Abstract:
A method for scheduling cleaning of a photovoltaic (“PV”) system is implemented by a soiling monitoring computer system. The method includes determining a soiling level and a soiling rate for a photovoltaic (PV) system, calculating a cost associated with cleaning the PV system at each of a plurality of possible cleaning times, determining an expected energy output gain associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible times based on the soiling level and the soiling rate, calculating an expected benefit associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible cleaning times based on the expected energy output gain associated with each possible cleaning time, determining a first time of the plurality of possible times when the expected benefit exceeds the cost, and scheduling a cleaning time based on at least the determined first time.
Abstract:
Processes for producing polycrystalline silicon by thermal decomposition of silane are disclosed. The processes generally involve thermal decomposition of silane in a fluidized bed reactor operated at reaction conditions that result in a high rate of productivity relative to conventional production processes.
Abstract:
Processes for producing polycrystalline silicon by thermal decomposition of silane are disclosed. The processes generally involve thermal decomposition of silane in a fluidized bed reactor operated at reaction conditions that result in a high rate of productivity relative to conventional production processes.
Abstract:
Apparatus, methods, and systems for filtering for power line communications are described. In one example, a low pass filter for power line communication in a power system including at least one phase conductor and a neutral conductor is described. The filter includes at least one capacitor coupled between the phase conductor and the neutral conductor, at least one resistor coupled between the phase conductor and the neutral conductor, and at least one inductor coupled on the neutral conductor.
Abstract:
Processes for the treatment of silicon wafers to form a high density non-uniform distribution of oxygen precipitate nuclei therein such that, upon being subjected to the heat treatment cycles of essentially any arbitrary electronic device manufacturing process, the wafers form oxygen precipitates in the bulk and a precipitate-free zone near the surface are disclosed. The processes involve activation of inactive oxygen precipitate nuclei by performing heat treatments between about 400° C. and about 600° C. for at least about 1 hour.
Abstract:
A method is provided for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer comprising: (a) contacting the front surface of the wafer with a slurry comprising an abrasive agent and a polymeric rheological modifier; (b) contacting the front surface of the semiconductor wafer with an oxidant; and (c) irradiating the front surface of the semiconductor wafer with ultraviolet light.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for forming an ingot from a melt are disclosed. A system includes a crucible defining a cavity for receiving the melt, and a first and second barrier to inhibit movement of the melt. A first passageway and a second passageway are arranged to allow the melt located within an outer zone to move into and through a transition zone and into an inner zone. Conditioning members are placed in at least one of the zones and arranged to contact the melt to reduce the number of micro-voids in the melt.
Abstract:
Production of silicon ingots in a crystal puller that involve reduction in the formation of silicon deposits on the puller exhaust system are disclosed.
Abstract:
A solar assembly (200) includes a solar module (100) including a solar laminate (102) mounted within a frame (104) that circumscribes the solar laminate. The solar assembly also includes a mount (202) supporting the solar module including a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is attached to the solar module. The solar assembly further includes a structural adhesive compound (210) and a mounting surface (230). The structural adhesive compound is positioned between the mount second end and the mounting surface to facilitate bonding the mount to the mounting surface.
Abstract:
Methods for producing aluminum trifluoride by acid digestion of fluoride salts of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and aluminum, optionally, in the presence of a source of silicon; methods for producing silane that include acid digestion of by-products of silane production to produce aluminum trifluoride.