NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., May 1, 2012 —BTU International will highlight its next-generation thermal processing equipment in Booth E3-670 at the upcoming SNEC 6th International Solar Industry and Photovoltaic Exhibition & Conference, scheduled to take place May 16-18, 2012, in Shanghai, China. 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.
About BTU International
BTU International is a market-leading, global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment and processes to the alternative energy and electronics manufacturing markets. BTU’s equipment and expertise are used in the manufacturing of solar cells and nuclear fuel as well as in the production of printed circuit board assemblies and semiconductor packaging. BTU has design and manufacturing operations in North Billerica, Massachusetts and Shanghai, China, with direct sales and service worldwide. Information about BTU International is available at www.btu.com.
