With Concentrator, Housing, Cooling Means, Or Encapsulated Patents (Class 136/259)
  • Patent number: 10396226
    Abstract: A masterbatch for a solar battery sealing sheet containing: at least one ethylene resin selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer, an ethylene homopolymer and an ethylene-unsaturated ester copolymer; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide and zeolite, wherein a degree of aggregation of silicon is 0 or more and 0.350 or less and the ignition loss of the compound is more than 1.7% to 15% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yoda
  • Patent number: 10386580
    Abstract: In an optical signal transmission system for transmitting signal light through a transmitting fiber, an optical connector, and a receiving fiber to an optical receptacle, the relationships ?1ex<?2en and ?pd<?2en are satisfied, where ?1ex is the core diameter of the transmitting fiber at the exit face of the transmitting fiber, ?2en is the core diameter of the receiving fiber at the entrance face of the receiving fiber, and ?pd is the diameter of a receiving surface of a light receiving element in the optical receptacle, and the relationship NA1ex>Na2en is satisfied, where, in the optical connector, NA1ex is the numerical aperture (NA) of the signal light emitted from the transmitting fiber, and NA2en is the NA of the signal light incident on the receiving fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Suzuki, Yasuhiro Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 10389294
    Abstract: In an example, a clamp assembly for a glass on glass solar module for a tracker is included. The assembly has a lower clamp structure characterized by a top-hat shaped rail structure having a length extending from a first end to a second end. In an example, the assembly has an upper clamp structure configured to sandwich a pair of edges of a pair of solar modules with a portion of the lower clamp structure. In an example, the assembly has a locking spacer configured to the pair of edges of the pair of solar modules. In an example, the pair of edges comprises substantially glass material. In an example, the assembly has a pair of key structures configured with the locking spacer. Each of the key structures is affixed to each of the solar modules to physically lock each of the solar modules to the upper clamp structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: NEXTracker Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 10333014
    Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for making a photovoltaic cell are provided. The photovoltaic cell is able to have a substrate made of a composite material. The composite material is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The substrate of the photovoltaic cell is able to be flexible, such that the photovoltaic cell is able to be applied on various surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventors: Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, Emeka Nchekwube
  • Patent number: 10284135
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure provides solar panel mounting and charging system comprising a hub and a girder assembly. The hub may comprise a plurality of attachment points on its exterior. The girder assembly may comprise a plurality of top girders configured to be mechanically fastened to each other at their proximal ends, and having a distance between their distal ends that is greater than a distance between the proximal ends of the top girders. The girder assembly may also comprise a plurality of bottom girders configured to be mechanically fastened to each other at their proximal ends and the plurality of top girders at their distal ends. The system may further comprise an electric vehicle charging system affixed to the pole, wherein the electric vehicle charging system is configured to receive electrical power from at least one solar panel affixed to the girder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Forrest Collins
  • Patent number: 10236823
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a support substrate; a plurality of solar cells on a front surface of the support substrate; a bus bar electrically connected to the solar cells; and a cover member surrounding the bus bar, wherein the bus bar extends along an edge of the front surface of the support substrate to an edge of a rear surface of the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyung Ho Kang
  • Patent number: 10211358
    Abstract: A solar cell unit, comprising a solar cell with a light receiving surface, and a transparent optical element frictionally connected to the receiving surface. The optical element having a portion of surface formed substantially convex such that sunlight striking the receiving surface is bundled by the convex receiving surface. The light receiving surface is surrounded by a shoulder-shaped ledge that has a first rim surface and a second rim surface. A first alignment mark is provided in association with the first rim surface and a second alignment mark is provided in association with the second rim surface to position the optical element in regard to the receiving surface of the solar cell via the two alignment marks. The first alignment mark being spaced apart from the second alignment mark in order to guide the incident sunlight totally or at least largely to the receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbH
    Inventor: Ruediger Loeckenhoff
  • Patent number: 10205041
    Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Jiaying Ma
  • Patent number: 10164139
