Solar panel processing system and solar panel processing method

Abstract

A solar panel processing system and a solar panel processing method are provided that enable removal of a cell matrix layer from a solar panel. [Solution] A solar panel processing system 20 for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel 10 includes a transport device 1 for transporting the solar panel 10 with the side to be processed facing up, and a water jet device 5 including a water jet nozzle header with multiple spray nozzles, which sprays high-pressure water from the water jet nozzle header onto the surface by rotating the water jet nozzle header with a rotation device 4. The water jet device 5 is disposed in a fixed position relative to the transport device 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system and a processing method for separating a glass substrate and a non - glass substrate in order to recycle a solar power generation panel (hereinafter referred to as "solar panel").

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a solar panel has a structure in which a plurality of solar cells are connected by wiring materials and sealed with a sealing agent between a front - side glass substrate and a back - side backsheet (see FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1). The backsheet serves as a protective layer for protecting the solar cells and the wiring materials. Here, the solar cells, the wiring materials, and the backsheet are collectively referred to as a cell matrix layer.

[0003] When recycling a solar panel, as a method for separating the glass substrate and the cell matrix layer, Patent Document 1 describes a method of preheating the solar panel and then bringing a cutting tool into contact with the interface between the glass substrate and the cell matrix layer to peel them off.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a method of injecting high - pressure water from the backsheet to remove the cell matrix layer up to the glass substrate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The method described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the aforementioned sealant remains on the glass substrate. Therefore, a further step is required to remove the sealant from the glass substrate.

[0007] In the method described in Patent Document 2, a single spray nozzle moves to remove the cell matrix layer in a linear pattern, but the surface cannot be removed in a single pass, resulting in extremely low removal efficiency. Furthermore, when removing the layer in a linear pattern by moving a single spray nozzle, there is a possibility that some of the sealant may not be completely removed and may remain on the glass substrate.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a solar panel processing system and a solar panel processing method that enable the removal of the cell matrix layer from a solar panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. The present invention relates to a solar panel processing system for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel, comprising: a conveying device for transporting the solar panel with the side to be processed facing upwards; and a water jet device that includes a water jet nozzle header having a plurality of injection nozzles, and rotates the water jet nozzle header with a rotating device to inject high-pressure water onto the surface from the water jet nozzle header. The water jet device is positioned in a fixed location relative to the conveying device.

[0010] Preferably, one or more water jet devices are provided so as to be able to spray high-pressure water over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel being transported.

[0011] Preferably, if multiple water jet devices are provided, the sum of the widths of the water jet nozzle headers of each water jet device should be greater than or equal to the width of the solar panel being transported.

[0012] Preferably, a waterproof wall is provided to surround the water jet device.

[0013] Preferably, the system further includes a recovery system for collecting the treated water and solar panel debris used.

[0014] For example, in one embodiment, the recovery system may include at least a recovery hopper located at the bottom of the conveying device and a tank for storing the treated water and debris recovered in the recovery hopper.

[0015] Preferably, the recovery system may further include a separation system for separating the treated water from the debris.

[0016] For example, in one embodiment, the separation system may include at least a separation tank for settling and separating debris from the treated water.

[0017] For example, in one embodiment, the separation system may further include a classifier for separating classifiers from the treated water separated in the separation tank.

[0018] Preferably, the water jet device is further equipped with a water blow device on the discharge side for spraying water onto the solar panel.

[0019] Preferably, the water jet device is further equipped with an air blow device on the discharge side for spraying air onto the solar panel.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a method for treating a solar panel to expose a glass substrate of the solar panel, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the solar panel with the surface to be treated of the solar panel facing upward; and a high-pressure water injection step of injecting high-pressure water from a water jet nozzle header including a plurality of injection nozzles onto the surface using a water jet device that rotates the water jet nozzle header with a rotating device. The water jet device is arranged at a fixed position with respect to the conveying path.

[0021] Preferably, in the high-pressure water injection step, one or more water jet devices provided may be used so that high-pressure water can be injected over a range corresponding to the width of the conveyed solar panel.

[0022] Preferably, it may further include a recovery step for recovering the used treatment water and the glass of the solar panel.

[0023] Preferably, the recovery step may further include a separation step for separating the treatment water and the glass.

[0024] Preferably, the separation step may at least precipitate and separate the glass from the treatment water.

[0025] Preferably, the separation step may further separate classified glass from the separated treatment water.

