With Concentrator, Housing, Cooling Means, Or Encapsulated Patents (Class 136/259)
  • Patent number: 8889982
    Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrator arrangement for solar radiation which has a beam splitter for deflecting solar radiation by means of total reflection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for concentrating and converting solar energy which has such a concentrator and at least one device for the conversion of solar energy. Such devices for the conversion of solar energy are for example solar cells, solar modules or thermal solar collectors. The concentrators according to the invention are used for concentrating solar radiation just as in sun protection panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Geselschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventor: Harry Wirth
  • Patent number: 8889983
    Abstract: A solar concentrator device comprising a solar concentrator element comprising a radiation transmissive surface, a radiation absorptive material and a radiation concentrating/collection point and disposed on the incident radiation side thereof a recapture element for recapturing at least a portion of radiation lost from the concentrator element has improved solar radiation collection efficiency by reintroducing recaptured radiation into the concentrator element or by propagating said recaptured radiation through the recapture element to a radiation concentration point associated with the recapture element. It has been found that planar elements having a grooved or corrugated outer surface make for very good recapture elements for planar concentrator elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Christopher B. Rider
  • Publication number: 20140332075
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for embodiments of a device including a dynamic optical resonant cavity and an active layer disposed on a side of the optical resonant cavity. In various embodiments, a thickness of the optical resonant cavity can be dynamically changed to alter the absorption characteristics of the active layer. In various embodiments, a reflector can be disposed on a side of the optical resonant cavity opposite the side on which the active layer is disposed. In various embodiments, the reflector can be movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Kasra Khazeni, Manish Kothari, Gang Xu
  • Publication number: 20140332076
    Abstract: Solution-processed Ni nanochain-SiOx (x<2) and Ni nanochain-SiO2 selective solar thermal absorbers that exhibit a strong anti-oxidation behavior up to 600° C. in air. The thermal stability is far superior to Ni nanoparticle-Al2O3 selective solar thermal absorbers. The SiOx (x<2) and SiO2 matrices are derived from hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) precursors, respectively. We find that both the excess Si and the stoichiometric SiO2 matrix contribute to antioxidation behavior. Methods of making the selective solar thermal absorbers are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jifeng Liu, Xiaoxin Wang, Xiaobai Yu
  • Publication number: 20140332074
    Abstract: A solar cell module is provided, wherein the solar cell module includes a solar cell device, a first protective film, a second protective film, a cover plate, a backsheet and a plurality of thermal radiation particles. The solar cell device includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first protective film is located on the first surface, and the second protective film is located on the second surface. The cover plate is located on the first protective film, and the first protective film is located between the solar cell device and the cover plate. The backsheet is located on the second protective film, and the second protective film is located between the solar cell device and the backsheet, and the thermal radiation particles are distributed in the backsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Win Win Precision Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Lien Wang, Chien-Chun Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140332054
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trough collector comprising a number of secondary concentrators, by which the solar radiation concentrated by the concentrator of the trough collector in a first direction transverse to the length thereof is concentrated in a second direction running along the trough collector, wherein the secondary concentrators each have a first, front reflecting wall and a second, rear reflecting wall which concentrate the radiation in the second direction, and wherein the secondary concentrators are arranged such as to be synchronously pivotable with one another, preferably about a respective pivot axis fixed with respect to the primary concentrator, such that as the position of the sun changes, the secondary concentrators can always be oriented in accordance with the incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Airlight Energy IP SA
    Inventors: Gianluca Ambrosetti, Jonathan Chambers, Thomas Cooper, Andrea Pedretti-Rodi
  • Publication number: 20140332073
    Abstract: A solar module having uniform light for assembling on the top of a building to act as a roof is revealed. It comprises a transparent substrate, at least one solar chip, a hot melt adhesive film, a transparent cover plate, and a diffusion film disposed between the transparent substrate and the solar chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHERN TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: RUEI-TANG CHEN, CHONG-YOU LIAO, HONG-MING SYU, LIEN-YI WANG
  • Publication number: 20140332077
