Neolectum - Cell efficiency, RFID, Offshore wind farm - Photovoltaic (PV) industry - thin films, energy efficiency

Valencia - September 2008

23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition • Exhibitors' news

All products and/or services are new for 2008, already availble or to be launched in the following weeks.

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Viscom AG

Viscom S2012PV
the flexible AOI system for photovoltaic applications.
Steadily increasing requirements for quality solar cells demand fast and effective characterization systems. The S2012PV is Viscom’s first dedicated optical inspection system for solar cell production. The S2012PV is an AOI system for applications such as wafer material inspection, cell characterization and final cell control. In the process, geometry, cracks, color, print image and micro cracks are inspected – with especially high inspection depth.
The modular system comes equipped with high performance VisCam camera technology and can be adapted to every inspection stage and for each characterization task. It guarantees consistently excellent quality in cell production. The AOI system is very easy to integrate into the production environment. The specially developed calibration concept ensures genuine measurement accuracy and sustained reproducibility for all inspection tasks.

Viscom inspection systems are used in nearly all sectors – from automotive electronics, to aeronautics and aerospace, even industrial electronics and the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. The company is European market leader and one of the three leading suppliers worldwide for automatic optical and X-ray inspection in the assembly inspection sector.
Viscom offers effective and fast optical characterization systems for the steadily growing demands for quality in solar cells. Geometry, cracks, color and print image are inspected – with especially high inspection depth.

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WATTPIC ENERGIA INTEL·LIGENT, SL

FSA_CENTAURUS Concentration
Wattpic Double Axis Solar Precision Tracker For Concentration
Combining human intelligence and strength, is the philosophy of FSA_CENTAURUS, developed to withstand wind (sustained forces and intense peaks) hail and humidity. Innovative element is the decentralised turning axis and, patented ´weather vane effect´. Impacts of extreme winds generate a turn in dominant wind direction avoiding structure damage. FSA_CENTAURUS has a solar surface up to 140 square meters.
FSA_CENTAURUS is based upon an equilibrated triangular structure, requires a minimum of energy for rotation and no lateral hanging forces occur. The decentralised axis sustains the structure at the heaviest point, buffers and transmits forces to the concrete basis. The structure turns around this axis without mechanical components. The weather vane effect reduces the amount of concrete needed by approximately 50%.

Concentration
During the first half of 2008 first prototyping and testing of high precision, stable tracking was performed, and results look very promising. Actually design adaptation and technical details are further outlined towards production schemes. The market introduction will probably occur during the autumn of this year.
Keywords: Decentralised turning axis, patented ´weather vane effect´, equilibrium, large tracking surface, minimum installation time & materials, working with nature and elimination of mechanical components.

WATTPIC Intelligent Energy is a technology-based company specialised in the field of distributed sustainable energy and solar tracking. The business areas are defined as “Investigation and development” and “Market transfer” in two areas: Energy generation based upon renewable resources and application of information technology (ICT) for demand side management and electricity distribution in networks. WATTPIC’s team has over 10 year experience in solar tracking technology, based upon FSA technology. This knowledge resulted in a new concept of solar double axis tracking. A new tracking concept was introduced, inspired by nature: Don’t try to work against or resist nature, but move along with the nature... Using this philosophy the turning axis is decentralised, newly situated at 1/3 of the triangular structure. By this construction the impact of wind-forces on the PV module surface is twice as high on one side of the axis compared to the other side, generating a turn in the direction of this wind-force avoiding any damage.

