The invention relates to an apparatus and method for a curved solar panel with an undistorted printed design. The solar panel comprises a preformed substrate and superstrate having a design printed on at least one surfaces, via distortion printing during preform fabrication. A transformation from a flat state to the curved state is determined. The reverse transformation is applied to the desired design thereby producing a pre-distorted design. The pre-distorted design is printed on a surface of a layer prior to lamination and/or forming. Subsequent lamination may occur. The layer(s) may then be thermoformed into the final preform shape, wherein the design is substantially undistorted. The pre-distorted design may be printed on or proximate to the surface, or may be applied by a back sheet or transfer film and transferred thereto. The preforms are subsequently laminated with encapsulated solar cells forming a curved solar panel with an undistorted design.
H10F 19/80 - Encapsulations ou conteneurs pour des dispositifs intégrés, ou des ensembles de plusieurs dispositifs, comportant des cellules photovoltaïques
C03B 23/023 - Finition des feuilles de verre par bombage
H10F 77/14 - Forme des corps semi-conducteursFormes, dimensions relatives ou dispositions des régions semi-conductrices au sein des corps semi-conducteurs
2.
LAMINATOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING CURVED LAMINATED SOLAR PANEL
An apparatus, system and method for a laminator is disclosed capable of producing a doubly curved solar panel with doubly curved solar cells. The laminator panel comprises a housing divided into lower and upper chambers by a membrane, the lower housing comprising a convex surface in the form of a mold and/or tray in the desired panel shape. The convex surface is of a shape that induces gentle curvature in the membrane at the panel edge under lamination conditions. The tray may include holes at the panel edge for evacuation of encapsulant vapors while the mold includes channels in communication with the vacuum for collecting the vapors. The housing is configured to prevent overextension of the membrane. Lift pins provide insulation from the heated convex surface. A lamination method is provided wherein a lamination stack may be secured to itself and to the convex surface with removable adhesive tape.
B32B 37/10 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par la technique de pressage, p. ex. faisant usage de l'action directe du vide ou d'un fluide sous pression
B32B 37/12 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par l'usage d'adhésifs
H10F 19/80 - Encapsulations ou conteneurs pour des dispositifs intégrés, ou des ensembles de plusieurs dispositifs, comportant des cellules photovoltaïques
H10F 71/00 - Fabrication ou traitement des dispositifs couverts par la présente sous-classe
The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for a two-axis of curvature solar panel with doubly-curved solar cells. The solar panel comprises substrate and superstrate preforms having two-axis of curvature geometry and at least one rigid layer. The preforms may comprise one or more strengthened glass and/or polymer layers. A core comprising lower and upper encapsulant layers sandwiching a solar cell array is disposed between substrate and superstrate preforms forming a lamination stack. The solar cells may be tacked to the lower encapsulant layer. The preforms may be formed by flat lamination followed by thermoforming. The curved solar panel may comprise a flange suitable for assisting the assembly process and be made of materials with disparate mechanical and thermal properties. Aspects of the solar cells are recited that provide for the enabling double bendability of the cells within a doubly curved solar panel.
An aerodynamic vehicle includes an aerodynamic heat exchanger formed as one or more body panels disposed along an outer surface of the vehicle having one or more fluidic chambers or micro-channels. The aerodynamic heat exchanger is adapted to provide effective and highly efficient heat transfer, and also to provide substantially reduced or negligible contribution to the aerodynamic drag. The aerodynamic heat exchanger may provide adequate heat rejection capacity throughout vehicle operating conditions that advantageously results in increased fuel economy and overall vehicle performance.
A high power density battery pack for a solar-electric vehicle includes a frame with compartments for battery modules arranged therein. The modules are in thermal communication with a unitary cooling plate disposed underneath. The modules include an array of secondary cells arranged in bottom and top carriers. The bottoms of the cells are in thermal communication with a heat spreader. The cells are oriented with their electrodes in a common plane and electrically isolated by the top carrier. One or more potting materials fills the interstitial spaces between the cells. The cells are connected in parallel and series by interconnects. A module monitoring system tracks the voltage and temperature of the modules. Modules are connected in series by intra-row and inter-row interconnects. A battery management system provides a solar charging mode for both stationary and in-motion vehicle operation, and a low-power quiescent mode when the vehicle is powered down.
