With Concentrator, Housing, Cooling Means, Or Encapsulated Patents (Class 136/259)
  • Publication number: 20130146121
    Abstract: A solar light concentration photovoltaic conversion system, uses a solar light collector to focus collected light onto a termination of at least one multi-fiber cable. A wavelength splitter is optically coupled to the other termination of the multi-fiber cable for producing light beams of different wavelengths, each illuminating the optical termination of one or more lambda-dedicated tap fibers or multi-fiber cables. From the wavelength splitter depart a number of lambda-dedicated groups of tap fibers adapted to convey the radiation to remotely arranged lambda-specific photovoltaic cells, configured for efficiently converting light energy of the specific wavelength spectrum carried along respective fiber or group of fibers into electrical energy. The lambda-specific photovoltaic cells are formed onto light spreading structures optically coupled to a respective tap fiber or multi-fiber cable, adapted to trap the injected light and convert it into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventor: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
  • Publication number: 20130146140
    Abstract: In one aspect, a dye-sensitized solar cell is provided including: first and second substrates disposed to face each other; and a sealing material disposed between the first and second substrates and defining at least one photoelectric cell that performs photoelectric conversion, wherein the photoelectric cell includes: a first region; and a second region spatially connected to the first region and having higher transparency than the first region, wherein the first region performs photoelectric conversion of light incident through the first region and light incident through the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nam-Choul Yang, Sung-Su Kim, Hyun-Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20130146126
    Abstract: A non-intrusive solar panel bracket for the prevention of the sudden displacement of large amounts of snow and ice from solar panels mounted on a pitched roof, the brackets selectively snap fit over the lower horizontal frame member of a solar panel, a portion of the bracket extending upwardly above the level of the solar panel preventing the downward displacement of snow and ice, yet at a height so as not to interfere with the solar panels generation of electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Graga
  • Publication number: 20130146141
    Abstract: An article of manufacture and method for making a luminescent solar concentrator or a wavelength shifting device. The article includes a light guide or optical medium with a luminescent material disposed therein or deposited on the surface. The luminescent material is formulated to absorb incoming radiation and wavelength shift that radiation to a larger wavelength for processing and use, and to minimize reabsorption of the shifted radiation by the luminescent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew A. PELTON, Elena SHEVCHENKO, Seth B. DARLING, Roy J. HOLT, David H. POTTERVELD
  • Publication number: 20130139885
    Abstract: This photoelectric conversion device comprises a glass substrate (30), a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells (102) constituted by laminating a transparent electrode layer (32), a photoelectric conversion layer (34), and an underside electrode (36) on the glass substrate (30), and a first current collector electrode (38) that connects the photoelectric conversion cells (102) in parallel and collects electric power output by the photoelectric conversion cells (102). At least a part of the first current collector electrode (38) is welded on the glass substrate (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130139886
    Abstract: Provided is a high performance anti-spall laminate article comprising a bi-layer polymeric composite. The bi-layer composite includes a polymeric sheet and a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film laminated to each other. The PET film has a tensile modulus of about 600,000 psi or higher in both the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD), a shock brittleness index of about 55 Joules or higher in the machine direction and about 25 joules or higher in the transverse direction, and a percent elongation at break (EOB) of about 110-160 in the machine direction and about 60-110 in the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8455755
    Abstract: This invention relates to a solar energy collector that converts solar radiation into both electrical and thermal energy. More specifically this invention relates to a concentrating solar energy collector with an integrated construction that minimizes cost, bulk, and weight, and maximizes overall efficiency. Typical non-concentrating solar collectors use photovoltaic cells over the entirety of their surface. These solar cells are the most expensive part of the collector. This invention discloses using a reflector to concentrate the incident radiation on photovoltaic cells with one-twentieth the area of the reflector, and transferring the co-generated thermal energy into a working fluid pumped through the cell support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Electrotherm
    Inventors: David Correia, Jim Braig, Art Shulenberg
  • Publication number: 20130133743
    Abstract: A bonding material is described that is well suited to bonding polymer films, such as polyester films, to other substrates. In one embodiment, for instance, the bonding material can be used to bond a polyester film to a layer containing an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer to form a backing material for a photovoltaic device. The bonding material generally comprises a polymer component combined with a cross-linking agent. The polymer component may comprise an alkylene carboxylic acid copolymer, such as an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer or an ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer. In an alternative embodiment, the polymer component may comprise a phenoxy resin. The cross-linking agent, on the other hand may comprise an oxazoline polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI POLYESTER FILM, INC.
