PRiMELiNE - Roth & Rau AG

PRiMELiNE CdTe Activation Cluster (80 MW)
CdTe Thin Film PV Modules have been recognized as the markets
most cost efficient solution for PV applications. Various CdTe deposition
processes have been established, whereas the basic processing
around the CdS / CdTe layering is rather similar in all
CdTe production lines. To support cost efficient, proven processing
Roth & Rau CTF Solar offers processing clusters for all CdTe
customers worldwide that can be seamlessly integrated into
new production lines as well as into existing fabrication lines. The
Roth & Rau CTF Solar chosen cluster design provides to the customer
specific process knowledge combined with suitable
process equipment and processing materials, project management
and equipment startup in order to enhance product quality
and module efficiencies. All PRiMELiNE CdTe Clusters are capable
of processing standard module sizes of 1200 x 1600 mm (other
dimensions on request), with a throughput of > 60 modules per
hour. Basis for the design of all PRiMELiNE CdTe Cluster Tools is the
innovative yet proven PRiMELiNE CdTe Turnkey production line. The
Roth & Rau CTF Solar principle of delivering only environmental
friendly tools, as realized in the entire PRiMELiNE CdTe turnkey production
line, which is designed to keep the "environmental footprint"
as small as possible, applies also to the
For a seamless integration into existing production lines the
PRiMELiNE CdTe Activation Cluster uses a standardized SECS/GEM
protocol, substrate-ID-tracking (virtual / DMC reader), and adaptable
horizontal communication with adjacent process tools.
Nevertheless, the cluster can be operated also fully autonomous,
with recipe administration on Cluster level.
In detail, the PRiMELiNE CdTe Activation Cluster consists of a Coating
Machine, an Activation Furnace, and a Cascade Washing/Cascade
Rinsing tool.
Roth & Rau Activation Cluster
All fab emissions are post-treated already at tool-level so that virtually
no contaminated or hazardous substances can be released
to the environment. Also, the entire Cluster is enclosed with a
safety housing to contain all hazardous substances and to avoid
any contamination of the remaining production environment. A very
critical step in processing of CdTe PV-modules is the activation of
the CdS / CdTe layer stack with its target to improve the physical as
well as electro-optical properties of the CdS / CdTe stack. Here, as
also applied by leading CdTe solar module producers, a dedicated
CdCl 2 activation, combining a CdCl 2 deposition plus a subsequent
heat treatment, is used. The Roth & Rau CTF Solar processing solution
provides all necessary tools plus appropriate, perfectly harmonized
materials and process selection for a cost efficient activation
and enhanced module efficiency.
Therefore the Roth & Rau CTF Solar Activation Cluster can be a reliable
retrofit for tools in existing production lines while adding
improved module performance for shorter payback times of investments.
However, together with the Roth & Rau CSS type of CdS /
CdTe films and its characteristic properties the Activation Cluster
tool offers a perfectly harmonized chemical activation process.
Coating Machine
During fully automatic processing within the coating tool an
aqueous film containing dissolved CdCl 2 is applied in a defined
thickness on the surface of the glass pane utilizing a specially
engineered roller-coating system. Adding a specially formulated
mixture to the coating solution allows for an excellent
uniformity of the liquid film over the entire surface by improving
the specific wetting characteristics. The preparation of the
coating solution is done in a dedicated chemical cabinet next to
the core process modules of the tool taking care of the specific
handling precautions of the used materials. After successfully
depositing the solution onto the substrate a drying step safely
removes all liquid remnants while the CdCl 2 remains on top of
the CdTe layer. As part of the Roth & Rau CTF Solar Activation
Cluster all necessary peripherals to prevent the release of hazardous
liquids and gases are included. A closed loop DI water
supply is available as an option to account for low operating
costs and low factory facility requirements.