H01M 50/204 - Bâtis, modules ou blocs de multiples batteries ou de multiples cellules
H01M 50/516 - Procédés pour interconnecter les batteries ou cellules adjacentes par soudage, brasage ou brasage tendre
H01M 50/521 - Interconnecteurs pour connecter les bornes des batteries adjacentesInterconnecteurs pour connecter les cellules en dehors d'un boîtier de batterie caractérisées par le matériau
H01M 50/509 - Interconnecteurs pour connecter les bornes des batteries adjacentesInterconnecteurs pour connecter les cellules en dehors d'un boîtier de batterie caractérisées par le type de connexion, p. ex. connexions mixtes
H01M 10/613 - Refroidissement ou maintien du froid
H01M 10/46 - Accumulateurs combinés par structure avec un appareil de charge
H01M 10/48 - Accumulateurs combinés à des dispositions pour mesurer, tester ou indiquer l'état des éléments, p. ex. le niveau ou la densité de l'électrolyte
B60L 50/64 - Détails de construction des batteries spécialement adaptées aux véhicules électriques
B60L 8/00 - Propulsion électrique à partir d'énergie tirée des forces de la nature, p. ex. du soleil ou du vent
10.
PICK FLAT PLACE CURVED ASSEMBLY TOOL, SYSTEM AND METHOD
A pick-and-place assembly tool, system and method comprising a flexible array of gripper heads is adapted to pick a sheet of flexible material or a pre-assembled array of flexibly coupled elements from a flat surface and place it on a convex, doubly curved surface. Gripping action may be provided by a suction force. When picking the pre-assembled array of elements, the array of gripper heads may conform to the flat surface. The assembly tool may then be moved above and aligned to the compound curved placing surface. When lowered onto the receiving surface, the assembly tool passively may precisely conform to the convex surface. Distortion of the material or array may be controlled by flexible couplers disposed between the gripper heads. Heating elements disposed on some or all of the gripper heads may be used to tack the workpiece in place to maintain registration during subsequent processing, e.g., lamination.
A thermal management system for an electric vehicle having a drivetrain flow path coupling one or more motors and one or more inverters to an aerodynamic heat exchanger comprising one or more body panels disposed along an outer surface of the vehicle, the aerodynamic heat exchanger having one or more fluidic chambers or micro-channels. The drive flow path is decoupled from the vehicle's chiller and/or refrigeration cycle under all operating conditions. The drivetrain may be further characterized by the one or more motors being disposed proximate one or more wheels of the vehicle, such as within the wheel skirt or cowling, to capitalize on passive or free cooling via ambient airflow about the wheel. The thermal management system may further include a refrigeration cycle wherein the cabin and the battery pack are provided cooling in a parallel configuration or in a serial configuration.
A high power density battery pack for a solar-electric vehicle includes a frame with compartments for battery modules arranged therein. The modules are in thermal communication with a unitary cooling plate disposed underneath. The modules include an array of secondary cells arranged in bottom and top carriers. The bottoms of the cells are in thermal communication with a heat spreader. The cells are oriented with their electrodes in a common plane and electrically isolated by the top carrier. One or more potting materials fills the interstitial spaces between the cells. The cells are connected in parallel and series by interconnects. A module monitoring system tracks the voltage and temperature of the modules. Modules are connected in series by intra-row and inter-row interconnects. A battery management system provides a solar charging mode for both stationary and in-motion vehicle operation, and a low-power quiescent mode when the vehicle is powered down.
H01M 50/249 - MonturesBoîtiers secondaires ou cadresBâtis, modules ou blocsDispositifs de suspensionAmortisseursDispositifs de transport ou de manutentionSupports spécialement adaptés aux aéronefs ou aux véhicules, p. ex. aux automobiles ou aux trains
H01M 10/42 - Procédés ou dispositions pour assurer le fonctionnement ou l'entretien des éléments secondaires ou des demi-éléments secondaires
H01M 10/46 - Accumulateurs combinés par structure avec un appareil de charge
H01M 10/48 - Accumulateurs combinés à des dispositions pour mesurer, tester ou indiquer l'état des éléments, p. ex. le niveau ou la densité de l'électrolyte
H01M 10/613 - Refroidissement ou maintien du froid
H01M 10/653 - Moyens de commande de la température associés de façon structurelle avec les éléments caractérisés par des matériaux électriquement isolants ou thermiquement conducteurs
H01M 10/6556 - Composants solides comprenant des canaux d'écoulement ou des tubes pour un échange de chaleur
H01M 10/658 - Moyens de commande de la température associés de façon structurelle avec les éléments par isolation ou protection thermique
H01M 50/213 - Bâtis, modules ou blocs de multiples batteries ou de multiples cellules caractérisés par leur forme adaptés aux cellules ayant une section transversale courbée, p. ex. ronde ou elliptique
H01M 50/507 - Interconnecteurs pour connecter les bornes des batteries adjacentesInterconnecteurs pour connecter les cellules en dehors d'un boîtier de batterie comprenant un arrangement de plusieurs barres omnibus réunies dans une structure de conteneur, p. ex. modules de barres omnibus
An aerodynamic vehicle includes an aerodynamic heat exchanger formed as one or more body panels disposed along an outer surface of the vehicle having one or more fluidic chambers or micro-channels. The aerodynamic heat exchanger is adapted to provide effective and highly efficient heat transfer, and also to provide substantially reduced or negligible contribution to the aerodynamic drag. The aerodynamic heat exchanger may provide adequate heat rejection capacity throughout vehicle operating conditions that advantageously results in increased fuel economy and overall vehicle performance.
