A photovoltaic module identification system and production system

Abstract

This utility model provides a photovoltaic module identification system and production system, relating to the field of photovoltaic technology, to solve the technical problem of not being able to read the internal identification code of photovoltaic modules before lamination. The identification system includes a heating device, a pressing device, and an identification device. The heating device softens a predetermined portion of the encapsulant film in the photovoltaic module, and this predetermined portion is used to place the identification code of the photovoltaic module. The heating device includes a heating block, a frame, and a first linear motion mechanism mounted on the frame. The first linear motion mechanism includes a first moving member that moves vertically, and the heating block is mounted on the first moving member. The pressing device is used to adhere the identification code to the predetermined portion. The identification device is used to read the identification code, and the identification device and the pressing device are respectively located on both sides of the photovoltaic module. This identification system can identify the identification code inside the photovoltaic module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a photovoltaic module identification system and production system. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to this utility model and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] During the production process of photovoltaic modules, identification codes are affixed to transmit the information of the photovoltaic modules to the manufacturing execution system for easy traceability.

[0004] Typically, photovoltaic (PV) modules have an internal identification code affixed to the busbar inside the glass. Encapsulating films are layered above and below this location, followed by a cover glass and backsheet. Before lamination, the encapsulating films are opaque and cannot be read. For PV modules used in high-temperature environments such as deserts and tropical regions, the encapsulating film is thickened, making the pre-lamination identification code unreadable. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a photovoltaic module identification system and a production system to solve the technical problem that the internal identification code cannot be read before photovoltaic modules are laminated.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a photovoltaic module identification system, including a heating device, a pressing device, and an identification device. The heating device is used to soften a preset part of the encapsulant film in the photovoltaic module, and the preset part is used to place the identification code of the photovoltaic module.

[0008] The heating device includes a heating block, a frame, and a first linear motion mechanism disposed on the frame. The first linear motion mechanism includes a first moving member that moves in a vertical direction, and the heating block is disposed on the first moving member.

[0009] The pressing device is used to attach the identification code to the preset position;

[0010] The identification device is used to read the identification code, and the identification device and the pressing device are located on both sides of the photovoltaic module.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the frame includes a first slide rail and a first slider slidably disposed on the first slide rail, wherein the first slide rail extends in a horizontal direction.

[0012] The first linear motion mechanism is mounted on the first slider.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the identification system further includes a control device and an image acquisition device communicatively connected to the control device. The image acquisition device is disposed on the first moving member and is used to acquire images of the preset part.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the identification system further includes a support and a conveying device for conveying photovoltaic modules, the conveying device including a machine base.

[0015] The support frame includes a first section, a second section, and a third section connected in sequence. The first section and the third section are arranged opposite to each other and are located below and above the photovoltaic module, respectively. The first section is mounted on the machine platform.

[0016] The identification device is located on the first section, and the pressing device is located on the third section.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing device includes a pressing block and a third linear motion mechanism, the third linear motion mechanism including a third moving member that moves in a vertical direction, and the pressing block is disposed on the third moving member.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing device further includes a buffer pad disposed on the surface of the pressing block facing the photovoltaic module.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment includes a first sleeve and a first telescopic rod movably disposed on the first sleeve, the first sleeve being disposed on the machine base, and the first telescopic rod being connected to the second segment; the identification device is disposed on the first telescopic rod; and / or,

[0020] The third section includes a third sleeve and a third telescopic rod movably disposed on the third sleeve, the third sleeve being connected to the second section; the pressing device is disposed on the third telescopic rod.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the identification system further includes a light source device disposed in the first segment, the light source device being directed toward a predetermined portion of the encapsulant film of the photovoltaic module.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the identification device includes one of a camera, a barcode scanner, or a QR code reader.

[0023] Secondly, this utility model provides a photovoltaic module production system, including the identification system described in the first aspect.

[0024] In one or more technical solutions provided in the exemplary embodiments of this utility model, at least one of the following beneficial effects can be achieved.

