BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany, Dec 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bruker Energy & Supercon Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and PVA TePla AG (PVA) announced today that they have signed a cooperation agreement on the joint development of a more efficient monocrystalline Si-growing process for photovoltaic (PV) applications.
The innovative concept is based on the application of the strong magnetic field produced by a novel type of superconducting crystal growth magnet (SC-CGM) under development at BEST, and designed specifically for PV applications. The SC-CGM is expected to be integrated with a crystal puller at PVA TePla's Competence Center for Industrial Crystal Growth (CCIC) in Wettenberg, Germany.
Today, the efficiency of solar cells is often degraded by too high of an oxygen content in the crystal structure. The oxygen stems from the Si-Oxide which is used in the crucible wall of the growing furnace for the so-called Czochralski process. The application of a magnetic field along with special process control is expected to dampen the melt flow and thus the transport of oxygen to the crystal, enabling a more homogenous crystal lattice.
Dr. Detlef Krischel, the Managing Director at BEST responsible for the SC-CGM product line, explained: "The goal of our cooperation with PVA TePla is to demonstrate the increase in solar cell photovoltaic conversion efficiency, which has been predicted by computer simulations, along with achieving a stable yield of crystal production. We believe the planned novel magnetic field characteristics will allow us to better control process parameters, which are key for a high productivity Si-growing process."
Mr. Michael Volk, Division Manager of PVA Crystal Growing Systems, added: "We believe integration of a strong magnet with our puller will allow us to offer an improved turn-key system to our customers based on a robust crystal growing process. We also believe higher efficiency of solar cells with a stable yield will help the PV industry to bring down the overall cost for PV modules."
BEST and PVA TePla expect first results from their cooperation in the spring of 2011.
About Bruker Energy & Supercon Technologies, Inc.
BEST is a subsidiary of Bruker Corporation (NASDAQ: BRKR), and is a leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced superconducting materials and superconducting devices for alternative energy, smart grid, healthcare and "big science" applications. For more information on BEST, please visit www.bruker-est.com.
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SOURCE: Bruker Energy & Supercon Technologies, Inc.
Bruker Energy & Supercon Technologies (BEST)
Dr. Hans-Udo Klein, +49-(0)2204-84-2288
Vice President of Business Development
udo.klein@bruker-asc.com