Photovoltaic device

Abstract

Photovoltaic device Photovoltaic device (100), comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module (M), comprising a front face (41) and a rear face (42) between which is arranged a photovoltaic cell encapsulant, and - a frame (30) surrounding the photovoltaic module (M), the frame (30) comprising a groove (50) for receiving an edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M), - one or more de-framing wires (60) arranged in the groove (50), extending at least partly longitudinally to the edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M). Figure for abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Photovoltaic device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device, a method of manufacturing such a device, and a method of recycling the same. The photovoltaic device comprises a photovoltaic module surrounded by a frame, the photovoltaic module comprising at least one photovoltaic cell embedded in an encapsulant comprising a polymer material. Prior art

[0002] A photovoltaic module comprises photovoltaic cells intended to convert solar energy into electrical energy. Such a photovoltaic module comprises many interesting materials to recover and recycle, when the photovoltaic module is at the end of its life or faulty.

[0003] With a view to its recycling, there are various solutions for separating the different materials that compose it, but these can be costly in terms of energy and not very environmentally friendly.

[0004] In all cases, it is necessary to separate the photovoltaic module from its frame in order to recycle it.

[0005] Furthermore, it may be useful to separate the photovoltaic module from its frame in order to be able to reuse the photovoltaic module, the frame, or both separately, for a second life.

[0006] Applications WO 2019 / 043329 and WO 2019 / 043331 disclose methods for disassembling a photovoltaic module. Application WO 2022 / 065479 proposes a heat treatment for recycling, and application WO 2023 / 008210 the use of a high-pressure water jet.

[0007] However, in the case where the photovoltaic device comprises integrated electronic elements and connection elements of these integrated electronic elements towards the outside of the photovoltaic module, in particular between the photovoltaic module and its frame, it may be necessary to be able to separate the photovoltaic module from its frame without damaging the connection elements, in order to be able to reuse them.

[0008] However, known methods can cause damage to the connection elements.

[0009] Also, there is a need to further improve and facilitate the recycling of a photovoltaic device. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention meets all or part of this need and thus relates to a photovoltaic device, comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module, comprising a front face and a rear face between which is arranged in particular an encapsulant of photovoltaic cells, and - a frame surrounding the photovoltaic module, the frame comprising a groove for receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module, - one or more de-framing wires arranged in the groove, extending at least partly longitudinally at the edge of the photovoltaic module.

[0011] The invention makes it easier to separate the frame and the photovoltaic module, which facilitates its recycling. Statement of the invention Photovoltaic module

[0012] The photovoltaic module as such comprises photovoltaic cells arranged between a front face and a rear face separated by a slice of the photovoltaic module, and which are electrically connected to each other by connecting conductors and which are immersed between two front and rear layers of encapsulating material both forming the encapsulant.

[0013] The photovoltaic module may include in particular at least: - a transparent protective layer placed on the front face, for example made of glass, - an encapsulant made of polymer material, for example of the transparent elastomer type, in which photovoltaic cells are encapsulated or coated, and - a protective layer placed on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, for example also made of glass, or for example based on multi-layer polymers defining a non-transparent rear face, called a “backsheet”.

[0014] Edges of the photovoltaic module can be defined, which define its periphery, being formed by the edges of the front face and rear face and of the encapsulant. Two opposite edges can be defined, the photovoltaic module being able to have a generally rectangular shape. The edges can have a certain thickness, due to the presence of the photovoltaic cells in the encapsulant, so that edges of the edges can be defined at the upper and lower edges, on either side of the edge of the photovoltaic module. Encapsulating

[0015] The encapsulant may be formed from at least one front film and one back film comprising at least one polymer-type encapsulating material chosen from: acid copolymers, ionomers, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (EVA), vinyl acetals, such as polyvinyl butyrals (PVB), polyurethanes, polyethylenes, such as linear low density polyethylenes, polyolefins copolymer elastomers, copolymers of α-olefins and α-, [3-]ethylenic carboxylic acid esters, such as ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers and ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, silicone elastomers and / or elastomers based on crosslinked thermoplastic polyolefin.

[0016] By the term "encapsulating" or "encapsulated", it is to be understood that the plurality of photovoltaic cells is arranged in a volume, for example hermetically sealed with respect to liquids and gases, at least partly formed by at least two films of encapsulating material(s), joined together after lamination to form the encapsulating assembly.

