Patent · US Active

Method and structure, using flexible membrane surfaces, for setting and/or maintaining a uniform micron/sub-micron gap separation between juxtaposed photosensitive and heat-supplying surfaces of photovoltaic chips and the like for the generation of electrical power

US8076569B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
3References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 12, 2008
Grant dateDec 13, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 16, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/50
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A near-field energy conversion structure and method of assembling the same, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near field” gap between juxtaposed photocell infrared radiation receiver and heat emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.