Belt Furnace Parameters

Apart from the firing conditions, studies have reported a correlation between the furnace parameters and the efficiency of the solar cell. Edward Bruce has done studies on the influence of belt furnace parameters and solar cell efficiency. He observed that the cleanliness of the furnace has a significant impact on cell efficiency. The common source for furnace impurities include carbon residue, impurities from air inlet, foreign materials picked up by the conveyor due to contact, etc. Solar cells that were fired immediately after cleaning the furnace have been reported as being more efficient than their counterparts that had been fired on a furnace with impurities. The thickness of the oxide layer has also been reported as having a significant impact on cell efficiency. The oxide layer thickness can be controlled, as well, by controlling the atmosphere inside of the muffle. Hilai et al has reported an increase in the conductivity of the silicon solar cell fired within a reduced atmosphere with a small percentage of Hydrogen. The substrate carrier boat has been reported as having very little impact in determining cell efficiency. Results from Bruce et al studies have shown no significant impact in efficiency for directly placing the silicon substrate onto the nichrome belt and firing them on a quart carrier.  Check out the full whitepaper http://www.beltfurnaces.com/efficiency_of_silicon_cells.html  


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