Abstract: Clamping assemblies for sealing an annular chamber and reaction chamber of a reactor system are disclosed. The clamping assemblies may include actuators that are symmetrically arranged in two or more independently controllable groups of actuators.

Abstract: A shingled photovoltaic (PV) cell module is provided. The PV cell module includes a first PV cell string and a first connection cell. The first PV cell string includes a plurality of shingled PV cell segments. Each PV cell segment includes a front electrode and an opposing rear electrode electrically coupled to the front electrode. The front electrode of the PV cell segment is aligned and coupled with the rear electrode of an adjacent PV cell segment of the plurality of PV cell segments to electrically couple the plurality of PV cell segments in series. The first connection cell includes a ribbon electrode and a first electrode electrically coupled to the ribbon electrode and a first PV cell segment. The ribbon electrode is coupled to a conductor adjacent to the first PV cell string to transfer a power output of the PV cell segments.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for inhibiting heat transfer through lateral sidewalls of a support member positioned beneath a crucible in a directional solidification furnace. The methods include the use of insulation positioned adjacent the lateral sidewalls of the support member. The insulation inhibits heat transfer through the lateral sidewalls of the support member to ensure the one-dimensional transfer of heat from the melt through the support member.

Abstract: A directional solidification furnace includes one or more movable cooling plates disposed beneath a crucible. In a first position, the cooling plates are free from contact with a crucible support positioned adjacent the crucible. In a second position, the cooling plates are in contact with the crucible support. A control system is used to control the amount of force exerted by the cooling plates against the crucible.

Abstract: Clamping assemblies for sealing an annular chamber and reaction chamber of a reactor system are disclosed. The clamping assemblies may include actuators that are symmetrically arranged in two or more independently controllable groups of actuators.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system for use in a directional solidification furnace is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a plate having a flow path formed in the plate for directing a flow of coolant. The flow path has an inlet positioned adjacent an outlet. A wall separates the inlet and the outlet of the flow path. The heat exchanger includes a cover having an opening in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet of the flow path. An inner conduit is connected to the inlet of the flow path and an outer conduit is connected to the outlet of the flow path.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for inhibiting heat transfer through lateral sidewalls of a support member positioned beneath a crucible in a directional solidification furnace. The methods include the use of insulation positioned adjacent the lateral sidewalls of the support member. The insulation inhibits heat transfer through the lateral sidewalls of the support member to ensure the one-dimensional transfer of heat from the melt through the support member.

Abstract: A susceptor supports a crucible in a furnace and includes a first wall having a vertical edge and a second wall having a vertical edge. A first interlocking member is on the vertical edge of the first wall and a second interlocking member is on the vertical edge of the second wall. The first interlocking member is interlocked with the second interlocking member when the first wall and second wall are in an assembled configuration. Openings are disposed through the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. Each of the openings through the first interlocking member is coaxial with each of the openings through the second interlocking member.

Abstract: An ingot having a mass of greater than about 1000 kg, a method of producing the ingot, and a directional solidification furnace for producing the ingot are disclosed.

Abstract: A directional solidification furnace is disclosed that includes one or more movable insulating members disposed adjacent sides of the crucible. In a first position, the insulating members restrict the flow of heat away from the sides of the crucible. In a second position, the insulating members do not appreciably restrict the flow of heat away from the sides of the crucible. An actuating system is used to move the insulating members between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A directional solidification furnace is disclosed that includes one or more movable insulating members disposed beneath a bottom portion of the crucible. In a first position, the insulating members restrict the flow of heat away from the bottom portion of the crucible. In a second position, the insulating members do not restrict the flow of heat away from the bottom portion of the crucible. An actuating system is used to move the insulating members between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A directional solidification furnace is disclosed that includes one or more movable cooling plates disposed beneath a crucible. In a first position, the cooling plates are free from contact with a crucible support positioned adjacent the crucible. In a second position, the cooling plates are in contact with the crucible support. A control system is used to control the amount of force exerted by the cooling plates against the crucible.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system for use in a directional solidification furnace is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a plate having a flow path formed in the plate for directing a flow of coolant. The flow path has an inlet positioned adjacent an outlet. A wall separates the inlet and the outlet of the flow path. The heat exchanger includes a cover having an opening in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet of the flow path. An inner conduit is connected to the inlet of the flow path and an outer conduit is connected to the outlet of the flow path.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for inhibiting heat transfer through lateral sidewalls of a support member positioned beneath a crucible in a directional solidification furnace. The methods include the use of insulation positioned adjacent the lateral sidewalls of the support member. The insulation inhibits heat transfer through the lateral sidewalls of the support member to ensure the one-dimensional transfer of heat from the melt through the support member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for inhibiting heat transfer through lateral sidewalls of a support member positioned beneath a crucible in a directional solidification furnace. The systems and methods include the use of insulation positioned adjacent the lateral sidewalls of the support member. The insulation inhibits heat transfer through the lateral sidewalls of the support member to ensure the one-dimensional transfer of heat from the melt through the support member.