A photovoltaic module recycling apparatus and a photovoltaic module recycling method

Abstract

The application discloses a photovoltaic module recycling device and method, and relates to the technical field of photovoltaic module recycling. The photovoltaic module recycling device comprises a conveying mechanism, a heating mechanism and a stripping mechanism. The heating mechanism is provided with multiple heating zones with gradually increased processing temperatures along the conveying direction. The stripping mechanism comprises multiple stripping assemblies arranged in sequence along the conveying direction. The multiple stripping assemblies are matched with the corresponding heating zones, and the roller pressure gradually increases along the conveying direction. The multiple heating zones and the multiple stripping assemblies are sequentially matched, so that the photovoltaic module continuously completes multistage heating and layer-by-layer stripping during the conveying process. The stripping requirements of different interlayer interfaces are met through the gradually increased processing temperatures and the gradually increased roller pressure, the transfer, waiting and repeated processing between processes are reduced, and the recycling efficiency of the photovoltaic module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic module recycling technology, and in particular to a photovoltaic module recycling device and a photovoltaic module recycling method. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic modules typically consist of a structure consisting of a glass substrate, an upper EVA film, solar cells, a lower EVA film, and a backsheet, stacked sequentially. The glass substrate, solar cells, and related conductive structures contain materials with high recycling value, such as glass, silicon, silver, copper, and aluminum. As the scale of photovoltaic module use continues to expand, the number of photovoltaic modules reaching the end of their service life or being decommissioned due to damage is gradually increasing, making the resource recycling of waste photovoltaic modules of great significance. If the materials in each layer cannot be effectively separated, it will not only reduce the reuse value of glass, silicon, and metal materials but also increase the burden of subsequent harmless disposal.

[0003] Because EVA film has strong adhesive properties, the glass substrate, solar cells, and backsheet are tightly bonded after lamination, making direct mechanical separation of the layers difficult. In current photovoltaic module recycling processes, the backsheet and solar cell layers are typically peeled off first, and then the material is transferred to heating equipment. Heating under a protective atmosphere such as argon softens, decomposes, or causes the EVA to lose its adhesive properties. Subsequently, ultrasonic vibration is used to separate the solar cells from the glass. These processes are usually performed separately by different equipment, lacking continuous connection between them. The material requires multiple unloading and transfers, making continuous processing difficult and severely impacting the recycling efficiency of photovoltaic modules. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic module recycling device that, through the continuous combination of graded heating and step-by-step roller stripping along the conveying direction, enables photovoltaic modules to be continuously separated layer by layer, reducing waiting time and repeated processing between processes, thereby improving recycling efficiency and solving the technical problem of low recycling efficiency of existing photovoltaic modules due to the difficulty in continuous processing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a photovoltaic module recycling device, including a conveying mechanism, a heating mechanism, and a stripping mechanism; The heating mechanism has multiple heating zones along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism, and the processing temperature of the multiple heating zones increases progressively along the conveying direction; the peeling mechanism includes multiple peeling components arranged sequentially along the conveying direction, and the roller pressure of the multiple peeling components increases progressively along the conveying direction. Along the conveying direction, multiple stripping assemblies are respectively located between two heating zones that are at least partially adjacent.

[0006] In some embodiments, the highest temperature of the multiple heating zones is no greater than 400°C.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heating zone includes a first heating zone, a second heating zone, a third heating zone, and a fourth heating zone arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; The temperature range of the first heating zone is 80–120℃; the temperature range of the second heating zone is 150–200℃; the temperature range of the third heating zone is 250–300℃; and the temperature range of the fourth heating zone is 350–400℃.

[0008] In some embodiments, a heat insulation plate is provided between any two adjacent heating zones.

[0009] In some embodiments, a slow cooling mechanism is also included, which is located downstream of the stripping mechanism along the conveying direction; the slow cooling mechanism has a slow cooling zone for slow cooling the photovoltaic modules after they have been processed by the stripping mechanism, and the processing temperature of the slow cooling zone is 150°C to 200°C.

[0010] In some embodiments, the rolling pressure of the plurality of stripping components ranges from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa.

[0011] In some embodiments, the stripping assembly includes a first stripping assembly, a second stripping assembly, and a third stripping assembly arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; The rolling pressure of the first stripping assembly is 0.1MPa to 0.3MPa; the rolling pressure of the second stripping assembly is 0.3MPa to 0.5MPa; and the rolling pressure of the third stripping assembly is 0.5MPa to 1.0MPa.

[0012] In some embodiments, the peeling assembly includes an upper roller and a lower roller disposed opposite to each other, with a peeling gap formed between them; At least part of the peeling component's upper roller pressure cylinder surface is covered with a flexible protective layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, a temperature detection mechanism and a pressure detection mechanism are also included; The temperature detection mechanism includes multiple temperature detection elements, which are set one-to-one with multiple heating zones to detect the temperature of each heating zone. The pressure testing mechanism includes multiple pressure testing elements, which are set one-to-one with multiple peeling components to detect the roller pressure of each peeling component.

[0014] In some embodiments, a control mechanism is also included, wherein the heating mechanism includes a plurality of heating components, and the plurality of heating components are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of heating zones; The control mechanism is connected to multiple heating components, peeling components, temperature detection mechanisms, and pressure detection mechanisms respectively. The control mechanism is used to adjust the heating power of the corresponding heating components according to the temperature information detected by each temperature detection component, and to adjust the rolling pressure of the corresponding peeling components according to the pressure information detected by each pressure detection component.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system further includes a purification mechanism, which includes a gas collection section communicating with a processing space of at least one heating zone and a purification processing section communicating with the gas collection section.

[0016] The present invention also provides a photovoltaic module recycling method, applicable to the photovoltaic module recycling equipment described in any of the above claims, comprising the following steps: S1. Remove the outer frame of the photovoltaic module, the junction box, and the conductive parts connected to the junction box; S2. Clean the surface of the photovoltaic modules; S3. The photovoltaic module is conveyed sequentially through multiple heating zones, multiple stripping components and slow cooling zones using a conveying mechanism. The photovoltaic module is heated step by step through multiple heating zones, and the photovoltaic module after heating is rolled and stripped step by step through multiple stripping components. The target recycling layer after stripping is also slow cooled through the slow cooling zone. The processing temperature of multiple heating zones increases progressively along the conveying direction; the rolling pressure of multiple stripping components increases progressively along the conveying direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of heating zones include a first heating zone, a second heating zone, a third heating zone, and a fourth heating zone arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; the plurality of peeling assemblies include a first peeling assembly, a second peeling assembly, and a third peeling assembly arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; step S3 includes: S31. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic module to the first heating zone, the second heating zone and the first stripping module, and performs the first roll stripping after heat treatment. S32. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic modules after the first roll peeling to the third heating zone and the second peeling module, and after heat treatment, performs the second roll peeling. S33. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic modules after the second roll peeling to the fourth heating zone and the third peeling module, and after heat treatment, performs the third roll peeling. S34. The conveying mechanism transports the target recycled layer obtained after the third roll peeling to the slow cooling zone for slow cooling treatment.

[0018] In some implementations, step S3 further includes: The waste gas generated during the stripping process of photovoltaic modules is collected and purified.

[0019] Compared to the prior art, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment provided by this invention transports photovoltaic modules via a conveying mechanism and sets up multiple heating zones with progressively increasing processing temperatures along the conveying direction, allowing the photovoltaic modules to be heated at different processing temperatures sequentially during transport. Furthermore, multiple stripping components are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction, each cooperating with a corresponding heating zone. This allows the photovoltaic modules to continue into the corresponding stripping processing stage after undergoing the appropriate heating treatment, thereby achieving continuous heating, softening, and stripping of each layer of the photovoltaic module structure, reducing waiting time between processing stages, and avoiding repeated processing.

[0020] Since different interfaces to be peeled are at different levels and have different peeling conditions, the present invention increases the roller pressure of multiple peeling components step by step along the conveying direction, so that each peeling component can provide matching mechanical action according to the peeling requirements of different stages.