    Inventor: Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130133744
    Abstract: A light collection and light guidance system including: a flat collecting sheet having a first roughened light receiving front surface; and a plurality of optical fibers attached to at least one edge of the flat collecting sheet, wherein the first roughened light receiving front surface of the sheet has a plurality of resonance coupling periodicities, a plurality of correlation lengths, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a method of light collection and light guidance using the aforementioned system, or a system including a flat collecting sheet and a solar converter, as defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Etienne, Claudio Mazzali, William James Miller, Daniel Aloysius Nolan
  • Publication number: 20130133715
    Abstract: A solar cell includes a first electrode layer, a P-type silicon layer, an N-type silicon layer, a second electrode layer, and a reflector. The first electrode layer, the P-type silicon layer, the N-type silicon layer, and the second electrode layer are arranged in series side by side along a first direction and in contact with each other, thereby cooperatively forming a integrated structure. A P-N junction is formed near an interface between the P-type silicon layer and the N-type silicon layer. The integrated structure has a first surface substantially parallel to the first direction and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface is used as a photoreceptive surface to directly receive incident light. The reflector is located on the second surface of the integrated structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: YUAN-HAO JIN, QUN-QING LI, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Publication number: 20130133722
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell module and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically a counter electrode has connection parts formed within the side surfaces of the transparent conductive substrates. Edges of the working electrode and the counter electrode are bonded with each other by a sealant along the outer peripheral except for at one or more portions of the edges to form an electrolyte injection port. An electrolyte is then injected through the electrolyte injection hole into a space between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The electrolyte injection hole is then sealed by a sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Mi Yeon Song, Won Jung Kim, Ki Chun Lee, Sang Hak Kim, Ji Yong Lee, Yong Jun Jang, Yong-Gu Kim, In Woo Song
  • Publication number: 20130133726
    Abstract: Multi-layered protective backsheet for solar modules comprising in this order (i) an optional top layer (layer (i)), (ii) an insulating layer (layer (ii)), (iii) a back layer (layer (iii)), wherein between each layer there may or may not be one or more sublayers, wherein the top layer (i), the insulating layer (ii) and the back layer (iii) contain a polyolefin as the major component, wherein the polyolefin is selected from polyethene homo- and copolymers (PE's) and polypropene homo- and copolymers (PP's) and preferably the insulating layer (ii) has a thickness of at least 210 or at least 310 ?m. Also provided are solar modules containing the backsheets and methods for making the backsheets and for making solar modules containing the backsheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andreas H. Graichen, Wolfgang G. Schöppel, Michael Jürgens
  • Patent number: 8450603
    Abstract: In this presentation, we have shown new methods, devices, and systems, to concentrate the light for the solar cells, using refractive index variations, light funnels, liquid crystals, and other methods and materials. We have shown various methods for enhancing the solar cell efficiency. We have given many variations for each application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: BTPatent LLC
    Inventors: Saied Tadayon, Peyman Sana
  • Patent number: 8450595
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a battery element, a film-form casing member, and a resin protective layer. The battery element includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The film-form casing member contains the battery element and an electrolyte in an enclosed space thereof. The resin protective layer is formed along the surface of the film-form casing member and has a substantially uniform thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tamotsu Harada, Yoshiaki Naruse, Takashi Ishigooka, Nobuyuki Ohyagi
  • Publication number: 20130125973
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a panel of transparent material that transmits sunlight, a panel of heat-conducting material arranged opposite to the sunlight incidence side, a light transmitting elastomer member, and a solar cell element. The light transmitting elastomer member and the solar cell element is interposed between the panel of transparent material and the panel of heat-conducting material, with the light transmitting elastomer member being disposed on the sunlight incidence side. The light-transmitting elastomer member presses the solar cell element against the panel of heat-conducting material. By altering the optical path of the direct incident light with the refractive action of the light transmitting elastomer, the solar cell module allows the finger electrodes and/or bus bar electrodes of the solar cell element to be placed in the region where there is less incident sunlight than the region where there is direct incident sunlight not affected by refractive action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130125984