[0017] Indeed, initially, that is to say before any lamination operation, the encapsulant is constituted by at least two films of encapsulation material(s), between which the plurality of photovoltaic cells is encapsulated.

[0018] However, during the film lamination operation, the encapsulation material films melt to form, after the lamination operation, only a single solidified assembly in which the photovoltaic cells are embedded or coated.

[0019] A photovoltaic module may comprise two protective layers, a first protective layer forming for example the front face and made of one or more transparent materials chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: glass, composite material, plastic material, polymer. A photovoltaic module may comprise a second protective layer forming the rear face and made of one or more materials chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: glass, composite material, plastic material, polymer, metals. In the case where the first and second protective layers are made of glass, this is referred to as a bi-glass module. Frame

[0020] The frame may for example be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, such as for example an aluminum-based alloy of type 6005 or type 6063.

[0021] The frame may comprise one or more frame parts, for example one, two, three or four frame parts. A frame part may protect the photovoltaic module on one or more of its edges, in particular a single edge or two adjacent edges.

[0022] A frame portion may comprise, when viewed in cross-section, a groove receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module. The groove may receive a sealant, for example silicone, in which the edge of the photovoltaic module is embedded. The groove may be filled with sealant.

[0023] A height of the groove may be configured to allow the frame to receive sufficient sealant to ensure good sealing and bonding of the photovoltaic module in the frame. The height of the groove may be between 2 and 6 mm, or even between 4.8 and 6.0 mm, better between 4.8 and 5.6 mm.

[0024] A space remaining between the walls of the groove and the faces of the photovoltaic module can determine the maximum diameter of the usable stripping wire. The average clearance can be approximately 200 μm. A maximum diameter of the stripping wire can be between 50 and 800 μm, or even between 100 and 600 μm, better still between 150 and 400 μm, even better still between 150 and 250 μm. For example, a nylon wire with a diameter of 200 μm can allow a traction of 4 kg. However, the force required to cut the sealing product, for example silicone, can be estimated at 1 kgf.

[0025] A frame portion may comprise, when viewed in cross-section, a groove, which may extend parallel to the groove receiving the edge of the photovoltaic module. The groove may be used for fixing the frame to a frame support, for example, in particular by bolting.

[0026] Thus, the frame portion may have, when viewed in cross-section, a general E or F shape, which makes it possible to improve its rigidity, and therefore the resulting rigidity of the frame.

[0027] At least one of the branches of the E, in particular a branch surrounding the groove receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module, may be chamfered. The chamfer may facilitate the insertion of the sealing product into the groove and / or the edge of the photovoltaic module.

[0028] The frame may comprise a longitudinal groove for receiving the unframing wire, extending in particular parallel to the groove of the frame.

[0029] The longitudinal groove can be provided in the groove of the frame. It can allow the unframing wire to be properly wedged and held in position.

[0030] In one embodiment, a frame portion may include a longitudinal groove for receiving the unframing wire, or even each frame portion may include a longitudinal groove for receiving the unframing wire.

[0031] The longitudinal groove may be located on one of the branches of the E, in particular a branch surrounding the groove receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module, in particular the branch located on the side of the front face of the photovoltaic module. The longitudinal groove may be located on one of the branches of the E, on the inner side of the groove receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module.

[0032] Alternatively, the frame may be devoid of a longitudinal groove, in particular in the case where the groove is sufficiently wide. The unframing wire may be placed directly in the groove. Deframing thread

[0033] The device may comprise one or more de-framing wires, for example one, two, three or four de-framing wires. A de-framing wire may be arranged along one or more of the edges of the photovoltaic module, in particular a single edge or two adjacent edges per wire.

[0034] In one embodiment, the device comprises a single de-framing wire, which can be arranged along all edges of the photovoltaic module.

[0035] The de-framing wire(s) are configured to allow the cutting of a sealing product of the photovoltaic module in its frame, and thus to separate the photovoltaic module from its frame. The sealing product may for example be silicone.

[0036] The photovoltaic device according to the invention can be easily dismantled. by weakening of the sealing product, in particular a silicone sealing product, placed between the frame and the photovoltaic module.