    Abstract: A solar cell unit having a semiconductor body formed as a solar cell and having a front side and a back side, a carrier with a top side enclosed by at least four edges, a bottom side, and a first contact surface, formed on the top side and connected to the first terminal contact, and a second contact surface, connected to the second terminal contact and spaced apart from the first contact surface, and a secondary optical element. A back side of the semiconductor body is non-positively connected to a part of the top side of the carrier. The secondary optical element guides light to the front side of the semiconductor body and at least parts of the bottom side of the secondary optical element are non-positively connected to the front side of the semiconductor body and/or to the top side of the carrier by a polymer adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbH
    Inventor: Ruediger Loeckenhoff
  • Patent number: 10141459
    Abstract: In general, the invention relates to electro-conductive pastes containing binary glass frits and photovoltaic solar cells, preferably n-type photovoltaic solar cells. More specifically, the invention relates to solar cell precursors, processes for preparation of solar cells, solar cells and solar modules. The invention relates to a solar cell precursor comprising as precursor parts i. a wafer with a back face and a front face, wherein the front face comprises a p-doped layer ii. a first paste comprising Ag particles; Al particles in a range from about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the paste; a vehicle; a glass frit in a range from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the paste, wherein the glass frit comprises a first glass frit with a glass transition temperature Tgl and a further glass frit with a glass transition temperature Tgf, wherein Tgf differs from Tgl by at least about 10° C.; an additive; superimposed on a first area on said p-doped layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: HERAEUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Markus König, Matthias Hörteis, Weiming Zhang
  • Patent number: 10133044
    Abstract: A light-concentrating lens assembly for a solar energy system, the assembly comprising a primary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector for reflecting incident light, a secondary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector for receiving light reflected from the primary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector, a compound paraboloid concentrator (CPC) for receiving light reflected from the secondary off-axis quarter-section parabolic reflector and a housing for holding the primary and secondary off-axis parabolic reflectors as well as the CPC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: 1930106 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Malik Amjad, James Delsaut, Gilles Leduc, Kelsey Leduc
  • Patent number: 10125251
    Abstract: A composition that includes a blend of a fluoropolymer and an ultraviolet light-absorbing oligomer. The oligomer has a first divalent unit having a pendent ultraviolet absorbing group and a second divalent unit represented by formula (I): At least one of the following limitations is also met: the ultraviolet light-absorbing oligomer further comprises a third divalent unit comprising a pendent 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl group, or the composition further comprises a second oligomer comprising a third divalent unit comprising a pendent 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl group at least one of the second divalent units. Articles including the composition are disclosed. The composition can be an extruded film. A method of making such an extruded film is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David B. Olson, Patricia M. Savu, Diane North
  • Patent number: 10063183
    Abstract: A folded down support (12) allows for stronger solar panels (10) and the support replaces most of the solar racking required for solar installation which further reduces the cost of the photovoltaic solar system. The solar panels (10) can be arranged so that solar panels form a solar collector solar panel array. The solar panel (10) can be set on a surface by itself or with ballast (43). It can also be attached to the surface by fastening the solar panel to the side supports. If the solar panel frame and supports are electrically conductive, the design allows for self electrical grounding between these conductive parts when the side supports are pivoted to the down position. The folded up support allows for high density storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Patton Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Patent number: 10033946
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for up-conversion of Short Wavelength Infra-Red (SWIR) images into visible images. The device comprises a sub micrometer thickness structure that is composed of several sub-layers, each having a typical thickness of tens to hundreds of nanometers. The device is composed of two main sections one on top of the other: (a) a highly efficient SWIR absorption thin layer and (b) a highly efficient organic light emitted diode (OLED). The generated visible image is emitted from the OLED through a top transparent cathode, which is deposited on the OLED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: B.G. Negev Technologies and Applications Ltd., at Ben-Gurion University
    Inventors: Gabby Sarusi, Yuval Golan
  • Patent number: 9985147
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes an absorbing layer configured to generate electron-hole pairs from incident photons of incoming light; and a first grating layer arranged at a first surface of the absorbing layer which is opposite to a second surface of the absorbing layer from which light is incident, wherein the first grating layer includes at least one grating extending along the first surface, wherein the at least one grating has grating structures which are dimensioned to provide a reflectivity for light incident through the absorbing layer back into the absorbing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, EGYPT NANOTECHNOLOGY CENTER
