Plasma arc torch positioning apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a position of a plasma arc torch. The apparatus includes an elevation apparatus configured to raise and lower the plasma arc torch with respect to molten silicon, a rotary apparatus configured to circumferentially rotate the plasma arc torch with respect to the molten silicon, and an angle adjustment apparatus configured to adjust an angle of the plasma arc torch with respect to the molten silicon. In addition, a plurality of plasma arc torches is provided and radially disposed at predetermined intervals. Therefore, time consumed to melt solid silicon to form the initial molten silicon is reduced, and casting speed is increased. In addition, fusibility of a source material can be improved, the source material can be stably melted, and economic continuous casting and a high quality silicon ingot for a solar cell can be manufactured.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.