Smartheat Improves PV Tabbing And Bussing Results
Thermal technology from OK has been applied to PV tabbing and bussing applications with improved results. The proprietary Smartheat Technology produces and maintains a specific, self-regulated temperature with a heater that requires no calibration and responds directly to thermal loads. The technology consists of a high-frequency alternating-current (AC) power supply and a self-regulating heating element. The heater utilises the electrical and metallurgical characteristics of two different metals: copper, which is a material with high electrical conductivity, and a magnetic material with high resistivity. Hoa Nguyen, vice-president of technology at OK, said: 'The micro-cracking of delicate solar-cell substrates is a common defect that can occur during PV tabbing and bussing soldering processes. 'The soldering temperature must be reduced to a minimum so that the solar cells will not be subjected to mechanical or thermal stresses from the soldering process,' added Nguyen. Du...