[0037] The presence of the stripping wire makes it possible to obtain selective stripping of all or part of the photovoltaic module from its frame, without damaging possible connection elements to electronic elements integrated in the frame and / or in the photovoltaic module. The stripping wire makes it possible to carefully peel off the sealing product without cutting one or more connection elements.

[0038] The deframing wire may comprise at least one of the materials from the following list, which is not limiting: polymer, nylon polyamide, metal, steel, aluminum.

[0039] It can be of a section of shape chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: round, spiral, polygonal, square.

[0040] A larger transverse dimension of the wire, for example its diameter, may be between 0.05 and 0.8 mm, in particular between 0.1 and 0.6 mm, better still between 0.15 and 0.4 mm, being in particular of the order of 0.2 mm.

[0041] The deframing wire can be configured to support a weight of the order of 2 to 4 kg-

[0042] It can have a tensile strength of between 100 and 500 kgf / mm2, or even between 120 and 400 kgf / mm2, better still between 150 and 300 kgf / mm2, being in particular of the order of 160 to 200 kgf / mm2.

[0043] The unframing wire may be stretched over the frame portion. It may be fixed by one or both of its free ends to the frame, in particular to one or more frame portions. The fixing may be carried out at the rear of the frame portion, in particular on the other side of the branch of the E.

[0044] The de-framing wire may extend longitudinally at the edge of the photovoltaic module near an edge of the frame, so that the wire can cut a maximum of sealing product present in the groove. In one embodiment, the de-framing wire may extend longitudinally at the edge of the photovoltaic module at a distance d from an edge of the frame, the distance d being able to be less than 10 mm, or even less than 8 mm, better still less than 5 mm, even better still less than 4 mm.

[0045] In one embodiment, the de-framing wire may extend mainly on a front face of the photovoltaic module. In particular, the groove may in particular be located on the side of the front face of the photovoltaic module.

[0046] The de-framing wire may also extend to a lesser extent on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, being in particular configured to pass over the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0047] The de-framing wire may comprise a portion of wire extending non-parallel to the groove of the frame, in particular perpendicular to the groove of the frame, said portion of wire going around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face to its rear face via its edge.

[0048] When the stripping wire is pulled, this configuration can allow the cutting of the sealing product present on the front face, the rear face and the edge of the photovoltaic module.

[0049] The device may comprise integrated electronic elements, in particular in the frame and / or in the photovoltaic module, and connection elements for these integrated electronic elements, in particular between the photovoltaic module and its frame.

[0050] The electronic elements can for example be chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: bypass diodes, environmental condition sensors, in particular temperature and / or hygrometry, photovoltaic production sensors, in particular voltage or current, electronic card, junction box, in particular within the frame or outside.

[0051] Certain electronic elements can be advantageously placed in the frame, so as to avoid placing them at the rear of the photovoltaic module, for example junction box, electronic card.

[0052] The connection elements can for example be chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: connecting strip, connecting wire. The connection elements can be configured to allow the connection between two integrated electronic elements, in particular between the photovoltaic module and its frame, for example between an electronic element integrated in the photovoltaic module and an electronic element integrated in its frame.

[0053] The unframing wire may comprise at one of its free ends, or even at each of its free ends, a wire gripping member. This may be a loop of the unframing wire.

[0054] The wire gripping member allows the wire to be easily pulled. When the unframing wire is pulled, it cuts the sealing product. This can then allow easy separation of the frame and the photovoltaic module.

[0055] The wire gripping member may be located on the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0056] In one embodiment, the unframing wire may comprise two wire gripping members, one at each of its free ends. This makes it possible to easily pull on the wire by one or the other of its free ends, and in particular by the two free ends successively, which advantageously makes it possible to pull almost the entire length of the wire while avoiding pulling on a central part of the wire. The central part of the wire on which it is possible not to pull may be a part of the wire crossing a connection element. Such a configuration makes it possible to avoid the risk of pulling on said connection element and damaging it.

[0057] In use, a first free end of the stripping wire can be pulled up to the connection element, then the second free end of the stripping wire can be pulled up to the connection element. This ensures that the stripping wire allows the photovoltaic module to be stripped along the entire length of the wire, except at the connection element. This facilitates complete separation of the frame and the photovoltaic module, without risking damage to the connection element. Manufacturing method

[0058] The de-framing wire according to the invention can be put in place as soon as the photovoltaic device is manufactured.