    Inventors: Bruno Michel, Nikolaj Moll, Rami Ghannam
  • Patent number: 9974197
    Abstract: Provided is a structure for a display apparatus. The structure for a display apparatus includes: a chassis having a plate shape and provided with a plurality of through holes; a reflection layer formed on one surface of the chassis: and at least one moisture barrier layer formed on the other surface of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Hwa Song, Kang-Woo Lee, Seung Hwan Chung, Young Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 9964678
    Abstract: Achieve an extinction ratio in the approximate 10?6 class for intensity transmittance in the terahertz band with one element. A wire grid device configured from layering a plurality of film substrates each formed from a rectangular polymer film wherein a narrow rectangular metal thin plate is formed in the approximate center of one face thereof. By having the width of the metal thin plate be approximately 1.0 mm, the length of the metal thin plate be approximately 12.0-30 mm, and the thickness of the film substrate be approximately 0.5-50 ?m, it is possible to easily achieve an extinction ratio in the approximate 10?6 class for intensity transmittance in the terahertz band with one element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignees: IBARAKI UNIVERSITY, JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventor: Takehito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9917221
    Abstract: Solar power conversion system. The system includes a cavity formed within an enclosure having highly specularly reflecting in the IR spectrum inside walls, the enclosure having an opening to receive solar radiation. An absorber is positioned within the cavity for receiving the solar radiation resulting in heating of the absorber structure. In a preferred embodiment, the system further contains an energy conversion and storage devices thermally-linked to the absorber by heat conduction, convection, far-field or near-field thermal radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Svetlana Boriskina, Daniel Kraemer, Kenneth McEnaney, Lee A. Weinstein, Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 9899553
    Abstract: A readily adhesive sheet including a base material film and an olefin-based polymer layer which is disposed on at least one surface of the base material film and contains at least one binder, which is an olefin-based binder having an elastic modulus of 320 MPa or less, at least one coloring pigment selected from titanium oxide, carbon black, titanium black, black combined metal oxides, cyanine-based colors and quinacridone-based colors, and a crosslinking agent has a favorable adhesion to the sealing material even after aged in a hot and humid environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Akasaki, Naoya Imamura, Shin Ozawa
  • Patent number: 9866168
    Abstract: Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having flaps for supporting junction boxes. Junction boxes are used for making electrical connections to photovoltaic cells sealed inside the modules. A flap may be formed by one or two flexible sealing sheets extending beyond the boundary of the photovoltaic cells. A junction box is attached to the front surface of the flap. In certain embodiments, a flap is formed by one sealing sheet, such as a back side sheet. Materials of the back side sheet may be different from materials of the front side sheet and be selected to ensure support to the junction box. Additional support to the junction box may be provided by extending one of its edges in between the two sealing sheets. This edge extension or other features may be used for mechanical protection of electrical leads extending between the junction box and photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Beijing Apollo Ding Rong Solar Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Todd Krajewski
  • Patent number: 9853175
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar cell module includes a solar cell panel and a concentrator. The solar cell panel includes a solar cell. The concentrator reflects light incident from the outside and irradiates the light onto the solar cell. The concentrator has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface reflects light incident at a first incident angle and irradiates the light incident at the first incident angle onto a first portion within the area of the solar cell. The second surface reflects light incident at a second incident angle and irradiates the light incident at the second incident angle onto a second portion within the area of the solar cell. The second incident angle is different from the first incident angle. The second portion is different from the first portion. The first surface and the second surface are asymmetric as viewed from the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Soichiro Shibasaki, Hiroshi Ohno, Kazushige Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9806215
    Abstract: A solar cell receiver subassembly for use in a concentrating solar system which concentrates the solar energy onto a solar cell by a factor of 1000 or more for converting solar energy to electricity, including an optical element defining an optical channel, a solar cell receiver having a support; a solar cell mounted on the support adjacent to the optical element and in the optical path of the optical channel, the solar cell comprising one or more III-V compound semiconductor layers and capable of generating in excess of 20 watts of peak DC power; a diode mounted on the support and coupled in parallel with the solar cell; and first and second electrical contacts mounted on the support and coupled in parallel with the solar cell and the diode; and an encapsulant covering the support, the solar cell, the diode, and at least a portion of the exterior sides of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SUNCORE PHOTOVOLTAICS, INC.
