Numerical analysis of steady and transient processes in a directional solidification system

Manufactures of multi-crystalline silicon ingots by means of the directional solidification system (DSS) is important to the solar photovoltaic (PV) cell industry. The quality of the ingots, including the grain size and morphology, is highly related to the shape of the crystal-melt interface during the crystal growth process. We performed numerical simulations to analyze the thermo-fluid field and the shape of the crystal-melt interface both for steady conditions and transient processes. The steady simulations are first validated and then applied to improve the hot zone design in the furnace. The numerical results reveal that, an additional guiding plate weakens the strength of vortex and improves the desired profile of the crystal-melt interface. Based on the steady solutions at an early stage, detailed transient processes of crystal growth can be simulated. Accuracy of the results is supported by comparing the evolutions of crystal heights with the experimental measurements. The excellent agreements demonstrate the applicability of the present numerical methods in simulating a practical and complex system of directional solidification system.