[0026] Preferably, further, a water blow step for injecting water onto the solar panel may be provided on the discharge side of the water jet device.

[0027] The method for treating a solar panel according to claim 12, preferably further comprising an air blow step for injecting air onto the solar panel on the discharge side of the water jet device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to remove the cell matrix layer from a solar panel.

[0029] The solar panels are transported by a conveying device, and as they pass under a water jet device fixed in place on the conveying path, the cell matrix layer is removed by high-pressure water, thus enabling efficient removal.

[0030] The water jet system allows for efficient removal because it rotates a water jet nozzle header with multiple nozzles, enabling high-pressure water to be applied evenly and without gaps to the solar panel.

[0031] Since the high-pressure water is sprayed over an area equivalent to the width of the solar panel, efficient removal becomes possible.

[0032] When using multiple water jet devices, by making the sum of the widths of the water jet nozzle headers greater than or equal to the width of the solar panel, high-pressure water can be applied to the solar panel without gaps, enabling efficient removal.

[0033] Using a waterproof wall can prevent treated water from splashing into the surrounding area.

[0034] Using a recovery system makes it possible to recover treated water and debris.

[0035] Using a separation system, it becomes possible to separate treated water from waste. This makes it possible to recycle the glass.

[0036] By using water blow or air blow equipment, glass substrates can be cleaned and transported away.

[0037] The purpose, features, structure, operation, and effects of the present invention and its embodiments will become even clearer from the following detailed description in reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a solar panel processing system 20 in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the solar panel processing system 20. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a right side view of the solar panel processing system 20. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the solar panel processing system 20. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the solar panel processing system 20. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a photographic representation of a solar panel 10 that has been treated by spraying high-pressure water in a planar manner. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel processing system 20 comprises a conveying device 1, a waterproof wall 2, a recovery hopper 3, a rotating device 4, at least one water jet device 5, a water supply unit 6, a high-pressure water generator 7, a water blow device 8, an air blow device 9, a water recovery tank 11, a pump 12, a debris separation water tank 13, a classified debris separation device 14, and a classified debris flexible container 15.

[0040] The conveying device 1 is a conveyor system capable of transporting the solar panels 10 in the transport direction. However, it is not limited to a conveyor system, as long as it can transport the panels.

[0041] The water supply unit 6 is a water tank or water source. Water is supplied from the water supply unit 6 to the high-pressure water generator 7. The high-pressure water generator 7 supplies high-pressure water to the water jet device 5.

[0042] The water jet device 5 is a well-known water jet device that sprays high-pressure water while rotating a plurality of injection nozzles (not shown). For example, it is a well-known technology that has been disclosed in numerous publications, such as Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-62481 and Japanese Patent No. 7510715.

[0043] Multiple injection nozzles are arranged, for example, on the bottom surface of a T-shaped metal member (referred to as a "water jet nozzle header"). Note that the shape is not limited to a T-shape; it may also be a shape extending in three directions. Water supply channels are perforated inside the water jet nozzle header, directed towards each injection nozzle. The water jet nozzle header rotates due to a rotating device 4, which consists of an air motor or electric motor. Therefore, the high-pressure water supplied from the high-pressure water generator 7 to the water jet nozzle header is ejected from each injection nozzle while the water jet nozzle header rotates. This causes the high-pressure water to strike the surface of the solar panel 10 in a planar manner.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a photograph of a solar panel 10 that has been treated by spraying high-pressure water in a planar (in this case, circular) manner. It can be seen that the cell matrix layer has been cleanly removed, leaving the glass substrate exposed.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, three water jet devices 5 are used. By using three water jet devices 5, high-pressure water can be sprayed in a planar manner over the entire short-side of the solar panel 10.

[0046] In Figures 2 and 4, two large water jet devices 5 are arranged alternately on the left and right sides, with one small water jet device 5 in the center between them, so that high-pressure water hits the shorter side of the solar panel 10 without any gaps. Note that in Figure 3, only the two large water jet devices 5 on the left and right are shown for clarity.

[0047] However, the number, size, and placement of the water jet devices 5 are merely examples. One or more water jet devices 5 should be provided so that high-pressure water is sprayed without gaps over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel 10 being transported (in the illustrated example, the shorter side is the width, but if the solar panel 10 is placed horizontally and transported, the longer side will be the width). In other words, as long as high-pressure water is applied in a planar manner to the surface of the solar panel 10, any size of water jet device 5 can be used, and it can be arranged in any way.

