Innovative Vacuum Handling in Photovoltaic Production

29.07.2010

Wafers, cells, strings, glass, foils and modules – Schmalz offers groundbreaking vacuum handling solutions for the entire photovoltaic production supply chain.

The task: optimum handling for complex processes

Manufacturing solar cells and photovoltaic modules involves a series of complex individual processes. The individual process steps are characterized by various environmental conditions such as heat, chemically aggressive substances, mechanical pressure, heat stress and plasma processes. Common to all manufacturing steps are the highly demands that are inherence to the processes that are placed on throughput speed, which in turn determine the production cycle and ultimately the output quantity.
But even more important than quantity is ensuring a reproducible quality and the highest possible light yield for minimum cost. For this reason, the handling of cells and modules is crucial for the economical production of PV modules.
It is not only the workpieces that are extremely sensitive in terms of damage during handling: The crystalline silicon wafers are only 120 to 180 micrometers thick, while foils are as thin as 20 to 100 micrometers and are partially coated.Despite high process dynamics and fast transport, it must be guaranteed that indentations, transportation marks and breakage are avoided while maintaining maximum process safety. Optimum handling plays an especially important role in the current climate, as state funding of solar/photovoltaic systems is to be cut drastically: Thanks to optimized production processes, greater efficiency and higher output with fewer breakages, the manufacturer can significantly reduce production, assembly and finishing costs, making investment in PV systems lucrative for the end consumer.

The solution: innovative vacuum technology

Unstacking, positioning, buffering, stacking, fixing, aligning – vacuum technology specialist J. Schmalz GmbH recognized the value of parts handling in photovoltaic production at an early stage and we offer sophisticated solutions for PV production system expansions and upgrades.
Our product portfolio boasts not only a specific range of components for gentle handling that leaves no marks, but also complete gripping systems and solutions for manual handling. Schmalz offers the ideal handling solution for every process step: perfectly tailored to the workpiece and to the specific process and environmental conditions.

Vacuum grippers for gentle wafer and cell handling that leaves no marks

The handling technology found in the SWG (Schmalz Wafer Gripper) special gripper is found nowhere else in the world: As the first supplier, Schmalz provides a solution makes process-safe, slip-free and damage-free handling with cycle times of less than 1 second possible. The modular design allows for simple adaptation to a wide range of wafer formats and process requirements. Using additional modules, double-layer control, “on the fly” breakage detection and position determination are possible, all of which enhances process safety.
Suction grippers from the SGPN range are distinguished by an elongated sealing lip and an inner support. The geometry prevents the workpiece from being “pulled” into the suction gripper, while the especially soft, natural rubber material minimizes microstructural damage to the sensitive wafers and solar cells. Depending on the process step, Schmalz also offers various suction grippers made of HT1: They can withstand temperatures from -30 °C to +170 °C, are abrasion-proof and they ensure that no marks are left even on raw wafers made of pure silicon.

Vacuum gripper systems for automated glass and module handling

The vacuum specialist configures gripper systems from the range of standardized components based on process requirements: Suction grippers, mounting elements and vacuum generators result in a system that, when connected to a robot, makes efficient handling of glass sheets, foils or complete modules possible.

Fully thought through

Schmalz complements the automated vacuum handling product range with handling solutions for ergonomic manual module handling:
The JumboErgo vacuum tube lifter with a built-in PSE swiveling unit allows modules with coated and structured glass to be lifted and transported ergonomically, process-safe and without leaving marks. Vacuum components, vacuum gripping systems, vacuum lifting units − Offering sophisticated solutions for all process steps in the handling of PV components is not the only way that Schmalz provides proof of its expertise.

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Questions regarding public relations:
J. Schmalz GmbH Marketing Communications Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-506 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9506 presse@schmalz.de

Questions regarding usage:
J. Schmalz GmbH Customer Centre Aacher Strasse 29 D-72293 Glatten	Tel.: +49 (0)7443 2403-105 Fax: +49 (0)7443 2403-9105 kundencenter@schmalz.de

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