With Concentrator, Housing, Cooling Means, Or Encapsulated Patents (Class 136/259)
  • Publication number: 20140283905
    Abstract: A solar power brick includes an optical guide layer, at least one solar cell, at least one electrical connection line and an outer frame. The optical guide layer and the solar cells are provided in the outer frame to combine as an integrated body. The optical guide layer is provided at the central part of the outer frame, and the solar cell is provided between the optical guide layer and the outer frame. The optical guide layer with optical refraction is used to direct the incident light onto the solar cells at the lateral sides to convert incident light into electricity for supplying the electricity to the external devices. The present invention is appropriate for generating electricity and possibly applied to the field which needs the built-in power supply, thereby increasing the optical illuminated area and the received amount of light, improving the overall generating efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Sunvalue Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng Tsai Tseng, Sheng Lan Tseng
  • Publication number: 20140283908
    Abstract: A concentrated photovoltaic receiver with a fixing structure includes a support member to support and position a light homogenizer. The light homogenizer won't incline or come off due to gravity or other factors during sun-tracing process of the concentrated photovoltaic module. Besides, the support member has a through hole corresponding in position to a concentrated photovoltaic cell and functioning as a fixture for the light homogenizer, such that the light homogenizer can be connected to the concentrated photovoltaic cell at an accurate position and height. Through the structure of the support member, the present invention can prevent the external mist, greasy dirt, dust or the like from adhering to the outer walls of the light homogenizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventor: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
  • Publication number: 20140283910
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an assembly comprising an electronic device, and a multilayer film. The multilayer film comprises a substrate adjacent the electronic device, a barrier stack adjacent the substrate opposite the electronic device, and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier stack opposite the substrate. The multilayer film is transparent and flexible and the barrier stack and the substrate are insulated from the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Weigel, Mark A. Roehrig, Samuel Kidane, Andrew T. Ruff, Michael D. Delmore
  • Publication number: 20140283912
    Abstract: Provided is infrared ray reflective paint which is used to form a film having a high reflectance in an infrared ray wavelength region, a high transmittance in a visible ray wavelength region, and a self-cleaning ability, and the infrared ray reflective paint contains: an acrylic resin that contains at least one of a silyl group and a silanol group, and a metal oxide-coated mica wherein one or more metal oxides selected from a tin oxide, a titanium oxide, and a silicon oxide is coated on a surface of mica, and the infrared ray reflective paint contains the metal oxide-coated mica in an amount of 0.4% to 1.5% in terms of PVC (Pigment Volume Concentration).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: NIHON TOKUSHU TORYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Yasufumi Saga, Masaki Hanaeda
  • Publication number: 20140283894
    Abstract: Installation of solar energy systems is made easier through the use of augur tubes. The base augur tube accommodates telescoping sections which enable these systems to exhibit a smaller footprint with enhanced power ratings. A tracking head is provided in which dual axis tracking is provided using a single drive mechanism. These features are employed either together or independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Silver
  • Patent number: 8841161
    Abstract: The invention provides for a semiconductor wafer with a metal support element suitable for the formation of a flexible or sag tolerant photovoltaic cell. A method for forming a photovoltaic cell may comprise providing a semiconductor wafer have a thickness greater than 150 ?m, the wafer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first and etching the semiconductor wafer a first time so that the first etching reduces the thickness of the semiconductor wafer to less than 150 ?m. After the wafer has been etched a first time, a metal support element may be constructed on or over the first surface; and a photovoltaic cell may be fabricated, wherein the semiconductor wafer comprises the base of the photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: GTAT.Corporation
    Inventors: Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Thomas Edward Dinan, Jr., Orion Leland
  • Patent number: 8841548
    Abstract: An optical system and method to overcome luminescent solar concentrator inefficiencies by resonance-shifting, in which sharply directed emission from a bi-layer cavity into a glass substrate returns to interact with the cavity off-resonance at each subsequent reflection, significantly reducing reabsorption loss en route to the edges. In one embodiment, the system comprises a luminescent solar concentrator comprising a transparent substrate, a luminescent film having a variable thickness; and a low refractive index layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the luminescent film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Uchicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Noel Christopher Giebink, Gary P. Wiederrecht, Michael R. Wasielewski
  • Patent number: 8841542
