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OBJECTIVES: To perform a comprehensive assessment of cortical development in fetuses with isolated nonsevere ventriculomegaly (INSVM) by neurosonography. METHODS: We prospectively included 40 fetuses with INSVM and 40 controls. INSVM was defined as atrial width between 10.0 and 14.9 mm without associated malformation, infection, or chromosomal abnormality. Cortical development was assessed by neurosonography at 26 and 30 weeks of gestation measuring depth of selected sulci and applying a maturation scale from 0 (no appearance) to 5 (maximally developed) of main sulci and areas. RESULTS: INSVM showed underdeveloped calcarine and parieto-occipital sulci. In addition, significant delayed maturation pattern was also observed in regions distant to ventricular system including Insula depth (controls 30.8 mm [SD 1.7] vs INSVM 31.7 mm [1.8]; P = .04), Sylvian fissure grading (>2 at 26 weeks: controls 87.5% vs INSVM 50%, P = .01), mesial area grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 95% vs INSVM 62.5%; P = .03), and cingulate sulcus grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 100% vs INSVM 80.5%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses with INSVM showed underdeveloped cortical maturation including also regions, where effect of ventricular dilatation is unlikely. These results suggest that in a proportion of fetuses with INSVM, ventricular dilation might be related with altered cortical architecture.

33rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 1762-1769, The new functional encapsulation layer which is presented in this study, known as conduction path on encapsulant (CPOE), has the potential to interconnect high efficiency IBC solar cells. In our study, single cell demonstrator modules were assembled reaching an efficiency of 19.3% with relative cell to module (CTM) losses below 2%. However, this concept so far requires reduction in the cell area (e.g. one-eighth cell size module design) since significant losses in FF were observed due to the high resistive losses in the CPOE. Accelerated environmental indoor tests reveal that the module based on CPOE technology passes the precondition ultra-violet (UV) degradation and damp heat (DH) exposure test for 1250 hrs. without any signs of degradation in the module packaging materials or electrically power losses. However, thermo-cycling for 200 cycles reveal relative Pmpp losses higher than 5%. Additionally, power degradation after applying a PID test at +1000V at 85°C was observed. Finally, outdoor energy yield studies of the CPOE modules compared with Zebra and p-type cell modules with soldered ribbons as references reveal higher energy yield (Ya) and performance ratio (PR) of CPOE and Zebra reference than p-type full cell module. In addition during cloudy days, CPOE modules show better energy performance when compared to Zebra reference modules.

33rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 2564-2569, This paper describes the main findings of the WINNER project, focused on the development of an innovative smart window based in the concept of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). Different luminophores have been used to realize semitransparent and colorless photovoltaic (PV) windows to convert the energy-passive façades of urban buildings into effective energy and, at the same time, promoting building’s visual and thermal comfort. Here we used inorganic dyes with rare-earth elements such as Eu3+ and Dy3+, and Nd3+/Yb3+ lanthanide couple to down-shift the solar spectrum towards the NIR wavelength range where the solar cells have an optimal response. Experimental results demonstrate an optical power efficiency of 2.2% (inorganic dyes) and 1.3% (lanthanides) under AM1.5G conditions for 3.5x3.5 cm2 tinted and fully transparent (optical transmittance ≈ 90%) LSCs. The design of the smart window was completed following a study of user and architectural requirements as well as market trends. The LSC system integrates not only the PV cells on the window frame but also all the basic electronic components for an autonomous mode of operation, including batteries and miniaturized balance-of-system elements. These results open the way for the realization of visible transparent solar energy harvesting clear glass windows.

31st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 149-152, The aim of this work is the development of an innovative module encapsulation technology based on a novel encapsulation foil with intrinsic conductive structures. The system is able to replace traditional interconnection schemes based on ribbon soldering, enabling a highly efficiency module assembly process and therefore increasing productivity and potentially reducing production costs. Conductive encapsulant foils are produced by combining advanced conductive inks with high-throughput roll-to-roll printed electronics technologies for the production of the conductive structures. Special focus is placed on developing printing and ink sintering processes for the intrinsic conductors, which i) maintain the properties of the encapsulant material, ii) meet stringent specifications regarding flexibility and mechanical strength of the conductive network and iii) reach high electrical serial and contact resistance after a typical lamination cycle.