    Inventors: John Nagyvary, Peter Allen Zawadzki, Steve Seel, James Foresi
  • Patent number: 9755098
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a group II-VI semiconductor wafer of a radiation detector, and an embodiment relates to a method for producing same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a group II-VI semiconductor of a radiation detector enabling reduction or restriction of the edge effect (or the end surface effect) and a method for producing same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a radiation detector obtained by half-cutting or full-cutting a group II-VI semiconductor wafer having a zinc blende structure in which the wafer has a {001} plane main surface, and cut planes according to the half-cutting or full-cutting have an angle ? (?0°) relative to the slip direction of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kishi, Tatsuhiro Koizumi, Hiroyuki Shiraki, Mitsuru Tamashiro, Masaya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9732254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered film for the application to a metal or plastic surface, comprising a protective layer (A) as a first layer, which is a poly(alkyl methacrylate) film comprising at least one hindered amine light stabilizer and at least two different ortho-hydroxy tris-aryl triazine UV absorbers selected from compounds of formulae (7) and (8); a barrier layer (B), a base layer (C), an adhesive layer (D) as last layer, and wherein barrier layer (B) and/or base layer (C) comprise at least one pigment. The multi-layered films are especially suitable for the application to the surface of automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Tadashi Kagawa, Hiroshi Baba
  • Patent number: 9711762
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate for an organic light-emitting diode, a method for manufacturing the same, and an organic light-emitting diode comprising the same, and more particularly, to a substrate for an organic light-emitting diode, the substrate having excellent productivity and manufacturing efficiency as well as an improved light extraction efficiency, a method for manufacturing the same, and an organic light-emitting diode comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gun Sang Yoon, June Hyong Park, Il Hee Baek
  • Patent number: 9673243
    Abstract: Backside illuminated photosensitive devices and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a backside-illuminated photosensitive imager device can include a semiconductor substrate having multiple doped regions forming a least one junction, a textured region coupled to the semiconductor substrate and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation, and a passivation region positioned between the textured region and the at least one junction. The passivation region is positioned to isolate the at least one junction from the textured region, and the semiconductor substrate and the textured region are positioned such that incoming electromagnetic radiation passes through the semiconductor substrate before contacting the textured region. Additionally, the device includes an electrical transfer element coupled to the semiconductor substrate to transfer an electrical signal from the at least one junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: SiOnyx, LLC
    Inventors: Homayoon Haddad, Jeffrey McKee, Jutao Jiang, Drake Miller, Chintamani Palsule, Leonard Forbes
  • Patent number: 9660132
    Abstract: A solar cell includes a solar cell substrate including a principal surface on which a p-type surface and an n-type surface are exposed, a p-side electrode formed on the p-type surface and including a first linear portion linearly extending in a first direction, and an n-side electrode formed on the n-type surface and including a second linear portion linearly extending in the first direction and arranged next to the first linear portion in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Corners of a tip end of at least one of the first and second linear portions are formed in a chamfered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youhei Murakami, Daisuke Ide, Mitsuaki Morigami, Ryo Goto
  • Patent number: 9634171
    Abstract: An integrated thin-film lateral multi-junction solar device and fabrication method are provided. The device includes, for instance, a substrate, and a plurality of stacks extending vertically from the substrate. Each stack may include layers, and be electrically isolated against another stack. Each stack may also include an energy storage device above the substrate, a solar cell above the energy storage device, a transparent medium above the solar cell, and a micro-optic layer of spectrally dispersive and concentrating optical devices above the transparent medium. Furthermore, the device may include a first power converter connected between the energy storage device and a power bus, and a second power converter connected between the solar cell and the power bus. Further, different solar cells of different stacks may have different absorption characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Eickelmann, Ruediger Kellmann, Hartmut Kuehl, Markus Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9605877