    Abstract: A device for enhancing transmission of incident electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength is presented that includes an aperture array structure in a thin film. The structure includes a repealing unit cell having more than one aperture including a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein a parameter of the first aperture differs from that of the second aperture. The unit cell repeats with a periodicity on the order of or less than said predetermined wavelength, The structure parameters are configured to preferentially support cavity modes for coupling to and enhancing transmission of a predetermined polarization state at the predetermined wavelength. By structuring the unit cell with apertures that differ by appropriate degrees in at least one of dimension, height, dielectric constant of material filling the apertures, shape, and orientation, the devices can be adapted for polarization and/or wavelength filtering- and/or light circulating, weaving, or channeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: David Thomas Crouse, Pavan Kumar Reddy Keshavareddy
  • Patent number: 8884156
    Abstract: A solar energy harvesting system including a sunlight concentrating member (e.g., a lens array) for focusing direct sunlight at predetermined focal points inside a waveguide containing a stimuli-responsive material (SRM) that is evenly distributed throughout the waveguide material such that the SRM assumes a relatively high transparency state away from the focused sunlight, and small light-scattering portions of the SRM change to a relatively opaque (light scattering) state only in focal zone regions adjacent to the concentrated sunlight. The outer waveguide surfaces are locally parallel (e.g., planar) and formed such that sunlight scattered by the light-scattering SRM portions is transmitted by total internal reflection through the remaining transparent waveguide material, and outcoupled to one or more solar energy receivers (e.g., PV cells) that are disposed outside the waveguide (e.g., along the peripheral edge).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Philipp H. Schmaelzle, Gregory L. Whiting, Joerg Martini, David K. Fork, Patrick Y. Maeda
  • Patent number: 8883540
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic module formed on a corrugated-sheet building material includes: shaping a base board in a manner that the base board thus shaped takes on a corrugated-sheet shape and therefore not only has thereon alternating grooves and ridges but also a processing surface defined between a said groove and an adjacent said ridge; forming a photovoltaic module on the processing surface of the base board by stacking a bottom adhesive film layer, a photovoltaic layer, a top adhesive film layer, and a condensing film layer on the processing surface in bottom-to-top order; rolling the photovoltaic module and the base board against each other at 130˜180° C. to effectuate engagement therebetween; and performing lamination within hermetically sealed space at 140˜170° C. and 2˜10 kg/cm2 for 5˜10 minutes. A back plate layer is disposed beneath the bottom adhesive film layer and connected to the base board through another adhesive film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Yaue-Sheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20140326298
    Abstract: A heat-rejecting optic comprising an optical element and receiving element or layer with intermediate layer between is provided. Refractive indices of the optical element and receiving element or layer are greater than the intermediate layer. The optic may be part of a concentrator assembly or lens concentrator system for photovoltaic cells. The heat-rejecting optic functions to redirect wavelengths of light for which power conversion by a photovoltaic cell is inefficient and which cause undesirable photovoltaic cell heating and damage, reducing photovoltaic cell life. The receiving element or layer and intermediate layer modify the optical element to frustrate the total internal reflection of light that would otherwise occur within the optical element and divert that light into the receiving element or layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AMONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Aditya Nayak, Geoffrey S. Kinsey
  • Publication number: 20140326313
    Abstract: Provided are a resin composition for an encapsulating film of a photovoltaic module, and a photovoltaic module us ing the same, and more particularly, a resin composition for an encapsulating film of a photovoltaic module, having low moisture permeability and excellent adhesiveness due to thermal compression, and a photovoltaic module using the same, and thus, in the case where the resin composition for an encapsulating film of a photovoltaic module is used for a front sheet, a back sheet, or both of the front and back sheets, of a photovoltaic module, the resin composition can be used without an adhesive due to excellent transparency and durability against ultraviolet light and high adhesive strength with respect to glass, and thus can exhibit excellent compatibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicants: SK INNOVATION CO., LTD., SK GLOVAL CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Gweon Hong, Min Ho Jeon, Kwang Jin Chung, Ki Nam Chung, Myung Ahn Ok, In Hun Son
  • Publication number: 20140326312
    Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method for fabricating the same. The solace cell apparatus according to the embodiment includes a solar cell formed on a support substrate; a polymer adhesive layer including photo-curable polymer on the solar cell; and a protective panel on the polymer adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gi Gon Park
  • Publication number: 20140326305
    Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same. The solar cell comprises asymmetric nanowires each of which has an angled sidewall, and thus incident light can be concentrated at a p-n junction portion by means of a total reflection phenomenon of light caused by the difference between the refractive indices of a semiconductor layer and a transparent electrode layer, and light absorption may increase due to an increase in the light travel distance, thus improving photoelectric efficiency. Further, the method for manufacturing the solar cell involves etching a substrate and integrally forming the substrate and a p-type semiconductor layer including the asymmetric nanowires each of which has the angled sidewalls, thereby enabling reduced manufacturing costs and simple and easy manufacture of the nanowires having the angled sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Chang Ki Baek, Yoon Ha Jeong, Seong Wook Choi, Tai Uk Rim, Soo Young Park, Myung Dong Ko
  • Publication number: 20140326314
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extra-clear glass sheet, i.e. a glass sheet with high energy transmission, which can be used in particular in the field of solar energy. Specifically, the invention relates to a glass sheet having a composition that includes, in an amount expressed in wt % for the total weight of the glass: 60-78% of SiO2; 0-10% of Al2O3; 0-5% of B2O3; 0-15% of CaO; 0-10% of MgO; 5-20% of Na2O; 0-10% of K2O; 0-5% of BaO, wherein the total amount of iron (in the form of Fe2O3) is 0.002-0.03%, and the composition includes a ratio of manganese/(total iron) of 1 to 8.5, the manganese content being expressed in the form of MnO in wt % relative to the total weight of the glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Audrey Dogimont, Sebastien Hennecker, Thomas Lambricht
  • Patent number: 8878056
    Abstract: A device and method for producing electricity by harnessing sunlight to produce an amplified voltage signal, the device including: (a) a sealed chamber, defined by a transparent housing; (b) an excitable medium, disposed within the chamber, in which, when the medium is exposed to solar light having wavelengths in a range of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Techinion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventor: Levi Schachter
  • Patent number: 8878051
    Abstract: For the production of vacuum elements, which optionally contain fittings in the form of at least one solar module (photovoltaic element) and/or a solar collector or a display element, negative pressure is produced in a space between two flat components, in particular translucent or transparent plates, such as glass panes that are bound together via a bead made of sealing material, such that an arrangement that consists of a first component provided with a bead and at a distance therefrom but parallel to the second component arranged therein, is introduced into a vacuum chamber and pressed under vacuum. In this case, an elevated temperature also optionally can be applied to laminate films provided between the components with the components and optionally present fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: LISEC Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Leopold Mader
  • Publication number: 20140318619
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell having a light-receiving surface, a liquid crystal unit disposed on one side of the solar cell so as to face the light-receiving surface, and a control unit that controls the transmittance of light in the liquid crystal unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Daisuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20140318621
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a light guide and a solar cell element. The light guide has a light incident surface and a light exit surface having an area smaller than the light incident surface and contains a plurality of optical functional materials. In the light guide, part of external light incident on the light incident surface is absorbed by the plurality of optical functional materials, Foerster energy transfer occurs among the plurality of optical functional materials, and light emitted by the optical functional material having the longest peak wavelength of the emission spectrum among the plurality of optical functional materials is collected to and exits from the light exit surface. The solar cell element receives light exiting from the light exit surface of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Tokiyoshi UMEDA, Hideki UCHIDA, Hideomi YUI
  • Publication number: 20140318620
    Abstract: A device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electricity comprises an expander that includes a conical shape having an axis and a curved surface that is configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation away from the axis to expand a beam of the electromagnetic radiation; and one or more energy conversion components configured to receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation expanded by the expander, and to generate electricity from the expanded beam of electromagnetic radiation. With the expander's curved surface, a beam of electromagnetic radiation that is highly concentrated—has a large radiation flux—may be converted into a beam that has a larger cross-sectional area. Moreover, one can configure, if desired, the curved surface to provide a substantially uniform distribution of radiation across the expanded cross-sectional area. With such an expanded beam the one or more energy conversion components can efficiently convert some of the electromagnetic radiation into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, JR., David Bashford
  • Publication number: 20140318622