[0048] When using multiple water jet devices 5, if the sum of the lengths of the widths of the water jet nozzle headers used in each water jet device 5 (the widths to the left and right from the rotation center of the T-shape if a T-shaped water jet nozzle header is used, or the widths to the left and right from the rotation center if three-way water jet nozzle headers are used) is greater than or equal to the width of the solar panel 10 being transported, high-pressure water can be applied to the solar panel 10 in a planar manner without gaps in the width direction.

[0049] The solar panel 10, placed on the transport device 1, is transported in the transport direction with the cell matrix layer facing upwards. High-pressure water is sprayed from the water jet device 5 in a planar (circular in this embodiment) manner. Therefore, during transport, the water jet hits the surface of the water jet device 5. The cell matrix layer in the area hit by the high-pressure water is removed by the high-pressure water, exposing the glass substrate. The water jet device 5 itself is fixed and does not move.

[0050] Furthermore, the apparatus described in Patent Document 2 differs fundamentally in that the water jet device itself moves in a linear fashion. If the water jet device itself moves, and moreover, moves in a linear fashion, it takes too long to process a single solar panel 10.

[0051] Since the water jet device 5 is positioned at a fixed location on the transport path of the transport device 1, the high-pressure water, which is sprayed in a planar manner while rotating, hits the solar panel 10 as it moves in the transport direction. Therefore, the cell matrix layer of the solar panel 10 that passes under the water jet device 5 is removed after passing through, which is highly efficient.

[0052] With this configuration, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, multiple solar panels 10 can be placed on the transport device 1 and processed one after another to increase processing efficiency. The processed solar panels 10 are placed on the transport platform 16 shown in Figures 1 and 5 and can be collected.

[0053] The above describes the basic configuration of this embodiment. In order to put this into practical use, it will be necessary to process the wastewater after treatment, prevent the diffusion of high-pressure water, and collect debris, so this embodiment further includes the configuration for these processes.

[0054] The necessary components for practical implementation are a system that prevents the treated water from the water jet from scattering into the surrounding area, and a recovery system for collecting the treated water used by the water jet and the resulting debris from the cell matrix layer of the solar panel.

[0055] Furthermore, the recovery system should ideally include a separation system to separate debris from the treated water.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the water jet device 5 will be surrounded by a waterproof wall 2. The waterproof wall 2 will have a structure such as a transparent acrylic plate surrounding a frame, as shown in Figure 5. This will allow work to be done while viewing the contents. The waterproof wall 2 will prevent the high-pressure water from spreading to the surroundings.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, a recovery hopper 3 is provided below the waterproof wall 2.

[0058] The waterproof wall 2 has sections corresponding to the inlet and outlet of the solar panel 10. Near the outlet, as shown in Figure 5, a water blow device 8 and an air blow device 9 are installed. Water is sprayed from the water blow device 8 to dislodge debris from the surface of the solar panel 10. Air is sprayed from the air blow device 9 to blow away fine debris and water droplets from the surface of the solar panel 10.

[0059] The high-pressure water sprayed from the water jet device 5, the water sprayed from the water blow device 8, and the air sprayed from the air blow device 9 cause the treated water and debris from the cell matrix layer on the surface of the solar panel 10 to fall into the recovery hopper 3.

[0060] Here, "debris" refers to the debris of the cell matrix layer, which includes metal components such as solar cells and wiring, as well as resin components such as protective layers and backsheets. Since this debris contains hazardous materials and recyclable metals, the collected debris is properly processed and recycled.

[0061] The recovery hopper 3 is equipped with a water recovery tank 11, into which treated water and debris are recovered. The recovery hopper 3 and water recovery tank 11 are an example of a recovery system, but the present invention is not limited to this, and recovery may be carried out by other means.

[0062] A pump is attached to the water recovery tank 11, and the treated water and debris from the water recovery tank 11 are sent to the debris separation tank 13. In the debris separation tank 13, the heavier debris sinks and is collected. The sedimentation of debris in the debris separation tank 13 is one example of a separation system, but this invention is not limited to other means, and separation may be performed by other means.

