Volume compensation within a photovoltaic device
US8710361B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
Abstract
Volume compensation in photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device has an outer transparent casing and a substrate that, together, define an inner volume. At least one solar cell is on the substrate. A filler layer seals the at least one solar cell within the inner volume. A container within the inner volume has an opening in fluid communication with the filler layer. A diaphragm is affixed to the opening thereby sealing the interior of the container from the filler layer. The diaphragm is configured to decrease the volume within the container when the filler layer thermally expands and to increase the volume within the container when the filler layer thermally contracts. In some instances, the substrate is hollowed and the container is formed within this hollow. The container can have multiple openings, each sealed with a diaphragm. There can be multiple containers within the photovoltaic device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.