SolarPaq® for Contact Firing and Drying
A Complete Solution
The Datapaq® SolarPaq is the most widely used profiling system in the solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry and is accepted as the standard in the contact drying process.
Building on this experience, we designed a logger only 9 mm (0.35 in) high that can be used to measure temperature profiles from within the smallest of drying ovens. The same logger can now be combined with an ultra-low height thermal barrier and used to profile the contact firing process.
Datapaq DP5 Data Logger
The Datapaq DP5 features rugged, reliable and accurate data acquisition circuits, clear status indicators and an intelligent battery management system.
The logger can be used in processes of 2 to 3 minutes and up to 300 °C (572 °F) without the need for additional thermal protection. It is ideally suited to meet the needs of the drying process used in many PV manufacturing lines. To profile the contact firing process, the DP5640 must be housed within the extra protection offered by the TB7237 thermal barrier.
The DP5640 is housed in a rugged, machined stainless steel case. It is designed to reflect heat energy from IR heaters and any energy that is absorbed slowly heats up the high mass case that protects the electronics from the environment. The status indicators and buttons are all recessed to protect them from direct heating and minimize heat entry to the logger circuits.
Software Insight
This all new software has been designed specifically for use within the photovoltaic (PV) solar industry and contains many process-specific analysis displays. Wizards guide the users step-by-step to quickly obtain the data and analysis of the required results. This ensures that both experienced and novice users can obtain maximum benefit in the shortest possible time.
Datapaq DP5640
| Model Number | DP5640 |
|---|---|
| Channels | 4 |
| Temperature range | -100 to 1370°C (-148 to 2498°F) |
| Sampling interval | 0.05 sec – 10 mins |
| Accuracy | ± 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) |
| Resolution | ± 0.1°C (0.18 °F) |
| Maximum internal operating temperature | 85 °C (185 °F) |
| Data collection start | Start/Stop buttons, time or temperature trigger |
| Memory | 50,000 readings per channel |
| Battery | NiMH rechargeable, user replaceable |
Thermal Barrier
| Model | TB7237 |
|---|---|
| Contruction | Stainless steel construction with polished outer surface and textured inner surface to maximize thermal protection in a small package |
| Suitable logger | DP5640 |
| Dimensions | 16 x 91 x 250 mm (0.63 x 3.58 x 9.84 in) |
| Weight | 500 g (1 lb) |
| Thermal duration (min) |
4 @ 400ºC (752ºF) 1 @ 600ºC (1112ºF) 0.75 @ 800ºC (1472ºF) |
Obtaining optimum performance from a silicon PV cell depends critically on the contact drying and firing processes. Incorrect time/temperature profiles will affect contact resistance, as well as fill factor, and directly reduce production yields. These processes are conducted in ovens optimized for low energy use that have low entrance and exit heights. This means that only the smallest profiling system will pass through and record the full temperature profile.
The Datapaq® SolarPaq system is widely used in the solar photovoltaic industry to profile the contact firing and contact drying process. This system enables a user to set up, optimize and regularly monitor the performance of this key process. The system has been updated to enhance ease-of-use and allow for full integration with the Solar Insight™ Software.
| Special and Custom Solutions
The experienced engineering team at Fluke Process Instruments has produced numerous thermal barriers for applications, ranging from temperatures of -40°C to 1350°C (-40°F to 2462°F). They can design a complete solution for your specific requirements. Contact us to request information about a custom Datapaq thermal profiling solution. |
Thermocouples for use in Contact Drying and Firing Processes |
PTFE insulated cable, operating range: 0 to 265 °C (32 to 509 ºF), fast response. These probes comply with ANSI MC96.1speci al limits of error.
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Ultra fine, mineral insulated Type K thermocouple, diameter 0.5 mm (0.02 in), calibrated to comply with BSEN 60584.2 Class 1.
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Fine wire type K thermocouples with flexible binder free fiber insulation. Hot junction flattened for improved thermal contact with the cell. Complies with ANSI MC96.1 special limits of error.
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Probe Clamps
The probe clamp securely holds the cell, so the associated custom-designed probes can easily be slid into position.
| PA2100 is for use with 156 mm (6.1 in) or 125 mm (4.9 in) cells on flat belts or those with standoffs. |
| PA2110 has an outer width of 156 mm (6.1 in) and is designed for use specifically in furnaces with edge cell supports, ensuring the system rides at the correct height. |