    Abstract: A support for a photovoltaic element comprising at least a primary optical component and a photovoltaic package. The support comprises at least one clip for holding the primary optical component, at least one holder configured to locate the photovoltaic package, and at least one cut-out portion to allow overlap with the primary optical component of an adjacent photovoltaic element when the elements are rotated to align with incident sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ON-SUN SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: John-Paul Szczepanik
  • Publication number: 20140311572
    Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator, comprising: at least one luminescent device (12) for converting incident light (16) in at least one operating mode, wherein the luminescent device (12) has at least one nanostructured layer (34) and at least one luminescent member (14), and wherein the nanostructured layer (34) is in close proximity to the luminescent member (14); and at least one light guide (18) that is designed to guide light in a direction by total internal reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Dirk Kornelis Gerhardus De Boer, Jaime Gomez Rivas, Said Rahimzadeh-Kalale Rodirguez, Silke Luzia Diedenhofen
  • Publication number: 20140311569
    Abstract: A solar cell with an omnidirectional anti-reflection structure comprises a solar cell substrate, a transparent electric-conduction layer formed on one surface of the solar cell substrate, a plurality of microspheres formed on the transparent electric-conduction layer, and a dielectric layer. The microspheres have a diameter of 0.1-100 ?m. The dielectric layer is formed among the microspheres, and covers the surface of the transparent electric-conduction layer without the microspheres and has a thickness smaller than the diameter of the microspheres. Thus, the above-mentioned structure can enhance the absorption of the short-wavelength spectrum and increase the short-circuit current. Further, the structure with the microspheres is adaptable to the omnidirectional light absorption at various incident angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Huey-Liang Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140311568
    Abstract: A solar cell with an anti-reflection structure comprises a solar cell substrate, a meshed electric-conduction layer formed on one surface of the solar cell substrate, a plurality of microspheres disposed on the meshed electric-conduction layer, and a dielectric layer. The microspheres have a diameter of 0.1-50 ?m. The dielectric layer is formed between the meshed electric-conduction layer and the microspheres, and has a thickness smaller than the diameter of the microspheres to make the microspheres protrude from the dielectric layer. The meshed electric-conduction layer is formed via a screen-printing method. The present invention uses the microspheres and the meshed electric-conduction layer to achieve an excellent anti-reflection effect. Further, the present invention has the advantages of a simple fabrication process and a low fabrication cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL YUNLIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: NATIONAL YUNLIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Publication number: 20140311571
    Abstract: To provide a solar cell sealing film which is suppressed in acid generation, and which has high transparency and improved insulation properties. A solar cell sealing film containing ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (EMMA), and a crosslinker, wherein a mass ratio of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer to the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (EVA:EMMA) is in the range of from 10:90 to 90:10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hisataka Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20140311570
    Abstract: A waveguide for use in solar power systems to capture sunlight without solar tracking. The waveguide includes a first transparent layer with a first surface receiving sunlight, and the waveguide includes a second surface, opposite the first surface of the first layer, including recessed surfaces (or “microstructures”) each defined by sidewalls extending from the second surface toward the first surface of the first layer. The waveguide includes a second layer of transparent material with a first surface proximate to the second surface of the first layer for receiving a portion of the sunlight transmitted through the first layer. The second layer has a second surface, opposite the first surface, including recessed surfaces of the same or differing shape, size, location, and orientation as those of the first layer. The recessed surfaces of the first and second layers capture sunlight of differing ranges of incidence angles with total internal reflection (TIR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: LUMENCO, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Raymond
  • Patent number: 8866004
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) receiver package or module which includes a uniquely configured frame interconnect to facilitate the electrical connection of a receiver die of the CPV module to the conductive pattern of an underlying substrate thereof. In each embodiment of the present invention, a single piece of sheet metal is bent to form features to fit over the bus bar on the receiver die and bond pads of the conductive pattern on the substrate. Electrical connections can be made by soldering or conductive paste attach. Elevated, flat areas between connections facilitates vacuum pick up and automatic assembly and provides high potential insulation between connects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Shih-Wei Kuo, SungSun Park
  • Patent number: 8866008