[0063] Debris that does not settle because it is mixed with the treated water is sent to the debris classification and separation device 14. The classifying debris separation device 14 separates the powdered classified debris from the wastewater. A classified rubble separation device 14 is equipped with a classified rubble flexible container 15, and the classified rubble is collected into the flexible container (bag, etc.). For the classification and separation device 14, for example, a drum screen may be used, but this invention is not limited to this.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, the solar panel 10 transported by the transport device 1 passes under the water jet device 5 which sprays high-pressure water over a wide area. This allows for the efficient removal of the cell matrix layer of the solar panel 10.

[0065] Furthermore, by enclosing the water jet device 5 with a waterproof wall 2, it is possible to prevent the high-pressure water from spreading to the surrounding area.

[0066] Furthermore, the treated water and debris can be recovered by the recovery hopper 3 located at the bottom of the conveying device 1. The recovered treated water and debris are separated by a sedimentation process in the debris separation tank 13 and by a classification debris separation device 14.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the processing of a solar panel in which a glass substrate is provided on one side and a backsheet is provided on the other side is described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, even in the case of a bifacial solar panel in which glass substrates are provided on both sides, this embodiment can also be used to remove the solar cells, wiring materials, and protective layers after removing one of the glass substrates.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects and is not intended to limit its scope. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each constituent element of the invention disclosed herein shall stand as an independent and standalone invention. Inventions that combine each constituent element in any way shall also be included in the present invention. The specific expressions in this specification are merely illustrative, and the present invention shall also include conceptualizations of such illustrative expressions. [Industrial applicability]

[0069] The present invention relates to a solar panel processing system and a solar panel processing method, and is industrially applicable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1. Conveying device 2 waterproof wall 3. Recovery hopper 4 Rotating device 5. Water jet device 6 Water supply section 7. High-pressure water generator 8. Water blowing device 9. Air blow device 10 Solar panels 11 Water recovery tank 12 pumps 13. Debris Separation Tank 14 Classification and Separation Device 15-minute glass flexible container 20 Solar Panel Processing System

Claims

1. A solar panel processing system for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel, A conveying device for transporting the solar panel with the side to be processed facing upwards, The system includes a water jet nozzle header having multiple injection nozzles, and one or more water jet devices that rotate the water jet nozzle header with a rotating device to inject high-pressure water from the water jet nozzle header onto the surface, The one or more water jet devices are positioned in a fixed location relative to the transport device, and are configured such that the sum of the widths of the water jet nozzle headers of each water jet device is equal to or greater than the width of the solar panel, so that the high-pressure water can be sprayed over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel being transported. The solar panel processing system further comprises a waterproof wall surrounding the one or more water jet devices, The waterproof wall prevents the high-pressure water sprayed from the one or more water jet devices and the treated water containing debris from the cell matrix layer removed from the solar panels by the spraying of the high-pressure water from scattering into the external environment of the solar panel treatment system. The aforementioned solar panel processing system further, Below the area enclosed by the aforementioned waterproof wall, and below the conveying device, is a recovery hopper for recovering the treated water and the debris, A tank for containing the treated water and debris recovered in the recovery hopper, The tank comprises a separation system for separating the treated water and the rubble contained within the tank, The separation system is, A separation tank for settling and separating the debris from the treated water, A classifying debris separation device for separating debris that does not settle in the separation tank from the treated water, It includes a recovery unit for recovering the rubble that has been classified by the aforementioned rubble classification and separation device, The entire process, from the processing of the solar panels using one or more water jet devices to the recovery of the treated water and the separation, classification, and recovery of the rubble, is completed within the solar panel processing system formed by the one or more water jet devices, the waterproof wall, the recovery hopper, and the separation system, and is configured so that harmful substances and reusable metals contained in the treated water and rubble are not released outside the solar panel processing system. Furthermore, the solar panel processing system is characterized in that, on the discharge side of the water jet device, a water blow device for spraying water onto the solar panel is provided inside the waterproof wall, and the debris and treated water removed by the water blow device are guided to the recovery hopper.

