Problem-free installation

As the spatial conditions on site were optimal due to the construction of a new hall, the Ypsator from Bürkle could be integrated into the existing production lines without any problems. But even if the space is not perfect, each Ypsator can always be adapted to the respective conditions. The entire machine was delivered to the factory in over 9 truckloads and installed ready for operation in a record time of 4 weeks. The pure planning and commissioning time took around 12 months. “The contact with the people responsible at Sonnenkraft came about via the predecessor company, with whom we had already had an intensive and good business relationship since 2010,” reports Daniel Klaus, who works in research and development at Bürkle. 
“Bürkle's overall support during planning, commissioning and process issues during operation was exemplary in every respect. With the Ypsator itself, we were particularly impressed by the consistent and very good quality of the laminating process, the energy efficiency and the ease of operation, i.e. the machine is very user-friendly. In short, we are delighted with a top product and are impressed by the great support from the company,” reports Reinhard Pasterk, Technical Director at Sonnenkraft.
The new Sonnenkraft laminator has a usable area of 2.20 meters by 2.50 meters. In order to make optimum use of the available space, the Ypsator has a total of 8 levels. The individual tiers are filled and then pass through the vacuum press, in which the air between the individual layers is removed. At the same time, the modules are pre-laminated and sealed in this press. In the second press, the film is further cured and the PV modules are fully laminated. They then go into the cooling process. 
“The solution with the tiers guarantees a high output even with limited space, as the usable area is increased. Theoretically, even more tiers would be possible with such a laminator model,” reports Daniel Klaus. 
In Wernersdorf, the new Ypsator is designed in such a way that 2 or even up to 4 PV modules can be installed simultaneously on each floor. The modules produced by Sonnenkraft vary in size depending on their intended use. The largest module is the Elektra energy roof with a length of 1,926 millimetres and a width of 1,185 millimetres. In addition to the ability to produce modules in different sizes, high throughput was another customer requirement. Today, a finished module leaves the plant in Wernsdorf approximately every 30 seconds. Of course, the Ypsator runs around the clock and can laminate up to 2,900 modules on average in an 8-hour shift.

High competitiveness

Since its installation at the beginning of 2024, the Ypsator has of course been running smoothly, as all Bürkle machines are manufactured to the highest quality. Nevertheless, the possibility of technical faults cannot be ruled out. In this case, Bürkle offers its customers an effective all-round service, which also includes the option of digital remote access or digital remote maintenance. The Ypsator at Sonnenkraft is equipped with such a module, which Bürkle technicians can use to access the machine around the clock in the event of a fault and identify possible faults or provide assistance in rectifying them. It is precisely this service that gives both sides a high degree of security. 
“The expansion of photovoltaics has reached a record pace in Austria. However, cheap imports, mainly from Asian countries, are currently putting pressure on European producers. Unlike India, Turkey or the USA, Europe has not yet protected its market with tariffs. However, the use of European photovoltaic components in the expansion of photovoltaic systems is now to be promoted more strongly. This “Made in Europe” bonus strengthens Austria as a business location and drives the energy transition forward. With the expansion of our capacities and the new Ypsator from Bürkle, we feel that we are ideally equipped for the further energy transition,” concludes Reinhard Pasterk.