[0021] This invention utilizes multiple heating zones and multiple stripping components arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. By gradually increasing the processing temperature and the rolling pressure, the stripping requirements of different interlayer interfaces are met. This allows photovoltaic modules to continuously complete multi-stage heating and layer-by-layer stripping during the conveying process, reducing the processing time occupied by inter-process transfers, waiting, and repeated heating and stripping. This increases the number of photovoltaic modules processed per unit time and improves the recycling efficiency of photovoltaic modules. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a photovoltaic module recycling device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the layout of the conveying mechanism, heating mechanism, slow cooling mechanism, temperature detection mechanism, and heat insulation cover; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Layout diagram of the stripping mechanism and pressure testing mechanism; Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state of the photovoltaic modules before they are stripped. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the state of a photovoltaic module when the second substrate is peeled off. Figure 6This is a diagram showing the state of a photovoltaic module when the second encapsulant film is peeled off. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the state of a photovoltaic module when the cell layer and the first encapsulant film are peeled off. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the state of a photovoltaic module when only the first substrate remains.

[0024] The attached figures are labeled as follows: Photovoltaic module 01; First substrate 011, first adhesive film 012, battery cell layer 013, second adhesive film 014, and second substrate 015; 1. Conveying mechanism; 2. Heating mechanism; 3. Stripping mechanism; 4. Slow cooling mechanism; 5. Control mechanism; 6. Temperature detection mechanism; 7. Pressure detection mechanism; 8. Purification mechanism; 9. Sorting mechanism; and 10. Heat insulation cover. First heating component 21, second heating component 22, third heating component 23 and fourth heating component 24; First heating zone 211; Second heating zone 221; Third heating zone 231; Fourth heating zone 241; First peeling component 31, second peeling component 32 and third peeling component 33; Upper roller pressure cylinder 301, lower roller pressure cylinder 302 and roller gap adjustment cylinder 303; Slow cooling zone 41; The first temperature detection element 61, the second temperature detection element 62, the third temperature detection element 63, the fourth temperature detection element 64, and the fifth temperature sensor 65; First pressure detection element 71, second pressure detection element 72 and third pressure detection element 73; First partition door 101 and second partition door 102. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] This invention discloses a photovoltaic module recycling device for recycling photovoltaic modules. (See attached diagram.) Figure 4As shown, the photovoltaic module includes a first substrate 011, a first encapsulating film 012, a cell layer 013, a second encapsulating film 014, and a second substrate 015 stacked sequentially. The first substrate 011 and the second substrate 015 support and protect the cell layer 013 inside the photovoltaic module. The first encapsulating film 012 is located between the first substrate 011 and the cell layer 013, and the second encapsulating film 014 is located between the cell layer 013 and the second substrate 015. The first and second encapsulating films 012 and 014 form a stable laminated structure for the first substrate 011, the cell layer 013, and the second substrate 015. The first substrate 011 and the second substrate 015 can be glass substrates or backsheets, depending on the specific type of the photovoltaic module to be recycled. For double-glass photovoltaic modules, both the first substrate 011 and the second substrate 015 can be glass substrates. The first and second encapsulating films 012 and 014 can be photovoltaic encapsulating films. The cell layer 013 may include multiple photovoltaic cells and solder strips for electrical connection between adjacent cells.

[0028] As attached Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment includes a conveying mechanism 1, a heating mechanism 2, and a stripping mechanism 3. The conveying mechanism 1 extends along a predetermined conveying direction and carries the photovoltaic modules and photovoltaic modules at different stages formed during the recycling process, allowing the photovoltaic modules to sequentially pass through different processing zones along one conveying direction. The heating mechanism 2 has multiple heating zones along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 1, each heating zone having a different processing temperature, and the processing temperature of the multiple heating zones gradually increases along the conveying direction. Through this arrangement, after the complete photovoltaic module enters the equipment, it first undergoes heat treatment at a relatively low temperature. Subsequently, as the photovoltaic module moves along the conveying direction and the outer material layer is continuously removed, the remaining photovoltaic module then undergoes heat treatment at a higher temperature.

[0029] It is important to note that the gradual increase in temperature across multiple heating zones is not simply to continuously raise the overall temperature of the photovoltaic module, but rather to match the peeling requirements of different interlayer interfaces. Near the upstream position in the transport direction, the adhesion between the second substrate 015 and the second encapsulant film 014 is first reduced to a state suitable for peeling. After the second substrate 015 is removed, the remaining layer structure continues to move downstream, and under the further increased processing temperature, the adhesion between the second encapsulant film 014 and the cell layer 013 is reduced. After the second encapsulant film 014 is removed, the remaining cell layer 013, the first encapsulant film 012, and the first substrate 011 continue to undergo higher temperature processing, further weakening the overall adhesion between the cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011. This allows different interfaces to sequentially reach a peelable state according to a predetermined order.

[0030] Based on multiple heating zones, the stripping mechanism 3 includes multiple stripping components arranged sequentially along the conveying direction, with the roller pressure of the multiple stripping components increasing progressively along the conveying direction. Each stripping component cooperates with a corresponding heating zone, allowing the photovoltaic module to directly enter the corresponding stripping process after completing the corresponding heating and softening treatment. This achieves a continuous connection between the heating and softening process and the mechanical stripping process, reducing the dwell time between different processing stages, avoiding repeated heating and repeated stripping, and improving processing efficiency.

[0031] Along the conveying direction, multiple stripping components in the stripping mechanism 3 are respectively located between two heating zones that are at least partially adjacent, so that the photovoltaic modules can be stripped of the corresponding layer structure in a timely manner after the heating treatment, further shortening the connection distance between the heating and stripping processes and improving the continuous operation capability of the equipment.

[0032] In summary, this invention utilizes multiple heating zones and multiple stripping components arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. By progressively increasing processing temperatures and roller pressures, the stripping requirements of different interlayer interfaces are met. This allows photovoltaic modules to continuously undergo multi-stage heating and layer-by-layer stripping during the conveying process, reducing the processing time occupied by inter-process transfers, waiting, and repeated heating and stripping. Consequently, the number of photovoltaic modules processed per unit time is increased, thereby improving the photovoltaic module recycling efficiency.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment, the maximum temperature of the multiple heating zones is no more than 400°C, so as to reduce the adhesion between the layers of the photovoltaic module while avoiding the degradation of material performance or the generation of excessive thermal decomposition products due to excessive temperature.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the heating zone includes a first heating zone 211, a second heating zone 221, a third heating zone 231, and a fourth heating zone 241 arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; the temperature range of the first heating zone 211 is 80–120°C; the temperature range of the second heating zone 221 is 150–200°C; the temperature range of the third heating zone 231 is 250–300°C; and the temperature range of the fourth heating zone 241 is 350–400°C.

[0035] By setting up multiple heating zones with progressively increasing temperatures, the photovoltaic module undergoes heating treatment at different temperature stages during transportation. This allows for gradual heating and softening of each layer based on the differences in adhesive properties between different layers of the photovoltaic module, avoiding uneven heating or material performance degradation caused by a single high-temperature heating process. Specifically, the first heating zone 211, with a lower temperature, preheats the photovoltaic module, gradually softening adhesive layers such as the encapsulant film. Subsequent heating zones 221, 231, and 241 further increase the processing temperature to gradually reduce the adhesive force at the interfaces between different layers, making the subsequent peeling process smoother. This invention employs a gradient heating method, ensuring that each layer of the photovoltaic module reaches a suitable peeling state sequentially according to a preset order. While ensuring effective separation between layers, it reduces problems such as excessive pyrolysis of the encapsulant film, increased contaminant generation, and damage to recycled materials such as solar cells caused by excessively high temperatures, thereby improving the recycling efficiency and quality of the photovoltaic module.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 1 and 2 As shown, heat insulation plates are installed between any two adjacent heating zones to reduce heat transfer between adjacent heating zones, reduce temperature interference between different heating zones, and enable each heating zone to maintain a relatively independent temperature environment. This improves the accuracy of temperature control in each heating zone and facilitates the phased gradient heating treatment of photovoltaic modules. Specifically, heat insulation plates are installed between the first heating zone 211 and the second heating zone 221, between the second heating zone 221 and the third heating zone 231, between the third heating zone 231 and the fourth heating zone 241, and between the fourth heating zone 241 and the slow cooling zone 41.

