Customizable AI-based in-line process monitoring platform for achieving zero-defect manufacturing in the PV industry

Third generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies offer high performance and customizability for ubiquitous integration (BIPV, VIPV, agrivoltaics, IoT...), and are well suited to Industry 4.0 manufacturing. However, their high-complexity and finely-tuned production processes make them prone to the appearance of critical defects with just small deviations from standard process conditions leading to significant production waste. In this context, Platform-ZERO provides a new paradigm for the third generation PV industry through the development of a self-learning, modular and customizable in-line process monitoring platform that provides in-situ holistic production assessment and control employing non-destructive inspection methods and industry 4.0 Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to allow an early detection, correction and/or prevention of pre-critical production faults. In order to achieve this ambitious objective, the Platform-Zero consortium joins together partners with a strong background in advanced characterization of complex materials and process monitoring methodologies; and partners who are leaders at the European level in the development/production of third generation PV devices and related products providing a balanced contribution of academy and industry with a high degree of multidisciplinarity. Platform-ZERO will demonstrate its innovative holistic process monitoring technology through the development, installation and validation at TRL7 of 4 functional demonstrators in different PV and PV-related manufacturing lines: roll-to-roll (CIGS solar foil), sheet-to-sheet (high efficiency CIGS and perovskite) and line flow (smart coatings) PV and PV-related manufacturing lines. The Platform-ZERO technology will contribute in increasing the overall quality and reduce the cost of high-tech PV devices increasing the competitiveness of EU's PV industry and allowing PV to become a key energy source for Europe's transition towards climate-neutral energy generation.