Numerical simulations for silicon crystallization processes—examples from ingot and ribbon casting

At ACCESS e.V. numerical simulations of casting and heat treatment processes are performed and are in use for process optimization since more than 10 years. During the last few years, a simulation technique, for the prediction of microscale texture characteristics dependent on the solidification conditions, has been additionally developed. Both simulation methods are applied to silicon crystallization processes in close collaboration with partners from the industry, namely the Deutsche Solar GmbH. s paper, general features of numerical simulation for silicon crystallization techniques will be presented. The prospectives and limitations of these simulation methods will be discussed. Finally, examples of numerical simulation results on different length scales for two silicon-casting processes are given.