New Product: Cell stringer system from KUKA handles 750 cells per hour

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: KUKA has introduced the ACS 600 process tool, which is an advanced Cell Stringer system. The system has an output of 750 cells per hour and can process both polycrystalline and monocrystalline cells, from 160 µ to 220 µ in thickness, with two or three bus bars. The alignment accuracy range is less than ±0.2 mm, while the breakage rate of the cells is less than 0.5%.

Problem: Early monitoring of cells for quality and possible cracks or breakage is of decisive importance for the entire module production process and if defects are discovered at an early stage it prevents costly rejects later in the production cycle, reducing costs.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution: The key to the automatic string manufacturing process is the patented soldering technology, KUKA SoftTempProfile. In a preliminary stage, the cells are pre-tempered from both sides in order to achieve the best possible, reliable soldered connections with the patented temperature profile in the ensuing infrared soldering process. The cell string is subsequently cooled in a three-stage process that is continuously monitored. The load on the cells caused by the thermal induction is thus reduced and physical expansion of the cells and bars is prevented. The cells are positioned quickly and precisely by a KUKA KR 5 Scara with a vacuum suction gripper. A single handling process for the gripping of the cell, measurement and visual inspection under a stationary camera, solder application and positioning of the cells on the high-tech vacuum conveyor also reduces the load on the cells and minimizes potential sources of damage to the solar cells.

Applications: Solar cell stringing and inspection.

Platform: The KUKA ACS 600 is also available as the KUKA ACS 600/2 dual stringer with an hourly throughput of 1500 cells and integrated layup and string inspection. All data are displayed and can be automatically logged in an internal database or transmitted to an MES system to be used for statistics and quality purposes.

Availability: Currently available.

Read Next

February 13, 2025
A report from CEA says that the impact of the new Republican administration on the provisions under the IRA remains “uncertain”.
February 13, 2025
Chinese solar manufacturers LONGi and Jinko Solar, along with Indian PV manufacturer Waaree Energies, have been named in a series of patent disputes filed in China and the US.
February 13, 2025
The announcement comes just days after the Trump administration announced plans for a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports.
February 13, 2025
Huasun has signed a deal to supply more than 3GW of heterojunction technology (HJT) modules to projects owned by the Hongyang Group.
Premium
February 13, 2025
PV Talk: Solargis CEO Marcel Suri tells PV Tech Premium how more sophisticated data has made solar assets more 'agile'.
February 13, 2025
Australia’s Clean Energy Council said 2024 was the best year for renewable energy investment since 2018, with AU$9 billion committed.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 17, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
February 19, 2025
Tokyo, Japan
Solar Media Events
March 11, 2025
Frankfurt, Germany