The project focus is set on the exploitation of selective emitter’s potential in passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) silicon solar cells.
Compared to PERC solar cells with an homogeneous emitter, those with selective emitter predict a significant increase in conversion
efficiency of at least 1.0% absolute and, in consequence, would drastically increase the yield of PV systems, decrease the levelized cost of
electricity, and the total cost of ownership. Therefore, Fraunhofer ISE, Meyer Burger, RENA, and Sun Chemical mix together their
complementary competences in the fields of solar cell processing, machine engineering, and material synthesis in order to evaluate
self-aligned process techniques based on the steadily advancing inkjet and plating technology, whereby low Ag consumption is aimed at.
The techniques of interest will be applied, validated and demonstrated in the PV-TEC or comparable on pilot-line scale. The high innovation
of the addressed technologies, the potential of selective emitters in PERC solar cells also with regard to low-cost PV-manufacturing, as well
as the technology readiness level – which ranges between TRL4 and 6 – lead to the conclusion that the project’s outcome will provide a
competitive solar cell technology for the PV-market with a high potential of being quickly transferred into PV-fabs, which would be
connected to a high benefit for all involved European stake- and shareholders.
The project will combine cutting edge materials chemistry based on highly reactive intermediates combined with sustainable resins and monomers to create a new coatings platform with the potential for all coating market sectors. This platform will use a unique curing chemistry and will enable, within the project consortium, the development of ink-jet printable inks for the graphic signage and food packaging market areas. Issues surrounding the H&S of components used in current UV-curable inkjet products will be addressed along with providing inkjet formulations having significantly improved environmental credentials. The use of sustainable materials as key components of the ink formulation, the optimisation of the reactive intermediate to allow waterbased formulations, the use of lower power radiation sources and the ability of the reactive intermediate to eliminate substrate pre-treatments (for adhesion) will all contribute to inkjet inks having lower environmental impact than is currently achievable. Success in the inkjet market will lead to further exploitation in the graphic arts market and more broadly in other UV-curable coating markets..
The public description for this project has been requested but has not yet been received.
The public description for this project has been requested but has not yet been received.
Direct Write (DW) is primarily an additive process where functional materials are directly imaged onto substrates to form components with no waste or processing chemicals. DW methods are environmentally friendly, energy efficient and have a small process footprint. The aim of COPE is to take DW technology from Proof of Concept (PoC) to robustly engineered preproduction level demonstration, focussing on adding functionality to structures using inkjet and micro-nozzle techniques with highly engineered functional inks. The project will address issues such as design, manufacturing, cost, durability, product certification and through life management that includes recycling and disposal. The challenge is to mature DW technology so that it meets current functional and durability standards. PoC components can be manufactured, however it has been shown that the level of function is relatively low and more importantly that lifetime can be very short. This project will develop the basic capability toolset to convert highly engineered functional nanoparticulate powders into robust engineered products.
This project will develop high resolution, versatile volume direct write inkjet printing (DW-IP) of PCBs, in an industrial scale environment, to service the needs of design, innovation and service driven users. DW-IP is a disruptive technology, it will: dramatically reduce design-to-manufacture times and eliminate tooling costs; introduce innovative materials technologies to designers; cascade the process into other industries; offer a competitive service advantage over Asia; reduce inventory levels due to fast cycle times; eliminates chemical and waste stream processes; use and enhance UK academic knowledge. The project will massively integrate new generation inkjet heads into a single array capable of single-pass printing and create a precision printing machine. The integration of the array head, its drive electronics, software control, ink flow system and image control methods are all innovative.