Method for recycling solar panels and device for recycling solar panels

Abstract

A method and apparatus for efficiently separating cover glass from a solar panel and reusing the solar panel are provided. The solar panel recycling method includes: (1) determining characteristic quantities of the solar panel, including the thickness and hardness of the cover glass; (2) setting processing conditions based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel; and (3) separating the cover glass from the solar panel by applying a collision force to the solar panel using a processing medium based on the processing conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for recycling a solar panel and a device for recycling a solar panel. Background Art

[0002] Solar power generation systems using solar panels are attracting attention as a renewable energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases, and their introduction is rapidly progressing. The lifespan of solar panels is estimated to be approximately 25 to 30 years, and a large amount of waste, including solar panels, is expected to be generated over that time. For example, according to estimates by Japan's Ministry of Environment, approximately 800,000 tons of waste will be emitted by 2039. Therefore, establishing a system for reusing and recycling solar panels is a top priority.

[0003] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a typical solar panel is shown. Solar panel 100 is a plate-shaped structure comprising solar cells 102a, including electrodes 102b, connected by wiring 102c. The structure is sealed with cover glass 101, a sealant 102d (e.g., EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer)), and a backsheet 103. The structure is then embedded in an outer frame 104a (e.g., aluminum) via a sealant 104b. Hereinafter, the layer 102 where the solar cells 102a are sealed via the sealant 102d is referred to as the power generation layer.

[0004] Previously, it was difficult to separate cover glass from solar panels, and the panels themselves had to be crushed for disposal. However, if the cover glass could be separated, it could be reused as glass, and valuable materials such as silver and aluminum could be recovered from battery components such as the power generation layer. In other words, there is a desire to establish technology that can effectively separate cover glass from solar panels.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a method for recycling solar panels, including: a "disassembly process" of removing the frame, output cables, terminal boxes, etc. from the solar cell panel to be recycled; a "heating and softening process" of annealing the solar panel to reduce the adhesion between the cover glass and the seal; a "first peeling process" of peeling off a portion of the cover glass; a "second peeling process" of completely peeling off the cover glass; and a "recovery process" of recovering the peeled cover glass.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-110201 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0010] In the "heating and softening step" described in Patent Document 1, the solar panel is heated and then slowly cooled to room temperature. According to the patent document, this heating time requires 60 to 90 minutes. Furthermore, in the "first peeling step," a heat treatment is performed to soften the seal. Therefore, from the perspective of reducing processing time, establishing a new recycling method is desirable.

[0011] The present invention is completed in view of the above actual situation. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method and device for efficiently separating cover glass from a solar panel and reusing the solar panel.

[0012] Technical solutions used to solve technical problems

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is a method for recycling solar panels, which includes the following steps.

[0014] (1) Understand the characteristic quantities of the solar panel including the thickness and hardness of the cover glass.

[0015] (2) Processing conditions are set based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel.

[0016] (3) Based on the treatment conditions, an impact force is applied to the solar panel by the treatment medium, and the cover glass (a member covering the surface of the solar panel) is separated from the solar panel.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, since the processing conditions are set based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel, only the cover glass can be appropriately separated by the processing medium without damaging the power generation layer under the cover glass.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing medium may be particles having a diameter of 0.6 to 3.0 mm. Separating the cover glass from the solar panel includes the following operations.

[0019] (1) The processing medium is caused to collide with the solar panel to cause cracks in the cover glass.

[0020] (2) Further collision of the treatment medium to cause crack growth.

[0021] (3) The processing medium is further collided to separate the cover glass from the solar panel into particles.

[0022] By repeatedly colliding the particulate treatment medium, cracks in the cover glass can be gradually grown, and the collision force reduces the adhesion between the power generation layer and the cover glass before the cover glass is separated. In other words, damage to the power generation layer during separation of the cover glass can be reduced.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may further include separating the cover glass fragments from the particles including the treatment medium for separation of the cover glass and the separated cover glass fragments.

