Abstract: A solar cell having an open loop voltage that approaches a critical voltage range when exposed to light. A circuit, connected to the solar cell, is configured to load the solar cell when the open loop voltage of the solar cell reaches a threshold within a predetermined range of the critical voltage range.

Abstract: Solar panels of certain technologies may experience a degradation of their efficiency as a result of exposure to sunlight, either prior to installation or during normal operation. A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to the solar panel and to a source of alternating current. The PAMCC receives direct current from the solar panel and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output terminals at such times that the solar panel is capable to provide current, denominated “normal operation”. The PAMCC may be reconfigured to form a buck converter and a rectifier wherein the rectifier converts power received at the output (during normal operation) terminals to provide rectified, direct current to the buck converter. The buck converter provides direct current in the forward biased direction to the solar panel, thereby reconditioning the solar panel.

Abstract: An integrated voltaic energy system incorporates a bio-friendly DC power generator with a photovoltaic (PV) system connected to feed a main service panel and a utility grid. A plurality of inverters are connected one each, to a respective output of one of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays. The outputs of each of the inverters are connected to a main service panel and a utility grid. A further inverter is connected to the DC power generator and in parallel with the other inverters. The DC power generator is also connected to each of the PV solar panel inverters through a switch operated at a specific time manually or automatically. When switched the DC power generator feeds all of the inverters. A resistor/capacitor structure is connected between the DC power generator and each inverter. A self-powered timer may control the output level of the DC power generator.

Abstract: A solar generator has at least two branches electrically connected in parallel at opposite first and second ends of positive and negative polarity, respectively, each branch comprising one or more photoelectric cells electrically connected in series and having a first end provided with first blocking means adapted to block an electrical current coming from an adjacent branch. The second end of each branch is provided with second blocking means adapted to limit the propagation toward an adjacent branch of a discharge current induced by an electrical arc in a photoelectric cell of its own branch to a value less than or equal to a nominal current value for that branch.

Abstract: A power source system to be mounted in electrical devices is provided. The power source system includes a fuel cell which supplies electric power generated by consuming fuel, a fuel storage portion which stores the fuel and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell, a container which contains the fuel cell and the fuel storage portion, and a case which is provided so as to surround the container. A space for allowing air used for the reaction in the fuel cell to circulate therethrough is provided between the container and the case.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, a wiring harness, and a connection subsystem. The plurality of photovoltaic cells are electrically interconnected to form a positive node for supplying current to a load and a negative node for receiving current from the load. The wiring harness includes a plurality of flexible electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being electrically isolated within the wiring harness. The connection subsystem is operable to selectively connect the positive node to one of the electrical conductors of the wiring harness. A plurality of flexible photovoltaic modules may be connected to form a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A solar power generation system having a solar cell provided therein and which is provided with a cooling mechanism, characterized in that the cooling mechanism has a cooling system for cooling the solar cell and a memory and operation system for memorizing or operating an optimum cooling and driving state of the cooling system with respect to an output of the solar cell. The cooling system is driven based on an output of the memory and operation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for controlling/regulating photovoltaic systems (10b) which comprise a plurality of solar generators (14b) connected in series or/and connected in parallel. In order to prevent power loss of solar generators, which is based on the fact that not all solar generators are operated in the MPP thereof, each solar generator is associated with a variable energy bypass (68b) that is controlled/regulated in such a manner that each solar generator (14b) is operated continuously in its respective current specific MPP.

Abstract: A flexible inflatable hinge includes curable resin for rigidly positioning panels of solar cells about the hinge in which wrap around contacts and flex circuits are disposed for routing power from the solar cells to the power bus further used for grounding the hinge. An indium tin oxide and magnesium fluoride coating is used to prevent static discharge while being transparent to ultraviolet light that cures the embedded resin after deployment for rigidizing the inflatable hinge.

Abstract: A solar cell device includes a solar cell section configured to output a first voltage upon receiving light. A charge pump circuit includes a first charge pump. The first charge pump includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is configured to receive the first voltage from the solar cell section, and the second terminal is configured to output a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. An output section is configured to receive an output voltage output by the charge pump circuit. The charge pump circuit is formed on a single semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: In order to simplify the usability of solid state detectors, in particular mobile and wireless solid state detectors, a solid state detector is disclosed for recording X-ray images. The detector includes a structurally integrated photovoltaic power supply device. According to one configuration, the solid state detector includes an accumulator and the accumulator is rechargeable by the photovoltaic power supply device, for example by integrated solar cells.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly including a plurality of solar cells is formed on a common substrate, and a DC/DC converter which converts the output from the solar cell is connected to each solar cell to constitute a solar power generation apparatus. The output from the solar power generation apparatus is converted into an AC power by an inverter and supplied to a load or commercial AC power system. Since the arrangement is simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the influence of partial shade or a variation in characteristic decreases.

