BTU International to Showcase Its Latest Thermal Processing Equipment

BTU experts will be on hand to discuss advanced thermal processing solutions for photovoltaics including metallization, diffusion and annealing.

“This is a critical year for PV manufacturers. The pressure to reduce cost while increasing cell efficiency is greater than ever,” said Jan-Paul van Maaren, Ph.D., vice president of marketing alternative energy for BTU. “Each of our systems, including the Tritan™ dual lane metallization firing system, the Meridian™ inline diffusion system, and our annealing systems, offer significant improvements in manufacturing cost, while maintaining or enhancing cell performance.”

BTU’s new Tritan™ HV90 dual-lane metallization firing system features increased throughput at 3600 wafers per hour, an edge support transport system, and a temperature spike faster than 3 seconds. The 90 MW metallization firing system also features BTU’s unique TriSpeed™ technology. TriSpeed allows users to take advantage of superior ramp rates – up to 200ºC per second – without compromising the drying and cooling sections of the profile.

The Meridian™ in-line diffusion system can be configured to process up to 1,600 wafers per hour providing uniform and repeatable n- and p-type emitters. The Meridian™ in-line diffusion system offers reduced wafer handling and very low breakage rates without compromise to cell efficiency.

Solar cell annealing refers to a broad range of applications whereby thermal and atmospheric treatment can enhance, improve or restore cell performance. Areas of interest include: treatment of passivation layers used in advanced cell structures, contact repair, NiSi formation and Laser Fired Contact (LFC) damage repair.

For more information, visit company representatives in Booth E3-670 or visit the company on the Web at www.btu.com.<br />