[0059] The subject of the invention is thus, independently or in combination with the above, a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device, in particular as defined above, the photovoltaic device comprising at least one photovoltaic module, comprising a front face and a rear face between which is arranged an encapsulant of photovoltaic cells, and a frame surrounding the photovoltaic module, the frame comprising a groove for receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module, in which a de-framing wire is arranged in the groove of the frame so that the de-framing wire extends at least partly longitudinally to the edge of the frame, in particular in a groove of the frame.

[0060] Once the photovoltaic module has been mounted in its frame, the de-framing wire is intended to extend at least partly longitudinally at the edge of the photovoltaic module.

[0061] The unframing wire can then be stretched and then fixed to the frame, so as to avoid any movement of the unframing wire. For example, the ends of the unframing wire can be fixed behind the frame, in particular outside the groove, on the side opposite the groove of the frame.

[0062] The unframing wire can then be embedded in a sealing product, in particular silicone. The groove of the frame can be filled with sealing product.

[0063] The photovoltaic module can then be inserted into the groove of the frame, in particular so that a portion of the stripping wire is arranged mainly on a front face of the photovoltaic module. The stripping wire is held on the front face of the photovoltaic module by virtue of its attachment to the frame. It is prevented from moving, and cannot pass from one face to the other.

[0064] One end of the de-framing wire can then be detached over a portion of its length, in particular approximately 1 cm, in order to place it in a minor part on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, in particular by passing over the rear face of the photovoltaic module via its edge.

[0065] Finally, a portion of the unframing wire can be arranged non-parallel to the groove of the frame, in particular perpendicular to the groove of the frame, said portion of wire going around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face to its rear face via its edge.

[0066] Thus, the de-framing wire extends in a minority manner in a manner not parallel to the groove of the frame, in particular perpendicular to the groove of the frame, said portion of wire going around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face to its rear face via its edge.

[0067] We can then fix the end of the detached wire on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, as close as possible to the frame.

[0068] The operation can be carried out once, or several times, in particular two, three or four times, depending in particular on the number of unframing wires of the device and / or the number of frame parts of the device.

[0069] In the embodiment which has just been described, the deframing wire is placed in the frame before inserting the photovoltaic module into the frame.

[0070] Alternatively, the de-framing wire can be placed on the photovoltaic module, then the photovoltaic module carrying the de-framing wire is inserted into the frame.

[0071] In a first step, the de-framing wire is fixed to the front face of the photovoltaic module, for example by an adhesive, glue or other, in particular over its entire contour. The de-framing wire can be stretched over the photovoltaic module. A portion of the de-framing wire can be placed so as to go around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face to its rear face via its edge. It can go almost all the way around the front face of the photovoltaic module, except for the portion placed so as to go around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face to its rear face via its edge. Said portion can be approximately 1 cm to 2 cm.

[0072] In a second step, the photovoltaic module carrying the de-framing wire is inserted into the frame, leaving the de-framing wire in the groove of the frame and leaving the portion of the de-framing wire emerging from the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0073] In all embodiments, the laying of the deframing wire can be carried out manually by tension on the frame or on the photovoltaic module or industrially. Disassembly process

[0074] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a method for dismantling a photovoltaic device as defined above, in which the de-framing wire is pulled, in particular at one or both of its free ends, in particular from the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0075] Pulling on the unframing wire weakens a sealing product present in the groove of the frame, to hold the photovoltaic module there. The photovoltaic device may include a sealing product all around the photovoltaic module.

[0076] By pulling on the stripping wire from the rear face of the photovoltaic module, by pulling in the direction of arrival of the stripping wire, the stripping wire cuts the sealing product present, first on the rear face, then on the edge, then on the front face of the photovoltaic module.

[0077] The unframing wire can be pulled manually, or with a tool, for example a hook connected to a force-monitored winch.

[0078] The stripping wire can then be pulled parallel to an edge of the photovoltaic module. In particular, the stripping wire is pulled parallel to the groove of the frame in which the stripping wire is received.

[0079] A cutting of a sealing product of the photovoltaic module in its frame is obtained, and thus the separation of the photovoltaic module from its frame. The cutting of the sealing product can be obtained on the front and rear faces of the photovoltaic module simultaneously.

[0080] A first free end of the de-framing wire can be pulled to a connection element, then a second free end of the de-framing wire can be pulled to the connection element.