Abstract: A power source device is provided which is capable of charging a secondary cell in a stable manner even in an environment in which power generated by a solar cell varies due to changes in sunlight intensity and/or ambient temperatures. By power generated by a solar cell module, an electric double-layer capacitor is charged and, by using a charging voltage of the electric double-layer capacitor, a booster-type DC-DC (Direct Current-Direct Current) converter is driven. A charge on/off controlling circuit detects the voltage of the electric double-layer capacitor and, when the voltage exceeds a high level threshold voltage, keeps a charge controlling signal (output signal from a terminal) in an active mode and performs a charge starting operation and, after that, when the voltage of the electric double-layer capacitor reaches a low level threshold value, holds the charge controlling signal in a non-active mode and performs a charge stopping operation.

Abstract: A solar panel has n rows of solar cells in a regular grid array. The cells constituting each row are wired in parallel, the rows are wired in series and an equalizing network of n-1 capacitors are connected in electrical series. In a first configuration, a network of switches connects a first capacitor across the first row, and a second capacitor across the second row, and so on until the n-1th capacitor is connected across the cells of the n-1th row. In a second configuration, the switch network connects the first capacitor across the second row, and the second capacitor across the third row, and so on until the n-1th capacitor is connected across the nth row. This causes the voltage across each row to be substantially equal to the voltage across every other row. Since equal voltage is a hallmark of parallel connection, this voltage equalized series connection is referred to as a virtual parallel connection.

Abstract: An array of photosensitive devices, including photovoltaic cells is controlled to provide adequate output voltage for continued use when light conditions are sensed as dropping below a predetermined level for normal operations. Control is made of the internal connections between banks of devices or cells by switching normally parallel connected banks of series connected devices or cells to series connected banks. Stepped switching of an increased number of banks can be made as the light continues to drop, in order to extend and maximize the output of the array during reduced light conditions. The output can be further controlled to limit application of the output voltage to a load during times of diminished light conditions in order to not overdraw the diminished current capacity characteristics when the series connections are made.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic power generation system which is capable of achieving system linkage of a plurality of solar cell strings having different output voltages to a commercial electric power system with ease, and which enables efficient use of the maximum output electric power. It is a photovoltaic power generation system characterized by disposing voltage regulating means that regulates a DC voltage outputted from non-standard solar cell string between a standard solar cell string and electric power converting means, and regulating an output voltage of the non-standard solar cell string to the side of an output voltage of the standard solar cell string by the use of the voltage regulating means.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell thermal radiator configuration uses an embedded power bus to collect vertically migrating waste heat from electronic devices mounted on a thin film multilayer printed circuit board. The waste heat is vertically collected, horizontally spread, and vertically rejected through the a top coverglass glass layer around the side of a top silver contact of conventional thin film solar cells. The thermal radiator configuration enables the collection and rejection of the electronic component waste heat for maintaining thin film solar cells within desired temperature ranges.

Abstract: In a power generation system of this invention, the outputs from power generation layers electrically connected in series are input to corresponding power conversion devices, and boosted outputs are connected in parallel and fed to a load. Alternatively, the output from one of power generation layers electrically connected in series is input to a first power conversion device, and the serial output and the boosted output from the first power conversion device are connected in parallel, input to a second power conversion device, boosted, and fed to the load. Since the two power generation layers can be individually output-controlled, each power generation layer can be optimized basically without considering current balance. Since the optical spectrum utilization efficiency increases, the power generation efficiency increases. In addition, since the power can be fed not to separate loads but to one load, the convenience largely increases.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power to a light-powered transponder. In order to create a sufficient voltage differential, two different photovoltaic elements are used. The photovoltaic elements generate voltages of different polarities. Because the photovoltaic elements are used independently to generate voltages with different polarities, the present system can achieve a desired voltage differential despite the inherent difficulties presented by the use of a standard CMOS process.

Abstract: A solar cell plate for generating electric current includes a number of individual plates that can be moved in relation to one another to produce a convenient packing size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic module comprising a photovoltaics and a signal generation means for generating a signal by application of a voltage, wherein the photovoltaics and the signal generating means are connected in parallel and the voltage is a voltage output by the photovoltaics which is connected in parallel with at least the signal generating means, thereby enabling detection of a failed photovoltaic module, regardless of the structure of a photovoltaic module array or the failure mode of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A device for converting solar radiation into electric power, constituted by a substantially vertically elongated body from which multiple supporting arms for one or more modules constituted by multiple photovoltaic cells protrude in an upward region. The body is hollow and contains an inverter suitable for the conversion of electric power.