[0025] The photovoltaic module identification system of this exemplary embodiment is used for identifying the internal identification code of a photovoltaic module before lamination. It includes a heating device, a pressing device, and an identification device. Before the photovoltaic module is pressed by the pressing device and the identification code is identified by the identification device, the heating device heats a predetermined area of ​​the adhesive film containing the identification code. This rapidly softens the adhesive film at the predetermined area; the softening temperature is much lower than the crosslinking temperature, causing changes in the intermolecular gaps and significantly improving light transmittance. Then, the pressing device adheres the identification code to the predetermined area, eliminating air gaps. Based on this, through the synergistic effect of heat and force, it ensures that the scanning light from the identification device can efficiently penetrate the cover glass and the thickened adhesive film layer, and is clearly reflected by the identification code. The reflected light is successfully captured by the identification device, achieving stable and reliable identification of the photovoltaic module.

[0026] Compared to existing technologies, which require additional identification codes to be affixed to the exterior of photovoltaic modules before lamination for identification, the identification system of this exemplary embodiment eliminates the need for such backup identification codes. This not only reduces the consumption of identification codes but also saves the labor costs associated with affixing and removing them. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an isometric structural schematic diagram of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part B;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a side view of the heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is an isometric structural schematic diagram of the pressing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a side view of the pressing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 11. Frame; 12. First linear motion mechanism; 121. First moving part; 13. First slide rail; 131. First slider; 14. Second slide rail; 141. Second slider; 15. Heating block; 16. Image acquisition device;

[0037] 21. Machine tool;

[0038] 30. Support; 31. First segment; 32. Second segment; 33. Third segment;

[0039] 40. Photovoltaic modules; 41. Identification codes; 42. Busbars;

[0040] 50. Identification device;

[0041] 60. Pressing device; 61. Third linear motion mechanism; 62. Third moving part; 63. Pressing block. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0043] In the manufacturing process of photovoltaic (PV) modules, identification is mainly achieved by manually affixing identification codes, which are then scanned by a machine to transmit the module information to the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for easy traceability. Since the identification codes are typically affixed to the busbars, before the lamination process, the unmelted encapsulating film obscures the codes, and gaps exist between the two, making it impossible for the identification device to read them clearly. Furthermore, for PV modules used in high-temperature environments such as deserts and tropical regions, the encapsulating film is even thicker, further hindering the identification device's ability to read the codes.

[0044] To address the aforementioned issues, the photovoltaic module identification system provided in this exemplary embodiment first softens the portion of the adhesive film corresponding to the identification code using a heating device, significantly improving the light transmittance of the film at that location. Then, a pressing device is used to firmly attach the identification code to the adhesive film to eliminate air gaps. The identification device then reads the identification code, achieving stable and reliable identification.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A. (See image below.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the photovoltaic module 40 provided in the exemplary embodiment of this utility model includes a photovoltaic cell string, and a busbar 42 is connected to both ends of the photovoltaic cell string. Due to the requirements of the manufacturing process of the photovoltaic module 40, an identification code 41 is set at one end of the busbar 42 to identify the photovoltaic module 40. In addition, the photovoltaic module 40 is composed of a cover glass, a front encapsulating film, a cell string, a rear encapsulating film, and a back sheet in sequence from the light-receiving surface to the back-lighting surface.

[0046] In actual production, before the photovoltaic modules are laminated 40 times, they are laid out layer by layer at various stations on a conveyor belt. First, the cover glass is placed face down on the conveyor belt. After the pre-encapsulated film is laid on the cover glass, the battery string with identification code 41 is laid by a robotic arm. Then, the post-encapsulated film and backsheet are laid on the battery string in sequence. Then, the battery string enters the laminator to melt and cross-link the film to encapsulate the battery string and form a photovoltaic laminate.

[0047] It should be noted that in the photovoltaic module identification system provided by the exemplary embodiment of this utility model, the heating device is set at the station after the photovoltaic module 40 is covered with the pre-coating film on the cover glass and before the battery string is laid; the pressing device 60 and the identification device 50 are set at the station after the photovoltaic module 40 is covered with the back sheet and before it enters the laminator.