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Wieland Electric GmbH

Powerful DC connectors PST 40i1 for photovoltaic applications
The single-pole photovoltaic connectors PST 40i1 have been designed for the DC range of solar systems. They can be used to interconnect individual solar panels to one another as well as to connect them to inverters. They can be used both outdoors and indoors in open and fixed layouts and are suitable for installation inside or on protectively insulated devices and systems. Their connection range of up to 40 A with cross sections up to 10 mm2 are unique in today's market.
The connectors can be assembled on site using crimping technology, or they are delivered pre-assembled and molded to the special solar cable. They have been designed for rated voltages up to 1000 VDC and rated currents up to 40 A per contact. Their contact resistance is smaller than 1 m according to EN 60352-9. The male and female connectors are available for cross sections of 1.5, 2.5, 4.0, 6.0 or 10.0 mm2 and thus meet the trend for larger and more powerful photovoltaic systems.
The solar connectors satisfy the IP 66/68 protection degree and resist UV light, oil and grease as well as alcohol, ammonia, acids, lyes and salt water. They can be used at temperatures between -40 and 85 °C with the highest permissible operating temperature being 110 °C. The single-pole photovoltaic connectors are TÜV-tested and satisfy the standards DIN V VDE V 0126-3 as well as IEC 61730-1. The UL-certification is being prepared.

The Bamberg company Wieland Electric GmbH is truly interested in making contacts. As a specialist for electrical connection technology Wieland contacts most industries and offers elaborate connector systems for solar systems, street lighting, offices, sales rooms, airports, high-rise buildings as well as control cabinets, machines and drives.
The internationally oriented family-owned company was founded in 1910 in Bamberg, Germany and has subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Italy, Poland, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic as well as China; it is represented in more than seventy countries worldwide.
Wieland Holding comprises not only Wieland Electric but, since 1998, the STOCKO group as well. The company group is certified according to ISO 9001:2000 and produces in compliance with an EC-audited environmental management system.
Almost 100 years ago the engineer Friedrich H. Wieland recognized the potential for detachable electrical connections and with the so-called Wieland terminal laid the cornerstone for continuous success. For decades Wieland Electric’s trademarks have included DIN rail terminal blocks, industrial multipole connectors and PCB terminals. Today, the portfolio is completed with safety technology, connection modules for sensors and actuators as well as power bus systems for remote drives. The extensive product range includes components for industrial automation as well as building installation and automation.

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Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland GmbH

Y-Sol® series

Development and manufacturing of PV module cabling systems for silicon and thin film modules.
Junction boxes for both module types.
Power cable assemblies Y-Sol3 and Y-Sol4 with moulded connectors fulfilling protection rating IP68.
Versions with (Y-Sol4) or without (Y-Sol3) additional locking mechanism.
Design to the latest TÜV (VDE126-3/6) and UL requirements.
- Configuration according to customer requirements, then delivery of complete pre-assembled system with cables and plugs.

Innovative features
SMD diodes in the J-Boxes
The use of SMD diodes instead of regular radial diodes. SMD diodes have a lower thermal resistance than radial diodes. The thermal resistance of radial diodes is usually about 4 K/W. The SMD diode used by Yamaichi has a thermal resistance of only 1.5 K/W. Therefore an SMD diode will heat up considerably less compared to a conventional radial diode (up to approx. 40% less heat development). Higher current resistance, less thermal load and thus also less power loss are the advantages for the user.
Pat. Pend. on contact design
Time-saving assembly and automated contacting due to spring contacts. The J-Boxes can be connected to the panel either by spring force when putting on the lid or by soldering. The design allows automated assembly in an assembly line.
IP65 sealing in the J-Box lid
Due to the sealing the resin filling of the J-Box is not required anymore. This saves material cost.
Compact J-Box design
Space-saving installation due to one of the flattest designs on the market (wafer module J-Box height of 26.5mm, TF module J-Box height of 12.0mm).

Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland GmbH is the European partner for IC sockets, connectors, cables, fine pitch flexible printed circuits and PCB design services. Our network includes a knowledgeable and experienced sales staff in Germany, Italy, the UK and France. We are supported by a European network of exclusive distributors. In order to facilitate the local market demands, Yamaichi operates two Design Centers in Munich and Sousse (Tunisia) supported by a large test equipment laboratory. Our expertise covers the photovoltaic, semiconductor, factory automation, wireless communication, telecom/datacom and other sectors. Moreover we offer cable assemblies from our production facility in Northern Germany.