[0081] In particular, the unframing wire can be pulled by the two free ends successively, which advantageously makes it possible to pull almost the entire length of the wire while avoiding pulling on a central part of the wire. The central part of the wire on which it is possible not to pull can be a part of the wire crossing a connection element. A such a configuration makes it possible to avoid the risk of pulling on said connection element and damaging it.

[0082] During disassembly, it is thus possible to pull on a first free end of the unframing wire up to the connection element, then pull on the second free end of the unframing wire up to the connection element. Thus, the unframing wire allows the unframing of the photovoltaic module over the entire length of the wire, except at the connection element. This facilitates the complete separation of the frame and the photovoltaic module, without risking damage to the connection element.

[0083] Once the detachment wire has been pulled, the connection element(s) can be unsoldered.

[0084] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a method for recycling a photovoltaic device, in particular as defined above, comprising the implementation of the method for dismantling a photovoltaic device as described above to disassemble the photovoltaic module from the frame.

[0085] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a treatment installation for dismantling a photovoltaic device, in particular as defined above, the photovoltaic module of the photovoltaic device being able to comprise at least one photovoltaic cell, in particular for implementing the method as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0086] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its embodiment, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0087] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective, schematic and partial view of a module photovoltaic.

[0088] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic and partial sectional view of the photovoltaic module of [Fig.l].

[0089] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic and partial sectional and perspective view of a photovoltaic device according to the invention.

[0090] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial sectional and perspective view from above of the manufacturing process of the photovoltaic device of [Fig.3].

[0091] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic and partial sectional and perspective view of a step in this manufacturing process.

[0092] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic and partial top view of an alternative embodiment of the manufacturing method of the photovoltaic device of [Fig.3].

[0093] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic and partial sectional and perspective view of a step in the dismantling process.

[0094] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic and partial sectional and perspective view of a step in the dismantling process.

[0095] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a top view, schematic and partial, of the disassembly process of [Fig.8]. Detailed description

[0096] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a photovoltaic module M comprising several layers superimposed and assembled together:

[0097] - A first protective layer 1 (commonly called "backsheet") opposite back; this first protective layer 1 is usually made from multi-layer polymers; it can be opaque or transparent, single-layer or multi-layer;

[0098] - A second layer 2, called the intermediate layer, intercalated between the first layer and the third layer 3, described below, allowing the assembly of one side of the first protective layer 1 and the other side of the third protective layer 3; this intermediate layer comprising photovoltaic cells 20, the electrical connection 22 and an encapsulant 21 arranged around the photovoltaic cells;

[0099] - A third protective layer 3 on the front face; this third layer of Protection 3 is usually made of glass, for example transparent tempered glass with a thickness of approximately 3 to 4 mm. Alternatively, it can be based on multi-layer polymers defining a non-transparent rear face, called a "backsheet".

[0100] In the remainder of the description, the front face of the photovoltaic module M corresponds to a face of the module receiving the light rays and the rear face corresponds to the face opposite the front face. The two protective layers 1 and 3 may have a stiffening function and / or a surface protection function.

[0101] The first layer 1 may in particular provide a gas and water impermeability function, an electrical protection / insulation function and a mechanical protection function. This first layer 1 may be made from a fluorinated polymer. This may be polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), for example marketed under the name TEDLAR (registered trademark) by the company DuPont (registered trademark). In a non-limiting manner, the first layer 1 may itself be composed of a stack of several layers: a PVF layer, a PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) layer, a PVF layer.

[0102] In the intermediate layer 2, the encapsulant 21 is conventionally made of a polymer material, for example of the transparent elastomer type, in which is encapsulated or coated at least one electrically or optically active element, such as photovoltaic cells. It may be a polymer such as EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) forming a material on which the first layer 1 on one side and the third layer 3 on the other side can adhere and allow the three layers to be assembled together. The three layers can be assembled together by hot rolling, so that the first layer and the third layer adhere to the material of the encapsulant 21, thus forming a single-piece stack.

[0103] In the intermediate layer 2, the photovoltaic cells 20 are connected to each other, in series / parallel, forming several chains ("string" in English) of cells. Electrical connection elements 22, for example made of copper, make it possible to ensure the electrical connections between the cells 20 in each chain.