An electric vehicle having a heat exchanger formed in an aerodynamic airfoil shape comprising one or more body panels disposed along an outer surface of the vehicle having one or more fluidic chambers or micro-channels. The heat exchanger is adapted to provide effective and highly efficient heat transfer, and also to provide substantially reduced or negligible contribution to the aerodynamic drag. The heat exchanger includes a supplemental heat exchange system wherein at least a portion of the heat exchange capacity is provided by an inner heat exchange surface of the heat exchanger exposed to an interstitial space within the vehicle. Airflow is forced, via a fan for example, from an aerodynamically-efficient inlet, over the inner heat exchange surface, and exhausted through an aerodynamically-efficient outlet, thereby providing a supplemental heat exchange system including substantially reduced or negligible contribution to the aerodynamic drag.
An electric vehicle having a heat exchanger formed in an aerodynamic airfoil shape comprising one or more body panels disposed along an outer surface of the vehicle having one or more fluidic chambers or micro-channels. The heat exchanger is adapted to provide effective and highly efficient heat transfer, and also to provide substantially reduced or negligible contribution to the aerodynamic drag. The heat exchanger includes a supplemental heat exchange system wherein at least a portion of the heat exchange capacity is provided by an inner heat exchange surface of the heat exchanger exposed to an interstitial space within the vehicle. Airflow is forced, via a fan for example, from an aerodynamically-efficient inlet, over the inner heat exchange surface, and exhausted through an aerodynamically-efficient outlet, thereby providing a supplemental heat exchange system including substantially reduced or negligible contribution to the aerodynamic drag.
A dual trailing link, rear wheel suspension system for a vehicle is described. The trailing links have proximal ends coupled to the vehicle chassis and distal ends coupled to a bracket with a knuckle for the wheel. The distal ends have a larger distance between them than the proximal ends, allowing for an improved instantaneous center, which may be useful for determining lift/squat characteristics. The distal ends may be disposed proximate the knuckle, thereby providing the largest possible knuckle pivot radius, i.e., effective swingarm length, for a predetermined chassis-wheel distance, which provides a smoother, more comfortable riding experience. The disclosed arrangement makes maximum use of the space allotted for the rear suspension system and is suitable for use with an aerodynamic cowling for an energy efficient vehicle.
The present invention relates to an airside system for a vehicle HVAC system and to a HVAC apparatus, system and method having a multidirectional vent formed integrally with a mount adapted to receive a user interface in the form of a centrally disposed touch screen. The vent/interface assembly may be disposed inside the vehicle cabin including, but not limited to, the dashboard and/or instrument panel. The one or more outlets of the vent may be disposed partially or completely around the touch screen perimeter. Each outlet may flow in one or more directions, be individually adjustable either automatically or manually, or be stationary. The assembly may be configured to position the user interface offset from the dashboard. The outlet(s) of the vent may be partially or completely hidden behind the user interface. On/off and directional control of each outlet may be achieved by means of vanes, blades, and/or slots.
A solar module for industrial applications is disclosed that includes a solar panel coupled to a damper. The damper provides support against static and dynamic loads with reduced risk of damage to the solar cells in applications such as architectural, marine, aeronautical, terrestrial and/or other structural panels, and to reduce noise, vibration and harshness for industrial utility. The solar panel electrical terminations may be housed in one or more junction boxes formed from flexible material of the damper, and having simplified electrical connections with strain relief. The solar module with integrated solar panel, damper and junction boxes constitutes a lightweight, durable body panel with a reduced number of components that may be manufactured in high volume and at low cost.
