Tritan HV90 dual-lane metallization firing system from BTU features 3600 wafers per hour throughput

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  The Tritan HV90 Metallization Firing furnace, featuring BTU's exclusive TriSpeed technology, allows users to take advantage of improved ramp rates up to 200ºC per second
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  BTU claims that by switching to the dual-lane system, cell manufacturers can expect a 35% increase in capital efficiency coupled to unparalleled performance in lane to lane matching.

BTU International’s ‘Tritan’ HV90 dual-lane metallization firing system features increased throughput at 3600 wafers per hour, and includes an edge belt, volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement and a single zone spike with less than 3 seconds spike time. BTU claims that by switching to the dual-lane system, cell manufacturers can expect a 35% increase in capital efficiency coupled to unparalleled performance in lane to lane matching.

Problem

Although many exciting and novel cell concepts are currently under development, volume cell manufacturers have to take a more cautious route to market, ensuring efficiency improvements are in line with cost reduction strategies. Key concerns also include yield, repeatability, and overall uniformity, amongst others. There are many benefits of in-line processing which include reduced wafer breakage faster process times that contribute to low-cost manufacturing goals.

Solution

The Tritan HV90 Metallization Firing furnace, featuring BTU's exclusive TriSpeed technology, allows users to take advantage of improved ramp rates up to 200ºC per second while not compromising the drying and cooling sections of the profile. The three-belt system gives revolutionary control of profile development. In trials, Tritan has consistently shown an improvement in fill factor resulting in increased efficiency. This combined with the HV90's low Cost of Ownership gives customers the lowest cost per watt. The system is specifically optimized for paste drying, organics burn-out, and contact firing in the 750-950°C range to achieve high-efficiency solar cells through Rapid Thermal Processing. Recent trials are claimed to have shown the system exceed industry standards for wafer breakage. The three-belt, three-speed system boasts a yield better than 99.99%, exceeding the industry standard for metallization firing.

Applications

Solar cell metallization thermal processing

Platform

The process chamber is designed to provide access from both top and bottom of the conveyor, the first of its kind in firing furnaces, for easy maintenance and serviceability. Full chamber access, combined with extended lamp life, minimizes downtime. The drying section features stainless steel lining for easy cleaning. The furnace can be integrated with all mainstream printing/testing equipment. As with other BTU products Tritan is controlled by BTU’s windows-based, multi-lingual ‘WINCON’ software with touch screen GUI.

Availability

Currently available.