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US 2012/0090537 A1Published application
Methods and apparatus for manufacturing monocrystalline cast silicon and monocrystalline cast silicon bodies for photovoltaics
OwnerNathan G. Stoddardinventor
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Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With such methods and apparatuses, a cast body of monocrystalline silicon may be formed that is free of, or substantially free of, radially-distributed impurities and defects and having at least two dimensions that are each at least about 35 cm is provided.
Claims10
A system for producing a monocrystalline ingot, comprising:
- a crucible provided in a furnace, the crucible configured to receive a single seed crystal and feedstock material;
- at least one heating element for heating and at least partially melting the seed crystal, and completely melting the feedstock material contained in the crucible;
- and
- a heat exchanger for controlling heat extraction from the crucible, in order to promote growth of the monocrystalline ingot from the at least partially melted seed crystal and the feedstock material;
- wherein the heat exchanger is configured to promote cooling and directional solidification of the monocrystalline ingot.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.