[0024] Since the fragments of the cover glass are appropriately separated, the fragments of the cover glass can be collected for reuse.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing conditions may also include the energy of the processing medium when it collides with the solar panel. Alternatively, the Vickers hardness of the processing medium may be 350 to 550 HV, and the energy of the processing medium when it collides with the solar panel may be 1.0×10 -3 ~5.3×10 -1 J. Alternatively, the Vickers hardness of the treatment medium may be 60 to 150 HV, and the energy when colliding with the solar panel may be 9.0×10 -4 ~5.0×10 -1 J.

[0026] The processing conditions for separating the cover glass can be appropriately controlled.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is a device for recycling solar panels. The device includes an impact force applying mechanism, an input unit, and a control unit. The impact force applying mechanism is a mechanism that applies a collision force to the solar panel through a processing medium. The input unit inputs characteristic quantities of the solar panel (including the thickness of the cover glass and the hardness of the cover glass). The control unit controls the impact force applying mechanism. In addition, the control unit sets processing conditions based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel. Then, the impact force applying mechanism is controlled based on the set processing conditions to separate the cover glass (a component covering the surface of the solar panel) from the solar panel.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit sets processing conditions based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel, and the impact force applying mechanism processes the solar panel under the set processing conditions. Therefore, the cover glass alone can be properly separated by the processing medium without damaging the power generation layer under the cover glass.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, a treatment medium consisting of multiple particles with diameters of 0.6 to 3.0 mm can be projected toward the solar panel. Repeated collisions with the treatment medium cause cracks in the cover glass to grow, eventually disintegrating into particles. This allows the cover glass to be separated without damaging the power generation layer.

[0030] One embodiment of the present invention may also include a first separation mechanism and a second separation mechanism. The first separation mechanism separates "cover glass fragments and processing medium separated from the solar panel" from "solar panel from which the cover glass has been separated." Furthermore, the second separation mechanism separates "cover glass fragments" from the "cover glass fragments and processing medium" separated by the first separation mechanism.

[0031] Since the device includes a mechanism for appropriately separating the broken pieces of cover glass, the broken pieces of cover glass can be collected for reuse.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, a method for separating a cover glass of a solar panel and recycling the solar panel and an apparatus for recycling the solar panel can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a side view schematically showing a cover glass processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line AA.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a solar panel to be processed in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] (Implementation Method)

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a side view schematically showing an apparatus (cover glass processing apparatus) for recycling solar panels according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line AA.

[0039] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the cover glass processing device 1 for a solar panel includes an impact force applying mechanism 12 , a box 18 , a conveying mechanism 14 , a first separating mechanism 16 , a second separating mechanism 6 b , a third separating mechanism 6 e , an input unit 2 and a control unit 4 .

[0040] The control unit 4 performs various controls, including the setting of processing conditions and the operation of the cover glass processing apparatus 1, as will be described later. The control unit 4 may be implemented, for example, by a programmable logic controller (PLC), a motion controller such as a digital signal processor (DSP), or various computing devices such as a personal computer (PC), which are capable of controlling the operation of the cover glass processing apparatus 1. The input unit 2 may be implemented, for example, by a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or other input device capable of inputting settings and the like for the cover glass processing apparatus 1 in conjunction with an image display device.

[0041] The impact force applying mechanism 12 continuously projects the granular processing medium S. The impact force applying mechanism 12 includes a driving source and a projection mechanism. The driving source is, for example, an electric motor. In addition, an impeller driven by the driving source can be used in the projection mechanism. In this embodiment, the impact force applying mechanism 12 has an impeller connected to the electric motor, into which the processing medium S is fed, and the centrifugal force of the high-speed rotating impeller is used to project the processing medium S toward the processing object (solar panel 100).

[0042] Another configuration of the impact force applying mechanism 12 is to use a method that sprays the processing medium S together with compressed air. In this case, a mechanism can also be used that utilizes the negative pressure generated within the nozzle to draw in the processing medium and sprays it together with the compressed air. Alternatively, a mechanism can be used that pressurizes a pressurized container containing the processing medium S with compressed air, feeds the processing medium S into the airflow toward the nozzle S, and sprays it together with the compressed air from the nozzle.