    Abstract: A solar cell module comprises: a cover glass, a glass substrate, an aluminum frame, and a filling material. The glass substrate of the solar cell module is formed in a size smaller than that of the cover glass, whereas the cover glass is arranged above the glass substrate while spacing from the same by a first distance; the space ranged between the perimeter of the cover glass and the perimeter of the glass substrate is filled by the filling material while allowing the cross section of the filling material to be an acute triangle. Moreover, the bottom of the filling material is engaged with a contact end of a lower tongue piece of the aluminum frame that is disposed away from a sidewall of the aluminum frame by a contact point while allowing the contact point to be spaced from the perimeter of the glass substrate by a second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: HULK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TING-HUI HUANG
  • Publication number: 20130125969
    Abstract: This disclosure provides photovoltaic apparatus and methods of forming the same. In one implementation, a method of forming a photovoltaic device includes forming a plurality of substrate features on a surface of a glass substrate, the substrate features having a depth dimension in the range of about 10 ?m to about 1000 ?m and a width dimension in the range of about 10 ?m to about 1000 ?m. The method further includes forming a thin film solar cell over the surface of the glass substrate including over the plurality of substrate features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus A. de Groot, Sijin Han, Fan Yang
  • Publication number: 20130125955
    Abstract: A solar cell module (1) includes a solar cell (2), a fluorescent light collecting plate (3), and reflection plates (4). The fluorescent light collecting plate (3) faces a light receiving surface through which external light (6) such as sunlight or illumination light enters the fluorescent light collecting plate (3). The solar cell (2) is provided to at least one of the end surfaces (intersecting surfaces each intersecting the light receiving surface) of the fluorescent light collecting plate (3). To the other end surfaces of the fluorescent light collecting plate (3), the reflection plates (4) are provided. The end surfaces of the fluorescent light collecting plate (3), to which end surfaces no solar cell (2) is provided, are arranged so as not to be parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Maeda
  • Publication number: 20130125986
    Abstract: A solar cell encapsulated with an encapsulating material which is a non-crystalline or low-crystalline ?-olefin-based copolymer or its composition (I). The composition (C) can contain 50 to 100 parts by weight of non-crystalline ?-olefin polymer (A) which meets the following requirements: (a) the ?-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms is not less than 20 mol %, (b) practically no melt peak as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter is observed, and (c) the Mw/Mn is not more than 5, and 50 to 0 parts by weight of crystalline ?-olefin polymer (B) (the total of (A) and (B) being 100 parts by weight). The non-crystalline or low-crystalline ?-olefin copolymer may also have a crystallinity of not higher than 40% as measured by use of X rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello, Inc., Du Pont-Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Du Pont-Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130125985
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion type photovoltaic cell sealing material according to the present invention includes a first sealing layer that contains no fluorescent substance and a second sealing layer that contains a fluorescent substance. This wavelength conversion type photovoltaic cell sealing material is used as one of the light transmissive layers of a photovoltaic cell module and is disposed at a light receiving surface side of a solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Taku Sawaki, Kaoru Okaniwa, Takeshi Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20130125983
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device comprises the steps choosing a substrate with a conductive layer; depositing a non-conductive layer; imprinting a structure comprising features into the non-conductive layer; and depositing an active layer operable in the photovoltaic device; wherein the active layer is in electrical contact with the conductive layer through a feature in the imprinted layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC, INC.