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Xantrex Technology

Xantrex™ Trace Series Inverter/Charger
Based on the proven technology of the Xantrex™ DR Series, the Xantrex™ Trace Series Inverter/Charger is an economical power conversion solution designed to provide dependable modified sine wave electricity to essential circuits in the home or business during a power outage. It can also be used in conjunction with a generator or any renewable energy source in an off-grid application. In addition to providing new features, the Trace Series improves on the key features that have made the DR Series the most robust and reliable inverter/charger line for backup power and off-grid applications.

Features

New digital display shows kilowatts (kW) when inverting and amps (A) when charging, plus incorporates a
robust ON/OFF membrane switch and status indicators
New power factor corrected (PFC) charging, combined with a more sophisticated multi-stage battery
charging algorithm, reduces electricity draw and generator run-time
Simplified controls with a snap-on cover that protects settings from being accidentally changed Better thermal performance allows full output power to 50°C (122°F) without de-rating
High surge capacity starts more difficult loads and handles overload conditions reliably

Xantrex™ Communication Gateway
The Xantrex™ Communication Gateway bridges the gap between a Xantrex GT or XW System and the system owner’s computer, making it the central component for a residential or small commercial remote monitoring system. The Gateway logs performance data directly from the Xantrex GT or XW System, and transmits it to the included Yahoo™ Widget based monitoring software for a simple and graphically rich view of system performance. More than a data logger, the Gateway offers a web page with the ability to configure automated email reports and fault status to the user or installer.

Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com) is proud to celebrate 25 years in business. Since 1983, Xantrex has grown to become a world leader in advanced power electronics. Xantrex develops, manufactures and markets products and systems for the renewable, programmable, and mobile power markets. The company's products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic and electrical equipment. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, with facilities in the United States and Europe and a Joint Venture in China.

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Wirtschafts-Assekuranz-Makler GmbH

Solar Cover Note
European-wide theft protection for photovoltaic plants - round the clock. We offer a service contract, the alarm technique is included. Intrusion of the alarm to the emergeny communications department. Activation of security agencies or police. All inclusive.

Wirtschafts-Assekuranz-Makler GmbH : Insurance Cover Concept for photovoltaic plants, especially in Spain, Italy, Greece and Germany.

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XeroCoat Inc.

XeroCoat Anti-Reflective Coating for PV Module Cover Glass

Product Highlights

Higher power and conversion efficiency
XeroCoat's single-layer optical coating enables superior solar energy transmission over the solar spectrum at broad incident angles to maximize the solar energy available for conversion into electricity. With XeroOcat AR on you module, power output is increased by 3% and energy output is increased by >4%.

Exceptional durability over the solar module lifetime.
XeroCoat has completed rigorous testing to industry and company standards. Meets IEC 61215 module test standards. Exceeds current industry standards for abrasion resistance.

Cost-effective manufacturing
XeroCoat's anti-reflective coating solution is an easy drop-in replacement for crystalline PV. XeroCoat has developed a unique process—a single layer liquid coating step followed by a low temperature curing step that lends itself to to high-volume, low cost manufacturing as well as thin film processes.

Flexibility to control costs and logistics in the supply chain.
XeroCoat's technology can be applied to any glass type, size and from any supplier. This allows customers to obtain or choose a glass cover solution that combines the “best glass” with the “best coating”.

Enables broader market adoption of solar energy.
XeroCoat anti-reflective coating is applicable across all current and emerging solar energy technologies: from photovoltaic—poly and mono-crystalline silicon, thin film, and concentrating—to solar thermal. XeroCoat cost effectively increases the percentage of solar energy converted to electricity.

XeroCoat’s anti-reflective coating technology cost-effectively increases the energy performance of solar modules without requiring modifications to the existing poly or mono-crystalline module manufacturing process. XeroCoat’s anti-reflective solution lends itself across most solar energy technologies - from crystalline, thin film, and concentrating photovoltaic —to solar thermal technology

 

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