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module comprising as an encapsulant a composition comprising at least one polyacrylate- or polymethacrylate-type block copolymer with the general formula B-(A)n, n being a natural integer no lower than one, preferably 1 to 8, the block A being selected from among methacrylates having a Tg higher than 0° C., the block B being a polyacrylate or a polymethacrylate having a Tg lower than 0° C., the block B being at least 50 wt % of the total weight of the block copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Pierre Gerard, Stephane Bizet, Dominique Jousset
  • Patent number: 8841545
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell comprising a solar cell semiconductor thin film formed on a base, a transparent conductive film formed on the semiconductor thin film, and a nitride-containing moisture diffusion-preventing film which covers the upper surface of the transparent conductive film. The moisture diffusion-preventing film is preferably composed of at least a silicon nitride film or a silicon carbide nitride (SiCN) film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignees: Tohoku University, Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihide Wakayama, Kazuki Moyama, Tadahiro Ohmi, Akinobu Teramoto
  • Patent number: 8841547
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a concentrated photovoltaic module or receiver package comprises a leadframe including a first section and a second section disposed in spaced relation to each other. Mounted to the first section of the leadframe is a receiver die. The receiver die is electrically connected to both the first and second sections of the leadframe. The receiver die is electrically connected to the second section of the leadframe by a plurality of conductive wires. The receiver die and portions of the leadframe are covered by a molded body which can be used to define an alignment feature for a light concentrating device such as a light guide or optical rod. Portions of the first and second sections of the leadframe protruding from the body are sized and configured to define integrated cable connectors for the receiver package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Garry Pycroft
  • Publication number: 20140261684
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes: a front surface glass plate disposed on the light reception side; a rear surface glass plate provided so as to be opposed to the front surface glass plate; a photovoltaic device between the front surface glass plate and the rear surface glass plate; and a filler that fills a space between the front surface glass plate and the rear surface glass plate. The front surface glass plate and the rear surface glass plate have a bonded region which is melt-bonded at peripheral edge sections. Further, an air gap is present between the bonded region and the outer peripheral section of the filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wataru SHINOHARA, Hiroyuki WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20140261621
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed, including a light collector having a plurality of focusing elements and a plurality of light redirecting features that is optically coupled to one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells. In one aspect, the light collector includes half-cylinder shaped lenses that can focus light incident at various angles onto an elongate v-groove in the light guide such that a first portion of the incident light is diverted to one or more PV cells and a second portion of the incident light is transmitted through the light collector to provide illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Russell Gruhlke, Fan Yang, Ying Zhou, Sijin Han
  • Publication number: 20140261683
    Abstract: Optics are provided for use in solar concentrators, the optics having a light guide, a redirecting layer including a plurality of lenses, and a plurality of reflector elements. Sunlight is received by the redirecting lenses, which focus the sunlight onto reflective surfaces of the reflector elements. The reflective surface of each reflector element redirects the light into the light guide, which guides the light toward a solar energy collector, such as a photovoltaic cell. The light from the light guide may be directed onto the solar energy collector by a light conditioning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Morgan Solar Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul MORGAN, Michael SINCLAIR, Nigel MORRIS, Pascal DUFOUR
  • Publication number: 20140260001
    Abstract: A solar roof shingle for providing AC electrical power when exposed to sunlight includes a shingle frame having a bottom panel supportable on a roof deck, a top panel, and a thickness between the bottom panel and the top panel. The solar roof shingle also includes a solar collector mounted to and covering at least a portion to the top panel of the shingle frame, with the solar panel producing DC electrical energy at DC terminals when the solar collector is exposed to sunlight. A nano-inverter is disposed within the shingle frame between the bottom panel and the top panel and is electrically coupled to the DC terminals. The nano-inverter converts DC electrical energy to AC electrical energy available at AC terminals mounted to the shingle frame. The nano-inverter has a maximum power rating of 150 Watts or less so that it produces substantially less heat during operation allowing the thickness of the solar roof shingle to approach that of a standard roofing shingle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Building Materials Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Matti KIIK, Daniel E. Boss, Tommy F. Rodrigues, Sudhir Railkar
  • Publication number: 20140261682
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module includes a stack of layers, the module having an active layer and a planar heat sink positioned within the stack of layers adjacent the active layer, the heat sink being adapted to laterally remove heat from the active layer and the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicoleta Sorloaica, Robert Reedy
  • Patent number: 8835746
