Movable Heat Exchanger for Semiconductor Crystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for directional solidification of semiconductors, particularly in photovoltaic applications, face limitations in achieving a high heat flux extraction at low temperatures while maintaining good insulation at high temperatures, leading to restricted thermal gradients and solidification speeds.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger with movable members featuring patterns of relief that allow for adjustable thermal exchange coefficients by varying the distance and material properties between the members, enabling precise control of heat flux through the modulation of exchange surface areas and gas thickness, thereby enhancing heat flux extraction and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If radiation heat exchange is used between hot and cold assemblies, then heat flux extraction is achieved, but the extracted heat flux is limited by surface areas, viewing factors, and material properties
Solution Approach 1:
A movable screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the hot and cold assemblies to control thermal exchange. The screen can be positioned at different distances from the hot assembly, acting as a mediator that adjusts the radiation heat transfer without requiring complex active control systems. This mechanical intermediary simplifies the overall device complexity while enabling continuous adjustment of heat flux extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position relative to the hot assembly. This dynamic element enables continuous modulation of the viewing factor and heat exchange area, providing flexibility in controlling heat flux extraction while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Productivity
If heat flux extraction is increased, then solidification speed improves, but thermal gradient control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous change of the thermal exchange parameter (viewing factor) by moving the screen to different positions. This parameter adjustment allows optimization of heat flux extraction to achieve desired solidification speeds while maintaining control over thermal gradients. The movable screen provides a simple mechanism to tune the thermal parameters according to process requirements.
3Reliability
If insulation is increased to minimize heat flux, then heat extraction control is improved, but heat flux extraction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable screen provides dynamic control over thermal insulation effectiveness. By adjusting the screen position, the system can transition between states of high insulation (screen close to hot assembly, minimizing heat flux) and low insulation (screen far from hot assembly, maximizing heat flux extraction). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliability in heat flux control while preserving the capability for high heat extraction when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for a broader range of heat flux extraction, increasing material yields and solidification speeds, and improving thermal gradient control, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing systems by maintaining high heat extraction at low temperatures and ensuring uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
The control of the thermal exchange takes place for example by radiation via an element Fv determining the radiation (via a viewing factor)
Implementation Method 2
In a complementary manner, the control of the thermal exchange may also take place for example via heat conduction between the hot and cold assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
Heat exchanger (1) for a system for solidification and/or for crystallization of a semiconductor material, comprising a first member (2) and a second member (3), the first and second members being movable with respect to each other, characterized in that the first member comprises a first pattern of relief (21) and the second member comprises a second pattern of relief (31), the first pattern of relief being designed to cooperate with the second pattern of relief.