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transparent pane, in particular a glass pane, which includes on at least one of its main surfaces a surface structure including an assembly of specified individual motifs in relief, in particular pyramids, cones, or truncated cones, created by embossing or by rolling. A structure is created on the surface of the pane constituted by individual motifs, based on one or more basic motifs but which are distinguished from each other by their depth, their height, and/or the perimeter of their base area, and/or by the position of their peak with respect to their base. With this variation, formation of intensity peaks of the reflected light is prevented and at the same time a high quality of light trapping is obtained by panes suitable, for example, for solar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Nils-Peter Harder, Ulf Blieske, Dirk Neumann, Marcus Neander, Michele Schiavoni, Patrick Gayout
  • Publication number: 20140305500
    Abstract: Photovoltaic modules, and methods for fabricating said photovoltaic modules, are provided and include a photovoltaic cell operable to convert photons to electrons having a light transparent superstrate material with a superstrate absorption coefficient and a superstrate refractive index, and an encapsulant having an encapsulant absorption coefficient and an encapsulant refractive index, wherein an absorption coefficient relationship between the superstrate absorption coefficient and the encapsulant absorption coefficient and a refractive index relationship between the superstrate refractive index and the encapsulant refractive index are selected such that there is a gain in efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Bizhong Zhu, Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20140308580
    Abstract: A transparent gas barrier film that has excellent gas barrier properties and includes a transparent gas barrier layer having a very low internal stress, and a method for producing the same. The transparent gas barrier film according to the present invention includes: a resin substrate; and a transparent gas barrier layer formed over the resin substrate. The transparent gas barrier layer includes at least one kind selected from the group consisting of metals and metalloids. The transparent gas barrier layer includes a plurality of layers each having a density that changes continuously from high density to low density or from low density to high density and then cycles alternatively from low density to high density or high density to low density, respectively, once or two or more times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasumi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140305491
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a substrate, a solar cell panel provided on one surface of the substrate, and a protective layer formed between the solar cell panel and the substrate. The protective layer is formed in the solar cell module by using vacuum or inert gas, thereby effectively preventing the solar cell module from moisture penetration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chi Hong Park
  • Publication number: 20140305503
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine-containing resin film which is formed from a fluorine-containing resin composition and has a thickness of 10 to 50 wherein the fluorine-containing resin composition is prepared by adding 10 to 30 parts by mass of titanium oxide or a composite-oxide-type inorganic pigment to 100 parts by mass of a resin component comprising 60 to 95 parts by mass of a vinylidene fluoride resin and 5 to 40 parts by mass of a methacrylic acid ester resin, and wherein the peak intensity ratio of a II-type crystal, which is expressed by (A)/((A)+(B))×100 wherein A represents the peak height at 840 cm?1 and B represents the peak height at 765 cm?1 in a measurement chart produced by an infrared absorption spectrum, is 60% or more and the total crystallinity is 30% or more as calculated from an X-ray diffraction profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: DENKI KAGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fukumu Komoda, Tatsunori Sumino, Koji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8859892
    Abstract: A stacked package for a solar cell is provided with a planar arrangement of conductive laminates on the surface of the heat sink. The layered conductive laminate offers multi-directional orientation of the solar cell within the package by eliminating any orientation requirements between the chip and the substrate, and offers multiple options for placement of standard or flipped bypass diodes. The packaged solar cell of the invention provides a smaller horizontal and vertical profile than standard solar cell packages, making it easier to hermetically seal the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Solar Junction Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Lamarche, Kyle Jeffrey Russo Tripp
  • Patent number: 8859891
    Abstract: A socket assembly includes a photovoltaic package having a substrate with a photovoltaic cell and contact pads electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric housing removably receives the photovoltaic package. The dielectric housing holds contacts in mating engagement with the contact pads. A metal shell receives the housing and the photovoltaic package, and the metal shell has a window providing access to the photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Stephen Duesterhoeft, Stephen Daniel Gherardini, Henry Otto Herrmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8859893