[0037] Based on this, the heat insulation plate is provided with a passageway for the conveying mechanism 1 and the photovoltaic modules carried by the conveying mechanism 1 to pass through. The height and width of the passageway are sufficient for the smooth passage of the corresponding conveyor belt and photovoltaic modules, while minimizing unnecessary open areas, which can reduce heat exchange between adjacent areas through air convection and thermal radiation. After the first heating zone 211 and the second heating zone 221 are separated by the heat insulation plate, they can maintain different temperatures required for preheating and softening of the first interface, respectively. The third heating zone 231 and the fourth heating zone 241 maintain processing temperatures suitable for the peeling of the second adhesive film 014 and the peeling of the cell layer 013, respectively.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment also includes a slow cooling mechanism 4, which is located downstream of the stripping mechanism 3 along the conveying direction; the slow cooling mechanism 4 has a slow cooling zone 41 for slow cooling the photovoltaic modules after they have been processed by the stripping mechanism 3, and the processing temperature of the slow cooling zone 41 is 150°C to 200°C.

[0039] The slow-cooling mechanism 4 operates at a lower temperature than the fourth heating component 24, and is used to slowly cool the target recycled layer obtained after the peeling mechanism 3. If the target recycled layer is directly exposed to a lower-temperature external environment after peeling, its surface temperature will drop rapidly, while the internal temperature will drop relatively slowly. This can easily create a large temperature gradient within the target recycled layer, resulting in significant thermal stress and potentially causing cracks or even breakage of the glass. Specifically, the target recycled layer in this text refers to the first substrate 011 of the photovoltaic module.

[0040] This invention establishes a slow cooling zone 41 downstream of the stripping mechanism 3, and uses a slow cooling mechanism 4 to maintain the slow cooling zone 41 at a temperature lower than that of the fourth heating zone 241. This creates a temperature transition zone between the fourth heating zone 241 and the external environment, preventing the target recycled layer from directly transitioning from a high-temperature state to a low-temperature environment after stripping. Instead, the target recycled layer gradually releases heat and lowers its temperature within the slow cooling zone 41. As the target recycled layer passes through the slow cooling zone 41 along the conveying direction, its surface and internal temperatures decrease more gradually, reducing the temperature difference along the thickness direction of the target recycled layer. This reduces the thermal shock and thermal stress caused by rapid cooling, thereby lowering the risk of cracks or damage to the target recycled layer during discharge, improving the integrity recovery rate of the target recycled layer, and facilitating subsequent cleaning, inspection, and reuse of the intact substrate, thus increasing the utilization value of the recycled material.

[0041] In one alternative embodiment, the slow cooling mechanism 4 can maintain a relatively stable intermediate temperature in the slow cooling zone 41 by reducing its output power. In another alternative embodiment, the arrangement and power control of the slow cooling mechanism 4 can also create a gradually decreasing temperature state in the slow cooling zone 41 along the conveying direction, thereby further prolonging the cooling process of the target recovery layer.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the rolling pressure range of the multiple stripping components is 0.1MPa to 1.0MPa, which enables each stripping component to perform rolling stripping on the heated and softened photovoltaic module within a suitable pressure range. This ensures effective separation of each layer structure while avoiding insufficient separation between layers due to insufficient rolling pressure or damage to the cell, substrate, and other structures due to excessive rolling pressure, thereby improving the stripping effect and recycling quality of the photovoltaic module.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 1As shown, the peeling assembly includes a first peeling assembly 31, a second peeling assembly 32, and a third peeling assembly 33 arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. The first peeling assembly is disposed between the second heating zone 221 and the third heating zone 231, the second peeling assembly 32 is disposed between the third heating zone 231 and the fourth heating zone 241, and the third peeling assembly 33 is disposed downstream of the fourth heating zone along the conveying direction. The first peeling assembly 31 corresponds to the first peeling interface between the second substrate 015 and the second adhesive film 014, and is used to separate the second substrate 015 from the second adhesive film 014. The second peeling assembly 32 corresponds to the second peeling interface between the second adhesive film 014 and the battery cell layer 013, and is used to separate the second adhesive film 014 from the battery cell layer 013. The third peeling assembly 33 corresponds to the third peeling interface between the battery cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011, and is used to separate the battery cell layer 013 from the first substrate 011. The first peeling assembly 31, the second peeling assembly 32, and the third peeling assembly 33 respectively utilize the thermal softening state formed by the corresponding heating areas to perform roller peeling, so that the interface with reduced adhesion will further generate relative displacement under mechanical action and finally achieve separation.

[0044] The rolling pressure of the first peeling assembly 31, the second peeling assembly 32, and the third peeling assembly 33 increases progressively along the conveying direction. The first peeling stage processes a photovoltaic module with a basically intact layer structure, which has a large overall thickness and structural rigidity. Therefore, the first peeling assembly 31 can use a relatively low rolling pressure to reduce excessive mechanical load on the second substrate 015 and the internal cell layer 013. After the second substrate 015 is peeled off, the thickness of the photovoltaic module decreases. By using a higher rolling pressure than the first peeling assembly 31 with the second peeling assembly 32, the mechanical peeling effect on the interface between the second encapsulant film 014 and the cell layer 013 can be enhanced. After the second encapsulant film 014 is further peeled off, the third peeling assembly 33 uses an even higher rolling pressure to ensure stable separation of the final cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011. Through the synergistic setting of progressively increasing processing temperature and progressively increasing rolling pressure, the intensity of both thermal and mechanical action can change accordingly with the increase in peeling depth, thereby avoiding excessively high temperatures and pressures on the complete photovoltaic module in the early stages of processing.

[0045] The rolling pressure of the first stripping component 31 is 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa; the rolling pressure of the second stripping component 32 is 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa; and the rolling pressure of the third stripping component 33 is 0.5 MPa to 1.0 MPa. By gradually increasing the rolling pressure of the three stripping components along the conveying direction, and providing corresponding rolling action according to the interlayer bonding state at different stripping stages, the layers of the photovoltaic module are gradually separated. This not only helps to ensure the stripping effect but also reduces the risk of damage to the substrate, cells, and other structures caused by excessive rolling pressure, thereby improving the stability of the stripping process and the recycling quality.

[0046] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the slow cooling mechanism 4 is located downstream of the third peeling assembly 33 along the conveying direction, and is used to slow cool the first substrate 011 after it has been processed by the third peeling assembly 33, so that the temperature of the first substrate 011 is gradually reduced from about 200°C to about 150°C.

[0047] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 As shown, the stripping assembly includes an upper pressure roller 301 and a lower pressure roller 302 arranged opposite to each other, with a stripping gap between them. The photovoltaic module can pass through the stripping gap and is subjected to roller pressure under the combined action of the upper pressure roller 301 and the lower pressure roller 302, causing the different layers of the softened structure to separate, thereby achieving the stripping process of the photovoltaic module. Using roller pressure for stripping helps to ensure that the roller pressure is applied evenly to the photovoltaic module, improving the stability and effectiveness of the stripping process. Specifically, the upper pressure roller 301 and the lower pressure roller 302 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the conveying mechanism 1. Specifically, the upper pressure roller 301 is located on the upper side of the conveying path, and the lower pressure roller 302 is located on the lower side of the conveying path, ensuring that the photovoltaic module passes between the upper pressure roller 301 and the lower pressure roller 302.

