Directional solidification system and method
AssigneeCalisolar, Inc.
InventorsAbdallah Nouri, Kamel Ounadjela
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for purifying materials using a rapid directional solidification. Devices and methods shown provide control over a temperature gradient and cooling rate during directional solidification, which results in a material of higher purity. The apparatus and methods of the present invention can be used to make silicon material for use in solar applications such as solar cells.
Claims22
A system for directional solidification, comprising:
- an outer jacket;
- a base lining a bottom of the outer jacket, the base including a heat conducting material;
- and
- a wall insulation structure lining a wall of the outer jacket, the wall insulation structure tapering in thickness from a rim of the mold, having a first thickness, to a bottom portion of the mold, having a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness.
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A mold for directional solidification, comprising:
- a substantially rectangular shaped wall structure, including a long side and a short side;
- a heat conducting base, coupled to the substantially rectangular shaped wall structure;
- wherein the substantially rectangular shaped wall is dimensioned to provide a wall contact area for a given quantity of molten silicon that is less than a wall contact area for a cylindrical mold having a diameter substantially equal to a length of the short side of the mold.
A system for directional solidification of silicon, comprising:
- a mold to contain a volume of molten silicon, including a heat insulating wall structure, and a heat conducting base;
- a support structure spacing the mold above a floor surface, and defining a space between the mold and the floor;
- one or more flow pathways to move air within the space;
- and
- one or more valves to adjust a flow through the one or more flow pathways.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.