James W Paull

US Patent:

7875792, Jan 25, 2011

Filed:

Jul 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/773866

Inventors:

James B. Paull - Andover MA, US

Assignee:

Stellaris Corporation - North Billerica MA

International Classification:

H01L 31/0203
H01L 31/0232

US Classification:

136246, 136251, 136244, 438 64, 438 66

Abstract:

The present disclosure relates to a device for concentrating light onto a photovoltaic target. In one embodiment, the device may include a transparent concentrating lens having an outside surface and a top and bottom portion wherein the bottom portion may be configured to receive concentrated light. A photovoltaic strip including a conducting strip are then provided along with film adhered to at least a portion of the outside surface of the concentrating lens wherein the film engages the lens and positions the photovoltaic strip at the lens bottom portion. A dielectric fluid may then be located between the lens and the film.

US Patent:

8080899, Dec 20, 2011

Filed:

Feb 20, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/390181

Inventors:

James B. Paull - Andover MA, US

Assignee:

Stellaris Corporation - North Andover MA

International Classification:

H02H 3/00

US Classification:

307 51, 307 63

Abstract:

Techniques for DC-to-AC conversion are disclosed, and may be embodied in a solar inverter device that can operatively couple to a power grid. The device includes a photovoltaic (PV) stack including series-connected PV modules. Each PV module is associated with a capacitor for storing output of that PV module. A positive terminator circuit switches a negative end of the PV stack to ground during positive half of grid cycle, and a negative terminator switches a positive end of the PV stack to ground during negative half of grid cycle. A connecting branch couples each PV module output to a common bus, each branch including control circuitry configured to selectively couple the corresponding PV module output to bus. During a first half of grid cycle, some of the capacitors discharge to the grid while a balance of the capacitors charge in preparation for discharge during a second half of grid cycle.

US Patent:

8207630, Jun 26, 2012

Filed:

Dec 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/329941

Inventors:

James B. Paull - Andover MA, US

Assignee:

Stellaris Corporation - North Andover MA

International Classification:

H02J 3/00

US Classification:

307 51, 307 63

Abstract:

Techniques for DC-to-AC conversion are disclosed, and may be embodied in a solar inverter device that can operatively couple to a power grid. The device includes a photovoltaic (PV) stack including series-connected PV modules. Each PV module is associated with a capacitor for storing output of that PV module. A positive terminator circuit switches a negative end of the PV stack to ground during positive half of grid cycle, and a negative terminator switches a positive end of the PV stack to ground during negative half of grid cycle. A connecting branch couples each PV module output to a common bus, each branch including control circuitry configured to selectively couple the corresponding PV module output to bus. During a first half of grid cycle, some of the capacitors discharge to the grid while a balance of the capacitors charge in preparation for discharge during a second half of grid cycle.

US Patent:

20050081909, Apr 21, 2005

Filed:

Oct 19, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/968293

Inventors:

James Paull - Andover MA, US

International Classification:

H01L025/00

US Classification:

136246000

Abstract:

This invention describes a non-imaging, non-tracking, integrally-formed solar radiation concentrator that passively concentrates both diffuse and direct solar radiation onto photovoltaic cells to produce electricity, incorporating its features into a shingle-like element useful as a roofing material and in other structural applications. The substantially transparent, solar concentrating elements of the invention may also incorporate a system to remove waste energy in the form of heat that is not utilized in the generation of electricity. The invention further provides a thermal energy recovery system including a forced convection air system for removing waste heat from the concentrating shingle assembly and using it, if desired, for building space heat or domestic water heating.

US Patent:

20100012187, Jan 21, 2010

Filed:

Jul 16, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/504647

Inventors:

James B. Paull - Andover MA, US
Peter Morse - Essex MA, US

Assignee:

STELLARIS CORPORATION - North Billerica MA

International Classification:

H01L 31/00

US Classification:

136259

Abstract:

Techniques are disclosed for protecting a photovoltaic device from the environment. An electrical interconnection is also provided for increased mechanical and electrical protection of the photovoltaic and electrical interconnections between lens cell assemblies configured in an array using an enclosed busway structure. Also provided is a method of leading the electrical contacts from the photovoltaic material within the lens cell assembly such that there is a positive seal provided by the lens encapsulating material. One such embodiment comprises a passage within the lens itself, which serves as a conduit for electrical leads from the photovoltaic material. The internal passage for electrical leads enables the ability to completely wrap and seal the lens assembly with encapsulating film, which in combination with an enclosed busway operatively coupling an array of lens assemblies, allows for a highly manufacturable and secure seal over the photovoltaic system.

US Patent:

20110067693, Mar 24, 2011

Filed:

Sep 22, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/887808

Inventors:

James B. PAULL - Andover MA, US

Assignee:

STELLARIS CORPORATION - North Billerica MA

International Classification:

F24J 2/46
B23P 11/00

US Classification:

126704, 29428

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing or eliminating the need for an intermediate supporting rack in a solar panel installation, which in turn may lower the cost of the installation. In one exemplary embodiment, a mount design is provided that includes a mounting flange attached to or integrally formed with a first side of a solar panel frame. This first side and flange operate together with a second side of the solar panel frame that is designed to engage with the mounting flange and first side of an adjacent solar panel. The geometry of the first and second sides may be such that they engage upon installation. The engagement may further include pins or similar components protruding from one side of one solar panel to fit into corresponding holes in a side of an adjacent panel.

US Patent:

49305719, Jun 5, 1990

Filed:

Sep 29, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/912992

Inventors:

James B. Paull - Andover MA

Assignee:

Industrial Energy Corporation - Andover MA

International Classification:

F28F 1700
F28F 1900

US Classification:

165111

Abstract:

A heat recovery system for at least partially cooling and at least partially cleaning an exhaust stream of hot air from a heating operation which is contaminated with vaporized, condensable liquids and with finely divided particulate solids comprising (a) a first indirect heat exchange means for partially cooling the hot exhaust stream with a fresh stream of cold air to a temperature not significantly above the dew point of vaporized liquids entrained in the hot air stream and for partially heating the fresh stream of air, (b) solids collecting means for centrifugally separating a substantial portion of the finely divided solids from the partially cooled exhaust stream and (c) second indirect heat exchange means for further cooling the exhaust stream to a temperature below the dew point of vaporized liquids initially contained therein to thereby liquefy a significant portion of the vaporized liquids and to further heat the stream of fresh air.

US Patent:

41240170, Nov 7, 1978

Filed:

Jun 17, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/807537

Inventors:

James B. Paull - Andover MA

Assignee:

James B. Paull & Co., Inc. - Boston MA

International Classification:

F24J 302

US Classification:

126270

Abstract:

This invention describes an improved solar energy collector which passively concentrates the rays of the sun. The collector comprises a transparent cover which collimates incident rays of light and directs such collimated sunlight towards an absorbing target wherein the radiation's energy is received and utilized. The transparent collector cover consists of a lamination of transparent plastic or glass elements. Sunlight incident on the cover over a range of angles is reflected internally between the sides of the elements. These elements are so shaped that internal reflections result in the sunlight becoming collimated. Specifically, the elements are curved so that the horizontal distance between the sides of adjacent elements remains constant whereas the length of a normal between the sides increases along the path of incident light. The effect of these apparently diverging surfaces is to cause each subsequent internal reflection at a particular internal surface to occur at a successively lower angle of incidence, thus tending to collimate the light's rays. The resulting collimated rays are then reflected upon leaving the bottom of the collector cover in such a way that they are directed towards the absorbing target.