    Abstract: A concentration photovoltaic module includes a radiator, solar cell units, a datum plate, an optical unit and an alignment unit. The radiator includes apertures defined therein. The solar cell units are located on the radiator. The datum plate is located on the radiator. From a lower face of the datum plate extend positioning columns corresponding to the apertures defined in the radiator. The datum plate is provided with marks corresponding to some of the solar cell units. The optical unit is provided with lines near edges thereof. The alignment unit includes a board and light sources. The board is formed with corners corresponding to the lines provided on the datum plate. The light sources are located on the board. The light sources cast light on the solar cell units through the marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council
    Inventors: Hwa-Yuh Shin, Hung-Sheng Chiu, Yam-Mou Shyu, Yi-Ya Hwang, Ying-Ru Chen
  • Patent number: 8835750
    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: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Geraldine M. Lenges
  • Patent number: 8835745
    Abstract: A supplemental solar energy collection system including a photovoltaic panel which converts incident radiation into electricity. A housing includes a top thermally conductive surface mated with the photovoltaic panel and serving as a thermal collector. Open channels behind the thermally conductive surface carry fluid in contact with the top thermally conductive surface for removing heat from the photovoltaic panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sun Drum Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Intrieri, Ronald J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140251432
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a urethane adhesive for solar battery back sheets, which has satisfactory initial adhesion to a film in the production of a solar battery back sheet, satisfactory initial adhesive property after curing and high adhesive property at high temperature, and also has a sufficient hydrolysis resistance over the long term and is excellent in overall balance; a solar battery back sheet which is obtainable by using the adhesive; and a solar battery module. Disclosed is an adhesive for solar battery back sheets, including a urethane resin obtainable by the reaction of an acrylic polyol with an isocyanate compound, wherein the acrylic polyol is obtainable by polymerizing polymerizable monomers, the polymerizable monomers include a monomer having a hydroxyl group and other monomers, the monomer having a hydroxyl group includes a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate, and the other monomers include acrylonitrile and (meth)acrylic ester(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Shoko Ito
  • Publication number: 20140253012
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a window module for an aircraft or spacecraft, including a window frame which comprises, at least in portions, a current-generating element for generating an electric current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: HANS-ACHIM BAUER, ANDRE ZYBALA
  • Publication number: 20140251431
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ZEP SOLAR, LLC
    Inventors: John R. West, Christina C. Manansala, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Patent number: 8829341
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chul Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 8829340
    Abstract: A solar light-control module includes a light-propagation chamber, a plurality of micro structures, a refractive media, and at least one solar cell. The light-propagation chamber has a first face, a second face and at least one side surface. Ambient light is incident to the first face to enter the solar light-control module. The micro structures are disposed on the second face to deflect the ambient light and guide the ambient light to a predetermined area of the light-propagation chamber. The refractive media is disposed between the second face of the light-propagation chamber and the micro structures, and the solar cell is disposed on the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Wintek Technology(H.K) Ltd., Wintek Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chun Wang, Zhi-Ting Ye, Chun-Chia Liu
  • Publication number: 20140246091
    Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell module apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell module apparatus includes a light absorbing layer, and a reflector provided on a light incident surface of the light absorbing layer to reflect a light, which has been reflected from the light absorbing layer, toward the light absorbing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Bong Seok Moon
  • Publication number: 20140246090
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of reducing delamination in an assembly. The method comprises providing an assembly and limiting visible light exposure to parts of the assembly to maintain a peel force of 20 grams/inch or greater where the light is limited. The assembly comprises an electronic device, a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface of the substrate is disposed on the electronic device, a barrier stack disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier film opposite the substrate. The assembly is transmissive to visible and infrared light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Weigel, Andrew T. Ruff, Tracie J. Berniard
  • Publication number: 20140238489
    Abstract: A frame for a solar module that includes at least one solar cell. The solar-module frame has a frame corner having a corner connector made of a first material, in particular made of aluminum, and having a corner element made of a second material, which is different from the first material, in particular made of plastics material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buettner, Markus Siptroth
  • Publication number: 20140238488