[0043] As another configuration of the impact force applying mechanism 12 , a method of injecting the treatment medium together with liquid and compressed air can be used.

[0044] The housing 18 covers the region where the processing medium S is projected to separate the cover glass 101 , and defines a processing chamber R therein.

[0045] The transport mechanism 14 transports the solar panel 100 to the area where the processing medium S is projected, and then transports the solar panel 100, after the cover glass 101 has been removed, out of the housing 18. The transport mechanism 14 can be a belt conveyor, a vibrating feeder, a chain conveyor, a roller conveyor, or the like. In this embodiment, a belt conveyor is used.

[0046] The first separation mechanism 16 is a mechanism for separating the cover glass 101 separated from the power generation layer 102 in the solar panel 100, the processing medium S, and other particles (generated by the separation process) from the power generation layer 102. In this embodiment, the first separation mechanism 16 uses an external force such as a blower, brush, or scraper using compressed air to perform the separation.

[0047] As another configuration of the first separating mechanism 16 , a vibrating feeder may be used as the conveying mechanism 14 , and a mesh plate may be used as a conveying portion on which the solar panel 100 is placed. In this case, the conveying mechanism 14 can also serve as the first separating mechanism 16 .

[0048] The third separation mechanism 6e separates and recovers the "other particles" from the "cover glass 101, processing medium S, and other particles" separated by the first separation mechanism. The third separation mechanism 6e can also utilize wind power for sorting. Furthermore, the third separation mechanism 6e can be omitted as needed, for example, if the amount of "other particles" generated is low.

[0049] The second separation mechanism 6b separates the "cover glass 101" and the "processing medium S" from the "cover glass 101, processing medium S, and other particles" separated by the first separation mechanism. The "cover glass 101 and processing medium S" separated by the third separation mechanism are then separated into the "processing medium S" and the "cover glass 101" in the second separation mechanism 6b. The second separation mechanism 6b can be selected from a sieve, a wind screening device, a magnetic screening device, and the like. A combination of these can also be used.

[0050] Next, the operation of the solar panel cover glass processing device 1 constructed as described above will be described. In this embodiment, the solar panel 100 to be processed is removed by Figure 3 The frame portion 104 composed of the aluminum outer frame 104 a and the sealant 104 b is supplied to the separation device 1 in the form of a laminate consisting only of the cover glass 101 , the power generation layer 102 , and the back sheet 103 .

[0051] (1) First, the operator inputs the characteristic quantities of the solar panel 100 to be processed into the input unit 2. The characteristic quantities include the thickness and hardness of the cover glass.

[0052] (2) The control unit 4 sets processing conditions based on the input characteristic quantities of the solar panel 100. Based on the set processing conditions, signals for controlling each mechanism including the impact force applying mechanism 12 are output to each mechanism.

[0053] (3) Next, the transport mechanism 14 operates, and the solar panel 100 placed on the transport mechanism 14 is transported to the position directly below the impact force applying mechanism 12 within the housing 18. The impact force applying mechanism 12 then operates, continuously projecting numerous treatment media S toward the solar panel 100. The projection of the treatment media S exerts an impact force on the cover glass 101. This impact force separates the cover glass 101 in the following manner.

[0054] a) In the early stages of projection, numerous small cracks are generated on the cover glass 101 .

[0055] b) By further continuing to project and apply the impact force, the crack grows in the depth direction.

[0056] c) Cracks in the cover glass 101 develop a so-called "spider web" pattern. Specifically, when the cracks reach the power generation layer 102, the contact area at the interface between the cover glass 101 and the power generation layer 102 decreases, weakening the adhesion. Continued application of the impact force from the projection in this state causes the cover glass 101 to break off into particles.

[0057] By performing the treatment according to the treatment conditions set in the above step (2), the cover glass is separated as described above, and therefore damage to the power generation layer 102 caused by the treatment can be suppressed.

[0058] (4) The processed solar panel 100 is along Figure 1 The stacked body consisting of the power generation layer 102 and the back sheet 103 from which the processing medium S has been removed is further transported by the transport mechanism 14 and collected for reuse.

