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Emix uses multiphysical simulation to optimize its ultrapur silicon manufacturing process for solar applications.
Making photovoltaic solar panels requires the use of a silicon of very high purity; in practice, the impurities in metallurgical-grade silicon (0.1%) should be divided by a factor of 1,000. This represents nearly 30% of the final cost of a solar panel. Reducing the level of impurities while producing cheaper is therefore vital in this area.
Julien Givernaud, a research engineer at Emix, makes extensive use of digital simulation with Comsol Multiphysics to optimize the process of continuous casting in cold crucibles. The magnetic field created by a coil is used to heat silicon by induction, to mix it and to avoid pollution by contact with the walls of the crucible. Comsol Multiphysics has made it possible to test the design, heat transfers, flows, electromagnetic and mechanical aspects in a very wide way. In the end, fewer tests were carried out to achieve the 30% additional production target while reducing the furnace's energy consumption.
Full details in the article below.
Find out more: www.comsol.com