    Abstract: A passive solar tracking system to enhance solar cell output is provided. The passive solar tracking system includes a panel having at least one solar cell for solar-to-electric conversion and an actuator that is arranged for moving the panel to provide the variable facing direction of the panel. The actuator is directly driven by light such as sunlight to provide artificial heliotropism-type movements of the panel, so that the panel passively tracks and continuously faces the sun. The actuator may be made from a composite material including a matrix of liquid crystal elastomer material incorporating single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes and an elastic skeleton defined by a 3D polyurethane fiber-network. An actuator housing may be arranged with respect to the actuator for enhancing delivery of stimulus to the actuator. The actuator housing may include a heat collector and a light concentrator for facilitating actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hongrui Jiang, Chensha Li, Ye Liu
  • Patent number: 8816189
    Abstract: Integrated solar modules are provided. In one example, a corner cap for coupling to a solar module is described. The solar module has a solar panel and a frame circumscribing the solar panel. The corner cap includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall define a corner angle substantially the same as an angle defined by a corner of the solar module. The corner cap includes a flange extending from the corner cap. The flange is configured for coupling the corner cap to a solar module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: SunEdison, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Howard Janssens, Paul J. Silberschatz
  • Patent number: 8816195
    Abstract: A solar receiver unit including a housing defining a recess, a cell assembly received in the recess, the cell assembly including a solar cell, and a light shield received in the recess and including a body and at least two tabs, the body defining a window therein, the tabs extending outward from the body and being engaged with the recess, wherein the window is aligned with the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Adam P. Plesniak, Guy L. Martins
  • Publication number: 20140230899
    Abstract: A module, for example a photovoltaic module, includes among other things a glass plate (11) as a front cover facing the direction of light incidence, a component (photovoltaic element) (15), and a plastic layer (14) provided as an embedding material, wherein the surface of the glass plate (11) on the side facing the plastic layer (14) is treated such that the index of refraction of the layer produced by the surface treatment has a value between the index of refraction of the glass of the cover (11) and the index of refraction of the plastic material of the layer (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: LISEC AUSTRIA GmbH
    Inventors: Vesselinka Petrova-Koch, Andreas Mader, Markus Jandl, Ralf Bohlander
  • Publication number: 20140230898
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a framed device. The framed device includes a substrate, a frame, and a seal. The substrate has a first length, a first width, and a peripheral edge. The frame has a second length, a second width, and a groove that runs along the second length and the second width of the frame. The groove is substantially engaged with the peripheral edge of the substrate. The seal is disposed within the groove of the frame, wherein the seal runs contiguously from the substrate to the frame and the seal includes a foamed polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastic Chaineux
    Inventors: Georges Moineau, Ahmet Comert, Ronny R. Senden, Philippe Pasleau, Dino Manfredi
  • Publication number: 20140230897
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave concentrating system, comprising a photovoltaic material and at least one holographic concentrator. The holographic concentrator includes at least two stacked holographic optical elements (HOE). Each HOE is configured to diffract incident light into a diffracted beams having different ranges of wavelengths. The diffracted beams generated by each HOE are directed at the photovoltaic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HolFocus, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Waldman, Joby Joseph
  • Patent number: 8809677
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) module. In each embodiment of the present invention, the CPV module includes a light guide having a molded, cast or machined hollow funnel with a highly reflective internal surface for use in guiding focused solar rays to the active, front surface of the receiver die of the CPV module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Shih-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 8809670
    Abstract: A solar energy module is provided and includes a substrate comprising at least one light diffusion layer and a plurality of light guiding layers adjacent to the light diffusion layer, and solar chips disposed on the lateral surfaces of the substrate. Solar light enters the substrate and is diffused by the light diffusion layer, and the diffused solar light is reflected by an interface of the light diffusion layer and the light guiding layer and is collected by the solar chips. A part of the solar light enters the light guiding layers and is reflected by the interface of the light guiding layers, and the reflected light is collected by the solar chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ruei-Tang Chen, Gan-Lin Hwang, Ping-Yuan Tsai, Joseph Lik-Hang Chau
  • Patent number: 8807364
    Abstract: There is provided a receptacle for a modular telematic unit. An exemplary receptacle comprises a body, at least one housing, and at least one solar panel. The body comprises at least two rails positioned opposite from each other. The housing is configured to be detachably slid into the rails. The solar panel is configured to be detachably slid into the rails. An outer surface of the solar panel, when slid into the rails, is slanted at an angle ? relative to at least one outer surface of the body. The outer surface of the body is positioned opposite the solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Frank Josefiak, Hassan Aftabruyan, Stefan Heimerl, Julian Baugatz, Andreas Wiechmann
