News Article
Ultrasonic installs CIGS thin film module production in France
The PV-480 tool, which uses nozzle-less ultrasonic spray head technology for a more uniform and repeatable coating deposition, will be used to improve overall cell efficiency.
Ultrasonic Systems, a manufacturer of high-performance ultrasonic spray coating equipment, has successfully installed and commissioned a PV-480 coating system at Nexcis Photovoltaic Technology, a CIGS solar panel developer, based in Rousset, France.
The system will be used for the application of sodium fluoride solution, a process claimed to improve the overall efficiency of the cell. Ultrasonic Systems says the PV-480 leverages USI’s proprietary, nozzle-less ultrasonic spray head technology for a more uniform and repeatable coating deposition vs. conventional air atomizing spray nozzle, conventional ultrasonic nozzle, and roll coating technologies.
Designed for high-volume in-line manufacturing, the PV-480 processes glass plates up to 48 inches wide at line speeds of up to six feet per minute. The PV-480 delivers liquid coating with transfer efficiencies in excess of 90%, utilising a traversing Ultra-Spray blade head. This versatile system is ideal for the application of a variety of low viscosity liquids used in the manufacture of thin film photovoltaic cells.
“The PV-480 complies perfectly with our expectations and provides excellent coating performance,” said Herve Rivoal, Chemistry Section Head of Nexcis Photovoltaic Technology. “We are pleased with our growing success with thin-film solar manufacturers requiring the latest manufacturing equipment technology to create reliable, efficient thin-film modules,” said Stuart Erickson, President of Ultrasonic Systems. “The latest PV-480 installation reflects the success of our unique nozzle-less spray head technology for spray coating applications critical to CIGS thin-film solar production.”
