Purification of silicon for solar cell applications PHASE2
The objective is to demonstrate, that silicon purified with a new chemical method can be used for manufacturing of solar cells. A research lab with special purpose equipment dedicated this purification method has been established, and we now have to verify that the necessary purity, functionality and cost efficiency can be obtained.
The purpose of this project is to investigate the technical and commercial potential of a new method to
purify Metallic Grade Silicon to Solar Grade.
A new chemical processing route has been invented and basic Proof of Concept has been achieved on a
lab-scale by use of ad-hoc equipment not fully adequate for this purpose. Now a dedicated research lab
has been established equipped with special purpose equipment designed and manufactured for this
purpose.
In the second phase of this project we need to operate the equipment and study the process performance
under a variety of different process conditions. We both need to debug, reproduce previously obtained
results and also identify the most optimal processing conditions to be applied when the final fully upscaled
version of this production equipment shall be designed.
During this 2nd project phase we also will verify key assumptions on productivity and purity to be obtained,
as well as validate, that the product produced actually can be used for the intended use,
e.g. crystallization into mono- and multicrystalline ingots and fabrication of solar cells.
Finally we shall verify the preliminary total cost-of-ownership estimates, which so far have indicated a cost
reduction potential compared to traditional Siemens based manufacturing methods in the range of 30 – 50
%, and prepare a full business plan for the commercialisation of this technology.
The objective of the project has been, to explore the potential in a new method for purification of metallurgical silicon to a purity that allows for the manufacturing of solar cells. When the project started, we got access to equipment, lab facility and processes that at that time only had been preliminary used for basic functional tests. From this point we’ve established, developed and documented a full operational process understanding that among others has led to three important technical upgrades of the equipment, patenting of techniques for improving the yield and purification efficiency as well as a verification of the potential of the purification method with respect to achievement of Solar Grade quality and cost efficient manufacturing methods. These results have been achieved through intense and focussed development activities performed by a small dedicated Danish team supported by highly specialised international consultants.
Key figures
Category
Dokumenter
Participants
| Partner | Subsidy | Auto financing |
|---|---|---|
| SiCon v/Jan Vedde | 0,68 mio. DKK | 0,45 mio. DKK |
| North Atlantic Innovation Group | 4,60 mio. DKK | 3,07 mio. DKK |