The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for a doubly curved panel with a light emitting element, such as for a body panel of an automobile. Also described is a doubly curved solar panel with doubly curved solar cells and a light emitting element. The light emitting element may be of the LED or electroluminescent type and be embedded in the solar panel while remaining electrically decoupled from the solar array. The solar panel comprises doubly-curved substrate and superstrate preforms and at least one rigid layer. The preforms may comprise one or more strengthened glass and/or polymer layers. Polymer preforms may be formed by flat lamination followed by thermoforming. A core comprising lower and upper encapsulant layers sandwiching the light emitting element and solar cell array is disposed between substrate and superstrate preforms forming a lamination stack which is then subjected to a lamination process.
H01L 31/12 - Dispositifs à semi-conducteurs sensibles aux rayons infrarouges, à la lumière, au rayonnement électromagnétique d'ondes plus courtes, ou au rayonnement corpusculaire, et spécialement adaptés, soit comme convertisseurs de l'énergie dudit rayonnement e; Procédés ou appareils spécialement adaptés à la fabrication ou au traitement de ces dispositifs ou de leurs parties constitutives; Leurs détails structurellement associés, p.ex. formés dans ou sur un substrat commun, avec une ou plusieurs sources lumineuses électriques, p.ex. avec des sources lumineuses électroluminescentes, et en outre électriquement ou optiquement couplés avec lesdites sour
20.
MOLDED DECORATIVE SOLAR PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
An apparatus, system, and method is disclosed, which integrates a flexible solar module with a freestanding, molded panel assembly in a curved geometry, such as for a vehicle dashboard, using insert molding. A flexible solar module with surface texture may be integrated with a larger body panel with a seamless, flush surface and uninterrupted texture. A flexible module may be adhered to a textured cap sheet and overmolded on a back side. A smooth, flexible module may be over-molded on a front or back side, in a single molding operation. A smooth, flexible module may be overmolded on front and back sides using two molding operations. Methods of flexible and rigid module retention within the insert mold are disclosed. Methods of surface texturing are also described. Furthermore, methods of concealing the solar cells through color matching are disclosed.
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for fixing an image on complex geometric shapes such as a curved solar panel with an undistorted printed design. The solar panel comprises substrate and superstate preforms having at least one design printed on one surface or interface. The method uses distortion printing during preform fabrication. A transformation from a flat state to the curved panel state is determined. The reverse transformation is applied to the desired design thereby producing a pre-distorted design. The pre-distorted design is printed on a surface or interface of a lamination layer prior to flat lamination. After flat lamination the layers are thermoformed into the final preform shape wherein the design is substantially undistorted. Alternatively, the pre-distorted design may be printed on the full flat laminate or may be applied by a back sheet or transfer film. The preforms are then laminated with encapsulated solar cells forming a curved solar panel with an undistorted design.
H01L 31/0392 - Dispositifs à semi-conducteurs sensibles aux rayons infrarouges, à la lumière, au rayonnement électromagnétique d'ondes plus courtes, ou au rayonnement corpusculaire, et spécialement adaptés, soit comme convertisseurs de l'énergie dudit rayonnement e; Procédés ou appareils spécialement adaptés à la fabrication ou au traitement de ces dispositifs ou de leurs parties constitutives; Leurs détails caractérisés par leurs corps semi-conducteurs caractérisés par leur structure cristalline ou par l'orientation particulière des plans cristallins comprenant des films minces déposés sur des substrats métalliques ou isolants
H01L 31/18 - Procédés ou appareils spécialement adaptés à la fabrication ou au traitement de ces dispositifs ou de leurs parties constitutives
B60K 16/00 - Dispositions relatives à l'alimentation des ensembles de propulsion sur les véhicules en énergie tirée des forces de la nature, p. ex. du soleil ou du vent
B60R 13/00 - Éléments pour habiller la carrosserie, l'identifier ou la décorerAménagements ou adaptations pour la publicité
22.
LOW LATENCY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE USING POINT OF USE CONTROLLER
A LIN communication system may include a gateway module coupled to one or more LIN strings, each LIN string including one or more hardware-only point-of-use controllers (PoUC) and/or one or more programmable point-of-use controllers (PoUC). Each PoUC may be tailored to a plurality of end devices, and centrally-disposed with respect to the same. The system represents an optimized arrangement that minimizes weight, cost, and complexity of the system, while providing optimized functionality in terms of processing power, bandwidth, and the like, to achieve only that which is needed to control the vehicle. The system employs a scheduler that may interleave I/O and diagnostic messages on the LIN-protocol bus at the PoUC level that may reduce unused bandwidth. This system may be particularly adapted for use in an electric vehicle having on-board solar panels, wherein the weight of system components is a dominating factor in the vehicle design.