[0048] In addition, as attached Figure 3 As shown, the peeling assembly also includes a roller gap adjusting cylinder 303 connected to at least one of the upper roller pressure cylinder 301 and the lower roller pressure cylinder 302, which is used to adjust the peeling gap between the upper roller pressure cylinder 301 and the lower roller pressure cylinder 302, thereby indirectly adjusting the roller pressure between the upper roller pressure cylinder 301 and the lower roller pressure cylinder 302.

[0049] Since the first stripping assembly 31, the second stripping assembly 32, and the third stripping assembly 33 handle photovoltaic modules of different thicknesses, each assembly can have a different roller gap. The first stripping assembly 31 handles photovoltaic modules with intact structures, and its roller gap is relatively large. The second stripping assembly 32 handles the remaining structure after the removal of the second substrate 015, and its corresponding roller gap can be reduced accordingly. The third stripping assembly 33 handles the remaining structure after further removal of the second adhesive film 014, and its roller gap is further adjusted according to the overall thickness of the cell layer 013, the first adhesive film 012, and the first substrate 011. By adjusting the roller gap adjustment cylinder 303, the upper roller pressure cylinder 301 and the lower roller pressure cylinder 302 can be positioned to adapt to photovoltaic modules of different thicknesses. At the same time, by controlling the force of the drive cylinder, the roller pressure can be precisely adjusted, reducing jamming, repeated roller pressure, and downtime for adjustment, thereby improving the continuity of the layer-by-layer stripping process and the recycling efficiency of the photovoltaic modules.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the upper roller 301, which at least partially peels off the photovoltaic module, is covered with a flexible protective layer. This flexible protective layer possesses a certain degree of elasticity and compressive deformation capability. When the photovoltaic module passes between the upper roller 301 and the lower roller 302, the flexible protective layer can adaptively deform according to local thickness changes. Specifically, the flexible protective layer can be made of materials with a Shore hardness of 60–80A, such as elastic rubber, polyurethane, or silicone rubber.

[0051] Crystalline silicon solar cells are inherently brittle. If a high-hardness roller acts directly on a localized protruding area under significant pressure, it can easily lead to high localized contact stress. A flexible protective layer can increase the actual contact area, making the pressure distribution more uniform and reducing localized stress concentration. For the first glass substrate 011, the flexible protective layer can also buffer against instantaneous impacts that may occur during the rolling process. This allows for greater rolling pressure in the third peeling component 33 to ensure peeling capability while protecting the solar cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011, achieving a balance between the mechanical force required for peeling and material integrity. By improving the stability of the third peeling stage, repeated processing and material loss due to material breakage can be reduced, improving the recycling integrity of the solar cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011, and contributing to increased recycling efficiency in the photovoltaic module recycling process.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment further includes a temperature detection mechanism 6 and a pressure detection mechanism 7; the temperature detection mechanism 6 includes multiple temperature detection elements, which are arranged one-to-one with multiple heating zones, and are used to detect the temperature of each heating zone respectively; the pressure detection mechanism 7 includes multiple pressure detection elements, which are arranged one-to-one with multiple stripping components, and are used to detect the rolling pressure of each stripping component respectively.

[0053] By setting up temperature detection mechanism 6 and pressure detection mechanism 7, the temperature of each heating zone and the rolling pressure of each peeling component can be obtained respectively. This makes it easy to keep track of the working status of different heating and peeling stages in a timely manner, and adjust the corresponding temperature and rolling pressure according to the detection results, so that each heating zone and each peeling component are kept within the corresponding working range, thereby improving the stability of the heating and peeling process.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the heating mechanism 2 includes multiple heating components, each corresponding to a specific heating zone. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the heating mechanism 2 specifically includes a first heating component 21, a second heating component 22, a third heating component 23, and a fourth heating component 24. The first heating component 21 forms a first heating zone 211, the second heating component 22 forms a second heating zone 221, the third heating component 23 forms a third heating zone 231, and the fourth heating component 24 forms a fourth heating zone 241.

[0055] The first heating assembly 21, the second heating assembly 22, the first peeling assembly 31, the third heating assembly 23, the second peeling assembly 32, the fourth heating assembly 24, and the third peeling assembly 33 are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction, thereby enabling the heating treatment and peeling treatment to be carried out alternately along the conveying path according to a predetermined procedure.

[0056] The first heating component 21 is used to preheat the photovoltaic module to soften the second adhesive film 014. The second heating component 22 is used to further heat the photovoltaic module to reduce the adhesion between the second substrate 015 and the second adhesive film 014. The first peeling component 31 is used to roll the photovoltaic module after it has been treated by the second heating component 22 to separate the second substrate 015 from the second adhesive film 014.

[0057] Specifically, after the photovoltaic module, which is at ambient temperature, enters the first heating zone 211, the overall temperature of the first substrate 011, the first encapsulant film 012, the cell layer 013, the second encapsulant film 014, and the second substrate 015 gradually increases, thereby reducing the large temperature difference that would occur if the photovoltaic module directly entered the higher-temperature processing area. As the temperature of the second encapsulant film 014 rises, its flexibility gradually increases, creating conditions for further processing of the interface between the second substrate 015 and the second encapsulant film 014 in the subsequent second heating zone 221. By setting an independent preheating stage, different locations of a large-area photovoltaic module can gradually reach a relatively uniform thermal state, which is beneficial for maintaining a consistent peeling state in different areas during the subsequent peeling process.

[0058] The photovoltaic module, after being processed by the first heating component 21, continues into the second heating zone 221. The processing temperature of the second heating component 22 is higher than that of the first heating component 21. By further inputting heat, the second encapsulant film 014 is further softened, and the interfacial adhesion between the second substrate 015 and the second encapsulant film 014 is significantly reduced. The key function of the second heating component 22 is to ensure that the outer interface of the second substrate 015 reaches a state that the first peeling component 31 can stably process, without requiring all encapsulant films inside the entire photovoltaic module to reach the same degree of softening simultaneously. Since the first substrate 011 and the cell layer 013 are still protected by the internal layer structure at this time, heat input can be controlled while meeting the peeling requirements of the second substrate 015, reducing ineffective heat treatment.

[0059] The first peeling assembly 31 is located downstream of the second heating assembly 22 along the conveying direction, and preferably near the exit position of the second heating zone 221. After the photovoltaic module is processed by the second heating assembly 22, it can quickly enter the first peeling assembly 31 after leaving the second heating zone 221. This allows the interface between the second substrate 015 and the second adhesive film 014 to be peeled off by roll pressing while maintaining a relatively high temperature and low adhesive strength, reducing the possibility of significant cooling and renewed adhesive strength at the interface to be peeled during conveying. After the first peeling assembly 31 completes the processing, the second substrate 015 separates from the remaining layer structure, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 5 As shown.

[0060] Furthermore, the third heating component 23 is used to further heat the photovoltaic module after the second substrate 015 has been removed, so as to reduce the adhesion between the second adhesive film 014 and the cell layer 013; the second peeling component 32 is used to roll the photovoltaic module after being treated by the third heating component 23, so as to separate the second adhesive film 014 from the cell layer 013.

[0061] Specifically, after the second substrate 015 is removed, the photovoltaic module continues into the third heating zone 231. Since the second substrate 015 has been removed, the heat generated by the third heating element 23 can be more directly transferred to the vicinity of the second adhesive film 014 and the cell layer 013. The processing temperature of the third heating element 23 is higher than that of the second heating element 22, which further softens the second adhesive film 014 and reduces its adhesion to the cell layer 013. Subsequently, the photovoltaic module enters the second peeling element 32, where the rolling pressure of the second peeling element 32 gradually separates the second adhesive film 014 from the surface of the cell layer 013, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 6 As shown.

[0062] Furthermore, the fourth heating component 24 is used to further heat the photovoltaic module after the second adhesive film 014 has been removed, so as to reduce the adhesion between the cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011; the third peeling component 33 is used to roll the photovoltaic module after it has been treated by the fourth heating component 24, so as to separate the cell layer 013 from the first substrate 011.