2. A solar panel processing system for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel, A conveying device for transporting the solar panel with the side to be processed facing upwards, The system includes a water jet nozzle header having multiple injection nozzles, and one or more water jet devices that rotate the water jet nozzle header with a rotating device to inject high-pressure water from the water jet nozzle header onto the surface, The one or more water jet devices are positioned in a fixed location relative to the transport device, and are configured such that the sum of the widths of the water jet nozzle headers of each water jet device is equal to or greater than the width of the solar panel, so that the high-pressure water can be sprayed over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel being transported. The solar panel processing system further comprises a waterproof wall surrounding the one or more water jet devices, The waterproof wall prevents the high-pressure water sprayed from the one or more water jet devices and the treated water containing debris from the cell matrix layer removed from the solar panels by the spraying of the high-pressure water from scattering into the external environment of the solar panel treatment system. The aforementioned solar panel processing system further, Below the area enclosed by the aforementioned waterproof wall, and below the conveying device, is a recovery hopper for recovering the treated water and the debris, A tank for containing the treated water and debris recovered in the recovery hopper, The tank comprises a separation system for separating the treated water and the rubble contained within the tank, The separation system is, A separation tank for settling and separating the debris from the treated water, A classifying debris separation device for separating debris that does not settle in the separation tank from the treated water, It includes a recovery unit for recovering the rubble that has been classified by the aforementioned rubble classification and separation device, The entire process, from the processing of the solar panels using one or more water jet devices to the recovery of the treated water and the separation, classification, and recovery of the rubble, is completed within the solar panel processing system formed by the one or more water jet devices, the waterproof wall, the recovery hopper, and the separation system, and is configured so that harmful substances and reusable metals contained in the treated water and rubble are not released outside the solar panel processing system. Furthermore, the solar panel processing system is characterized in that, on the discharge side of the water jet device, an air blow device for injecting air onto the solar panel is provided inside the waterproof wall, and the debris and moisture removed by the air blow device are guided to the recovery hopper.

3. A solar panel processing method for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel, (a) A step of transporting the solar panel with the side to be processed facing upwards using a transport device, (b) A step of removing the cell matrix layer from the solar panel by rotating a water jet nozzle header having multiple spray nozzles using one or more water jet devices positioned in a fixed position relative to the conveying device, while spraying high-pressure water over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel. (c) A step of preventing the high-pressure water and treated water containing debris derived from the cell matrix layer from being scattered into the external environment of the treatment system by a waterproof wall surrounding the water jet device, (d) A step of recovering the treated water and the rubble using a recovery hopper provided below the area enclosed by the waterproof wall and below the conveying device, (e) A step of storing the treated water and debris recovered in the recovery hopper into a tank, (f) A step of separating the treated water and the rubble contained in the tank by a separation system, A sedimentation step in which the debris is settled and separated from the treated water, A step of classifying the debris that does not settle in the sedimentation step from the treated water, A step of collecting the classified rubble by a collection unit, Includes, Each of the steps (b) to (f) above is performed within the solar panel processing system, which is formed by the water jet device, the waterproof wall, the recovery hopper, and the separation system, and the treated water and the rubble are treated in such a way that harmful substances and reusable metals contained in the treated water are not released into the external environment during the execution of the processing method. Furthermore, the solar panel processing method is characterized by including the step of removing the debris and treated water adhering to the surface of the solar panel using a water blow device for spraying water onto the solar panel inside the waterproof wall on the discharge side of the water jet device, and guiding the removed debris and treated water to the recovery hopper.

4. A solar panel processing method for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel, (a) A step of transporting the solar panel with the side to be processed facing upwards using a transport device, (b) A step of removing the cell matrix layer from the solar panel by rotating a water jet nozzle header having multiple spray nozzles using one or more water jet devices positioned in a fixed position relative to the conveying device, while spraying high-pressure water over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel. (c) A step of preventing the high-pressure water and treated water containing debris derived from the cell matrix layer from being scattered into the external environment of the treatment system by a waterproof wall surrounding the water jet device, (d) A step of recovering the treated water and the rubble using a recovery hopper provided below the area enclosed by the waterproof wall and below the conveying device, (e) A step of storing the treated water and debris recovered in the recovery hopper into a tank, (f) A step of separating the treated water and the rubble contained in the tank by a separation system, A sedimentation step in which the debris is settled and separated from the treated water, A step of classifying the debris that does not settle in the sedimentation step from the treated water, A step of collecting the classified rubble by a collection unit, Includes, Each of the steps (b) to (f) above is performed within the solar panel processing system, which is formed by the water jet device, the waterproof wall, the recovery hopper, and the separation system, and the treated water and the rubble are treated in such a way that harmful substances and reusable metals contained in the treated water are not released into the external environment during the execution of the processing method. Furthermore, the solar panel processing method is characterized by including a step of removing the debris and moisture remaining on the surface of the solar panel by using an air blow device for injecting air onto the solar panel inside the waterproof wall on the discharge side of the water jet device, and guiding the removed debris and moisture to the recovery hopper.

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