[0059] (5) A processing medium recovery unit 6a is provided at the lower portion of the housing 18. The processing medium recovery unit 6a located at the lower portion of the housing 18 is used to recover the cover glass 101, the projected processing medium S, and other particles (generated by the processing) separated by the processing medium recovery unit. The processing medium recovery unit 6a is composed of, for example, a screw conveyor, a bucket elevator, etc. (not shown). (See Figure 2 )

[0060] (6) The "cover glass 101, treatment medium S, and other particles" recovered by the treatment medium recovery unit 6a are transferred to the third separation mechanism 6e. "Other particles" are particles with a smaller mass than the "cover glass 101 and treatment medium S." The third separation mechanism 6e is connected to a dust collector (not shown), and the airflow generated by the dust collector is used to separate the "other particles." The separated "other particles" are then recovered in the dust collector.

[0061] (7) The "cover glass 101 and processing medium S" separated by the third separation mechanism 6e are transferred to the second separation mechanism 6b. The second separation mechanism 6b then separates the "processing medium S" and the "cover glass 101." The separated cover glass is discharged to the outside through the discharge pipe 6d. Furthermore, the separated processing medium S is supplied to the impact force application mechanism 12 by the processing medium supply unit 6c and projected again.

[0062] (Characteristics of solar panels)

[0063] The characteristic quantities of the solar panel 100 input into the input unit 2 include, in addition to the cover glass thickness and hardness, the composition of the cover glass 101, the composition, hardness, and thickness of the seal 102d, the composition, hardness, and thickness of the back sheet 103, and the temperature of the solar panel 100. These characteristic quantities are obtained based on pre-available specification information related to the solar panel model. Alternatively, they can be appropriately measured prior to processing.

[0064] In addition to the above-mentioned characteristic quantities, the deterioration of the sheet and seal (the influence of ultraviolet rays or heat, salt damage or water during use), the damage of the cover glass (cracked, scratched, etc.), the shape of the solar panel (warping, bending, etc.), and the attachments to the cover glass (dirt, paint, mud, soil, etc. that hinder projection) can also be used as characteristic quantities.

[0065] (Processing conditions)

[0066] The processing conditions set based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel 100 may include the energy of the processing medium S that collides with the cover glass 101 to separate the cover glass 101 , the type, hardness, and size of the processing medium, and the like.

[0067] In this embodiment, the energy (collision energy) of the processing medium S when the processing medium S collides with the solar panel 100 is controlled. This energy is calculated by the control unit 4 using the following equation, for example.

[0068] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0069] S E =kG t G h

[0070] Here, S E represents the collision energy, k represents a constant obtained through experiments, G t Indicates the thickness of the cover glass, G h Indicates the hardness of the cover glass. In addition, the collision energy S E It is the energy of the collision medium S before it collides with the solar panel 100 .

[0071] The material of the treatment medium S is selected from various materials such as metal (e.g., iron, zinc, stainless steel), ceramic (e.g., aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, zircon), glass, resin (e.g., nylon resin, melamine resin, urea resin), plant components (e.g., walnut, peach). The shape of the treatment medium S is selected from various shapes such as spherical, polygonal, cylindrical, etc. For example, in the case of metal particles, spherical particles called steel balls, polygonal particles with sharp corners called gravel, cylindrical particles called cutting lines, or particles with rounded corners of cylindrical shapes can be selected. It is also possible to appropriately select and adopt from various materials and shapes based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel 100.