[0104] Edges 40 of the photovoltaic module M can be defined, which define its periphery, being formed by the edges of the front face 41 and rear face 42 and of the encapsulant. Two opposite edges can be defined, the photovoltaic module having a generally rectangular shape. The edges 40 of the photovoltaic module M can have a certain thickness, due to the presence of the photovoltaic cells in the encapsulant, so that edges of the edges can be defined at the upper and lower edges, on either side of the edge of the photovoltaic module M.

[0105] The photovoltaic module M is surrounded by a frame 30, for example made of aluminum, arranged at the periphery of the stack to stiffen the photovoltaic module M, thus forming a photovoltaic device 100. The photovoltaic device 100 may also comprise an electrical junction box (not shown) generally fixed to the rear face of the module M.

[0106] The frame 30 may comprise one or more frame portions, for example one, two, three or four frame portions. A frame portion may protect the photovoltaic module on one or more of its edges, in particular a single edge or two adjacent edges.

[0107] The frame 30 comprises a groove 50 for receiving an edge 40 of the photovoltaic module, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0108] The groove 50 also receives a sealing product 55, for example silicone, in which the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M is embedded, as illustrated in [Fig.4]. The groove 50 can be filled with sealing product 55.

[0109] A height h of the groove 50 can be configured to allow the frame to receive sufficient sealing product 55 to ensure good sealing and bonding of the photovoltaic module M in the frame 30. The height h of the groove 50 can be between 2 and 6 mm.

[0110] The frame 30 also comprises, when observed in cross section, a groove 36, which extends parallel to the groove 50 receiving the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M. The groove 36 can be used for fixing the frame to a frame support for example, in particular by bolting.

[0111] Thus, the frame 30 has, when observed in cross-section, a general shape of E, which makes it possible to improve its rigidity. At least one of the branches of the E, in particular a branch surrounding the groove 50 receiving an edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M, is chamfered into a chamfer 52. The chamfer 52 can make it easier to insert the sealing product into the groove 50 and / or the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M.

[0112] Furthermore, the frame 30 comprises a longitudinal groove 35 for receiving a de-framing wire 60, extending in particular parallel to the groove 40 of the frame 30. The longitudinal groove is formed in the groove 50 of the frame 30, being located on one of the branches of the E surrounding the groove 50 receiving the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M, in particular the branch located on the side of the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module. The longitudinal groove is located on one of the branches of the E, on the inside of the groove 50. It allows the de-framing wire 60 to be properly wedged and held in position.

[0113] Thus, the photovoltaic device 100 comprises one or more de-framing wires 60 arranged in the groove 50, extending at least partly longitudinally to the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M. In the example described, a single de-framing wire 60 is seen arranged along one of the edges 40 of the photovoltaic module M.

[0114] The unframing wire 60 is stretched over the frame part, as seen in [Fig.5]. It is fixed by its two free ends to the frame. The fixing is here carried out at the rear of the frame part, on the other side of the branch of the E of the frame 30.

[0115] In one embodiment, the device comprises a single de-framing wire 60, which can be arranged along all the edges 40 of the photovoltaic module, as will be seen later with reference to [Fig.6].

[0116] The de-framing wire 60 may extend longitudinally at the edge of the photovoltaic module at a distance d from an edge of the frame, the distance d possibly being less than 8 mm. The depth of the groove may be of the order of 10 mm.

[0117] A space remaining between the walls of the groove 50 and the faces 41, 42 of the photovoltaic module M determines the maximum diameter of the usable de-framing wire 60. The average clearance can be approximately 200 μm. A maximum diameter of the de-framing wire can be between 150 and 250 μm. For example, a nylon wire with a diameter of 200 μm can be used.

[0118] The de-framing wire 60 extends mainly on the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module M, the groove 35 being located on the side of the front face 41 of the module. photovoltaic module M. In addition, the de-framing wire 60 also extends in a minority on the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module M, being configured to pass over the rear face of the photovoltaic module. For this purpose, the de-framing wire 60 comprises a portion of wire extending perpendicular to the groove 50 of the frame 30, said portion of wire going around the photovoltaic module M to pass from its front face 41 to its rear face 42 via its edge, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0119] When the unframing wire is pulled, this configuration allows the sealing product 55 present on the front face 41, the rear face 42 and the edge of the photovoltaic module M to be cut.

