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Effective solar cells and sensitive bioanalysis
June 26, 2009The efficiency factor of solar cells is crucial for the success of generating electricity from sunlight. Systems in which light is concentrated 400-fold through lenses onto solar cells are proving to be particularly advantageous. This concentrator technology enables expensive semi-conductor material to be replaced with cheaper lens systems, and greater efficiency to be achieved. In his thesis, physicist Marc Steiner from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg presented a way of increasing the efficiency of these concentrator solar cells even more.
The contacting of the semi-conductor layers plays a crucial role here, and Marc Steiner's new simulation program optimizes the structure and configuration of the metallic contact fingers. These calculations yielded unprecedented efficiency factors for concentrator solar cells. Marc Steiner will be awarded the 2nd Hugo Geiger Prize for his thesis "Minimization of serial resistance losses in III-V solar cells with the aid of a SPICE network simulation".
Genes play an important role in every organism, particularly where its development and adaptation to the environment are concerned. Modern sequencing technology means that genomes can now be quickly mapped. However, it is still not entirely clear which genetic program is running during which phase of growth. Gene expression - that is, the analysis of which genes are switched on at any given point in time, and which are not - can supply the relevant answers. This helps to differentiate cells, and to understand biological systems on a molecular level.
The aim of the thesis "Global methods for the analysis of metatranscriptions on the single-cell level" by Christian Grumaz from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB was to establish a new, straightforward procedure that gets by with small sample quantities and enables a high throughput. "I was able to complete this plan successfully," says Christian Grumaz. The procedure is extremely sensitive, which means that it could potentially be applied in diagnostics, where biopsy material, for example, is usually only available in small quantities. A high throughput of samples is also possible, as parallel sequence technologies can be used. The analysis procedure is of interest for diagnosis, drug development and basic research. Christian Grumaz will be awarded the 3rd Hugo Geiger Prize for his paper.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Solar Cells Current Events and Solar Cells News RSSUnderstanding mechanical properties of silicon nanowires paves way for nanodevices
Silicon nanowires are attracting significant attention from the electronics industry due to the drive for ever-smaller electronic devices, from cell phones to computers.
Vibrations key to efficiency of green fluorescent protein
University of California, Berkeley, chemists have discovered the secret to the success of a jellyfish protein whose green glow has made it the darling of biologists and the subject of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Chemists describe solar energy progress and challenges, including the 'artificial leaf'
Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis - but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks.
Toward better solar cells: Chemists gain control of light-harvesting paths
University of Florida chemists have pioneered a method to tease out promising molecular structures for capturing energy, a step that could speed the development of more efficient, cheaper solar cells.
Switzerland has sent its first satellite into space
The Indian launcher Polar Space Launch Vehicle took off at 8:22 a.m. - Swiss time. Twenty minutes later, the SwissCube was ejected from the nose cone of the rocket at an altitude of around 720 kilometers.
Engineers Produce 'How-To' Guide for Controlling the Structure of Nanoparticles
Tiny objects known as nanoparticles are often heralded as holding great potential for future applications in electronics, medicine and other areas.
Looking deeply into polymer solar cells
Researchers from the Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Ulm have made the first high-resolution 3D images of the inside of a polymer solar cell.
Carbon nanotubes could make efficient solar cells
Using a carbon nanotube instead of traditional silicon, Cornell researchers have created the basic elements of a solar cell that hopefully will lead to much more efficient ways of converting light to electricity than now used in calculators and on rooftops.
Gold Solution for Enhancing Nanocrystal Electrical Conductance
In a development that holds much promise for the future of solar cells made from nanocrystals, and the use of solar energy to produce clean and renewable liquid transportation fuels, researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have reported a technique by which the electrical conductivity of nanorod crystals of the semiconductor cadmium-selenide was increased 100,000 times.
Light at the speed of a bicycle and much more
The speed of light, 300 million metres per second, was long thought an immutable constant and has defined our understanding of matter and energy but recent research in the area of optics and photonics is proving that we can manipulate light to some ingenious and hugely lucrative ends.