[0072] Furthermore, it has been found that the above-mentioned collision energy S E The relationship between the collision energy SE and the hardness of the collision medium S is important. For example, when the Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 350 to 550 Hv, the collision energy SE is 1.0×10 -3 ~5.3×10 -1 J. For example, when the Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 60 to 150 Hv, the collision energy SE is 9.0×10 -4 ~5.0×10 -1 J. Vickers hardness is a value measured in accordance with JIS Z0311:2004.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the material, hardness, shape, collision energy, and other characteristics of the processing medium S are set based on the characteristic quantities of the solar panel 100, making it possible to efficiently separate the cover glass 101 from the solar panel 100. Specifically, when separating the cover glass 101, damage to the power generation layer 102 can be suppressed, allowing the cover glass 101 to be reused, and the power generation layer 102 can also be reused. In addition, since damage to the power generation layer 102 is suppressed, impurities can be prevented from being mixed into the recovered cover glass 101 fragments. Since the size of the cover glass 101 fragments can be adjusted to a different mass and size from the processing medium S, the processing medium S and the cover glass 101 can be easily separated in the separation mechanism 6b using a sieve or a start-up screening device. Therefore, a method for efficiently separating the cover glass of a solar panel for reuse and an apparatus for recycling solar panels can be provided.

[0074] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present invention. The claims encompass various variations of the embodiments without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Explanation of symbols

[0076] 1. Solar panel cover glass processing device;

[0077] 2 input part;

[0078] 4. Control unit;

[0079] 12 impact force applying mechanism;

[0080] 16 first separation mechanism;

[0081] 6b second separation mechanism;

[0082] 100 solar panels;

[0083] 101 cover glass;

[0084] S treatment medium.

Claims

1. A method for recycling solar panels, comprising: Obtaining characteristic quantities of the solar panel including the thickness of the cover glass and the hardness of the cover glass; setting processing conditions based on characteristic quantities of the solar panel; as well as Based on the treatment conditions, the treatment medium applies an impact force to the solar panel to separate the cover glass covering the surface of the solar panel from the solar panel. The processing medium is a plurality of particles with a diameter of 0.6 to 3.0 mm. The separation of the cover glass from the solar panel is as follows: causing the processing medium to collide with the solar panel to generate cracks in the cover glass, causing the treatment medium to further collide to cause the crack to grow, The processing medium is further collided to separate the cover glass from the solar panel into particles. The processing conditions include the energy of the processing medium when it collides with the solar panel, The Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 60-150 HV or 350-550 Hv, When the Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 60-150 HV, the energy of the collision with the solar panel is 9.0×10 -4 ~5.0×10 -1 J, When the Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 350-550 Hv, the energy when colliding with the solar panel is 1.0×10 -3 ~5.3×10 -1 J.

2. The method for recycling solar panels according to claim 1, wherein: The solar panel recycling method includes separating the cover glass fragments from particles including the processing medium for separation of the cover glass and the separated cover glass fragments.

3. A device for recycling solar panels, comprising: an impact force applying mechanism, wherein the impact force applying mechanism applies a collision force to the solar panel through a processing medium having a plurality of particles with a diameter of 0.6 to 3.0 mm; an input unit that inputs characteristic quantities of the solar panel including the thickness of the cover glass and the hardness of the cover glass; as well as a control unit, the control unit controlling the impact force applying mechanism, The control unit sets processing conditions based on characteristic quantities of the solar panel, and controls the operation of the impact force applying mechanism based on the processing conditions, causing the processing medium to collide with the solar panel to generate cracks in the cover glass, causing the processing medium to collide further to cause the cracks to grow, and causing the processing medium to collide further to separate the cover glass covering the surface of the solar panel from the solar panel into particles. The processing conditions include the energy of the processing medium when it collides with the solar panel, The Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 60-150 HV or 350-550 Hv, When the Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 60-150 HV, the energy of the collision with the solar panel is 9.0×10 -4 ~5.0×10 -1 J, When the Vickers hardness of the treatment medium is 350-550 Hv, the energy when colliding with the solar panel is 1.0×10 -3 ~5.3×10 -1 J.

4. The device for recycling solar panels according to claim 3, wherein: The impact force applying mechanism projects the processing medium toward the solar panel.

5. The device for recycling solar panels according to claim 4, wherein: The device comprises: a first separating mechanism that separates the fragments of the cover glass separated from the solar panel and the processing medium from the solar panel from which the cover glass was separated; and A second separating mechanism is configured to separate the cover glass fragments from the cover glass fragments and the processing medium separated by the first separating mechanism.

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