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a compact solar concentrator module and array preferably with cooling and heat extraction system for converting solar energy to other energy forms preferably electric and thermal energies. The solar concentrator module comprises a vacant structure with a substantially reflective parabolic inside surface, as well as a focal device disposed within the vacant structure for receiving a solar energy converter or a solar cell preferably photovoltaic cell. the focal device being positioned proximate to the focal point of the reflective parabolic inside surface, and a transparent cover coupled to the vacant structure opposing to the reflective parabolic inside surface for transmitting sunlight therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Edward Wu
  • Patent number: 9594191
    Abstract: A solar reflector plate maintains an excellent reflectance of a reflective layer and has excellent sand resistance and weather resistance. The solar reflector plate includes a substrate; a reflective layer provided onto the substrate; and a protective layer provided onto the reflective layer, wherein the protective layer contains silicon in an amount of 10% by mass to 60% by mass in terms of SiO2 and an organic substance, and has 1.5 to 3.2 oxygen atoms on average that form a chemical bond with silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumichi Sashi, Takahiko Oshige, Shin Ishikawa, Yoshihito Sakamoto, Takahiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 9577164
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device, which can endure a dicing step for singulation, is superior in resistance to a high/low thermal cycle, and exhibits a high light extraction efficiency, and an optical film, which can be used favorably for producing the semiconductor light emitting device, are to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI E-MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsujimoto, Atsushi Suzuki, Junji Kato, Shozo Takada
  • Patent number: 9568653
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Andrew J. Henderson, Timothy J. Hebrink, Rajesh K. Katare, Naiyong Jing, Diane North, Eric M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9570662
    Abstract: A method of encapsulating an optoelectronic device includes providing a surface intended to be encapsulated, the surface containing platinum, generating reactive oxygen groups and/or reactive hydroxyl groups on the surface, and depositing a passivation layer by atomic layer deposition on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Taeger, Michael Huber, Martin Welzel, Karl Engl
  • Patent number: 9570642
    Abstract: Provided is a sealing material sheet for solar cell modules, which is obtained by irradiating a polyethylene resin with ionizing radiation and has high transparency, heat resistance and adhesion at the same time. This sealing material sheet for solar cell modules contains a low density polyethylene having a density of 0.900 g/cm3 or less, while having a gel fraction of from 0% to 40% (inclusive) and a degree of dispersity (Mw/Mn), which is the ratio of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) in terms of polystyrene, of from 2.5 to 3.5 (inclusive).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Matsui, Kosuke Saeki, Yasushi Shirahige, Noritoshi Akazawa, Toshio Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 9557028
    Abstract: A lens includes a lens portion, an outer periphery and a prism portion. The lens portion is disposed at a middle portion of the lens, has an outline that is non-circular, and includes at least one curved surface. The outer periphery surrounds the lens portion. The prism portion is disposed between the lens portion and the outer periphery, and includes at least two undulated sections. Each undulated section has at least one undulated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh Wu, Ya-Chieh Ho, Chun-Yi Yeh
  • Patent number: 9537035
    Abstract: A back-face protection sheet for a solar cell module exhibits excellent adhesion strength and tensile strength even under a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, by using a plastic film that has excellent characteristics such as electrical insulation characteristic, heat resistance, dimension stability, mechanical strength, weatherability, and water resistance, and using a two-part type lamination adhesive having excellent weatherability. The back-face protection sheet is made to have excellent adhesion strength and tensile strength for a long period of time, even under a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, by improving weatherability (hydrolysis resistance) as base material films, and giving weatherability (hydrolysis resistance) to the two-part type lamination adhesive to be used in pasting together the base material films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Toray Advanced Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Futoshi Okuyama, Kouhei Katou, Yuuka Ashida, Masahiro Mikawa, Masayoshi Teranishi