[0120] The stripping wire 60 comprises at one of its free ends, or even at each of its free ends, a member 61 for gripping the stripping wire 60. In this example, this is a loop of the stripping wire 60. The member for gripping the wire is located on the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module. The member 61 for gripping the stripping wire 60 makes it easy to pull on it. When the stripping wire 60 is pulled, it cuts the sealing product 55. This can then allow easy separation of the frame 30 and the photovoltaic module M.

[0121] In an embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the photovoltaic device 100 comprises integrated electronic elements, in the frame and / or in the photovoltaic module, and connection elements 70 of these integrated electronic elements, in particular between the photovoltaic module M and its frame 30, in order to allow the connection between two integrated electronic elements, for example between an electronic element integrated in the photovoltaic module and an electronic element integrated in its frame.

[0122] In this case in particular, the unframing wire 60 comprises two wire gripping members 61, one at each of its free ends. This makes it possible to easily pull on the wire by one or the other of its free ends, and in particular by the two free ends successively, which advantageously makes it possible to pull almost the entire length of the wire while avoiding pulling on a central part of the wire. The central part of the wire on which it is possible not to pull is a part of the wire crossing a connection element 70. Such a configuration makes it possible to avoid the risk of pulling on said connection element and damaging it.

[0123] The de-framing wire according to the invention can be put in place as soon as the photovoltaic device is manufactured. A method of manufacturing the photovoltaic device 100 will now be described with reference to [Fig.4].

[0124] In a first step illustrated in [Fig.4], the de-framing wire 60 is placed in the groove 50 of the frame so that the de-framing wire extends at least partly longitudinally at the edge of the frame 30, in the groove 35 of the frame.

[0125] The unframing wire 60 is then stretched and then fixed on the frame 30, so as to avoid any movement of the unframing wire.

[0126] The unframing wire 60 is then embedded in a sealing product 55, in particular silicone. The groove of the frame can be filled with sealing product 55.

[0127] The photovoltaic module M is then inserted into the groove 50 of the frame 30, so that a portion of the de-framing wire 60 is arranged mainly on a front face 41 of the photovoltaic module M, as visible in dotted lines in [Fig.4].

[0128] One end of the de-framing wire is then detached over a portion of its length, approximately 1 cm, in order to arrange it in a minor part on the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module M, passing over the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module via its edge. For this purpose, a portion of de-framing wire 60 is arranged perpendicular to the groove 50 of the frame 30, said portion of wire going around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face 41 to its rear face 42 via its edge.

[0129] We then fix the end of the detached wire on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, as close as possible to the frame.

[0130] In the embodiment which has just been described, the deframing wire is placed in the frame before inserting the photovoltaic module into the frame.

[0131] Alternatively, the de-framing wire can be placed on the photovoltaic module, then the photovoltaic module carrying the de-framing wire is inserted into the frame, as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0132] In a first step, the de-framing wire 60 is fixed to the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module, over its entire contour. The de-framing wire can be stretched over the photovoltaic module. A portion of the de-framing wire 60 can be placed so as to go around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face 41 to its rear face 42 via its edge. It can go almost all the way around the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module M, as indicated in dotted lines in [Fig.6], except for the portion placed so as to go around the photovoltaic module to pass from its front face 41 to its rear face 42 via its edge. Said portion can be approximately 1 cm to 2 cm.

[0133] In a second step, the photovoltaic module M carrying the de-framing wire 60 is inserted into the frame 30, leaving the de-framing wire 60 in the groove 50 of the frame 30 and leaving the portion of the de-framing wire 60 to emerge through the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module M.

[0134] The de-framing wire(s) 60 are configured to allow the cutting of the sealing product of the photovoltaic module M in its frame 30, and thus to separate the photovoltaic module M from its frame 30. The photovoltaic device 100 can be easily dismantled by weakening the sealing product 55, as explained below with reference to [Fig.7].

[0135] To proceed with the disassembly of the photovoltaic device 100, the stripping wire 60 is pulled, by one or both of its free ends, from the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module M. Pulling on the stripping wire 60 makes it possible to weaken the sealing product 55. By pulling on the stripping wire from the rear face of the photovoltaic module, by pulling in the direction of arrival of the stripping wire, the stripping wire 60 cuts the sealing product 55 present, first on the rear face 42, then on the edge, then on the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module M. The stripping wire is pulled parallel to the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M, and parallel to the groove 50 of the frame in which the stripping wire 60 is received.