[0048] Figure 3 This is an isometric structural schematic diagram of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is an isometric structural schematic diagram of the pressing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the photovoltaic module identification system provided in the exemplary embodiment of this utility model includes a heating device, a pressing device 60, and an identification device 50. The heating device is used to soften a preset portion of the adhesive film in the photovoltaic module 40, and the preset portion is used to place the identification code 41 of the photovoltaic module 40. The heating device includes a heating block 15, a frame 11, and a first linear motion mechanism 12 disposed on the frame 11. The first linear motion mechanism 12 includes a first moving member 121 that moves in a vertical direction, and the heating block 15 is disposed on the first moving member 121. The pressing device 60 is used to adhere the identification code 41 to the preset portion. The identification device 50 is used to read the identification code 41, and the identification device 50 and the pressing device 60 are respectively located on both sides of the photovoltaic module 40.

[0049] In practical applications, the frame can be arranged in the form of a gantry on the conveyor belt platform and spans across the conveyor belt. The photovoltaic module 40 (with the pre-encapsulation film laid on the upper surface of the cover glass) on the conveyor belt is conveyed to the area below the heating device. The heating block 15 of the heating device can be pressed down under the action of the first moving part 121 of the first linear motion mechanism 12, so that the heating block 15 can perform instantaneous, low-temperature heating on a local area of ​​the pre-encapsulation film (also called the pre-film), that is, the preset part corresponding to the subsequent laying of the code. The film in this preset part (such as polyolefin elastomer film or polyethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film) reaches above its softening point and softens rapidly. This softening temperature is much lower than the crosslinking temperature of the film, and its molecular gaps change, resulting in a significant increase in light transmittance.

[0050] In the subsequent workstation, after the battery string with identification code 41, the rear encapsulation film, and the backsheet are sequentially laid on the front encapsulation film of the photovoltaic module 40, it is conveyed to the pressing device 60. The pressing device 60 uses mechanical pressure from top to bottom to make the identification code 41 tightly adhere to the front encapsulation film. Specifically, the cover glass, the front encapsulation film, the identification code 41 (busbar 42), the rear encapsulation film, and the backsheet are tightly adhered together, eliminating air gaps and increasing clarity, so that the identification device 50 can reliably identify the identification code 41 from the cover glass side. Even for the thickened front encapsulation film, the light transmittance at the identification code 41 is sufficient for clear identification due to the combination of softening at the preset part of the heating device and the pressure of the pressing device 60.

[0051] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part B; Figure 5 This is a side view of the heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (In conjunction with...) Figures 3-5 As shown, the frame 11 provided in the exemplary embodiment of this utility model includes a first slide rail 13 and a first slider 131 slidably disposed on the first slide rail 13. The first slide rail 13 extends in the horizontal direction; a first linear motion mechanism 12 is disposed on the first slider 131.

[0052] In practical applications, the frame 11 is equipped with a horizontally oriented first slide rail 13 and a corresponding first slider 131, such as a lead screw and nut module, allowing the first slider 131 to move horizontally. Simultaneously, a first linear motion mechanism 12 is also mounted on the first slider 131 and moves horizontally along with it. When the photovoltaic module 40 undergoes a module type switch, such as a 54 / 66 / 72 / 78 module switch, its dimensions change accordingly. The horizontal movement of the heating block 15 can adapt to the different positions of the preset parts during the module type switch.

[0053] Specifically, a second slide rail 14 and a second slider 141 adapted to the second slide rail 14 are also provided on the first slider 131. The second slide rail 14 extends vertically, and a first linear motion mechanism 12 is provided on the second slider 141. The second slider 141 and the second slide rail 14 can be a lead screw and nut module, allowing the second slider 141 to move vertically. The first linear motion mechanism 12 can also be a lead screw and nut module, which includes a first moving member 121 (lead screw and nut) slidably disposed on a third slide rail extending vertically on the second slider 141 (lead screw). The first moving member 121 drives the heating block 15 to move vertically, pressing down and lifting up. Thus, the overall up-and-down movement of the first linear motion mechanism 12 is achieved through the cooperation of the second slider 141 and the second slide rail 14. Combined with the up-and-down movement of the first moving member 121, the heating block 15 can accurately and quickly perform the actions of pressing down for heating and lifting up to detach from the adhesive film.

[0054] For example, the first linear motion mechanism 12 can be a cylinder, and the heating block 15 is disposed on the moving end of the cylinder. The second slider 141 can also change the distance between the heating block 15 and the photovoltaic module 40 by adjusting its vertical position on the second slide rail 14, thereby adapting to the softening requirements of films of different thicknesses.

