Smit Ovens News

Smit Ovens develops system for continuous CIGS mass production

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

New inline thermal system enables faster, cheaper selenium deposition and crystallization with safer materials than batch processing

Ekkersrijt, the Netherlands, 1 July, 2010 – Smit Ovens has completed a two-year project to specify, design, test and build a selenium deposition and crystallization oven for continuous mass production of CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenium) solar panels. This system marks a key step forward in increasing the commercial viability of CIGS technology for the rapidly growing thin film photovoltaics market. By enabling continuous production, it provides a faster, lower cost alternative to batch processing.

Smit Ovens began exploring the use of thermal processes for thin film solar technologies as early as 2006. In this EU-funded project started in 2008, it built further on its know-how of the selenization process to specify and design an entire deposition and crystallization system from the ground up. This included developing detailed designs, process simulations and engineering drawings, the creation of a full size vacuum chamber, and extensive testing of components and critical sub-systems.

Based on this work, Smit Ovens built two production-scale prototypes for further testing and process optimization. These systems are now in operation at a customer site, where further testing of the processes has been successfully carried out.

With the completion of this project, Smit Ovens has opened a way for manufacturers to scale up CIGS production for mass markets. The system also makes production safer and easier. As a closed vacuum process, it reduces the risk of contact with toxic gases and materials. Most importantly, the deposition process uses elemental selenium which is much safer than the highly toxic, hydrogen selenide used in existing systems.

This development project was carried out with the support of the European Union, the province of Noord Brabant, the Netherlands, and the Dutch government. Smit Ovens is now continuing to further optimize the processes involved. It will also explore how the lessons learnt can be applied to other systems and production challenges.

About Smit Ovens
Founded in Nijmegen, the Netherlands in 1936, Smit Ovens is a leading supplier of customized thermal equipment and processes for the glass, electronics, displays and photovoltaics industries. It employs around 50 people and currently has around 3000 installations operating, including some 40 in the solar industry.

www.smitovens.nl

Visit us at International Conference on Coatings on Glass and Plastics ICCG8 June 13th - 17th

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Broad conference program with an accompanying technical exhibition -Covering all areas of glass and plastic coating technologies

Discover our solutions for deposition and activation of thin layers in mass production environments.
The conference organizing team states:”With your participation we look forward once again to discussing the most important questions in the field of 'advanced coatings on glass and plastics for large-area or high-volume products', to gaining new knowledge and to identifying future trends in surface coating.”

Fraunhofer-Institut für Schicht- und Oberflächentechnik IST
Dr. Simone Kondruweit

www.iccg.eu

We look forward to telling you more at ICCG8. See you at Booth C20

25th PVSEC: Discover cost-effective manufacturing equipment for CdTe, CIGS and Thin film Silicon

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Thermal manufacturing equipment serving different process steps can significantly cut the cost of manufacturing thin-film photovoltaics in mass production environments.

Find out how by visiting Smit Ovens at the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (6 - 10 September 2010) and Exhibition (6 - 9 September 2010) at the Feria Valencia in Valencia, Spain.

Talk to our specialists about the application that can make the difference for your business:
• CIGS; Deposition of elemental selenium, RTP, crystallization
• CdTe; Deposition, Activation, back contact firing
• TCO; FTO manufacturing equipment including process based on APCVD
• Vacuum deposition platform for high temperature processes

In today's dynamic solar industry, mass production capability is vital. Our thermal manufacturing solutions could give you the edge. We look forward to telling you more at PVSEC. See you there!

www.photovoltaic-conference.com

Smit Ovens announces repeat order for thermal processes to be used in mass production of thin film CIGS solar cells

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Friday, February 12, 2010 – Smit Ovens today announced a deal to supply a major existing customer with several further thermal process solutions for thin film photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. The order covers vapor transport deposition (VTD) systems for mass production of thin-film CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenium) cells. It also includes a scaled-down system for deposition of selenium and crystallization of CIGS precursors, suitable for research into process optimization.

“This repeat order underscores the strong relationship we have with this customer, which aims to be a leading player in the global CIGS cell market,” says Wiro Zijlmans, CEO, Smit Ovens. “Thermal processes are a key way to achieve competitiveness in this growing market. We’re already seeing cell efficiencies of 10-12%. And with advance thermal processes manufacturers can get close to production costs of one US$ per Watt – a crucial threshold for creating a mass market for thin film CIGS photovoltaics.”

The scaled-down deposition system which forms part of this repeat order is based on a standard mass production system. It can enable the customer to develop process optimizations which can be easily transferred to a real-world production line.

