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Customers:

National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) and a large solar cell manufacturer: SCHOTT Solar CSP GmbH

Technical Summary:

Fraunhofer CMI worked with a solar cell manufacturer, under the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) sponsorship, to develop a continuous crystal growth system that automatically goes from "melt in to wafers out." As the crystal grows, it is automatically cut into wafers that are stacked and ready for down-stream operations. Through the development of custom automation, Fraunhofer CMI turned the conventional process of growing crystal tubes in batches, storing them, and later cutting them into wafers, into a more efficient continuous manufacturing process.

Results:

• Higher solar cell wafer manufacturing efficiency
• Continuous, all-in-one production system
• Melt in, wafer stack out
• Converted a traditionally batch process into a continuous process
• Saved valuable floor space by combining multiple steps
• Incorporated automated crystal drawing, laser cutting, and debris collection.