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SOLAR CELL, 60MM X 60MM X2MM by Solar Output: approximately 3 Volts @ 40 mA. 60mm square x 2.5mm thick epoxy-encapsulated silicon photovoltaic cell. Solid, almost-unbreakable module with solderable foil strips on backside. Ideal for solar-powered battery chargers and other projects. |
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Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Technology and Systems Applications by Adolf Goetzberger (Author), Joachim Knobloch (Author), Bernhard Voss (Author) As environmental concerns escalate, solar power is increasingly seen as an attractive alternative energy source. Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells addresses the practical and theoretical issues fundamental to the viable conversion of sunlight into electricity. Written by three internationally renowned experts, this valuable reference profits from results and experience gained from research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. Features include: Introduction to the principles of photovoltaics, providing a grounding in semiconductor physics for the novice reader Special emphasis on the methods of attaining high efficiency and thereby cost-effective solar power Examination of the physics, design and technology of crystalline silicon solar cells, in particular thin film cells... |
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Xantrex Technologies 852-2071 Xpower AC/DC Powerpack Solar With 400 Watt Inverter, Two AC Outlets, USB Port, And Digital Display by Xantrex Technologies The XPower Powerpack Solar is the first portable power pack that incorporates solar power in a compact, portable power source. It's completely self-renewing, which means the detachable 5-watt solar panel has the ability to recharge the power pack's 10 amp-hour battery.The 5-watt solar panel captures stores and converts the sun's renewable energy, replenishes the XPower Powerpack Solar's battery, and extends the runtime of many devices by up to 25 percent. |
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Lenmar PPUS20 PowerPort Solar Charger & External Portable Lithium Ion Battery for Cell Phone/iPhone 3G/MP3/USB Charging Cable/Device Tip Adapters by Lenmar Battery Solutions The PowerPort Solar Charger and Battery has been designed to harness the sun's energy, shortening the process of transforming it into electricity by using photovoltaic cells (PVs). PVs convert sunlight into electricity that can be used immediately. The process is clean, fast, noiseless, and - thanks to Lenmar - easily portable. Here's how it works. Light from the sun hits the solar cells. exciting electrons within the cell. Some of them break free, and channeled through a conductive metal strip to create an electric current. This current can either be stored in a battery or used directly in the form of electricity. The stronger the sunlight and the more rays that hit the cell, the more electricity is generated. Lenmar's PowerPort Solar is a portable Lithium-ion battery that can be... |
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The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) by Jenny Nelson (Author) This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of the photovoltaic cell. It is suitable for undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers new to the field. It covers: basic physics of semiconductors in photovoltaic devices; physical models of solar cell operation; characteristics and design of common types of solar cell; and approaches to increasing solar cell efficiency. The text explains the terms and concepts of solar cell device physics and shows the reader how to formulate and solve relevant physical problems. Exercises and worked solutions are included. Contents: Photons In, Electrons Out: Basic Principles of PV; Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors; Generation and Recombination; Junctions; Analysis of the p n Junction; Monocrystalline Solar Cells; Thin... |
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5" Monocrystalline Solar Cell by dmsolar DMS-125SL-250: 100 Cells, up to 250W * High efficiency and stable performance in photovoltaic conversion. * Advanced diffusion technique ensuring the homogeneity of energy conversion efficiency of the cell. * Advanced PECVD film forming, providing a dark blue silicon nitride anti-reflection film of homogenous color and attractive appearance. * High quality metal paste for back surface and electrode, ensuring good conductivity, high pulling strength and ease of soldering. * High precision patterning using screen printing, ensuring accurate busbar location for ease with automatic soldering a laser cutting. |
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Etón American Red Cross ARCFR160R Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger (Red) by Grundig / Eton Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power, and Cell Phone Charger |
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Etón FR160B Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger (Black) by Grundig / Eton Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power, and Cell Phone Charger |
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Solar Cells: Materials, Manufacture and Operation by Tom Markvart (Author), Luis Castaner (Author) The capture and use of solar energy has been growing for many years, but only in recent times have advances in design and manufacture allowed us to see the incorporation of solar energy as a significant player in the renewable energy arena. Solar cells are at the heart of any photovoltaic system and in this book the various types are described and their characteristics reviewed. Going beyond materials, design and function, 'Solar Cells' also covers their testing, monitoring and calibration thus providing a comprehensive account of current activity in this important field of research and industry. 'Solar Cells' has been abstracted from the recent 'Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics' by the same editors (ISBN 185617 3909. 2003: Elsevier) ... |
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