[0063] Specifically, after the second adhesive film 014 is peeled off, the remaining photovoltaic module mainly includes the cell layer 013, the first adhesive film 012, and the first substrate 011. These remaining structures continue into the fourth heating zone 241. The processing temperature of the fourth heating component 24 is higher than that of the third heating component 23, allowing heat to further act on the area between the cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011. The first adhesive film 012 softens under heat, and the overall adhesion between the cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011 decreases accordingly. Subsequently, the third peeling component 33 uses greater rolling pressure to process the remaining structure, thereby separating the cell layer 013 from the first substrate 011, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 7 As shown.

[0064] The aforementioned process forms a sequential processing path of first heating, second heating, first stripping, third heating, second stripping, fourth heating, and third stripping, ensuring that each heating stage corresponds to a specific stripping target. Since each interface to be stripped can enter its corresponding stripping stage immediately after completing its heating treatment, waiting times between different processing steps and repeated heating processes are reduced. Furthermore, the thermal state generated in the previous heating stage is promptly utilized by the subsequent stripping stage, thereby shortening the processing time required for a single photovoltaic module to complete layer-by-layer separation. Simultaneously, the processing stations are sequentially connected along the conveying direction, enabling the photovoltaic modules to undergo multi-stage heating and layer-by-layer stripping during continuous transport. This increases the processing capacity per unit time, thereby improving the recycling efficiency of the photovoltaic modules.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 2 As shown, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment also includes a control mechanism 5, which is connected to the heating module, the temperature detection mechanism 6 and the pressure detection mechanism 7 respectively. The control mechanism 5 is used to adjust the heating power of the corresponding heating module according to the temperature information detected by each temperature detection device, and to adjust the roller pressure of the corresponding stripping module according to the pressure information detected by each pressure detection device.

[0066] By setting up control mechanism 5, the heating power of each heating component and the rolling pressure of each stripping component can be adjusted according to the detection results of temperature detection mechanism 6 and pressure detection mechanism 7, so that the temperature of each heating zone and the rolling pressure of each stripping component are kept within the corresponding working range, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of temperature and rolling pressure control and ensuring the stable operation of photovoltaic module heating and stripping process.

[0067] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 2 As shown, the temperature detection mechanism 6 includes a first temperature detection element 61, a second temperature detection element 62, a third temperature detection element 63, and a fourth temperature detection element 64, which are used to detect the temperatures of the first heating zone 211, the second heating zone 221, the third heating zone 231, and the fourth heating zone 241, respectively. The temperature detection elements can be positioned inside the corresponding heating zone and close to the conveying path, so that the detection results can reflect the actual heat treatment environment experienced by the photovoltaic module. Depending on the specific structure, the temperature detection elements can also be positioned near the heating module or above and below the photovoltaic module, as long as their detection values ​​can be used to determine the actual working state of the corresponding heating zone.

[0068] The control mechanism 5 receives detection information from the first temperature detector 61, the second temperature detector 62, the third temperature detector 63, and the fourth temperature detector 64, respectively, and controls the output power of the first heating assembly 21, the second heating assembly 22, the third heating assembly 23, and the fourth heating assembly 24, respectively. The first temperature detector 61 and the first heating assembly 21 form a first temperature closed-loop regulation loop, the second temperature detector 62 and the second heating assembly 22 form a second temperature closed-loop regulation loop, the third temperature detector 63 and the third heating assembly 23 form a third temperature closed-loop regulation loop, and the fourth temperature detector 64 and the fourth heating assembly 24 form a fourth temperature closed-loop regulation loop.

[0069] When the actual temperature of any heating zone is lower than the corresponding preset temperature range, the control mechanism 5 increases the heating power of the corresponding heating component to restore the temperature of that heating zone to the preset temperature range. When the actual temperature is higher than the corresponding preset temperature range, the control mechanism 5 reduces the heating power of the corresponding heating component. Since the four heating zones adopt independent temperature regulation methods, the impact of temperature changes in one heating zone due to the entry of photovoltaic modules on other heating zones can be reduced. At the same time, the control mechanism 5 can also coordinate the working status of multiple heating components based on the detection results of the four temperature detectors, so that the first heating zone 211, the second heating zone 221, the third heating zone 231, and the fourth heating zone 241 always maintain a temperature relationship that increases sequentially along the conveying direction. By adopting this method, the risk of insufficient stripping due to insufficient heating temperature or overheating of materials due to excessive heating temperature is reduced, so that photovoltaic modules of different batches can obtain a more consistent heat treatment effect during continuous processing, thereby improving the processing stability of subsequent stripping stations, reducing repeated heating and stripping due to temperature deviations, and further improving the processing efficiency of the continuous recycling process of photovoltaic modules.

[0070] In addition, the temperature detection mechanism 6 also includes a fifth temperature sensor 65 disposed in the slow cooling zone 41 for detecting the temperature of the slow cooling zone 41. The control mechanism 5 is connected to the fifth temperature sensor 65 and the slow cooling mechanism 4 respectively, and adjusts the working state of the slow cooling mechanism 4 according to the temperature of the slow cooling zone 41 detected by the fifth temperature sensor 65, so that the temperature of the slow cooling zone 41 is maintained within a preset temperature range that is lower than the processing temperature of the fourth heating zone 241 and suitable for the slow cooling of the first substrate 011.

[0071] When the actual temperature of the slow cooling zone 41 is lower than the corresponding preset temperature range, the control mechanism 5 increases the heating power of the slow cooling mechanism 4; when the actual temperature of the slow cooling zone 41 is higher than the corresponding preset temperature range, the control mechanism 5 decreases the heating power of the slow cooling mechanism 4; thereby making the temperature of the slow cooling zone 41 relatively stable, so that the first substrate 011 after the third peeling can be gradually reduced from the higher temperature state corresponding to the fourth heating zone 241 to the discharge temperature state, reducing the temperature change amplitude and thermal stress of the first substrate 011 during the cooling process, reducing the risk of cracks or damage to the first substrate 011, and improving the integrity recovery rate of the first substrate 011.

[0072] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 As shown, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment also includes a pressure detection mechanism 7. The pressure detection mechanism 7 includes a first pressure detection element 71, a second pressure detection element 72, and a third pressure detection element 73, respectively positioned corresponding to the first stripping assembly 31, the second stripping assembly 32, and the third stripping assembly 33. The first pressure detection element 71 detects the actual rolling pressure exerted by the first stripping assembly 31 on the photovoltaic module; the second pressure detection element 72 detects the rolling pressure of the second stripping assembly 32; and the third pressure detection element 73 detects the rolling pressure of the third stripping assembly 33. The pressure detection elements can be located at the roller support position, the force transmission position between the drive mechanism and the roller, or other positions that can reflect the actual rolling load.

[0073] The control mechanism 5 is connected to the first pressure detection element 71, the second pressure detection element 72, the third pressure detection element 73, and the first peeling assembly 31, the second peeling assembly 32, and the third peeling assembly 33, respectively. The control mechanism 5 adjusts the rolling pressure of the first peeling assembly 31 based on the detection result of the first pressure detection element 71, adjusts the rolling pressure of the second peeling assembly 32 based on the detection result of the second pressure detection element 72, and adjusts the rolling pressure of the third peeling assembly 33 based on the detection result of the third pressure detection element 73. Specifically, the first pressure detection element 71 and the first peeling assembly 31 form a first pressure closed-loop adjustment loop, the second pressure detection element 72 and the second peeling assembly 32 form a second pressure closed-loop adjustment loop, and the third pressure detection element 73 and the third peeling assembly 33 form a third pressure closed-loop adjustment loop. The three pressure closed-loop adjustment loops can be controlled separately according to the thickness and interface state of their respective photovoltaic modules. Specifically, when the actual roller pressure is lower than the corresponding preset pressure range, the control mechanism 5 increases the roller pressure of the corresponding peeling component; when the actual roller pressure is higher than the corresponding preset pressure range, the control mechanism 5 decreases the roller pressure of the corresponding peeling component, so that the actual roller pressure of each peeling component is stably maintained within the corresponding preset pressure range.