H04L 67/12 - Protocoles spécialement adaptés aux environnements propriétaires ou de mise en réseau pour un usage spécial, p. ex. les réseaux médicaux, les réseaux de capteurs, les réseaux dans les véhicules ou les réseaux de mesure à distance
23.
LAMINATOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING CURVED LAMINATED SOLAR PANEL
An apparatus, system and method for a laminator is disclosed capable of producing a doubly curved solar panel with doubly curved solar cells. The laminator panel comprises a housing divided into lower and upper chambers by a membrane, the lower housing comprising a convex surface in the form of a mold and/or tray in the desired panel shape. The convex surface is of a shape that induces gentle curvature in the membrane at the panel edge under lamination conditions. The tray may include holes at the panel edge for evacuation of encapsulant vapors while the mold includes channels in communication with the vacuum for collecting the vapors. The housing is configured to prevent overextension of the membrane. Lift pins provide insulation from the heated convex surface. A lamination method is provided wherein a lamination stack may be secured to itself and to the convex surface with removable adhesive tape.
B32B 37/10 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par la technique de pressage, p. ex. faisant usage de l'action directe du vide ou d'un fluide sous pression
B32B 37/06 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par le procédé de chauffage
B32B 38/18 - Manipulation des couches ou du stratifié
An aerodynamic vehicle includes an aerodynamic heat exchanger formed as one or more body panels disposed along an outer surface of the vehicle having one or more fluidic chambers or micro-channels. The aerodynamic heat exchanger is adapted to provide effective and highly efficient heat transfer, and also to provide substantially reduced or negligible contribution to the aerodynamic drag. The aerodynamic heat exchanger may provide adequate heat rejection capacity throughout vehicle operating conditions that advantageously results in increased fuel economy and overall vehicle performance.
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for a curved solar panel with an undistorted printed design. The solar panel comprises a preformed substrate and superstrate having a design printed on at least one surfaces, via distortion printing during preform fabrication. A transformation from a flat state to the curved state is determined. The reverse transformation is applied to the desired design thereby producing a pre-distorted design. The pre-distorted design is printed on a surface of a layer prior to lamination and/or forming. Subsequent lamination may occur. The layer(s) may then be thermoformed into the final preform shape, wherein the design is substantially undistorted. The pre-distorted design may be printed on or proximate to the surface, or may be applied by a back sheet or transfer film and transferred thereto. The preforms are subsequently laminated with encapsulated solar cells forming a curved solar panel with an undistorted design.
The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for a two-axis of curvature solar panel with doubly-curved solar cells. The solar panel comprises substrate and superstate preforms having two-axis of curvature geometry and at least one rigid layer. The preforms may comprise one or more strengthened glass and/or polymer layers. A core comprising lower and upper encapsulant layers sandwiching a solar cell array is disposed between substrate and superstrate preforms forming a lamination stack. The solar cells may be tacked to the lower encapsulant layer. The preforms may be formed by flat lamination followed by thermoforming. The curved solar panel may comprise a flange suitable for assisting the assembly process and be made of materials with disparate mechanical and thermal properties. A method is provided wherein preforms and core layers are assembled and laminated, and post-processing that may include trimming and edge sealing.
H01L 31/18 - Procédés ou appareils spécialement adaptés à la fabrication ou au traitement de ces dispositifs ou de leurs parties constitutives
B60K 16/00 - Dispositions relatives à l'alimentation des ensembles de propulsion sur les véhicules en énergie tirée des forces de la nature, p. ex. du soleil ou du vent
Solar panel plant for making laminated solar panel product having preformed substrate with convex surface and method for continuously processing the same
The invention relates to improved methods and implementation of reliably manufacturing laminated solar panel products having one or more axis of curvature, wherein at least one solar cell also has one or more axis of curvature, in a manufacturing plant, the manufacturing plant being capable of continuous, optimized operation. A substrate and a superstrate having a doubly-curved geometry may be assembled with a core disposed therebetween, the core comprising a solar cell array including at least one solar cell. During the lamination process, the plant substantially eliminates cracking of the at least one solar cell of the solar array through controlled and uniform application of lamination pressure and temperature that applies uniform local pressure simultaneously to each cell, resulting in a durable and reliable product. The invention further relates to a plant and/or facility having efficient, effective, and repeatable results relating to such methods.
