Integrated simulation of turbulent convection, radiation and conduction during a selenization process for large-scale CIGS thin films

A numerical methodology for simulations of multi-mode heat transfer during a selenization process for CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) solar cell films has been developed. Turbulent fluid dynamics and convective heat transfer are simulated using a finite-volume large-eddy simulation (LES) technique while thermal conduction and radiation are predicted using finite-element methods. The computational methodology is validated for three heat transfer modes. Using the technique, a numerical study of heat transfer during the selenization process for deposition of a CIGS layer is performed to analyze the thermo-fluid phenomena occurring during the process. The present method is found to well predict temperature distribution on substrates as a function of both space and time. It is also analyzed that how turbulent fluid motions alter temperature distributions on the substrate during the selenization process.