[0074] During operation, the control mechanism 5 ensures that the roller pressure of the first stripping component 31 is less than that of the second stripping component 32, and simultaneously ensures that the roller pressure of the second stripping component 32 is less than that of the third stripping component 33. For photovoltaic modules of different models or with different aging levels, the preset pressure ranges corresponding to the three stripping components can be changed separately, while maintaining the overall relationship of gradually increasing pressure along the conveying direction. By employing actual pressure detection and feedback adjustment, the phenomenon of excessive fluctuations in actual pressure caused by photovoltaic module thickness errors when relying solely on a fixed roller gap can be reduced, and real-time corrections can be made based on load changes during the stripping process, thereby improving stripping stability.

[0075] This invention utilizes three independent pressure closed-loop regulation loops to provide rolling pressure matching the corresponding interfaces to be stripped at different stripping stages. While maintaining the rolling pressure of the first stripping assembly 31, the second stripping assembly 32, and the third stripping assembly 33 increasing progressively along the conveying direction, it compensates in real time for the actual pressure deviation at each stripping station. This reduces insufficient stripping caused by insufficient rolling pressure and substrate or cell damage caused by excessive rolling pressure, enabling each interface to be stripped to be stably separated in one pass through the corresponding stripping station. This reduces repeated rolling and downtime adjustments, thereby improving the stability of the continuous stripping process and the recycling efficiency of photovoltaic modules.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment also includes a purification mechanism 8, which includes a gas collection section connected to the processing space of at least one heating zone and a purification treatment section connected to the gas collection section. The purification mechanism 8 collects the waste gas in a timely manner at locations where the amount of waste gas generated is relatively concentrated, thereby reducing the risk of the waste gas spreading along the conveying direction inside the photovoltaic module recycling equipment and escaping into the external environment.

[0077] Specifically, the purification mechanism 8 includes a first gas collection section communicating with the processing space of the third heating zone 231, a second gas collection section communicating with the processing space of the fourth heating zone 241, and a purification processing section communicating with the first and second gas collection sections. The processing temperatures of the third heating zone 231 and the fourth heating zone 241 are relatively high, and the film will generate a certain amount of volatile gases during the heating process. Therefore, the gas collection structure is mainly arranged near the third heating zone 231 and the fourth heating zone 241, so that the waste gas can be collected in a timely manner at the location where the waste gas generation is relatively concentrated, reducing the risk of waste gas spreading along the conveying direction inside the photovoltaic module recycling equipment and escaping into the external environment.

[0078] The first gas collecting section is used to collect the waste gas generated in the third heating zone 231 before the second adhesive film 014 separates from the battery cell layer 013. The second gas collecting section is used to collect the waste gas generated in the fourth heating zone 241 before the battery cell layer 013 separates from the first substrate 011. The first and second gas collecting sections can be respectively arranged above the corresponding heating zones, so that the heated and upward-flowing gas can enter the gas collecting section in a timely manner. The purification treatment section can be equipped with a filtration structure, a condensation structure, or an adsorption structure according to the actual adhesive film material and waste gas composition, so that the collected waste gas is purified before being discharged.

[0079] This invention reduces the diffusion of volatiles inside the equipment by directional collection near the third heating zone 231 and the fourth heating zone 241, and reduces unnecessary heat loss caused by large-scale air extraction in low-temperature areas. This makes it easier for each heating zone to maintain the corresponding processing temperature, thereby reducing the heating energy consumption required to compensate for heat loss. It also helps to ensure the stable operation of continuous heating and continuous stripping processes, and further improves the recycling efficiency of photovoltaic module recycling equipment.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying mechanism 1 adopts a segmented conveying design. The conveying mechanism 1 includes a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, a third conveyor belt, a fourth conveyor belt, a fifth conveyor belt, a sixth conveyor belt, a seventh conveyor belt, and an eighth conveyor belt arranged sequentially along the conveying direction.

[0081] The first conveyor belt is set to correspond with the first heating component 21, the second conveyor belt is set to correspond with the second heating component 22, the third conveyor belt is set to correspond with the first peeling component 31, the fourth conveyor belt is set to correspond with the third heating component 23, the fifth conveyor belt is set to correspond with the second peeling component 32, the sixth conveyor belt is set to correspond with the fourth heating component 24, the seventh conveyor belt is set to correspond with the third peeling component 33, and the eighth conveyor belt is set to correspond with the slow cooling mechanism 4.

[0082] The first to eighth conveyor belts form interconnected independent conveyor belt segments. The first conveyor belt carries the complete photovoltaic module through the first heating component 21. The second conveyor belt carries the complete photovoltaic module, preheated by the first heating component 21, into the second heating zone 221. The third conveyor belt carries the photovoltaic module, processed by the second heating component 22, into the first peeling component 31. After the first peeling component 31 peels off the second substrate 015, the fourth conveyor belt carries the photovoltaic module after removing the second substrate 015 into the third heating zone 231. The fifth conveyor belt carries the photovoltaic module, processed by the third heating component 23, into the second peeling component 32. After the second encapsulant film 014 is peeled off, the sixth conveyor belt carries the photovoltaic module after removing the second substrate 015 and the second encapsulant film 014 into the fourth heating zone 241. The seventh conveyor belt carries the remaining structure after processing by the fourth heating component 24 into the third peeling component 33. After the third peeling is completed, the eighth conveyor belt carries the first substrate 011 into the slow cooling zone 41 corresponding to the slow cooling mechanism 4.

[0083] The segmented design of the conveying mechanism 1 in this invention allows for relatively independent control of the conveying processes corresponding to different processing stations. The first to eighth conveyor belts correspond to different heating, peeling, and slow cooling stations, respectively. Each conveyor belt can use the same conveying speed, or it can be adjusted according to the heating time, peeling speed, and slow cooling time required for the corresponding processing stage. For processing areas requiring longer heating times, the conveying speed of the corresponding conveyor belt can be appropriately reduced to extend the residence time of the photovoltaic module in the corresponding heating zone, allowing the interface to be peeled to reach a suitable softening and de-sticking state. For the peeling station, the conveying speed of the corresponding conveyor belt can be matched with the rotation speed and peeling speed of the corresponding roller, enabling the photovoltaic module to stably enter the roller pressing area and continuously pass through the peeling section, thereby reducing the possibility of slippage, accumulation, or insufficient peeling due to a mismatch between the conveying speed and the roller pressing speed. For the slow cooling station, the conveying speed of the eighth conveyor belt can also be adjusted according to the cooling requirements of the first substrate 011, allowing the first substrate 011 to have a residence time adapted to the slow cooling requirements.

[0084] Through the segmented control method described above, the conveying cycle can be adjusted according to the actual process requirements of different processing stations. This allows the heating, stripping, and slow cooling stages to coordinate with each other during continuous conveying, reducing situations where some stations have insufficient processing time or are waiting ineffectively due to the use of a uniform conveying speed. This enables each station to form a relatively continuous production cycle while meeting its corresponding processing requirements, allowing photovoltaic modules processed at one station to quickly enter the next station, reducing inter-process dwell time and repetitive processing, thereby improving the continuity of the photovoltaic module recycling process.

[0085] In this invention, the conveyor belt has a large number of through areas. Compared with a continuous closed conveyor belt, it can reduce the obstruction of the heat transfer path on the lower side by the conveyor mechanism 1 body. This allows the heat generated by the heater located on the lower side of the conveyor mechanism 1 to act on the lower surface of the photovoltaic module through the conveyor belt and cooperate with the upper heater, thereby improving the uniformity of heating of the photovoltaic module. This not only helps to improve the heat utilization efficiency of each heating zone, but also enables the photovoltaic module to reach the predetermined stripping state more stably before reaching the corresponding stripping station, reducing repeated heating or repeated stripping caused by insufficient heating, and further improving the recycling efficiency of the photovoltaic module.

