A Complete Solution

The Datapaq® SolarPaq system has been designed specifically to monitor the temperature of the glass substrate as it passes through the vacuum coating process.

The low height logger and thermal barrier can be located directly in the glass carrier. The barrier is only 35 mm (1.37 in) high and 105 mm (4.15 in) wide so it can be located in a small pocket within the carrier. The system then passes through the entire process measuring the glass temperature profile as it develops. When the system exits the datalogger can be retrieved from the thermal barrier and the profile information downloaded and analyzed. The system has been specifically designed to withstand the harsh environments within the plasma chambers and can be used repeatedly for both process set-up and regular monitoring. The external surfaces of the thermal barrier are coated with a high temperature ceramic coating that ensures the surface will not darken with use and hence guarantees continued consistent thermal performance.

Datapaq DP5 Data Logger

The Datapaq DP5 range of loggers is intended for use in short and medium duration thermal processes; the design is optimized for low height and fast reading capabilities. The Datapaq DP5 has been designed to ensure minimum cost of use and achieves this by making use of ‘off the shelf’ charging and communication leads. In addition all of the Datapaq DP5 loggers feature a rechargeable and user replaceable NiMH battery pack, combining ease of use with lowest running costs. The user replaceable battery charges from flat to usable in just five minutes. A full charge takes only 90 minutes and can provide 20 profile runs.

High Temperature Vacuum Thermal Barriers

A 35 mm high reflective plate thermal barrier designed specifically for use in CIGs coating process. It features an external ceramic coating and internal steel heat-sink. It is designed for use with the DP5640 datalogger. We recommend the use of mineral insulated thermocouples in processes where the thermocouples are directly exposed to the plasma, this ensures correct operation of the system even with the coating plasma energized.

Software Insight

This all new software has been designed specifically for use within the photovoltaic (PV) solar industry and contains many process-specific analysis displays. Wizards guide the users step-by-step to quickly obtain the data and analysis of the required results. This ensures that both experienced and novice users can obtain maximum benefit in the shortest possible time.

Data Logger Datapaq DP5640

Model Number	DP5640
Channels	4
Temperature range	-100 to 1370°C (-148 to 2498°F)
Sampling interval	0.05 sec – 10 mins
Accuracy	± 0.5 °C (0.9 °F)
Resolution	± 0.1°C (0.18 °F)
Maximum internal operating temperature	85 °C (185 °F)
Data collection start	Start/Stop buttons, time or temperature trigger
Memory	50,000 readings per channel
Battery	NiMH rechargeable, user replaceable

Thermal Barriers

Model	VB2040
Contruction	Stainless steel construction with exterior high temperature ceramic coating
Suitable logger	DP5640
Dimensions	35 x 105 x 386 mm (1.37 x 4.15 x 15.2 in)
Weight**	6 kg (13.2 lb)
Thermal duration (min)	150 @ 300ºC (572ºF) 100 @ 400ºC (752ºF) 50 @ 600ºC (1112ºF)

Note: these values are guide lines of expected performance in high vacuum applications, please contact us with exact process details.

The Datapaq® SolarPaq system has been designed specifically to monitor the temperature of the glass substrate as it passes through the vacuum coating process. The profiling system passes through the multi-chamber process measuring the temperature profile from up to 4 positions on the glass; even with the plasma activated. This feature combined with the unique reflective plate thermal barrier enables the system to be used without disrupting normal production flow.

Monitoring this deposition process is key to optimizing it. Due to the nature of the processing equipment, this process was very difficult and costly to measure. Now for the first time there is a system that can pass through the process and obtain full product temperature profiles. The thermal barrier is based on multiple reflective radiation shields combined with a central heat sink. This combination ensures the logger is both kept cool in the process and also, crucially, at the end of the process when the vacuum is released. The use of reflective shields eliminates outgassing ensuring minimal disruption when profiling.

Special and Custom Solutions

The experienced engineering team at Fluke Process Instruments has produced numerous thermal profiling systems for applications ranging from temperatures of -40°C to 1350°C (-40°F to 2462°F). They can design a complete solution for your specific requirements. Contact us to request information about a custom Datapaq thermal profiling solution.

Thermocouples Recommended for CiGs Panel Coating

PA0710 - Mineral-insulated, type K thermocouple, 1.6 mm/0.06 in diameter, Nicrobell™ Sheath. Operating range: 0 to 1250°C (32 to 2280°F), fitted with miniature high-temperature plug for direct connection to data logger.

PA0710 1 m/3.3 ft
PA0711 2 m/6.6 ft
PA0712 3 m/9.8 ft

PA0920 - Mineral-insulated, type K thermocouple, 1.0 mm/0.04 in. diameter, Inconel™ Sheath. Operating range 0 to 1000°C (32 to 1.832°F). Terminated with miniature high-temperature plastic plug.