    Abstract: A light collection module and a solar energy device are provided. The light collection module includes a light guiding material and a solar energy receiving element. The light guiding material has a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto. The first surface includes a first light guiding structure and a second light guiding structure. The first light guiding structure includes a first light guiding surface and a first auxiliary surface connected to each other and intersected in a first angle. The second light guiding structure includes a second light guiding surface and a second auxiliary surface connected to each other and intersected in a second angle. The inclination directions of the first and the second light guiding surfaces are opposite to each other. The solar energy receiving element is disposed on the first surface or the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Dongguan Masstop Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd., Wintek Corporation
    Inventors: Jyh-Yeuan Ma, Chong-Yang Fang, Tsung-Yen Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140299188
    Abstract: A solar cell panel end-sealing composition contains a butyl rubber, a polyolefin resin having a silyl group, and a catalyst. The catalyst is at least one of a metal oxide, a metal hydroxide, and a metal complex of a transition element and the solar cell panel end-sealing composition has a flow viscosity at 140° C. of 500 Pa·s or more and 8000 Pa·s or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youhei HAYASHI, Akihiro KIRIYAMA, Kazumasa ASANO, Shinichiro KOSE, Masato SHIRAI, Toru ISEKI
  • Patent number: 8853530
    Abstract: There is provided a concentrator photovoltaic unit and apparatus in which light collecting efficiency is hardly reduced and sealing ability is hardly deteriorated while using a resin lens and a metal case. After attaching a homogenizer and a photovoltaic element a holding member, a Fresnel lens is attached to a case to close an opening at an upper end portion of the case, and the holding member is attached to the case to close an opening at a lower end portion of the case, so that one concentrator photovoltaic unit in which the photovoltaic element is accommodated is manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouki Ozaki, Masao Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 8853525
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with the use of adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Prism Solar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Beckerman, Jose E. Castillo-Aguilella, Paul S. Hauser, Michael Sprague
  • Patent number: 8850754
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a stackable ballasted roof mounting solar panel mount unit integrally formed into a single piece. The mount unit comprises a plurality of generally elevated side walls of a ballast receiving basket. Each side walls defines a downwardly facing open channel that is configured to receive a corresponding side wall from a corresponding solar panel mount in a stacking relation. The mount unit further comprises a first pair of posts, wherein each of the first pair of posts forms a downwardly facing post receiving first mouth that is configured to receive a corresponding post from a corresponding first pair of posts of a corresponding solar panel mount in a stacking relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: DynoRaxx, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan T. Rizzo
  • Patent number: 8853522
    Abstract: A solar power system concurrently generates electricity and a heated transparent fluid while maintaining the solar cells at an optimum temperature and optimizing the heat transfer by matching the refractive index of the secondary sunlight concentrator to the transparent fluid. A solar tracker aligns a primary sunlight concentrator to collect sunlight and directs the sunlight and a system for transferring solar heat to a transparent fluid and into a solar power electrical generating system. The concentrated sunlight transfers solar heat to a transparent fluid via first pass through the transparent fluid. The concentrated sunlight is further concentrated to raise its temperature by passing the concentrated sunlight through a secondary sunlight concentrator, and then passed again through the transparent fluid to transfer heat. The solar energy diminished concentrated sunlight strikes a solar cell array to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Bingwu Gu
  • Publication number: 20140290744
    Abstract: A solar cell supporting layer stack for mechanically supporting a solar cell is described. The solar cell includes: a rigid foam layer; one or more skin layers disposed adjacent to said rigid foam layer; and wherein said rigid foam layer and said one or more skin layers capable of providing mechanical support to said solar cell when said supporting layer stack is disposed adjacent to said solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Giga Solar FPC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Hood
  • Publication number: 20140290743
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coating material that can form a coating film that has an excellent adherence for sealants in solar cell modules as well as an excellent resistance to blocking. Further objects are to provide this coating film, a solar cell module backsheet that has this coating film, and a solar cell module that has this coating film. The present invention relates to a coating material that contains a curable functional group-containing fluorinated polymer and a polyisocyanate compound derived from at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of xylylene diisocyanate and bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideto Nakagawa, Kenji Gobou, Hidenori Ozaki, Kazuya Asano, Shigehito Sagisaka
  • Publication number: 20140290742