[0086] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 1 As shown, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment also includes a sorting mechanism 9. The sorting mechanism 9 includes a first collection section corresponding to the discharge position of the first stripping module 31, a second collection section corresponding to the discharge position of the second stripping module 32, a third collection section corresponding to the discharge position of the third stripping module 33, and a first substrate output section located downstream of the third stripping module 33. The sorting mechanism 9 utilizes the characteristic that different materials are separated at their respective locations during the layer-by-layer stripping process to classify different recycled materials at the source, rather than mixing all the disassembled materials before centralized sorting. It fully utilizes the natural separation of different materials at their respective locations during the layer-by-layer stripping process, achieving source classification as soon as the materials are separated, reducing the possibility of re-mixing between different recycled materials.

[0087] After the first peeling assembly 31 peels off the second substrate 015, the second substrate 015 leaves the main conveying path through the guide structure and enters the first collection section. In embodiments where the second substrate 015 is glass, the first collection section may have a buffer bearing surface to reduce the possibility of the glass breaking due to impact after leaving the peeling assembly. After the second peeling assembly 32 peels off the second adhesive film 014, the second adhesive film 014 enters the second collection section. The second adhesive film 014 has high flexibility after heating and can be changed in conveying direction and removed from the main conveying path by guide rollers. After the third peeling assembly 33 separates the battery cell layer 013 from the first substrate 011, the battery cell layer 013 enters the third collection section, and the first substrate 011 continues to enter the slow cooling zone 41 along the eighth conveyor belt and is finally output by the first substrate output section.

[0088] By collecting the second substrate 015, the second adhesive film 014, the battery cell layer 013, and the first substrate 011 at different peeling locations, each material can enter an independent recycling path after peeling off its corresponding interface, reducing the re-mixing of different materials during subsequent transportation and processing. For the glass substrate and battery cell layer 013, source separation reduces secondary impacts generated during subsequent centralized crushing, screening, or strong mechanical sorting, thereby reducing the possibility of glass breakage and further damage to the battery cells, which helps improve the integrity of the recycled materials. For the second adhesive film 014, separate collection reduces the amount of adhesive film residue entering the recycled material stream of the glass substrate and battery cell layer 013, thereby reducing the degree of mutual entrainment between different materials and improving the purity of various recycled materials.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the first heating component 21, the second heating component 22, the third heating component 23, and the fourth heating component 24 each include an upper heater and a lower heater located above and below the conveying mechanism 1, respectively. The upper and lower heaters corresponding to the same heating component are arranged opposite to each other, forming a double-sided heating space between them for the corresponding conveyor belt and photovoltaic module to pass through. As the photovoltaic module passes through the heating space with the conveyor belt, it can simultaneously receive heat from both the upper and lower sides.

[0090] Employing a dual-sided heating structure shortens the heat transfer distance from the outer surface to the inner interface to be peeled off. For large-area, multi-layered photovoltaic modules, if heat is input from only one side, a significant temperature difference can easily occur between the side closer to the heat source and the side farther away. Heating from both the top and bottom simultaneously allows for a more uniform temperature distribution along the thickness of the photovoltaic module and improves the consistency of heating at different locations on the panel. The upper and lower heaters can employ heating methods suitable for the heat treatment of photovoltaic modules. Different heating zones can use the same type of heater, or different structures can be selected based on the specific needs of preheating, interface softening, and deep interface treatment.

[0091] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 2 As shown, the photovoltaic module recycling equipment also includes a heat-insulating cover 10. The heat-insulating cover 10 is installed around the conveying mechanism 1, the heating mechanism 2, and the stripping mechanism 3, forming a continuous processing space inside. The first heating zone 211, the second heating zone 221, the first stripping station, the third heating zone 231, the second stripping station, the fourth heating zone 241, the third stripping station, and the slow cooling zone 41 can all be located within this continuous processing space. The heat-insulating cover 10 creates a relatively enclosed heat treatment environment inside the equipment, reducing the direct loss of heat generated by the heated modules to the surrounding environment.

[0092] The heat-insulating cover 10 has a first heat-insulating door 101 at the feed end along the conveying direction and a second heat-insulating door 102 at the discharge end. The first heat-insulating door 101 corresponds to the position where the complete photovoltaic module enters the equipment, and the second heat-insulating door 102 corresponds to the position where the first substrate 011 is output after processing. When the photovoltaic module enters the continuous processing space, the first heat-insulating door 101 opens to allow the photovoltaic module to pass through, and then the first heat-insulating door 101 returns to the closed state. When the first substrate 011 has completed slow cooling and needs to leave the equipment, the second heat-insulating door 102 opens, and then closes again after the first substrate 011 is output. By reducing the long-term direct connection between the continuous processing space and the external environment, the degree of cold air entering the equipment can be reduced, and the loss of high-temperature gas can be reduced.

[0093] When the heat-insulating outer cover 10 and the internal heat-insulating plate work together, they form a thermal management structure that combines overall insulation with localized zone insulation. The heat-insulating outer cover 10 is mainly used to reduce overall heat dissipation from the equipment to the environment, while the heat-insulating plate is mainly used to reduce heat crosstalk between different processing areas. Through the combined effect of these two insulation structures, the amount of heat that the heating components need to continuously replenish to maintain the target temperature can be reduced, and the temperature gradient between multiple heating zones can be made more stable. At the same time, the heat-insulating outer cover 10 can also provide a relatively closed airflow environment for the directional collection of exhaust gas from the purification unit 8, making it easier for the exhaust gas generated in the third heating zone 231 and the fourth heating zone 241 to be collected by the corresponding gas collection section.

[0094] The present invention also provides a method for recycling photovoltaic modules, applied to the aforementioned photovoltaic module recycling equipment, comprising the following steps: S1. Remove the outer frame, junction box, and conductive parts connected to the junction box of the photovoltaic module, leaving the remaining components to be processed mainly consisting of the first substrate 011, the first encapsulant film 012, the cell layer 013, the second encapsulant film 014, and the second substrate 015, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 4 As shown. Removing the external structure can reduce the interference of the frame and junction box on subsequent continuous conveying and heating processes.

[0095] S2. Clean the surface of the photovoltaic module to remove dust, sand and other attachments, thereby reducing the local stress concentration caused by foreign objects during the rolling process and improving the thermal stability of the heating area.

[0096] S3. The photovoltaic module is sequentially conveyed through multiple heating zones, multiple stripping components, and a slow cooling zone using a conveying mechanism. The photovoltaic module is heated step by step through multiple heating zones, and the heated photovoltaic module is stripped step by step through multiple stripping components. The target recycling layer after stripping is also slowly cooled through the slow cooling zone. The processing temperature of the multiple heating zones increases step by step along the conveying direction, and the rolling pressure of the multiple stripping components increases step by step along the conveying direction.

[0097] By combining step-by-step heating with step-by-step roll stripping, photovoltaic modules can continue to be stripped along the conveying direction after being subjected to appropriate heating treatment. This reduces the transfer and waiting time between different processing steps, which is conducive to the continuous recycling of photovoltaic modules and improves the stripping and recycling efficiency of photovoltaic modules.

[0098] In addition, the target recycling layer after stripping is subjected to slow cooling in the slow cooling zone, which gradually cools the target recycling layer, reduces the thermal stress caused by rapid temperature changes, and reduces the risk of deformation or damage to the target recycling layer, which helps to ensure the integrity of the recycled materials and the recycling quality.

[0099] The multiple heating zones include a first heating zone, a second heating zone, a third heating zone, and a fourth heating zone arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; the multiple stripping assemblies include a first stripping assembly, a second stripping assembly, and a third stripping assembly arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. In a preferred embodiment, step S3 includes: S31. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic modules to the first heating zone, the second heating zone and the first stripping module, and performs the first roll stripping after heat treatment.

