San Jose, California-based Twin Creeks Technologies has launched Hyperion 3, a wafer production system for solar manufacturers.
Hyperion 3, the third-generation wafer production system
The manufacturing tool has a capacity to considerably decrease the cost of semiconductor devices and solar modules by minimizing the use of silicon and other substrates by about 90%.
The key feature of the third-generation wafer production system is thinness. The system employs Proton Induced Exfoliation (PIE) technology to produce monocrystalline solar wafers with thickness below one-tenth of the conventional wafers. Twin Creeks Technologies expects that the Hyperion tool will allow manufacturers to fabricate solar cells for less than 40 cents per watt. In addition, solar cells manufactured using Hyperion wafers are bendable. This allows manufacturers to consider the application of encapsulants and flexible packaging for modules as an alternative to glass.
By decreasing the amount of silicon used in solar module production, Hyperion makes the complete silicon wafer value chain highly efficient, as well as significantly reduces the capital needs of its customers. The system prevents the need for a large number of crystal pullers, furnaces and saws. The tool is compatible with various monocrystalline wafers, including silicon carbide, sapphire, gallium nitride and germanium. Germanium is used to produce concentrated PV solar modules, while silicon carbide, sapphire and gallium nitride are used in LEDs and power electronics. Hyperion is also suitable for other applications like CMOS sensors.
Twin Creeks Technologies has constructed a demonstration facility in Senatobia, Mississippi to enhance processes for producing ultra-thin solar wafers and modules with the Hyperion system. Currently, the Senatobia plant has a capacity to produce 25 MW of solar cells per year and the capacity will be extended to 100 MW in the future. Hyperion 3 wafer production system is now ready for shipment.