Abstract: In a solar cell module-mounting structure, a solar cell module 101 is fixed on one surface of a plate-shaped member 102, the plate-shaped member 102 is placed on an installation surface so that one side of the plate-shaped member is in contact with the installation surface, a surface of the plate-shaped member 102 opposite to the solar cell module-fixing surface is in contact with a first support member 103, and out of surfaces including the one side of the plate-shaped member 102, at least a part of the surfaces in no contact with the first support member 103 is in contact with a second support member 103, thereby effectively preventing a solar cell module-mounting rack from being moved by a wind load.

Abstract: A transparent electromagnetic shield to protect solar panels and the like from dust deposition. The shield is a panel of clear non-conducting (dielectric) material with embedded parallel electrodes. The panel is coated with a semiconducting film. Desirably the electrodes are transparent. The electrodes are connected to a single-phase AC signal or to a multi-phase AC signal that produces a travelling electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic field produced by the electrodes lifts dust particles away from the shield and repels charged particles. Deposited dust particles are removed when the electrodes are activated, regardless of the resistivity of the dust. Electrostatic charges on the panel are discharged by the semiconducting film. When used in conjunction with photovoltaic cells, the power for the device may be obtained from the cells themselves. For other surfaces, such as windshields, optical windows and the like, the power must be derived from an external source.

Abstract: The solar panel for space satellites has a plane surface including a plurality of photovoltaic cells (CE) disposed side-by-side and substantially forming a grid, the cells (CE) being electrically connected into at least one serpentine (SE1), each serpentine made up of cells (CE) connected in series two-by-two forming parallel cell segments (SG), two successive segments (SG) of a serpentine being electrically connected at their ends, and each serpentine having positive terminals (+) and negative terminals (?), the positive (+) and negative (?) terminals being distributed along each serpentine (SE1) and over the surface of the panel so that the positive terminals are far away from the negative terminals, to reduce the risk of electrical arcing between two terminals. With this arrangement, the risk of electrical arcing is reduced without increasing the fabrication cost of the panel.

Abstract: In an AC module, if an interconnection relay is provided in an inverter, the inverter increases in size, and disconnection status between the AC module and a system upon occurrence of abnormal condition cannot be easily checked by a user. Accordingly, a plug is connected to an outlet, thereby an output of the inverter is supplied to the system or a load via a coupler. If leakage of direct current, ground fault of a solar cell or the like, a fault or abnormal condition of the inverter, or an abnormal condition of the system is detected, the inverter outputs a signal to separate the plug from the coupler.

Abstract: A solar-battery array comprising a plurality of solar batteries, which is characterized by satisfying the relationship of V2<0 and V1+V2>0, where V1 is the voltage to ground of the positive-pole terminal at the time of maximum output of the solar-battery array, and V2 is the voltage to ground of the negative-pole terminal at the time of maximum output of the same and a photovoltaic power generation system having such an array are disclosed, whereby the effects of an electric shock on the human body can lessen even when you touch any electric circuit of the solar-battery arrays.

Abstract: In a solar module (1) comprising a plurality of individual solar cells (2) connected together electrically in series, with at least one solar cell (5, 6) exposed to the same conditions and not linked to the other solar cells, which serves as sensor of the instantaneous incident light on the solar module and with a switching device (8) able to be slaved at least indirectly to the sensor so as to act on the output electric power of the solar module, according to the invention, at least two solar cells (5, 6), which are disposed a large distance apart, are provided as sensors whose output voltages or currents are conveyed to an evaluation circuit (7) and are compared with one another by the latter, and the evaluation circuit (7) connects by means of the switching device (8) a shunt which bypasses the series circuit of the solar cells (2) of the solar module (1) when a difference which exceeds a threshold value exists between the outputs of the two sensors.

Abstract: A mobile terminal with a solar cell is disclosed. The mobile terminal has a main body, a battery and a flip cover. A receiver portion, a data display and a keypad are formed on the upper surface of the main body. The improvement comprises a solar cell attached to the outer surface of the flip cover to be exposed to the outside. According to the present invention, there is provided the mobile terminal having a solar cell, which is capable of providing sufficient electric power to the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal is positioned in a normal state where the upper surface of the mobile terminal is directed upward.