  • Patent number: 9520507
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell can include forming a dielectric region on a silicon substrate. The method can also include forming an emitter region over the dielectric region and forming a dopant region on a surface of the silicon substrate. In an embodiment, the method can include heating the silicon substrate at a temperature above 900 degrees Celsius to getter impurities to the emitter region and drive dopants from the dopant region to a portion of the silicon substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: David D. Smith, Tim Dennis, Russelle De Jesus Tabajonda
  • Patent number: 9508882
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel including a plurality of solar cells and a bus bar connected to the solar cells, a protective substrate on the solar cell panel, and a spacer part between the solar cell panel and the protective substrate. The spacer part includes an air layer and a spacer surrounding the air layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyung Eun Park
  • Patent number: 9500785
    Abstract: A grating structure and a solar cell assembly. In one aspect, the grating structure suppresses the zero order transmission to near 0%. In another aspect, the solar cell assembly has improved absorption due to coupling with a grating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideo Iizuka, Nader Engheta, Yasuhiko Takeda
  • Patent number: 9496513
    Abstract: An organic thin film photovoltaic device (1) includes: a substrate (10); a first electrode layer (11) disposed on the substrate; a hole transport layer (12) disposed on the first electrode layer; a bulk heterojunction organic active layer (14) disposed on the hole transport layer; a second electrode layer (16) disposed on the bulk heterojunction organic active layer; a sealing glass (40) configured to be opposed to the substrate 10, and configured to seal a laminated structure composed of the first electrode layer, the hole transport layer, the bulk heterojunction organic active layer, and the second electrode layer; and a glass frit (36) disposed between the sealing glass and the substrate and configured to seal the laminated structure. There is provided: an inexpensive organic thin film photovoltaic device of which durability is improved, allowing further weight saving and thin-layering; and a fabrication method of such an organic thin film photovoltaic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoichi Aoki
  • Patent number: 9443995
    Abstract: To accurately connect a TAB wire to intended positions while preventing an increase in manufacturing costs. A solar cell battery 100 includes finger electrodes 3. The finger electrodes 3 includes first finger electrodes and second finger electrodes that extend from opposite directions in a direction crossing the finger electrodes 3 to reach a TAB area SF to which a TAB wire 4 is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Horiuchi, Kenzou Takemura, Yusuke Asakawa
  • Patent number: 9406447
    Abstract: Provided are a method for patterning a mesoporous inorganic oxide film, the method including a step of forming a mesoporous inorganic oxide film using a composition containing inorganic oxide particles; and a step of forming a pattern on the mesoporous inorganic oxide film using an elastic stamp for pattern formation, and then calcining the mesoporous inorganic oxide, and an electronic device including a mesoporous inorganic oxide film that has been patterned by the patterning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Eun Kyoung Kim, Jong Hak Kim, Jeong Hun Kim, Jong Kwan Koh, Jong Beom Na, Chi Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 9397240
    Abstract: A reflective article includes a transparent substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. A base coat is formed over at least a portion of the second major surface. A primary reflective coating having at least one metallic layer is formed over at least a portion of the base coat. A protective coating is formed over at least a portion of the primary reflective coating. The article further includes a solar cell and an anode, with the solar cell connected to the metallic layer and the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Medwick, Edward E. Abbott
  • Patent number: 9394478
    Abstract: Provided is a novel CaS-based phosphor with which chemical reactions can be inhibited even if said CaS-based phosphor is heated with a heterogeneous material. This phosphor includes: a crystalline parent material represented by the composition formula Ca1-xSrxS.yZnO (in the formula, 0?x<1, 0<y?0.5); and a luminescent center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Inamura, Michiyo Inoue, Akinori Kumagai, Haruka Shimizu, Takayoshi Mori, Jun-ichi Itoh
  • Patent number: 9391221