[0100] Specifically, the photovoltaic module is first fed into the first heating zone 211 using the conveying mechanism 1. The first heating component 21 preheats the photovoltaic module to soften the second adhesive film 014. Then, the photovoltaic module is conveyed from the first heating zone 211 to the second heating zone 221 formed by the second heating component 22 using the conveying mechanism 1. The second heating component 22 further heats the photovoltaic module to reduce the adhesion between the second substrate 015 and the second adhesive film 014. Finally, the photovoltaic module treated by the second heating component 22 is conveyed to the first peeling component 31 using the conveying mechanism 1. The first peeling component 31 rolls the photovoltaic module to separate the second substrate 015 from the second adhesive film 014, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 5 As shown; S32. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic modules after the first roll peeling to the third heating zone and the second peeling module, and after heat treatment, performs the second roll peeling.

[0101] Specifically, the photovoltaic module after the second substrate 015 has been removed is first transported by the conveying mechanism 1 to the third heating zone 231 formed by the third heating component 23. The third heating component 23 further heats the photovoltaic module to reduce the adhesion between the second adhesive film 014 and the cell layer 013. Then, the photovoltaic module treated by the third heating component 23 is transported by the conveying mechanism 1 to the second peeling component 32. The second peeling component 32 rolls the photovoltaic module to separate the second adhesive film 014 from the cell layer 013, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 6 As shown; S33. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic modules after the second roll peeling to the fourth heating zone and the third peeling module, and after heat treatment, performs the third roll peeling. Specifically, the photovoltaic module after the second adhesive film 014 has been removed is first transported by the conveying mechanism 1 to the fourth heating zone 241 formed by the fourth heating component 24. The fourth heating component 24 further heats the photovoltaic module to reduce the adhesion between the cell layer 013 and the first substrate 011. Then, the photovoltaic module treated by the fourth heating component 24 is transported by the conveying mechanism 1 to the third peeling component 33. The third peeling component 33 rolls the photovoltaic module to separate the cell layer 013 from the first substrate 011, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 7 As shown; S34. The conveying mechanism transports the target recycled layer obtained after the third roll peeling to the slow cooling zone for slow cooling treatment.

[0102] Specifically, the first substrate 011, obtained after being processed by the third peeling component 33, is conveyed by the conveying mechanism 1 to the slow cooling zone 41 formed by the slow cooling mechanism 4. The processing temperature of the slow cooling mechanism 4 is lower than the processing temperature of the fourth heating component 24, so as to perform a slow cooling treatment on the first substrate 011, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 8 As shown.

[0103] Through the above steps, the heating and roll-pressing processes at different stages are performed sequentially. This ensures that the photovoltaic module undergoes appropriate heating before each roll-pressing process, reducing the adhesion between the corresponding layers and facilitating the gradual separation of different layers. Simultaneously, the next stage of heating and roll-pressing can proceed immediately after the previous stage is completed, reducing transfer and waiting time between processes and improving the continuity and efficiency of the roll-pressing process. Furthermore, the target recycled layer obtained after the third roll-pressing process enters a slow-cooling zone for gradual cooling. This reduces thermal stress caused by rapid temperature changes, lowering the risk of deformation, cracking, or other damage to the target recycled layer, thereby improving its integrity and recycling quality.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, step S3 further includes: collecting the waste gas generated during the stripping process of the photovoltaic modules and purifying the collected waste gas. By centrally collecting and purifying the waste gas generated during the stripping process, the diffusion of waste gas into the surrounding environment can be reduced, the impact of waste gas generated during the recycling process on the working environment can be decreased, and the environmental friendliness of the photovoltaic module recycling process can be improved.

[0105] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0106] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic module recycling device, characterized in that, It includes a conveying mechanism (1), a heating mechanism (2), and a stripping mechanism (3); The heating mechanism (2) has multiple heating zones along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism (1), and the processing temperature of the multiple heating zones increases progressively along the conveying direction; the peeling mechanism (3) includes multiple peeling components arranged sequentially along the conveying direction, and the rolling pressure of the multiple peeling components increases progressively along the conveying direction. Along the conveying direction, a plurality of the stripping components are respectively disposed between two heating zones that are at least partially adjacent.

2. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum temperature of the multiple heating zones does not exceed 400°C.

3. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating zone includes a first heating zone (211), a second heating zone (221), a third heating zone (231) and a fourth heating zone (241) arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. The temperature range of the first heating zone (211) is 80 to 120°C; the temperature range of the second heating zone (221) is 150 to 200°C; the temperature range of the third heating zone (231) is 250 to 300°C; and the temperature range of the fourth heating zone (241) is 350 to 400°C.

4. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heat insulation plate is provided between any two adjacent heating zones.

5. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a slow cooling mechanism (4), which is located downstream of the stripping mechanism (3) along the conveying direction; the slow cooling mechanism (4) forms a slow cooling zone (41), and the processing temperature of the slow cooling zone (41) is 150°C to 200°C.

6. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The rolling pressure of the plurality of stripping components ranges from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa.

7. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stripping assembly includes a first stripping assembly (31), a second stripping assembly (32), and a third stripping assembly (33) arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. The first peeling component (31) has a rolling pressure of 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa; the second peeling component (32) has a rolling pressure of 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa; and the third peeling component (33) has a rolling pressure of 0.5 MPa to 1.0 MPa.

8. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The peeling assembly includes an upper roller (301) and a lower roller (302) arranged opposite to each other, with a peeling gap between them; At least a portion of the surface of the upper roller (301) of the stripping assembly is covered with a flexible protective layer.

9. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature detection mechanism (6) and a pressure detection mechanism (7); The temperature detection mechanism (6) includes multiple temperature detection elements, and the multiple temperature detection elements are arranged one-to-one with the multiple heating zones; The pressure detection mechanism (7) includes multiple pressure detection elements, and each of the multiple pressure detection elements is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with a multiple of the stripping components.

10. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a control mechanism (5), and the heating mechanism (2) includes multiple heating components, with each heating component corresponding to a different heating zone; The control mechanism (5) is connected to the heating component, the stripping component, the temperature detection mechanism (6), and the pressure detection mechanism (7) respectively.

11. The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a purification mechanism (8), which includes a gas collection section connected to the processing space of at least one heating zone and a purification processing section connected to the gas collection section.

12. A method for recycling photovoltaic modules, characterized in that, The photovoltaic module recycling equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 11 includes the following steps: S1. Remove the outer frame of the photovoltaic module, the junction box, and the conductive parts connected to the junction box; S2. Clean the surface of the photovoltaic module; S3. The photovoltaic module is conveyed sequentially through multiple heating zones, multiple stripping components and a slow cooling zone using a conveying mechanism. The photovoltaic module is heated step by step through the multiple heating zones, and the photovoltaic module after heat treatment is stripped step by step through the multiple stripping components. The target recycling layer after stripping is also slowly cooled through the slow cooling zone. The processing temperature of the multiple heating zones increases progressively along the conveying direction; the rolling pressure of the multiple stripping components increases progressively along the conveying direction.

13. The photovoltaic module recycling method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The plurality of heating zones include a first heating zone, a second heating zone, a third heating zone, and a fourth heating zone arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; the plurality of peeling assemblies include a first peeling assembly, a second peeling assembly, and a third peeling assembly arranged sequentially along the conveying direction; step S3 includes: S31. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic module to the first heating zone, the second heating zone and the first stripping component, and performs the first roll stripping after heat treatment. S32. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic module after the first roll peeling to the third heating zone and the second peeling component, and performs a second roll peeling after heat treatment. S33. The conveying mechanism sequentially conveys the photovoltaic module after the second roll peeling to the fourth heating zone and the third peeling component, and performs a third roll peeling after heat treatment. S34. The conveying mechanism conveys the target recycled layer obtained after the third roll peeling to the slow cooling zone for slow cooling treatment.

14. The photovoltaic module recycling method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Step S3 also includes: The waste gas generated during the stripping process of the photovoltaic module is collected and the collected waste gas is purified.

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