.gif)
.gif)
Industry News
June 11, 2012
Alta Devices Discloses Key Technologies to Serve New Class of Solar Applications
Alta Devices™ has disclosed details of key technologies that enabled what it describes as its latest record module result. Alta described how its thin film solar cells are interconnected into flexible sheets creating a new class of solar material that leverages the company’s record-setting high efficiency Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cell technology. These breakthroughs enable flexible solar material that can be formed into different shapes and sizes, making possible new and unique solar applications.
"Up until now, the applications of relatively high efficiency solar have been constrained to those that utilize large and heavy glass plates," said Chris Norris, Alta president and CEO. "But the technology being disclosed this week has the potential to change both the applications and economics of solar."
Alta’s solar material can be used differently from those that have been available; it allows meaningful power production anywhere the sun is shining. This results directly from the high efficiency of Alta’s material combined with its thin and flexible nature. It can be deployed in many new kinds of solar applications including: electric vehicles, aircraft and unmanned drones, portable power, roof tiles and other building-integrated uses, and more. Because of the characteristics of Alta’s solar technology, the high cost of an entire solar energy system is reduced.
Related: Securing the Grid and Renewable Resources will be Key for Energy Security
"When you are able to use solar in nearly any form, the applications broaden and the system complexity and cost are dramatically reduced," explained Norris, "And, ultimately, both the economic returns and human benefits increase."
According to Dr. Laila Mattos, Alta was able to reach a new world record of 23.5% solar module efficiency -- a result confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Lab. In addition to underscoring various previously disclosed techniques for overcoming the cost and complexity of using GaAs (one of the most efficient solar materials known), Dr. Mattos explained how Alta was able to maintain its efficiency advantage while creating flexible sheets that can be of nearly any size. Specifically, Dr. Mattos revealed that Alta’s solar cells are self-interconnected in a way that maximizes the light captured by the thin, flexible sheets.
Opinion: Local Power Distribution with Nanogrids
Dr. Mattos explained, "Traditionally, when solar cells are interconnected to form a module, conversion efficiency is compromised because active solar material is covered with metal busbars and wires, preventing some of the light from entering the cells. In addition, gaps between cells create areas of the module that are not able to convert incident light to electrical energy. The key to improving solar performance at the module level is to avoid these problems. Enabled by our cell flexibility, we use a self-interconnected technology that eliminates the wires, thus maximizing the cells’ exposure to incident light. The self-interconnected cells form a flexible sheet with no gaps and that can be of any size or aspect ratio.".
According to Norris, construction of Alta’s pilot manufacturing facility is underway, with expectations of material available by the beginning of 2013. "We take every step of our business systematically and don’t underestimate the challenges. We are committed to thinking differently about solar energy and how it is used, and are dedicated to realizing its potential to improve lives around the world."
More news and information regarding the latest developments in Smart Grid electronics can be found at Darnell’s SmartGridElectronics.Net.
Share this story
Send via E-mail
Post to Twitter
On the Web:
White Papers
March 11, 2013
Power Modules for Charger Applications
Sponsored by Vincotech
February 27, 2013
The Adaptive Cell Converter Topology Enables Constant Efficiency Over Universal Input AC Line in Front-End, High-Density Power Factor Correction Applications
Sponsored by Vicor Corp.
February 27, 2013
From 48 V direct to Intel VR12.0: Saving "Big Data" $500,000 per datacenter, per year
Sponsored by Vicor Corp.
More White Papers
- SynQor Announces Denial of Defendants' Motions for Rehearing
- Teen Wins $50,000 for Development of Nanorod Supercapacitors
- Advanced Internal Structure of New MOSFET Family Lowers On-State Resistance
- Murata Introduces Digital 420W PMBus-Compliant 1/4 Brick
- Rivals Powermat and PowerKiss to Become One
- Eos Energy Raises $15 Million Series B Funding from Strategic Investors
- GridSTAR Net Zero Energy Demonstration Project underway at The Navy Yard
- Microgrid at Fort Bliss Commissioned as a Counter to Cyber Warfare Threat
- Allegro MicroSystems Introduces 2.5A Buck Regulator with Low IQ Standby Mode
- Exar Introduces New Family of Rugged RS-485 Transceivers for the Industrial Market
- Renesas Adds IGBT Drivers with Micro-Isolator for Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Inverters
- European Project Reports Achievements in Drive to Shape the Future of Power Microelectronics
- Bosch Claims First Sub-$450 240V EV Charging Station
- 500W Full-Brick DC-DC Converter Optimized for Fuel Cell Applications
- DOE Selects Consortium to Develop Next-Generation Batteries for Automobiles
- Altera Acquires Enpirion for $140 Million, Forms Power Business Unit
- Teen Wins $50,000 for Development of Nanorod Supercapacitors
- 36V Digital Potentiometers Support Wide Signal Swings and High Power-Supply Voltages
- LG Chem Announces Plans for Start of Production of Automotive Li-Ion Batteries
- Digitally-Isolated Gate Drivers Provide Robust Drop-in Replacements for Opto-Drivers
- Green Building Power Forum 2010: Fujitsu Components America
- Darnell's Digital Power Forum 2009: CUI Incorporated
- Green Building Power Forum 2010: Anderson Power Products
- Green Building Power Forum 2010: EMerge Alliance
- Green Building Power Forum 2009: Independence Station
- Darnell's Digital Power Forum 2009: Coilcraft
- Darnell's Digital Power Forum 2009: Champs Technologies
- Darnell's Digital Power Forum 2009: EXAR Corporation
- Darnell's Digital Power Forum 2009: PMBus
- Darnell's Digital Power Forum 2009: Power Plaza
Design Features
October 22, 2012
Energy Efficiency with Class D Amplifier Modules
Class-D switching amplifiers are helping audio designers create personal multimedia devices and home audio/visual systems that demonstrate how compact and stylish equipment can also deliver high sound quality and high audio output power. The key to this breakthrough, providing freedom from the large and bulky boxes housing traditional audio products, lies in the class-D amplifier’s high energy efficiency, which is typically around 90%. This allows designers to reduce or eliminate heatsinks as well as using smaller-sized PCBs and smaller components such as transformers, connectors and power supplies.
Design Features
October 8, 2012
The Role of Hall Effect Sensors in Power Distribution Infrastructure
Power distribution units (PDUs) form an essential part of modern computing and data communications hardware. They provide multiple outputs for transferring electrical power with maximum efficiency, controlling the power capacity and safeguarding against the possible causes of supply interruption. With an ever increasing need from tech savvy consumers for higher data throughput and greater quantities of data storage capacity, as well as tough international legislation now governing CO&sub2; emissions, the demands being placed on these units are proving challenging for engineering teams to satisfy.
Product Focus
August 13, 2012
The Year in AC-DC Power Supply Technology
The past year witnessed significant new product releases, technological developments, and industry news related to the field of AC-DC Power Supply technology.