  • Patent number: 8809676
    Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes a first substrate, a transparent conductive layer on an inner surface of the first substrate, the transparent conductive layer having an uneven top surface and including through-holes, a light-absorbing layer on the transparent conductive layer, a reflection electrode on the light-absorbing layer, a second substrate facing and attached with the first substrate, and a polymeric material layer on an inner surface of the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-Seo Park, Jeong-Woo Lee, Seong-Kee Park, Kyung-Jin Shim, Tae-Youn Kim, Yi-Yin Yu
  • Publication number: 20140224326
    Abstract: A photoactive device that includes a photovoltaic device having electrodes and at least one photoactive layer between the electrodes. One or more other layers may be included between the electrodes. The device includes a substrate positioned below the photovoltaic device, and a nanostructure backreflective layer positioned below the substrate such that at least some of the incident light impinging on the photovoltaic device passes through the photovoltaic device and the substrate and is backscattered through the substrate to the photovoltaic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Pei-Chen Ku, Nanditha Dissanayake, Brian Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140224302
    Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic device for use on a structure, The device having a. an inactive portion including lower surface portion that directly or indirectly contacts the structure, and an upper surface portion that includes one or more open airflow conduits and a fastener region for receiving one or more fasteners capable of securing the photovoltaic device directly to the structure; and b. an active portion including a photovoltaic cell assembly; wherein the active portion and the inactive portion are coupled on at least one peripheral edge and the one or more conduit structures In the upper surface portion of the inactive portion is in fluid communication with a portion of a bottom surface of the active portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: James R Keenihan, Leonardo Lopez
  • Publication number: 20140224327
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an assembly comprising an electronic device, and a multilayer film. The multilayer film comprises a barrier stack adjacent the electronic device; and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier stack opposite the electronic device. The assembly additionally comprises a protective layer in contact with the electronic device and the weatherable sheet. The present application allows for the combination of any of the disclosed elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark D. Weigel, Mark A. Roehrig, Samuel Kidane, Michael D. Delmore, Tracie J. Berniard
  • Publication number: 20140224325
    Abstract: A solar power unit having a solar module with a frame defining a planar solar collection area, a photovoltaic cell mounted within said area, a junction box electrically connected to at least one of said photovoltaic cells; and a support structure fixable to said solar module having a first leg set comprising a first upper leg and a first lower leg, the leg set securing the solar module on a surface at an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: SOLARWORLD INDUSTRIES AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Stoddard, Chris Stapelmann
  • Patent number: 8802966
    Abstract: A method for transmitting power over long distances to a remote device is described. The method includes positioning a lens between a photon source and a photon receiver, the lens, photon source and photon receiver being physically separate systems, focusing a plurality of photons originating from the photon source using the lens, collecting the photons at a receiver, and utilizing the collected photons to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Philip S. Dunlap, Robert J. Budica
  • Publication number: 20140216549
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a light-concentrating film capable of concentrating at least one of direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight with high efficiency; a photovoltaic module having the light-concentrating film; and a transfer mold (die) for producing the light-concentrating film. The present invention relates to a light-concentrating film including alternating fine concavo-convex structure on at least one surface, the film having a concavo-convex height (H) of 0.05 to 15 ?m and a concavo-convex pitch (P) of 0.05 to 50 ?m, the film concentrating at least one of direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Satoh, Tetsuya Matsuura, Shigehito Sagisaka
  • Publication number: 20140216547
    Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices including a transparent substrate defining a front surface area; a photovoltaic thin film stack on the transparent substrate; and, a back panel defining a rear surface area are provided. The photovoltaic thin film stack is positioned between the transparent substrate and the back panel. The front surface area can be less than the rear surface area (e.g., about 90% to about 99.9% of the rear surface area). As such, the back panel can extend farther than the transparent substrate along at least one edge of the device. An encapsulant layer defining an encapsulant surface area can be positioned between the photovoltaic thin film stack and the back panel. The encapsulant surface area can be greater than or equal to the front surface area or can be less than or equal to the rear surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Troy Alan Berens, Max William Reed, Jeffrey Scott Erlbaum, David W. Vernooy, Venkata Sai Rahul Chandra Abbaraju, Boaz Alperson