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel including at least one solar cell; and a frame positioned at a periphery of the solar cell panel. The frame includes an align mark for alignment. An apparatus for generating photovoltaic power includes a solar cell module including a solar cell panel including at least one solar cell and a frame positioned at a periphery of the solar cell panel; and a supporter where the solar cell module is fixed by a fixer. The frame includes an align mark to align the solar cell module with at least one of the supporter and the fixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hyunrok Mun
  • Patent number: 9379267
    Abstract: A solar cell module including two or more adjacent solar cells (1a, 1b), a connection member (2) for electrically connecting the solar cells (1a, 1b) to each other, and a solder layer (5) disposed between the solar cells (1) and the connection member (2), wherein first and second opening holes (4a, 4b) are formed at a connection portion of the connection member (2) corresponding to the first and the second solar cells (1a, 1b), the first and the second opening holes (4a, 4b) are configured that solder is deposited into them, and first and second protruding parts (3a, 3b) are formed at a part of the outer periphery of each of the first and second opening holes (4a, 4b) of the connection member (2). By the present invention, it is possible to ensure sufficient thickness of the solder joining layer and to improve reliability for long-term use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Yoshida, Hidetoshi Kitaura
  • Patent number: 9348078
    Abstract: An electromagnetic energy collecting and sensing device is described. The device uses enhanced fields to emit electrons for energy collection. The device is configured to collect energy from visible light, infrared radiation and ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation. The device includes a waveguide with a geometry selected to enhance the electric field along a conductor to create a high, localized electric field, which causes electron emission across a gap to an electron return plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Integrated Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip J. Layton
  • Patent number: 9337379
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method of producing a solar cell which can produce a porous inorganic oxide layer that has a high porosity and contains less impurities even by low-temperature firing. The present invention also aims to provide a solar cell produced by the method of producing a solar cell. The present invention directs to a method of producing a solar cell. The method includes: applying an inorganic oxide paste that contains inorganic oxide fine particles, a binder resin, and an organic solvent to a surface of a base to form an inorganic oxide layer on the base, the base including a conductive layer as an outermost layer thereof, the surface being a conductive layer-side surface; firing the inorganic oxide layer; irradiating the inorganic oxide layer with active energy rays or subjecting the inorganic oxide layer to ozonolysis to form a porous inorganic oxide layer; and laminating a semiconductor on the porous inorganic oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mayumi Horiki, Akinobu Hayakawa, Shunji Ohara, Taku Sasaki, Kazushi Ito
  • Patent number: 9329308
    Abstract: An Axially Graded Index LEns (AGILE) is provided. Such optical elements can provide optical concentration in excess of the free-space brightness theorem limit, because of the increased refractive index at the output of the concentrator compared to the input. Optical contact (i.e., no intervening low index material) between the AGILE and the absorbing element (or an optical source) can be employed to ensure no loss of brightness at the interface between the AGILE and the absorbing element (or source). Although solar cell concentration is a significant application of this technology, there are various other applications, such as increasing the efficiency of optical emission, and providing transmissive optical windows that include optically cloaked regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Olav Solgaard, Reinhold Dauskardt, Nina Vaidya
  • Patent number: 9331228
    Abstract: A solar cell module to convert light to electricity. The module may include a housing with a first side and an opposing spaced-apart second side. A plurality of lenses may be positioned on the first side of the housing, and a plurality of solar cell receivers may be positioned on the second side of the housing. Each of the plurality of solar cell receivers may include a III-V compound semiconductor multifunction solar cell. Each may also include a bypass diode coupled with the solar cell. At least one optical element may be positioned above the solar cell to guide the light from one of the lenses onto the solar cell. Each of said solar cell receivers may be disposed in an optical path of one of the lenses. The lens and the at least one optical element may concentrate the light onto the respective solar cell by a factor of 1000 or more to generate in excess of 25 watts of peak power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Suncore Photovoltaics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunil Vaid, Mikhail Kats, Gary Hering, Philip Blumenfeld, Damien Buie, John Nagyvary, James Foresi, Peter Allen Zawadzki