MultiCrystallizer: New System Development for the Solar Industry

WETTENBERG, Germany, June 16, 2011 -

PVA TePla AG, Wettenberg, a manufacturer of silicon
crystallization systems as well as vacuum and high-temperature
systems, is now marketing a further development of the
MultiCrystallizer crystal-growing system, generation G5, for higher
loads. The product is named MultiCrystallizer
VGF732Si HC.

The MultiCrystallizer is a vacuum furnace for directional
solidification (based on the vertical gradient freeze process) of
multicrystalline silicon ingots for the production of wafers for
the photovoltaic industry.

The new HC version, generation G5, uses higher crucibles (G5:
480 - 520 mm crucible height; old standard: 420 mm)to enable
greater loads of silicon up to a maximum weight of 560 kg.

The furnace has a unique temperature control system with a
heating zone that, thanks to its outstanding level of temperature
homogeneity, ensures columnar solidification even on the ingot
exterior. This creates perfect conditions for optimal
crystallization of higher ingots and means that the same quality
can be achieved as with the previous crucible standard of 420
mm.The cell efficiencies achieved are an average of 0.4 percentage
points above the industry standard, while the ingot yield is 75%
(usable brick material as a proportion of total ingot
material).

The higher load also means that optimal brick heights of 250 mm
can be achieved in a 480 mm crucible. This brick height makes
wafer-cutting as efficient as possible and means that the process
is extremely cost-effective for customers.

Not only that, the MultiCrystallizer VGF732Si HC
is especially suited to the mono-like process due to its
independently controllable heating and cooling zones. A stable
crystallization front throughout the crystallization process
enables faults to be avoided and ensures that the mono-like
structure remains properly intact.

You can obtain further information from:
Roger Pingel
PVA TePla AG
Phone: +49(0)641/68690-151
Roger.pingel@pvatepla.com  

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