Title:	Reconfigurable Automated Island for (dis)Assembly of a Variety of Silicon Solar Cell Geometries for Specialist Low Power and CPV Applications
Author(s):	S. Dunnill, D.J. Morrison, I. Brugnetti, M. Colla, A. Valente, H. Bikas, N. Papakostas
Keywords:	Manufacturing and Processing, Concentrator, PV Module, Automatic Assembly
Topic:	SOLAR CELLS / ASSEMBLIES / MODULES FOR TERRESTRIAL CONCENTRATOR SYSTEMS AND FOR SPACE SOLAR GENERATORS
Subtopic:	Terrestrial Concentrator Modules and Systems
Event:	29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	4CV.3.33
Pages:	2134 - 2137
ISBN:	3-936338-34-5
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20142014-4CV.3.33
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper, poster

Abstract/Summary:

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The FP7 funded white’R project aims to develop a new manufacturing concept for the flexible tabbing and stringing of solar cells of varying shapes and sizes. white’R is a self-contained white room consisting of a multi-robotic island made up of intelligent, cooperative, fully automated “Plug&Produce (P&P)” modules. These modules interact with each other to accomplish multi-level optimization strategies related to both assembly and disassembly processes. The island will have the capability of scanning incoming solar cells to be (dis)assembled and associate them to a number of tasks to be executed. It will also have the intelligence to automatically recognise, select and configure the proper P&P equipment to be used for the operations. To date, a reference model has been created, detailing current production processes, considered products and foreseen equipment, in order to support the configurable implementation of the island. Preliminary designs for both the fixturing system and end effectors have been produced.