[0055] Continue as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the identification system provided in the exemplary embodiment of this utility model further includes a control device and an image acquisition device 16 that is communicatively connected to the control device. The image acquisition device 16 is mounted on the first moving member 121 and is used to acquire images of a preset part.

[0056] In practical applications, the image acquisition device 16 can be a smart camera, which is mounted on the first moving part 121 or the second slider 141. After the heating block 15 completes the pressing and heating action, the smart camera acquires an image of a preset area of ​​the adhesive film and transmits the image to the control device for determination of whether the heat transfer is effective. For example, it checks whether the light transmittance or the size of the heat transfer area meets the requirements. If not, the control device controls the heating device to reheat the film. For example, the control device can be a PLC, etc.

[0057] For example, the heating block 15 can be a nickel-chromium alloy heating block, with a heating temperature of 300±30℃ and a heating time of 500±50ms. The area of ​​the heating block 15 is 60mm×6mm, which means that the softening area of ​​the preset part of the adhesive film is 60mm×6mm.

[0058] Figure 7 This is a side view of the pressing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (In conjunction with...) Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the conveying device comprises a conveyor belt and a machine table 21 supporting the conveyor belt, the identification device 50 and the pressing device 60 are arranged on the side of the machine table 21 through a bracket 30, or the identification device 50 and the pressing device 60 are arranged on the ground through a frame independent of the machine table 21.

[0059] Specifically, the bracket 30 is generally in a "C" shape, comprising a first section 31, a second section 32 and a third section 33 connected in sequence, the first section 31 and the third section 33 are arranged oppositely and located below and above the photovoltaic module 40 respectively; the first section 31 is arranged on the machine table 21; the identification device 50 is arranged on the first section 31, and the pressing device 60 is arranged on the third section 33.

[0060] The first section 31 is fixed to the machine table 21 and extends from below to the outer side of the machine table 21, and is connected to the second section 32, the second section 32 is arranged vertically, the third section 33 is arranged on the second section 33, with its free end extending horizontally toward the machine table 21, the pressing device 60 is arranged at the free end, and the identification device 50 is arranged on the first section 31 at the position opposite to the free end of the third section 33. That is, when the photovoltaic module 40 is conveyed to this station by the conveyor belt, the preset part where the identification code 41 is located is positioned outside the conveyor belt, the identification device 50 scans the identification code 41 from below the photovoltaic module 40 through the cover glass, while the pressing device 60 presses from above the photovoltaic module 40 onto the local part of the back sheet opposite to the preset part of the adhesive film, so that the identification code 41 is closely attached to the front adhesive film and the cover glass to improve definition.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the pressing device 60 comprises a pressing block 63 and a third linear motion mechanism 61, the third linear motion mechanism 61 comprises a third moving member 62 that moves in the vertical direction, and the pressing block 63 is arranged on the third moving member 62. Wherein, Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the pressing device according to the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0062] In practical applications, the third linear motion mechanism 61 may be an air cylinder, the third moving member 62 is a piston rod, the pressing block 63 is arranged at the free end of the piston rod, and the area of the pressing block 63 is 60mm×6mm. Under the control of the air source, the air cylinder drives the piston rod to move downward, driving the pressing block 63 to apply mechanical pressure to the photovoltaic module 40, so that all layers of the photovoltaic module 40 are closely attached to each other.

[0063] Continuing as shown in Figure 7As shown, considering the fragility of the cover glass of the photovoltaic module 40, the pressing device 60 also includes a buffer pad disposed on the surface of the pressing block 63 facing the photovoltaic module 40. Exemplarily, the buffer pad can be a rubber pad, an air bladder, or a membrane with raised dots. By providing the buffer pad, the impact of the pressing block 63 on the photovoltaic module 40 under the push of the cylinder can be minimized.

[0064] In some embodiments, in the identification system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first segment 31 includes a first sleeve and a first telescopic rod movably disposed on the first sleeve. The first sleeve is disposed on the machine base 21, and the first telescopic rod is connected to the second segment 32. The identification device 50 is disposed on the first telescopic rod. The third segment 33 includes a third sleeve and a second telescopic rod movably disposed on the third sleeve. The third sleeve is connected to the second segment 32. The pressing device 60 is disposed on the third telescopic rod.