  • Publication number: 20140216548
    Abstract: In a solar module of the present invention, the ratio (T2/T1) of a thickness (T2) of a rear surface-side filling material layer at the end surface to a thickness (T1) of a rear surface-side filling material layer in a region where a solar cell (22) is provided is set smaller than the ratio (T4/T3) of a thickness (T4) of a light receiving surface-side filling material layer at the end surface to a thickness (T3) of the light receiving surface-side filling material layer in a region where the solar cell is provided. Consequently, entry of water into a filling material layer from the end surface of the filling material layer is effectively suppressed, and improved humidity resistance is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masanori MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20140216520
    Abstract: A solar cell module has a multiple reflection cavity formed by two parallel solar cell layers. A dye sensitized solar cell layer fills the multiple reflection cavity. The mechanism helps improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency. The fabricating method of the same is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tien Lung CHIU, Shun Po YANG
  • Patent number: 8796536
    Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules that are mechanically and electrically interconnectable. According to various embodiments, the modules include channels and protrusion members. A channel of one module snugly fits over a protrusion member of an adjacent module to provide a moisture seal and, in certain embodiments, to collect water in between two modules and direct it downward. In certain embodiments, a channel is configured to interlock with a protrusion member in one or more directions. The channel is positioned along one edge of the module, while the protrusion member is positioned along the opposite edge, so that BIP modules can form a continuous interconnected row. The channel and protrusion member include electrical connectors having conductive elements. Inserting a protrusion member into a channel and, in certain embodiments, sliding one with respect to another also electrically interconnects the conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hanergy Holding Group Ltd
    Inventor: Adam C. Sherman
  • Patent number: 8796542
    Abstract: An encapsulant material with enhanced light reflectivity, a crystalline silicon photovoltaic module and a thin film photovoltaic module are provided. The encapsulant material has a porous structure therein, and an average pore diameter of the porous structure is between several hundreds of nanometers and several hundreds of micrometers, so that the light reflectance of the encapsulant material is improved. Moreover, the encapsulant material is crosslinked by a physical or chemical crosslinking method, so heat resistance thereof is improved. Therefore, the encapsulant material is suitable for the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module and the thin film photovoltaic module, so as to increase power conversion efficiency of these modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Lee-May Huang, Cheng-Yu Peng, Wen-Chung Liang, Chun-Heng Chen
  • Publication number: 20140209148
    Abstract: A solar concentrator (1) having a longitudinal axis of extension (3) and a cross-section at right angles to the longitudinal axis substantially equal for a continuum of cross-sections, and comprising a reflective system (6) and a refractive system (7), the reflective system forming an optical inlet (8) and an optical outlet (9) and comprising two semi-portions positioned specularly relative to the plane of symmetry, where the cross-section profile of the refractive system is a triangle (11) having a base (12) at the optical outlet (9) and apex (13) on the axis of symmetry (5), where the cross-section profile of each semi-portion of the reflective system comprises a segment (18) in the shape of a parabola having an axis (20) forming with the axis of symmetry an acceptance angle (?0) greater than zero and a focus (F) on the axis of symmetry, and where the focus falls inside the triangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: FONDAZIONE CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE DELLA FOTONICA PER ENERGIA
    Inventors: Giorgio Grasso, Francesco Morichetti, Silvia Maria Pietralunga, Aldo Righetti, Maria Chiara Ubaldi
  • Publication number: 20140209169
    Abstract: A glass substrate for a CdTe solar cell includes a base composition includes, in terms of mol % on a basis of following oxides: from 60 to 75% of SiO2; from 1 to 7.5% of Al2O3; from 0 to 1% of B2O3; from 8.5 to 12.5% of MgO; from 1 to 6.5% of CaO; from 0 to 3% of SrO; from 0 to 3% of BaO; from 0 to 3% of ZrO2; from 1 to 8% of Na2O; and from 2 to 12% of K2O, wherein MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO is from 10 to 24%, Na2O+K2O is from 5 to 15%, MgO/Al2O3 is 1.3 or more, (2Na2O+K2O+SrO+BaO)/(Al2O3+ZrO2) is 3.3 or less, Na2O/K2O is from 0.2 to 2.0, Al2O3??0.94MgO+11, and CaO?0.48MgO+6.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yu HANAWA, Yutaka KUROIWA, Tetsuya NAKASHIMA, Yuki KONDO
  • Publication number: 20140209171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar module comprising a first layer, a solar cell arranged above the first layer and a second layer arranged above the solar cell. The first and/or the second layer comprise a fibre composite material which comprises a preferably aliphatic polyurethane polymer “dual cure” system) crosslinked thermally and by means of electromagnetic radiation. The material of the fibres of the fibre composite material is transparent at least in the region of visible light. The invention further relates to the use of this type of solar module and to a process for production thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Ehbing, Frithjof Hannig, Stephanie Vogel, Nusret Yuva, Wolfgang Fischer, Helmut Kuczewski, Ernst-Ulrich Reisner