectric material that provides thermal conduction and electrical isolation. The at least one solar concentrator receiver plate can be thicker than the at least one metallic wiring structure so as to provide enhanced thermal spreading and conduction through the at least one electrical isolation layer and into the conductive substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Yves C. Martin, Theodore G. van Kessel, Brent A. Wacaser
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Patent number: 8637762Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a glass substrate that is patterned and may be at least partially ground down at edge portion(s) thereof, for use as a light incident glass substrate in electronic devices such as photovoltaic devices or the like. In certain example embodiments, the glass may be a low-iron type glass which may be highly oxidized thereby permitting the glass to realize a combination of high visible transmission (Lta or Tvis), high infrared (IR) transmission, and/or high total solar (TS) transmission. In certain example embodiments, edge portion(s) of the patterned side of the glass may be ground down so that a seal may be more securely and/or efficiently attached to device so as to at least partially encapsulate at least part of the electronic device including the front glass substrate thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventor: Thomas J. Taylor
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Publication number: 20140020759Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a film that is used as one layer of a multilayer structure articles such as a laminated glass, and a solar cell module, and prevents the intrusion of bubbles and the generation of unfilled portions at the edge portions of the film; and a multilayer structure articles obtained with the use of the film. A polyvinyl acetal resin film, having a thickness distribution in the width direction of 10% or less, and a volatile matter content of 1.0 mass % or less, in which as to a portion of 5% of the total width inside from each of both edges in the width direction, when each portion is heated at 150° C. for 30 minutes, the larger value of the heat shrinkage in the flow direction that is parallel to the film and perpendicular to the width direction is referred to as heat shrinkage MD1, and the other value is referred to as heat shrinkage MD2, and when central portion in the width direction of the film is heated at 150° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: KURARAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hidemasa Oda, Takashi Mukose, Makio Tokoh
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Publication number: 20140020758Abstract: An adhesive for solar battery backsheet. Further, a solar battery backsheet comprising the adhesive, and a solar battery module comprising the backsheet. The adhesive comprises the reaction product of an acrylic polyol (a1) with an isocyanate compound (a2), in which the acrylic polyol (a1) has a glass transition temperature of 20° C. or lower. In some embodiments the acrylic polyol (a1) has a hydroxyl value of 0.5 to 40 mgKOH/g, is more preferable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: Shoko Ito, Yoshio Yoshida, Yuichi Matsuki
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Publication number: 20140020734Abstract: An edge seal extruded onto at least a portion of one or more edges of a photovoltaic module is disclosed. A method for making a photovoltaic module comprising an extruded edge seal is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: Christopher Baker, Casimir Kotarba, Karina Krawczyk, Paul Nawrocki, Nicholas St. John
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Patent number: 8633376Abstract: A photovoltaic concentrator assembly that includes a housing that defines an internal volume and includes a rim, wherein the rim defines an opening into the internal volume, a photovoltaic cell positioned in the internal volume, and an optical element that includes an optically active body and a flange extending outward from the body, wherein the flange is sealingly engaged with the rim of the housing to enclose the internal volume.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Adam P. Plesniak
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Patent number: 8633585Abstract: A device in accordance with one embodiment comprises component (1) and an encapsulation arrangement (2) for the encapsulation of the component (1) with respect to moisture and/or oxygen, wherein the encapsulation arrangement (2) has a first layer (21) and thereabove a second layer (22) on at least one surface (19) of the component (1), the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) each comprise an inorganic material, and the second layer (22) is arranged directly on the first layer (21).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbHInventors: Christian Schmid, Tilman Schlenker, Heribert Zull, Ralph Paetzold, Markus Klein, Karsten Heuser
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Patent number: 8633377Abstract: An optical concentrator is disclosed which includes an imaging, aplanatic optical element having a front surface with a one-way light admitting portion, a back surface with a reflective portion, and an interior region of refractive material disposed between the front and backs surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Roland Winston, Weiya Zhang
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Publication number: 20140014182Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell module which is characterized in that: a light-transmitting elastomer member and a solar cell element are arranged in a space between a panel of a transparent member upon which sunlight is incident and a panel of a thermally conductive member which is arranged on the side opposite to the sunlight incidence side in such a manner that the light-transmitting elastomer member is closer to the sunlight incidence side; and the solar cell element is pressed by the light-transmitting elastomer member toward the panel of a thermally conductive member so that the solar cell element is compression bonded thereto. This solar cell module is most suitable as a solar cell module that has excellent heat dissipation of a cell, the temperature of which is increased due to sunlight or a hot spot, and a structure that suppresses the production cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoyoshi Furihata, Atsuo Ito, Hyung-Bae Kim, Minoru Igarashi, Masakatsu Hotta, Tsutomu Nakamura
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Publication number: 20140014181Abstract: The present invention provides a gas barrier laminate film containing a substrate film having on at least one surface thereof plural layers of an inorganic thin film layer, from a first layer to an n-th layer (wherein n represents an integer of 1 or more) of the inorganic thin film layer on a side of the substrate film being formed by a non-plasma film forming method, and an (n+1)-th layer formed thereon in contact therewith being formed by a facing target sputtering method, and a method for producing a gas barrier laminate film containing a substrate film having on at least one surface thereof one or plural layers of an inorganic thin film layer, the method containing: forming from a first layer to an n-th layer of the inorganic thin film layer on a side of the substrate film by a non-plasma film forming method; and forming an (n+1)-th layer thereon in contact therewith by a facing target sputtering method, and thus provides a gas barrier laminate film with high gas barrier property and excellent productivitType: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: MITSUBISHI PLASTICS, INCInventors: Hidetaka Amanai, Makoto Miyazaki
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Publication number: 20140014179Abstract: A light-modulating electrical device is disclosed and a method for manufacturing a light-modulating electrical device. The method includes, as a single lamination process, positioning a light-modulating electrical unit at least partially within a recess, the recess provided in a first polymer film or an optically transparent polymer film, and fixing the optically transparent polymer film to the first polymer film so as to cover the light-modulating electrical unit. In one example, the light-modulating electrical unit is comprised of two or more sub-units and is itself formed as part of the lamination process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONGInventors: Gerhard Frederick Swiegers, David Leslie Officer, Gordon George Wallace