[0065] By setting the first segment 31 and the third segment 33 to be retractable and lockable by positioning pins, the relative positions of the identification device 50 and the pressing device 60 with the conveyor belt in the horizontal direction can be changed, thereby adapting to different positions of the identification code 41 of different types of photovoltaic modules 40, such as adapting to the size of photovoltaic modules 40 formed by battery strings of 54, 60, 72, and 78 cells.

[0066] In some embodiments, the identification system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a light source device disposed in the first segment 31, the light source device being directed toward a predetermined portion of the encapsulant film of the photovoltaic module 40.

[0067] In practical applications, the light source can be directed towards the position corresponding to the preset part of the cover glass and the encapsulant film to increase the brightness at that position, so that the identification device 50 can more clearly identify the identification code 41 at the preset part of the encapsulant film inside the photovoltaic module.

[0068] In some implementations, the identification code 41 can be one of a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID chip. Correspondingly, the identification device 50 can be one of a camera, a barcode scanner, a QR code reader, a tablet, or an NFC reader.

[0069] The identification system of this exemplary embodiment fundamentally improves the optical properties of the adhesive film through the synergistic effect of heat and force, greatly enhancing the identification success rate and reliability, and demonstrating remarkable effectiveness in identifying thicker adhesive film components. The entire process is automated on a conveyor belt, without extending the production cycle time.

[0070] An exemplary embodiment of this utility model also provides a photovoltaic module production system, including the identification system of any of the above embodiments. The photovoltaic module production system may further include a laminating device and an EL detection device, as well as a conveyor belt for transferring photovoltaic modules between various workstations.

[0071] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of the photovoltaic module production system of the exemplary embodiment of this utility model are the same as those of the identification system, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic module identification system, characterized in that, It includes a heating device, a pressing device, and an identification device. The heating device is used to soften a predetermined part of the encapsulant film in the photovoltaic module, and the predetermined part is used to place the identification code of the photovoltaic module. The heating device includes a heating block, a frame, and a first linear motion mechanism disposed on the frame. The first linear motion mechanism includes a first moving member that moves in a vertical direction, and the heating block is disposed on the first moving member. The pressing device is used to attach the identification code to the preset position; The identification device is used to read the identification code, and the identification device and the pressing device are located on both sides of the photovoltaic module.

2. The identification system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes a first slide rail and a first slider slidably disposed on the first slide rail, the first slide rail extending in a horizontal direction; The first linear motion mechanism is mounted on the first slider.

3. The identification system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recognition system also includes a control device and an image acquisition device that is communicatively connected to the control device. The image acquisition device is mounted on the first moving part and is used to acquire images of the preset part.

4. The identification system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identification system also includes a support frame and a conveying device for conveying photovoltaic modules, the conveying device including a machine base; The support frame includes a first section, a second section, and a third section connected in sequence. The first section and the third section are arranged opposite to each other and are located below and above the photovoltaic module, respectively. The first section is mounted on the machine platform. The identification device is located on the first section, and the pressing device is located on the third section.

5. The identification system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressing device includes a pressing block and a third linear motion mechanism. The third linear motion mechanism includes a third moving member that moves in a vertical direction, and the pressing block is disposed on the third moving member.

6. The identification system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressing device also includes a buffer pad disposed on the surface of the pressing block facing the photovoltaic module.

7. The identification system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first segment includes a first sleeve and a first telescopic rod movably disposed on the first sleeve. The first sleeve is disposed on the machine base, and the first telescopic rod is connected to the second segment. The identification device is disposed on the first telescopic rod. And / or, The third section includes a third sleeve and a third telescopic rod movably disposed on the third sleeve, the third sleeve being connected to the second section; the pressing device is disposed on the third telescopic rod.

8. The identification system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The identification system also includes a light source device disposed in the first segment, the light source device being directed toward a predetermined portion of the encapsulant film of the photovoltaic module.

9. The identification system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The identification device includes one of a camera, a barcode scanner, or a QR code reader.

10. A photovoltaic module production system, characterized in that, Includes the identification system according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images