Photovoltaic Industry
Watlow® offers you a complete thermal solution for photovoltaic processing equipment
As one of the world's largest suppliers of heaters, controllers and sensors, Watlow® offers a range of leading thermal solutions for photovoltaic (PV) processing equipment. How is Watlow different from other suppliers and manufacturers? They offer a complete thermal solution from large radiant heater subassemblies for deposition equipment to integrated temperature controllers solutions. Whatever the equipment design or applications needs are, Watlow has the solution.
Photovoltaic Applications
Even the best products have limited value when not properly applied. To complement our extensive product portfolio, Watlow brings a wealth of application knowledge and experience. Whether via consultative sales and field engineers or product specialists and systems engineering experts, we can provide the level of application support you require. From help in choosing the correct thermal solution to developing complex thermal subsystems, we can tailor our support to meet your needs.
- Poly-silicon Reactor
- Substrate/Laminate Pre-Wash
- Pre-heat Chambers
- Thin Film Deposition (Front Side / Back Side Contact, Absorber Deposition)
- Diffusion Furnaces
- Lamination
- Annealing
Products for the Photovoltaic Industry
Watlow continues to build on 80 years of innovation with a broad range of heaters, sensors, and controllers specifically for use in the photovoltaic processing equipment. Because
Watlow designs and manufactures all the components that make up the thermal loop they are uniquely positioned to provide the highest performing total solution at the lowest overall cost. The following are some of the Watlow products typically applied in PV processing equipment.
DIN-A-MITE® Power Controllers
- "Soft-Start" feature for high in-rush current applications, i.e. tungsten elements
- "Zero-Cross Burst Firing" for optimum temperature control of nichrome elements
- 200kA Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) with proper fusing
- Small touch-safe packaging for DIN Rail or Back Panel mounting
EZ-ZONE® Temperature Controllers
- Completely integrated thermal control loop in a scalable, modular package
- Minimizes system complexity through component consolidation leading to lower overall cost and
shorter development cycles - Multiple form-factors available to satisfy extensive range of mounting requirements
- Wide functional range to address both temperature and power control needs
Temperature Sensors
- TRUE SURFACE Thermocouple (TST) is ideal for atmospheric applications where environmental shielding and isothermal design is a must
- MICROCOIL™ is a vacuum compatible surface temperature measurement device
- Minimize location error and response time to understand your actual process temperature
Large Radiant Panel Heater
- Offers a variety of heater technologies operating up to 983°C (1800°F)
- Highly customized thermal profile to meet thermal uniformity goals
- Compatible with standard vacuum feed-through fittings
- Custom engineered panel may include integrated sensors, reflector shields, and heater guard
Large Conductive Heater Plate
- Allows for various construction techniques to meet thermal uniformity and cost targets
- Aluminum hotplates to 350°C (662°F) / stainless steel to 600°C (1112°F)
- Custom engineered plate may include integrated sensors and removable top plate
- May also be used as radiant heat source
Engineering Services
- Utilizes a highly qualified staff capable of solving the most complex thermal problems
- Utilizes a disciplined development process and proven project management techniques
- Augment your thermal systems knowledge by engaging Watlow experts
- Uses simulation and modeling capabilities grounded in practical experience