    Inventor: Dirk N. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20130118583
    Abstract: An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) a polyolefin copolymer with at least one of (a) a density of less than about 0.90 g/cc, (b) a 2% secant modulus of less than about 150 megaPascal (mPa) as measured by ASTM D-882-02), (c) a melt point of less than about 95 C, (d) an ?-olefin content of at least about 15 and less than about 50 wt % based on the weight of the polymer, (e) a Tg of less than about ?35 C, and (f) a SCBDI of at least about 50, (2) optionally, free radical initiator, e.g., a peroxide or azo compound, or a photoinitiator, e.g., benzophenone, and (3) optionally, a co-agent. Typically, the polyolefin copolymer is an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer. Optionally, the polymeric material can further comprise a vinyl silane and/or a scorch inhibitor, and the copolymer can remain uncrosslinked or be crosslinked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Dow Global Technologies LLC
  • Publication number: 20130118557
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising a first substrate, a backing sheet, a solar cell or a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell positioned between the substrate and the backing sheet, at least one thin electrically conducting board positioned between the substrate and the backing sheet and preferably where the module has at least one electronic device, preferably positioned on the electrically conducting board, that provides the module with a desired function or capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Jean P. Posbic, Dinesh S. Amin
  • Publication number: 20130118582
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) including a substrate having a dye sensitized layer thereon, an opposite substrate having a catalyst layer thereon, a spacer disposed between the substrate and the opposite substrate to define a space, and an electrolyte in the space. The spacer is formed by reacting a photo curable glue including a main oligomer, a photo initiator, a photo curing accelerator agent, a softener, an adhesion enhancer, and a chemical resistance additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Meng-Chin Tsui, Yung-Liang Tung, Chuan-Ya Hung, Sz-Ping Fu, Chih-Chou Chang
  • Publication number: 20130118547
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for directing light incident on a window towards photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, photovoltaic cells are arranged the perimeter of a window pane. The pane also includes light-turning features that divert a portion of the incident light towards the photovoltaic cells on the perimeter, while simultaneously transmitting a portion of incident light through the pane. The dimensions and arrangement of the light-turning features can be adjusted to change the amount of light diverted to the photovoltaic cells, and consequently the amount of light transmitted through the glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: QUACLOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell W. Gruhlke, Ye Yin, Fan Yang, Sijin Han
  • Publication number: 20130118554
    Abstract: A light concentrating optical element includes: a substrate; and a plurality of micro-optical members dispersed inside the substrate. The plurality of micro-optical members each direct light having been transmitted through the substrate and having entered a micro-optical member along an entering direction, so that the light exits the micro-optical member along a matching direction matching the entering direction, and direct light having entered the micro-optical member along an other entering direction, so that the light exits the micro-optical member along an exiting direction, resulting in an advancing direction of light having entered the substrate through a substrate front surface and advancing through the substrate being deflected via the plurality of micro-optical members to extend along the matching direction; and the light having been deflected so as to advance through the substrate along the matching direction is concentrated at an end area of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: NIKON CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130118581
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a photovoltaic module, comprises a transparent superstrate; a backsheet, wherein the backsheet comprises a core layer comprising a core composition formed from a first polycarbonate comprising dimethyl bisphenol cyclohexane carbonate repeat units and bishpenol-A, wherein the first polycarbonate has the structure wherein the dimethyl bisphenol cyclohexane carbonate repeat units are present in an amount of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %, based on the total repeat units in the core composition; and a second polycarbonate selected from the group consisting of a bisphenol-A polycarbonate homopolymer, a polyphthalate carbonate copolymer, a polycarbonate copolymer comprising 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) phthalimidine carbonate and bisphenol-A carbonate repeat units, a polycarbonate copolymer comprising bisphenol-A carbonate and tetrabromobisphenol A carbonate repeat units, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and a photovoltaic cell between the superstrate and the backsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Jian Zhou, Andries Jakobus Petrus van Zyl, Vandita Pai-Paranjape, Glen Robert Tryson, Matthew Frank Niemeyer
  • Publication number: 20130118568
    Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a photoelectric conversion member including a heat dissipation mechanism which is more excellent in heat dissipation characteristics than conventional mechanisms. A photoelectric conversion member 1 of this invention includes a first electrode layer 20, a power generation laminate 22, and a second electrode layer 26 formed on the power generation laminate 22 through a nickel layer 24. A passivation layer 28 made of a material containing SiCN is formed on the second electrode layer 26. On the passivation layer 28, a heat dissipation structure 31 is provided. The heat dissipation structure 31 contains 40 to 750 parts by mass of an expanded graphite powder (E) per 100 parts by mass of at least one type of polymer (S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Takurou Kumamoto
  • Publication number: 20130118584
    Abstract: Provided are a solar cell encapsulant material which facilitates production of solar cell modules, which does not require a crosslinking step and which is excellent in heat resistance and others, and a solar cell module produced by the use of the encapsulant material. The solar cell encapsulant material comprises a resin composition (C) that contains an olefin-based polymer (A) satisfying the following requirement (a) and an olefin-based polymer (B) satisfying the following requirement (b). (a) The crystal melting peak temperature of the polymer, as measured at a heating rate of 10° C./min in differential scanning calorimetry, is lower than 100° C. (b) The extrapolated onset temperature of melting of the polymer, as measured at a heating rate of 10° C./min in differential scanning calorimetry, is 100° C. or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kouichirou Taniguchi, Michiko Otsuka, Jun Nishioka
  • Patent number: 8441735
    Abstract: An optical element comprises a body having opposed planar major surfaces with a plurality of open-mouthed inclusions (grooves) formed on its 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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Parada, Ronald Jack Riegert, Mark E. Lewittes, Roger Harquail French
  • Publication number: 20130112268
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition consisting of a fluoropolymer and a white inorganic filler, said composition being intended for the manufacture of monolayer films opaque to visible tight and to UV radiation, useable in particular in the field of photovoltaic cells. The polymeric composition consists of a fluoropolymer and zinc oxide (ZnO), said filler being present in said composition in a weight proportion of 20 to 40%, preferably 20 to 35%. The use of this filler serves on the one hand to avoid the addition of acrylic polymers to the fluoropolymer, and on the other hand, to use processing temperatures that are compatible with the manufacture of a monolayer film by extrusion blow moulding, that is, a temperature of about 220 to 260° C., thereby serving to prevent the degradation of the fluoropolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Arkema France
    Inventors: Anthony Bonnet, Francois Beaume, Stephane Bizet, Nicolas Devaux
  • Publication number: 20130112242
    Abstract: A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tacking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Sun Synchrony
    Inventor: Sun Synchrony
  • Publication number: 20130112272
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of non-transparent, methacrylate-containing one-, two- or multi-layered films in flexible photovoltaic systems, and to the production of said films by extrusion coating, extrusion lamination (adhesive lamination, melt lamination or hotmelt lamination) or glue lamination. For this purpose, e.g. a thin, inorganic or metallically coated film, for example made of PET, is laminated or coextruded with a weather-resistant film, e.g. a film made of PMMA or PMMA polyolefin coextrudate. In particular, laminates are produced in which at least one of the two layers is non-transparent. An optional inorganic oxide or metal layer has the property of a high barrier effect against water vapour and oxygen while the PMMA layer exhibits weather resistance stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: EVONIK RÖHM GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Ackermann, Florian Schwager
  • Publication number: 20130112270
    Abstract: An electronic device module comprises: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising an ethylene multi-block copolymer. Typically, the polyolefin material is an ethylene multi-block copolymer with a density of less than about 0.90 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). The polymeric material can fully encapsulate the electronic device, or it can be laminated to one face surface of the device. Optionally, the polymeric material can further comprise a scorch inhibitor, and the copolymer can remain uncrosslinked or it can be crosslinked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Dow Global Technologies LLC
  • Publication number: 20130112271
    Abstract: The present invention provides a polyester film for sealing the backside of solar cell having excellent light reflectivity and durability and good electric insulation. A polyester film for sealing the backside of solar cell having a light reflectance at 550 nm wavelength of 50% or more and containing 3 to 50% by mass of inorganic fine particles, characterized in that acid value of the film is 1 to 30 eq/ton and limiting viscosity of the film is 0.60 to 0.80 dL/g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOBO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Ikehata, Akira Shimizu, Shiro Hamamoto, Jun Inagaki, Shinji Sawazaki
  • Publication number: 20130112246
    Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices including a transparent substrate; a thin film stack comprising a transparent conductive oxide layer, a photovoltaic heterojunction, and back contact layer; and, an encapsulation material arranged such that the thin film stack is positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation material are generally provided. The encapsulation material defines a rib element and can be generally positioned such that the rib element extends away from the thin film stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jed Emeron Isom, Scott Daniel Feldman-Peabody
  • Publication number: 20130112267
    Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic module that is connectable to a terminal includes a first glass sheet defining a sun facing surface and a second glass sheet defining a back facing surface opposite the front side surface. The second glass sheet includes a feed-though opening extending through the second glass sheet. A photovoltaic material is between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet. An encapsulant material is between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet that bonds the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet together and seals the photovoltaic material from moisture. A conductor is electrically connected to the photovoltaic material at one end. The conductor passes through the feed-though opening. A reinforcing member is disposed on the sun facing surface of the first glass sheet. The reinforcing member has a footprint hanging over at least a portion of the feed-through opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Lee Wasson
  • Publication number: 20130112269
    Abstract: There is provided a solar cell comprising: a substrate; a rear electrode layer disposed on the substrate; a light absorption layer disposed on the rear electrode layer; and a window layer disposed on the light absorption layer, wherein the window layer includes a plurality of conductive particles. The conductive particles improve the optical and electrical properties of the window layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chul Hwan Choi
  • Publication number: 20130104962
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to photonic energy are provided. A device includes a reflector bearing a surface treatment and defining one or more photonic energy-concentrating areas. Target entities such as photovoltaic cells or thermal absorption conduits are disposed at the respective photonic energy-concentrating locations. A transparent cover can be used to protect the reflector. A foam material characterized by structural rigidity is disposed between and in contact with the backside of the reflector and a support housing. The assembled device resists bending, twisting or other deformation by virtue of the rigidity of the foam material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Karl S. Weibezahn
  • Publication number: 20130104980
    Abstract: Glasses comprising Bi203, ZnO B203 and optionally a colorant including an oxide of a metal such as iron, cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper and chromium are suitable to form hermetic seals in solar cell modules, architectural glass windows and MEMS devices. Glass frit and paste compositions suitable for flow and bonding to various substrates—glass, metal, silicon, in the temperature range of 400-500 degrees Centigrade. The broad compositional range in mole % is 25-70% Bi203, up to 65% ZnO, and 1-70% B203. Such glasses do not have batched in alumina or silica. Such glasses lack alumina and silica.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: FERRO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Srinivasan Sridharan, John J. Maloney, Chandrashekhar Khadilkar, Robert P. Blonski, David L. Widlewski
  • Publication number: 20130104983
    Abstract: This invention improves the efficiency of non-optimal solar cell materials, enabling them to achieve the same efficiency as optimal materials. The invention describes a method of improving the emission and absorption properties of a generic photovoltaic cell using feedback reflectors and/or filters, increasing the open circuit voltage of the cell, and thus the overall efficiency. Specific examples of single junction photovoltaics are detailed, but not limited to. Particularly, semiconducting solar cells in either single- or multi-junction formats are described. The invention can be applied to any functioning solar cell to increase the efficiency, while describing the maximal efficiency available using thermodynamic identities. Other examples are included, such as organic photovoltaic, nanostractured photovoltaic devices, and non-planar geometries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: The Regents of the University of California
  • Publication number: 20130104984
    Abstract: A photovoltaic solar collector and concentrator apparatus consists of a solid, one-piece, sun light transmitting, non-imaging optical element coupled to a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic solar collector and concentrator has an entry surface including focusing elements and an opposed surface including uncoated reflector elements. The focused sun light is directed by the reflector elements via total internal reflection directly towards the photovoltaic cell without any reflection from the entry surface. An additional redirecting element based on total internal reflection and integral with the collector and concentrator optical element is used to couple the sunlight from the reflector elements to a photovoltaic cell positioned in plane parallel to the entry surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: MORGAN SOLAR INC.