Abstract: A machine for the automated assembly of wafers such as solar cells into strings, comprising a control system, a cell loader with wafer inspection station, a cell tab loader, a string assembly station, and a platen with adjacent pairs of individual cell, opposing edge grippers having multiple sets of vertically operable pincer action fingers for holding cells in string alignment during soldering. The string assembly station has a cooperating cell support and tab tail support mechanism providing for a tab tail hand off from one to the other with a platen indexing movements of cell pitch distance. The platen moves from the string assembly station through a soldering station consisting of a preheat, soldering, and cooling zones spaced a cell pitch distance apart. A string unloader moves completed strings through a string inspection station placing strings in a good or bad string holding area.

Abstract: AC module, integrating a solar battery and an inverter, can easily be connected with other plural AC modules in parallel by way of cascade connections. However, when the number of AC modules connected is improvidently increased, the current flowing through the current path or connector of the AC module exceeds a rated current. In view of this, the current detector detects a current in the collective-power current path of the AC module, and when the detected current value exceeds a value set in the reference current setting circuit, the current detector stops the inverter.

Abstract: A solar battery module can be constituted without connecting a plurality of bypass diodes, increasing the volume of potting, or reducing the area of a solar battery cell, so that the problems such as an increase in size of a terminal box, an increase in fabrication cost or a drop in mass productivity are overcome. A terminal box constituting an output section of a solar battery module, includes: a box body housing a circuit constituting section constituted by terminal boards, a bypass diode, and the like; and a box cover having a double structure of an inner cover made of a metal material and an outer cover made of a weather-resistant resin. The box body has an open side opposite to its attachment face, and includes a portion housing a charging section of the circuit constituting section apart from an outer wall structure of the box body. The box body is formed to have a box structure made of a weather-resistant resin. The open side of the box structure is covered with the box cover.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module with power converters, including a plurality of solar cells, a covering member, and a plurality of power converters provided on a surface of the covering member, in which the solar cells form a plurality of solar cell groups comprising two or more solar cells electrically connected to each other with a gap therebetween via an interconnector, each of the power converters is arranged out of an extension line of the gap, each power converter is connected to an output of one solar cell group, and outputs of the respective power converters are all connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A solar cell array having an exposed electroactive portion is connected to a system power supply through an insulation transformer, a ground-fault interrupter is provided between the solar cell array and the system power supply, and a ground-fault detector is provided at the grounded line of the solar cell array. A set current value at which the ground-fault detector judges a ground-fault is larger than an amount of a set current value at which the ground-fault interrupter interrupts a circuit. The insulation transformer is provided between the solar cell array and the system power supply.

Abstract: A separable solar energy storage device, comprising a solar energy reception device, a solar energy conversion circuit, an extension cord for connecting the solar energy reception device and the solar energy conversion circuit, and storage batteries connecting to the solar energy conversion circuit, the solar energy reception device can be disposed, through connection to the extension cord, at the optimal position for the most efficient reception of solar energy, so as to enable storage batteries to achieve the optimal energy-storage efficiency.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic power generation system which is capable of achieving system linkage of a plurality of solar cell strings having different output voltages to a commercial electric power system with ease, and which enables efficient use of the maximum output electric power. It is a photovoltaic power generation system characterized by disposing voltage regulating means that regulates a DC voltage outputted from non-standard solar cell string between a standard solar cell string and electric power converting means, and regulating an output voltage of the non-standard solar cell string to the side of an output voltage of the standard solar cell string by the use of the voltage regulating means.

Abstract: A circuit device for solar energy application includes a solar panel as power supply and a rechargeable cell pack for receiving the power transferred from the solar panel. The circuit device uses a MOSFET as a current blocking device. The Drain and the Source of the MOSFET are conductively connected directly with the solar panel and the cell pack respectively so that the body diode of the MOSFET is forward interposed between the solar panel and the cell pack for prevention of a reverse current when charging is stopped.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell utilizing antenna capable of receiving electromagnetic energy from a solar source, connected to and configured as the AC input of, a rectifier or an array of antennas, each capable of inductively coupling with, and thereby receiving electromagnetic energy from, a solar source connected to, and configured as the AC input of, a plurality of rectifiers. The antennas and plurality of rectifiers are preferably provided as an integrated circuit formed on a substrate by standard photolithographic etching techniques utilized in the semiconductor industry.

Abstract: To improve the conversion efficiency of a power converter in a solar cell module in which a solar cell module main body containing a solar cell is integrated with a power converter for converting the output power from the solar cell module main body, a material having small thermal conductivity is used as a member (205) of a protective case for protecting the power converter to be fixed to the solar cell module main body containing the solar cell, thereby preventing easy conduction of heat from the solar cell module main body heated to high temperatures to a power conversion circuit (201). A material having large thermal conductivity is used as a member (206) of a protective case for fixing the power conversion circuit (201), thereby allowing easy radiation of heat generated in the power conversion circuit (201).