B32B 37/02 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par la séquence des opérations de stratification, p. ex. par addition de nouvelles couches à des postes successifs de stratification
B32B 3/26 - Produits stratifiés comprenant une couche ayant des discontinuités ou des rugosités externes ou internes, ou une couche de forme non planeProduits stratifiés comprenant une couche ayant des particularités au niveau de sa forme caractérisés par une couche continue dont le périmètre de la section droite a une allure particulièreProduits stratifiés comprenant une couche ayant des discontinuités ou des rugosités externes ou internes, ou une couche de forme non planeProduits stratifiés comprenant une couche ayant des particularités au niveau de sa forme caractérisés par une couche comportant des cavités ou des vides internes
B32B 38/00 - Opérations auxiliaires liées aux procédés de stratification
B32B 27/36 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement de résine synthétique comprenant des polyesters
B32B 27/32 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement de résine synthétique comprenant des polyoléfines
B32B 27/30 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement de résine synthétique comprenant une résine vinyliqueProduits stratifiés composés essentiellement de résine synthétique comprenant une résine acrylique
B32B 27/28 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement de résine synthétique comprenant des copolymères de résines synthétiques non complètement couverts par les sous-groupes suivants
B32B 27/40 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement de résine synthétique comprenant des polyuréthanes
B32B 27/08 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement de résine synthétique comme seul composant ou composant principal d'une couche adjacente à une autre couche d'une substance spécifique d'une résine synthétique d'une sorte différente
28.
CURVED LAMINATED SOLAR PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF
The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for a two-axis of curvature solar panel with doubly-curved solar cells. The solar panel comprises substrate and superstrate preforms having two-axis of curvature geometry and at least one rigid layer. The preforms may comprise one or more strengthened glass and/or polymer layers. A core comprising lower and upper encapsulant layers sandwiching a solar cell array is disposed between substrate and superstrate preforms forming a lamination stack. The solar cells may be tacked to the lower encapsulant layer. The preforms may be formed by flat lamination followed by thermoforming. The curved solar panel may comprise a flange suitable for assisting the assembly process and be made of materials with disparate mechanical and thermal properties. A method is provided wherein preforms and core layers are assembled and laminated, and post-processing that may include trimming and edge sealing.
The invention relates to improved methods and implementation of reliably manufacturing laminated solar panel products having one or more axis of curvature, wherein at least one solar cell also has one or more axis of curvature, in a manufacturing plant, the manufacturing plant being capable of continuous, optimized operation. A substrate and a superstate having a doubly-curved geometry may be assembled with a core disposed therebetween, the core comprising a solar cell array including at least one solar cell. During the lamination process, the plant substantially eliminates cracking of the at least one solar cell of the solar array through controlled and uniform application of lamination pressure and temperature that applies uniform local pressure simultaneously to each cell, resulting in a durable and reliable product. The invention further relates to a plant and/or facility having efficient, effective, and repeatable results relating to such methods.
H01L 31/02 - Dispositifs à semi-conducteurs sensibles aux rayons infrarouges, à la lumière, au rayonnement électromagnétique d'ondes plus courtes, ou au rayonnement corpusculaire, et spécialement adaptés, soit comme convertisseurs de l'énergie dudit rayonnement e; Procédés ou appareils spécialement adaptés à la fabrication ou au traitement de ces dispositifs ou de leurs parties constitutives; Leurs détails - Détails
30.
ADHESIVELY BONDED, DECORATIVE SOLAR PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
An adhesively bonded dashboard including a solar module, and methods of manufacture pertaining thereto, are provided. The dashboard may be decorative in terms of an aesthetically pleasing texture and/or color. The solar cells contained therein may be curved along one axis of curvature to form one or more desirable shapes.
12 - Véhicules; appareils de locomotion par terre, par air ou par eau; parties de véhicules
16 - Papier, carton et produits en ces matières
21 - Ustensiles, récipients, matériaux pour le ménage; verre; porcelaine; faience
25 - Vêtements; chaussures; chapellerie
Produits et services
Land vehicles. Stickers. Water bottles. Apparel; shirts; sweatshirts; hats; jackets; pants;
merchandise (terms considered too vague by the International
Bureau - Rule 13 (2) (b) of the Regulations).
Radiators, automobiles, and methods of transferring thermal energy to or from an automobile. The radiators include elongated, flattened tubes that transfer thermal energy while minimally affecting the reference area of the automobile, reducing the amount of drag produced by the radiator.