    Inventor: Stefan Myrskog
  • Publication number: 20130104981
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optical tracking are disclosed. One optical tracking system includes a first optical element configured to focus a light beam and a second optical element configured to redirect the focused light beam from the first optical element. The second optical element is configured to move in order to continuously receive the focused light beam during movement of the focused light beam. Another optical tracking system includes an optical element configured to redirect a light beam and a photosensitive material configured to change its optical properties when it receives the redirected light beam, in order to continuously redirect the light beam during movement of the light beam. The optical tracking methods employ the above-described optical tracking systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventor: University of Delaware
  • Publication number: 20130104979
    Abstract: A solar device includes a light condenser, a light guide member, a number of optical fibers and a converter end. The light condenser is configured for condensing incident light. The light guide member converts the condensed light into a plurality of focused light beams. The optical fibers receive the condensed light beams. The converter end includes a photoelectric converter configured for receiving and converting light from the optical fibers into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YUNG-LUN HUANG
  • Publication number: 20130104982
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for allowing the ultrasonic welding of a junction box, having at least one overmolded element, to a cover panel of a photovoltaic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
    Inventor: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130098447
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar battery module according to the present invention includes the steps of forming a solar battery cell (25) on a front-side insulation substrate (22), disposing a sealing member (24) on the front-side insulation substrate (22) on which the solar battery cell (25) is formed, the sealing member (24) having a shape smaller than outer shapes of the front-side insulation substrate (22) and a back-side insulation substrate (23) and having an uneven shape on a side that faces the solar battery cell (25), disposing the back-side insulation substrate (23) on the sealing member (24), sealing the solar battery cell (25) between the front-side insulation substrate (22) and the back-side insulation substrate (23) by applying heat under pressure from above the back-side insulation substrate (23) in vacuum conditions so as to squeeze the uneven portion of the sealing member (24) and bring the sealing member into intimate contact with the solar battery cell (25), and cooling and thereby harde
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Sharp Kaushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryosuke Obinata, Hajime Horinaka, Kazuhiro Mizuo
  • Publication number: 20130098446
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing substrate; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on the roofing substrate; and a colored or patterned layer disposed on the roofing substrate and visible in the area surrounding the photovoltaic cells; and an encapsulant layer disposed over the photovoltaic cells and the patterned colored layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Ming-Liang Shiao, Gregory F. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20130098445
    Abstract: A solar power generating apparatus and a solar tracking method for the same. When a plurality of solar collector plates are arranged, the solar collector plates may be adjusted at certain rotation angles to maintain a high level of solar absorption efficiently with respect to shade, and errors caused by the installed positions (particularly, the installed directions) of the solar collector plates having solar cells can be compensated for, to accordingly calculate and determine adjustment angles in order to accurately rotate the solar cells or solar collector plates to a desired direction and to increase solar absorption efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: O'Solar Ltd.
    Inventor: Boo-Youl Lee
  • Patent number: 8426854
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the described technology relate generally to display devices including dye-sensitized solar cells. The display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display element for displaying an image, and a dye-sensitized solar cell for converting light into electricity to offset the power consumption of the display element. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a selective photo-absorption material for selectively absorbing light from at least one wavelength band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Yun Moon
  • Patent number: 8426544
    Abstract: A solar cell encapsulated with an encapsulating material which is a non-crystalline or low-crystalline ?-olefin-based copolymer or its composition (I). The composition (C) can contain 50 to 100 parts by weight of non-crystalline ?-olefin polymer (A) which meets the following requirements: (a) the ?-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms is not less than 20 mol %, (b) practically no melt peak as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter is observed, and (c) the Mw/Mn is not more than 5, and 50 to 0 parts by weight of crystalline ?-olefin polymer (B) (the total of (A) and (B) being 100 parts by weight). The non-crystalline or low-crystalline ?-olefin copolymer may also have a crystallinity of not higher than 40% as measured by use of X rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Du-Pont Mitsui Polychemicals, Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Nishijima, Akira Yamashita