The VTD systems will be used for mass production, depositing the selenium layer following deposition of the copper, indium and gallium precursors. After this, Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) is used for optimal crystallization during soaking. Smit Ovens provides systems that ensure maximum flexibility in temperature and timings for subsequent soaking and cooling. With its background as a leader in the glass industry, the equipments flexibility provides fine control so that large glass substrates cool uniformly without risk of deformation or breakage.

www.smitovens.com

Smit Ovens supplies Jenn Feng Industrial with thermal processes for mass production of CIGS thin film photovoltaics

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Son, the Netherlands, Monday 16^th February, 2009 – Smit Ovens today announced that it has signed a deal to supply Taiwanese company, Jenn Feng Industrial, with thermal process solutions for mass production of thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells. Under the deal, Smit Ovens will provide equipment and non-vacuum processes for in-line manufacture of CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-selenide) PV cells, incorporating use of nanoparticle precursors in the selenization process.

As a specialist in thermal processes for high volume applications, Smit Ovens brings expertise which will help Jenn Feng in its ambition to move rapidly into full scale production. “We have been working with Jenn Feng on a CIGSSe development project since March 2008. And we are delighted this has contributed to the company’s plans to scale up production for the global PV market. Thermal processes already help reduce manufacturing costs. Combining these with innovative techniques such as use of nanoparticle precursors is particularly exciting for cost-effective production of high-efficiency cells,” says Wiro Zijlmans, CEO, Smit Ovens. “We expect huge growth in solar energy and are keen to ramp up output quickly,” says Min-Fu Jong, CEO of Jenn Feng Group. “With Smit Ovens as a partner, we have access to the company’s proven experience in solar cell manufacturing and to tailor-made solutions for our production. We believe that this partnership will be an important element in our drive to provide PV cells and modules with ‘grid parity’ capability – producing electricity at comparable cost to fossil fuels – into more areas of the world.” Jenn Feng Industrial aims to start mass production of thin-film CIGS cells and modules in 2009, with an annual capacity of 35 MWp. This will enable the company to round out its PV portfolio, so it can offer customers a one-stop shop for high quality, turn-key solar solutions for commercial buildings, homes and power generation utilities.

About Smit Ovens

Founded in Nijmegen, the Netherlands in 1936, Smit Ovens is a leading supplier of customized thermal equipment and processes for the glass, electronics, displays and photovoltaics industries. It employs around 50 people and currently has around 3000 installations operating, including some 40 in the solar industry.

About Jenn Feng Energy

Jenn Feng Energy stands for high quality modules. In a clearly structured production process, Jenn Feng crafts solar cells into highly efficient solar modules. Its reliable, industry-leading technology is based on highly modern soldering processes, vacuum-process lamination and precision output measurements. Quality management is implemented throughout the company in accordance with DIN EN ISO9001:2000. For further information contact: Michael van der Gugten, m.v.d.gugten@smitovens.nl +31 499 494549 or Nancy Chang, nancy_chang@jennfeng.com +886 3 490-4111 # 295

Smit Ovens at Taiwan International PV Forum & Exhibition, 7-8 October

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Visit us at the PV Forum and Exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan. You can find us at the MOS Technology Inc. group booth, 7-18 to 7-24.

Further information on PV Forum & Exhibition Taiwan www.pvtaiwan.com

Smit Ovens passes 2 gigawatt peak milestone

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Eindhoven, the Netherlands, 29^th August 2008 – Smit Ovens today announced that it has passed the 2 gigawatt peak (GWp) milestone equivalent for sales of its customized ovens in the solar energy industry. The 2 GWp figure represents the output capacity of cells that can be manufactured in one year with Smit Oven’s delivered systems. Reaching this milestone reflects the company’s strong sales in the solar sector, and the successful completion of 32 installations for leading manufacturers of thin-film photovoltaics around the world.

“Renewable energy sources have a vital role to play in the future economic and environmental health of our planet,” says Wiro Zijlmans, President of Smit Ovens. “We believe solar energy will make a key contribution, thus we are delighted to support manufacturers moving into mass production of thin-film solar devices and solar heat exchangers. Being present at PVSEC gives us an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and introduce our offering to new customers. Through close partnerships with existing customers and research specialists, we have built up extensive expertise in processes and materials. This know-how gives both us – and our customers – a valuable commercial advantage in this increasingly competitive market.”

Smit Ovens has decades of experience in providing tailor-made thermal processes for the glass, electronics and display industries. In recent years it has applied this expertise to the fast-growing solar sector. In June 2008, it moved into new headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, to support its expanding customer base. Besides office and R&D facilities, the 4000m² premises provide extensive space for manufacturing and testing of its advanced, industrial-purpose ovens.

Visitors to the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC) in Valencia, Spain, 1-5 September 2008, can find Smit Ovens in hall 2, stand D35.

About Smit Ovens

For further information contact:

Michael M. van der Gugten

m.v.d.gugten@smitovens.nl

+31.499.494534

Opening of new Eindhoven facilities

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Smit Ovens officially opened its new head office and production facility in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on June 27. This 4000m2 facility will enable us to support our continued expansion into solutions for the solar industry. The site houses process and product development, research, manufacturing, after-sales and administrative departments.