    Abstract: A frame structure includes a first horizontal board, a second horizontal board, a first vertical board, a third horizontal board, a second vertical board, and at least one support element. The first vertical board is connected to the first and second horizontal boards. The second vertical board is connected to the second and third horizontal boards. At least a portion of the second horizontal board and at least a portion of the third horizontal board protrude from the second vertical board, such that an open accommodating space is defined between the second horizontal board, the second vertical board, and the third horizontal board. The support element is detachably positioned in the accommodating space. A top surface of the support element is abutted against the second horizontal board, and a bottom surface of the support element is abutted against the third horizontal board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-Jung CHANG, Huang-Chi TSENG, Hung-Ming TSENG, Yung-Chih CHEN
  • Patent number: 8847061
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making solar collector assemblies for photovoltaic conversion. The method comprises providing a mold for receiving encapsulant, the mold having serially arranged, alternating peaks and valleys. A respective PV solar cell is placed into each of a series of the valleys such that the light-receiving surfaces of the PV solar cells face upwards. Uncured encapsulant is delivered into the mold and onto the light-receiving surfaces, and from the light-receiving surfaces to a level at least as high as the peaks so as to form, above the light-receiving surfaces, optical concentrators for concentrating light received by the optical concentrators and directing the light to the light-receiving surfaces. The encapsulant is then cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Energy Focus, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger F. Buelow, II
  • Patent number: 8847067
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Meng-Chin Tsui, Yung-Liang Tung, Chuan-Ya Hung, Sz-Ping Fu, Chih-Chou Chang
  • Patent number: 8847063
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a solar cell module and a method of encapsulating the module. The solar cell module comprises a rigid or flexible superstrate and/or substrate having one or more solar cells, and an encapsulent which is a cured liquid silicone encapsulant. The encapsulant composition preferably comprises a liquid diorganopolysiloxane having at least two Si-alkenyl groups per molecule, a silicone resin containing at least two alkenyl groups; a cross-linking agent in the form of a polyorganosiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, in an amount such that the ratio of the number of moles of silicon-bonded hydrogen to the total number of moles of silicon-bonded alkenyl groups is from 0.1:1 to 5:1; and a hydrosilylation catalyst, preferably a platinum based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Christine Terreau, Jean de la Croi Habimana, Stephen Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8847064
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a solar cell module and a method of encapsulating the module. The solar cell module comprises a rigid or flexible superstrate and/or substrate having one or more solar cells, and an encapsulant which is a cured liquid silicone encapsulant. The encapsulant composition preferably comprises a liquid diorganopolysiloxane having at least two Si-alkenyl groups per molecule, a silicone resin containing at least two alkenyl groups; a cross-linking agent in the form of a polyorganosiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, in an amount such that the ratio of the number of moles of silicon-bonded hydrogen to the total number of moles of silicon-bonded alkenyl groups is from 0.1:1 to 5:1; and a hydrosilylation catalyst. The continuous solar cell module encapsulation process comprises uniformly applying a predetermined volume of a liquid silicone encapsulant onto a solar cell module and curing said encapsulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Christine Terreau, Jean de la Croi Habimana, Stephen Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20140283911
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module having improved weatherability. A frame body has a groove. A module main body is inserted into the groove. An adhesive material is disposed in the groove. The adhesive material is provided at least on a part of a frame body portion excluding frame body corner portions. Through holes communicating with the groove are provided at the corner portions of the frame body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Naoki TSUJIMOTO, Shingo OKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140283909
    Abstract: A concentrating photovoltaic chip assembly includes an upper lead frame, a lower lead frame for supporting electronic components, a photovoltaic chip for converting solar energy into electric energy, and a protective diode for protecting the photovoltaic chip from short-circuiting. A light inlet window is defined in the upper lead frame. Each of the photovoltaic chip and the protective diode is mounted between the upper lead frame and the lower lead frame and are electrically connect to the upper lead frame and the lower lead frame. The photovoltaic chip faces the light inlet window. A method for manufacturing the concentrating photovoltaic chip assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (ZHONGSHAN) LTD.
    Inventor: FEI REN
  • Patent number: RE45163
    Abstract: The present invention is an optically transparent laminate film comprising: at least three layers of film, wherein at least two of the at least three layers comprise ionomeric films, and wherein the film can be suitable for use in a photovoltaic cell or in packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Geraldine M Lenges