[0136] A cutting of the sealing product 55 of the photovoltaic module in its frame is obtained, and thus the separation of the photovoltaic module M from its frame 30.

[0137] In the case where the photovoltaic device comprises one or more connection elements 70, as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a first free end of the de-framing wire 60 is pulled up to the connection element 70, then a second free end of the de-framing wire 60 is pulled up to the connection element 70. This advantageously makes it possible to pull almost the entire length of the wire while avoiding pulling on a central part of the wire, which crosses the connection element 70. Thus, the risk of pulling on said connection element 70 and damaging it is avoided.

[0138] Once the unsoldering wire 60 has been pulled, the connection element(s) 70 can be unsoldered.

Claims

Claims

1. Photovoltaic device (100), comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module (M), comprising a front face (41) and a rear face (42) between which is arranged an encapsulant of photovoltaic cells, and - a frame (30) surrounding the photovoltaic module (M), the frame (30) comprising a groove (50) for receiving an edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M), - one or more de-framing wires (60) arranged in the groove (50), extending at least partly longitudinally to the edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M).

2. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, the frame (30) comprising a longitudinal groove (35) for receiving the unframing wire (60), extending in particular parallel to the groove (50) of the frame (30).

3. Photovoltaic device according to one of the preceding claims, the de-framing wire (60) extending mainly on a front face (41) of the photovoltaic module (M).

4. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, the de-framing wire (60) also extending to a minor extent on the rear face (42) of the photovoltaic module (M), being in particular configured to pass over the rear face (42) of the photovoltaic module (M).

5. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, the de-framing wire (60) comprising a portion of wire extending non-parallel to the groove (50) of the frame (30), in particular perpendicular to the groove (50) of the frame (30), said portion of wire (60) going around the photovoltaic module (M) to pass from its front face (41) to its rear face (42) via its edge.

6. Photovoltaic device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising integrated electronic elements, in particular in the frame (30) and / or in the photovoltaic module (M), and connection elements (70) of these integrated electronic elements, in particular between the photovoltaic module (M) and its frame (30).

7. Photovoltaic device according to one of the preceding claims, the de-framing wire (60) comprising at one of its free ends, or even at each of its free ends, a wire gripping member (61).

8. Photovoltaic device according to one of the preceding claims, the stripping wire (60) comprising two wire gripping members (61), one at each of its free ends.

9. A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the photovoltaic device (100) comprising at least one photovoltaic module (M), comprising a front face (41) and a rear face (42) between which is arranged an encapsulant of photovoltaic cells, and a frame (30) surrounding the photovoltaic module (M), the frame (30) comprising a groove (50) for receiving an edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M), in which method a de-framing wire (60) is arranged in the groove (50) of the frame (30) so that the de-framing wire (60) extends at least partly longitudinally to the edge of the frame (30), in particular in a groove (35) of the frame (30).

10. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, in which the unframing wire (60) is then embedded in a sealing product (55), in particular silicone.

11. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, in which the photovoltaic module (M) is then inserted into the groove (50) of the frame (30), in particular so that a portion of de-framing wire is arranged mainly on a front face (41) of the photovoltaic module (M).

12. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, in which one end of the de-framing wire (60) is then detached over a portion of its length, in particular approximately 1 cm, in order to place it in a minority on the rear face (42) of the photovoltaic module (M), in particular by passing over the rear face (42) of the photovoltaic module via its edge (M).

13. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim in which a portion of de-framing wire (60) is arranged non-parallel to the groove (50) of the frame (30), in particular perpendicular to the groove of the frame, said portion of wire going around the photovoltaic module (M) to pass from its front face (41) to its rear face (42) via its edge.

14. Method for dismantling a photovoltaic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the de-framing wire (60) is pulled, in particular at one or both of its free ends, in particular from the rear face (42) of the photovoltaic module (M).

15. Disassembly method according to the preceding claim, in which the unframing wire (60) is pulled parallel to an edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M).

16. Disassembly method according to one of the two preceding claims, in which a first free end of the unframing wire (60) is pulled up to a connection element (70), then a second free end of the unframing wire is pulled up to the connection element (70).

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