Abstract: A space-based power system. The system maintains proper positioning and alignment of system components without using connecting structures. Power system elements are launched into orbit, and the free-floating power system elements are maintained in proper relative alignment, e.g., position, orientation, and shape, using a control system.

Abstract: A device consisting of solar photovoltaic cells, a solar activated dc motor, contact brushes and wiring to transfer the electric current to the applied load. The cells are mounted on vanes attached to a central shaft that is made to rotate by the dc motor. The electrical output of the photovoltaic cells is transferred by means of brushes to a stationary contact points wired to the applied load. The device exhibits phase behavior and produces a varying electrical output. By wiring the stationary contact points opposite each other, the output produced is AC electricity. When both ends are wired in the same direction the output is fluctuating do current similar to pulsating DC. The electricity generated can be put through a transformer.

Abstract: An autonomous solid state lighting system has a charge mode which collects energy and produces electric power with a solid state energy source, converts the voltage of the electric power using a bi-directional power converter, and stores the power in an energy storage device. A discharge mode draws electric power from the energy storage device, converts the voltage of the electric power using the bi-directional power converter, and produces light from a solid state light source. A controller controls the charge and discharge modes. In one embodiment, the solid state energy source can be a solar cell panel, the solid state light source can be an LED module, and the energy storage device can be a battery pack.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.

Abstract: A separable solar energy storage device, comprising a solar energy reception device, a solar energy conversion circuit, an extension cord for connecting the solar energy reception device and the solar energy conversion circuit, and storage batteries connecting to the solar energy conversion circuit, the solar energy reception device can be disposed, through connection to the extension cord, at the optimal position for the most efficient reception of solar energy, so as to enable storage batteries to achieve the optimal energy-storage efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a solar panel includes a housing and a cover configured to pivotally connect to the housing. The cover disengages the housing when the cover is at a release angle from the housing.

Abstract: A circuit device for solar energy application is comprised of a solar panel as power supply and a rechargeable cell pack for receiving the power transferred from that solar panel, and is characterized in: the Drain and the Source of a MOSFET being conductively connected with the solar panel and the cell pack, respectively, such that the body diode of the MOSFET is forward interposed between the solar panel and the cell pack for prevention of a reverse current when charging is stopped.

Abstract: Provided are methods of manufacturing an electrostatically clean solar array panel and the products resulting from the practice of these methods. The preferred method uses an array of solar cells, each with a coverglass where the method includes machining apertures into a flat, electrically conductive sheet so that each aperture is aligned with and undersized with respect to its matched coverglass sheet and thereby fashion a front side shield with apertures (FSA). The undersized portion about each aperture of the bottom side of the FSA shield is bonded to the topside portions nearest the edges of each aperture's matched coverglass. Edge clips are attached to the front side aperture shield edges with the edge clips electrically and mechanically connecting the tops of the coverglasses to the solar panel substrate. The FSA shield, edge clips and substrate edges are bonded so as to produce a conductively grounded electrostatically clean solar array panel.

Abstract: The solar cell string of the present invention comprises a plurality of solar cells interconnected in series and/or parallel, one positive terminal, and one negative terminal, wherein at least a part of an electric line thereof is not housed in an insulating envelope, and the line is grounded at an electrical middle point between the positive and negative terminals or a point on the side of the negative terminal with respect to the electrical middle point, whereby an environmental resistant coating significantly responsible for a cost of a solar cell module and an insulating coating of a member for interconnecting solar cells in series and/or parallel can be simplified, and safety of an exposed electric line resulting from the simplification of the environmental resistant coating and the insulating coating can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for protecting a solar cell. The solar cell includes first solar cell portion. The first solar cell portion includes at least one junction and at least one solar cell contact on a backside of the first solar cell portion. At least one bypass diode portion is epitaxially grown on the first solar cell portion. The bypass diode has at least one contact. An interconnect couples the solar cell contact to the diode contact.

Abstract: A solar panel for a spacecraft has a base with a face, and at least one row of solar cells and at least one elongated reflector are mounted on the face of said base. The reflectors and the rows are mounted generally parallel to each other in an alternating fashion. The reflector has a first and a second reflecting side when the reflector is in a deployed position. The reflector is mounted so that the first side of the reflector is adjacent to a row of solar cells and reflects radiation incident on the first side onto the adjacent row of solar cells when said reflector is in a deployed position. Preferably, a plurality of rows and a plurality of reflectors are mounted on the face of the base, with at least one of the reflectors being disposed between two adjacent rows of solar cells.