Induction melting process using segmented graphite crucible for silicon melting

Induction melting process using segmented graphite crucible was investigated to melt silicon feedstock for solar cells. Induction melting is the key technology used in silicon melting process, such as ingot-growing, metallurgical refining and ribbon production. However, contamination of silicon from the crucible in induction melting is the main source of degrading the silicon. In this paper, new structure of crucible was suggested to minimize the contamination from the crucible wall. It was the segmentation of graphite crucible wall that introduced the non-contact between melt and inner wall of crucible. Numerical and experimental studies of induction melting process of silicon using the suggested crucible were conducted. For numerical analysis, 3D models of crucible, induction coil and silicon were constructed and electromagnetic force and temperature distribution in silicon and crucible were calculated. To evaluate a process with the suggested crucible, induction melting system was built up based on the simulated results and experiments of silicon melting were carried out.