A method for fabricating a self-aligned via structure includes forming a tri-layer mask on an ILD layer over a lower metal wiring layer, the tri-layer mask includes first and second insulating layers and a metal layer in between the insulating layers; defining a trench pattern through the first insulating layer and metal layer, the trench pattern having a first width; defining a first via pattern in a lithographic mask over the trench pattern, the first via pattern having a second width that is larger than the first width; growing a metal capping layer on an exposed sidewall of the trench pattern to decrease the first width to a third width that defines a second via pattern; transferring the trench pattern into the ILD layer to form a trench; and transferring the second via pattern through the ILD layer and into the metal wiring layer to form a via.

An electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus is described herein. The electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus facilitates directing light from an exterior of a structure to an interior of a structure. The directed light is then distributed as necessary within the structure for heating, illumination, or is stored for use at a later time.

An electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus is described herein. The electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus facilitates directing light from an exterior of a structure to an interior of a structure. The directed light is then distributed as necessary within the structure for heating, illumination, or is stored for use at a later time.

The present disclosure discloses a heating system coupling a passive phase change energy storage sunlight room with an air source heat pump. The heating system includes a passive phase change energy storage sunlight room (7), phase change heat storage units, a to-be-heated room (8), and an air source heat pump air heater arranged between the passive phase change energy storage sunlight room (7) and the to-be-heated room (8), wherein each phase change heat storage unit (11) consists of a plurality of phase change heat storage modules (1). An opening in the front part of each phase change heat storage module faces an interior of the passive phase change energy storage sunlight room, and the phase change heat storage modules located on the top are spliced transversely, and the vent in the top of each phase change heat storage module is connected with the ventilation port of the room.

The present disclosure discloses a heating system coupling a passive phase change energy storage sunlight room with an air source heat pump. The heating system includes a passive phase change energy storage sunlight room (7), phase change heat storage units, a to-be-heated room (8), and an air source heat pump air heater arranged between the passive phase change energy storage sunlight room (7) and the to-be-heated room (8), wherein each phase change heat storage unit (11) consists of a plurality of phase change heat storage modules (1). An opening in the front part of each phase change heat storage module faces an interior of the passive phase change energy storage sunlight room, and the phase change heat storage modules located on the top are spliced transversely, and the vent in the top of each phase change heat storage module is connected with the ventilation port of the room.

A seasonal heat-cold energy storage and supply pool, including a salt-free solar pool at the upper layer and an energy storage pool at the lower layer. The salt-free solar pool and the energy storage pool are separately connected to a water source. The salt-free solar pool includes a pool bottom and a pool wall. The pool bottom of the salt-free solar pool functions as a top cover of the energy storage pool. The energy storage pool includes a wall and a bottom which are a composite layer. The energy storage pool is provided with a heat exchange coil configured to implement heat exchange in the energy storage pool for supplying heat and cold for an external user. The salt-free solar pool and the energy storage pool are communicated through controllable valves at the pool bottom of the salt-free solar pool.

A seasonal heat-cold energy storage and supply pool, including a salt-free solar pool at the upper layer and an energy storage pool at the lower layer. The salt-free solar pool and the energy storage pool are separately connected to a water source. The salt-free solar pool includes a pool bottom and a pool wall. The pool bottom of the salt-free solar pool functions as a top cover of the energy storage pool. The energy storage pool includes a wall and a bottom which are a composite layer. The energy storage pool is provided with a heat exchange coil configured to implement heat exchange in the energy storage pool for supplying heat and cold for an external user. The salt-free solar pool and the energy storage pool are communicated through controllable valves at the pool bottom of the salt-free solar pool.

A system and method for collecting solar energy wherein the system comprising a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and a plurality of solar panels secured to an outside periphery of the tower. The method comprises providing a tower formed having a plurality of stories, the tower formed of a plurality of structural members extending between hub connectors to form a space frame providing a vertical airflow path therethrough and securing a plurality of solar panels to and around an outside periphery of the tower.

A unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat.

An articulating solar energy and wind power harvesting apparatus optimizes harnessing of solar energy and wind power by rotatably and pivotally articulating a solar thermal collector plate to track the sun, and air foils to follow the changing direction of the wind. The air foils also directionally funnel wind to cool a heat exchange system and the solar thermal collector plate. The solar thermal collector plate captures solar radiation for conversion to electricity. A solar lens directs the solar radiation towards the solar thermal collector plate. Air foils are disposed in a radial, spaced-apart relationship around the solar thermal collector plate, pivoting up to 90 to optimize capture of wind. The solar thermal collector plate and the air foils are controllably articulated up to 360 about a vertical plane, and up to 180 about a horizontal plane to optimize capture of solar radiation and wind.