Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100218758 | SOLAR ENERGY ALIGNMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM - A solar energy alignment and collection system includes at least two solar energy receivers having a central focal point, with each of the at least two solar energy receivers generating an energy output. An actuation system is operatively coupled to the at least two solar energy receivers and is configured and disposed to shift the solar energy receivers along at least one axis. A control system, operatively linked to the solar receivers and the actuation system, senses the energy output of each solar energy receiver and shifts the actuation system along the at least one axis causing solar energy to be directed at the central focal point. When solar energy is directed at the central focal point, the energy output of each solar energy receiver is substantially identical. | 09-02-2010 |
20100218816 | GRID-LINE-FREE CONTACT FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - Electrical contact to the front side of a photovoltaic cell is provided by an array of conductive through-substrate vias, and optionally, an array of conductive blocks located on the front side of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric liner provides electrical isolation of each conductive through-substrate via from the semiconductor material of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric layer on the backside of the photovoltaic cell is patterned to cover a contiguous region including all of the conductive through-substrate vias, while exposing a portion of the backside of the photovoltaic cell. A conductive material layer is deposited on the back surface of the photovoltaic cell, and is patterned to form a first conductive wiring structure that electrically connects the conductive through-substrate vias and a second conductive wiring structure that provides electrical connection to the backside of the photovoltaic cell. | 09-02-2010 |
20100218817 | SOLAR CONCENTRATION SYSTEM - A solar concentration system includes an optically clear shell member having an outer surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface defining a hollow interior portion, a liquid contained within the hollow interior portion of the optically clear shell, and a solar collection system contained within the hollow interior portion of the optically clear shell. The solar collection system includes a tracking system configured and disposed to selectively shift within the hollow interior portion, a reflector member mounted to the tracking system, and a solar receiver mounted to the tracking system. The tracking system being configured and disposed orient the reflector member and the solar receiver to follow a path of the sun enhancing the collection of solar energy. | 09-02-2010 |
20110109740 | Method and Apparatus for In Situ Solar Flat Panel Diagnostics - Techniques for analyzing performance of solar panels and/or cells are provided. In one aspect, a method for analyzing an infrared thermal image taken using an infrared camera is provided. The method includes the following steps. The infrared thermal image is converted to temperature data. Individual elements are isolated in the infrared thermal image. The temperature data for each isolated element is tabulated. A performance status of each isolated element is determined based on the tabulated temperature data. The individual elements can include solar panels and/or solar cells. In another aspect, an infrared diagnostic system is provided. The infrared diagnostic system includes an infrared camera which can be remotely positioned relative to one or more elements to be imaged; and a computer configured to receive thermal images from the infrared camera, via a communication link, and analyze the thermal images. | 05-12-2011 |
20110122682 | High Density Low Power Nanowire Phase Change Material Memory Device - A memory cell device includes a semiconductor nanowire extending, at a first end thereof, from a substrate; the nanowire having a doping profile so as to define a field effect transistor (FET) adjacent the first end, the FET further including a gate electrode at least partially surrounding the nanowire, the doping profile further defining a p-n junction in series with the FET, the p-n junction adjacent a second end of the nanowire; and a phase change material at least partially surrounding the nanowire, at a location corresponding to the p-n junction. | 05-26-2011 |
20110168167 | MULTI-POINT COOLING SYSTEM FOR A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR - A solar concentrator includes an optical member having a focal point. The optical member is configured and disposed to direct incident solar radiation to the focal point. A support member is positioned adjacent to the focal point of the optical member. A solar energy collector is supported upon the support member. The solar energy collector is positioned at the focal point of the optical member. A base member is positioned in a spaced relationship from the support member. The base member and the support member define a chamber section that is in a heat exchange relationship with the solar energy collector. The chamber section is configured to absorb and dissipate heat from the solar energy collectors. | 07-14-2011 |
20120006318 | METHOD OF CONCETRATING SOLAR ENERGY - A method of concentrating solar energy includes receiving solar energy through a surface of an optically clear shell, guiding the solar energy through a liquid contained in the optically clear shell, folding the solar energy back through the liquid toward a solar receiver, and shifting the solar receiver within the optically clear shell to track the sun, wherein the solar energy collected by the solar receiver is converted into electrical energy. | 01-12-2012 |
20120225527 | HIGH DENSITY LOW POWER NANOWIRE PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL MEMORY DEVICE - A memory cell device includes a semiconductor nanowire extending, at a first end thereof, from a substrate; the nanowire having a doping profile so as to define a field effect transistor (FET) adjacent the first end, the FET further including a gate electrode at least partially surrounding the nanowire, the doping profile further defining a p-n junction in series with the FET, the p-n junction adjacent a second end of the nanowire; and a phase change material at least partially surrounding the nanowire, at a location corresponding to the p-n junction. | 09-06-2012 |
20120318327 | METHOD OF COOLING A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR - A method of cooling a solar concentrator includes absorbing heat from solar energy collectors into a chamber section. The chamber section is arranged below, in a heat exchange relationship, the solar energy collectors. | 12-20-2012 |
20130233305 | METHOD OF TRACKING AND COLLECTING SOLAR ENERGY - A method of tracking and collecting solar energy includes receiving solar energy on at least two solar energy receivers, measuring an energy output from each of the at least two solar energy receivers, comparing the energy output from one of the at least two solar energy receiver with the energy output from another of the at least two solar energy receivers, and shifting the at least two solar energy receivers until the energy output from the one of the at least two solar receivers is substantially equal to the another of the at least two solar receivers. | 09-12-2013 |