Optimized automation and drive solutions for production machines along the entire production chain in the solar industry

Many different process steps and automation requirements must be considered when manufacturing photovoltaic modules. The field ranges from slow processes for raw silicon block production up to high-speed machines for wafer cutting, reliable machines for the cell coating process, and the handling or transport of individual components. Continuous quality control of each production step is just as important as an integrated process and high-precision machines.

Siemens provides a wide range of scalable automation and drive products for the entire solar manufacturing chain. This ranges from dynamic motors of the SIMOTICS series and SINAMICS drives to the SIMOTION and SIMATIC controllers, for all applications with the most diverse requirements. The efficient interaction of all the automation and drive components is ensured by Totally Integrated Automation (TIA). In this way, we help our customers increase their productivity and product quality and reduce costs sustainably. Our products are ideally suited to photovoltaic manufacturers and OEMS from the solar industry. We also provide innovative solutions for precise solar tracking of the solar modules.

System-based implementation of individual solutions

The wafer, cell and module manufacturing process demands short cycle times in order to ensure a high throughput. In addition, complex handling kinematics are required to some extent. Siemens provides the right solutions for this, based on the controller portfolio of SIMATIC and SIMOTION, e.g. the Handling Toolbox with preconfigured software modules and handling kinematics. Cartesian gantry systems, roller pickers, SCARA, delta pickers (2D/3D) with interpolation functionality are system-integrated and incorporated in the Handling Toolbox. Additional functions such as conveyor synchronization and camera integration are also available.

An overview of our concepts and solutions for

• Crystal drawing systems
• Silicon ingot cutting machines, squarers and wire saws for manufacturing wafers
• Machines for the production of solar cells and modules (e.g. stringers, layup stations, laminators, framing stations, and quality test systems) including transport and sorting systems
• Thin-film coating plants (TCO, CVD, PVD)

can be found at:

http://www.siemens.com/solar-industry

On the website you will likewise find all the information for solar tracking system solutions, including the Solar Tracking Software Toolbox.