Photovoltaic device

Abstract

Photovoltaic Device (100), comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module (M), having 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) having a groove (50) for receiving an edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M), - one or more unframing wires (60) arranged in the groove (50), extending at least partially longitudinally along the edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Photovoltaic device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device, a method for manufacturing such a device, and a method for recycling it. 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. Previous technique

[0002] A photovoltaic module comprises photovoltaic cells designed to convert solar energy into electrical energy. Such a photovoltaic module contains many interesting materials that can be recovered and reused when the photovoltaic module reaches the end of its life or malfunctions.

[0003] For the purpose of its recycling, various solutions are known for separating the different materials that compose it, but these can be energy-intensive and not very environmentally friendly.

[0004] In all cases, it is necessary to separate the photovoltaic module from its frame in order to be able to proceed with its recycling.

[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] Methods for disassembling a photovoltaic module are known from applications WO 2019 / 043329 and WO 2019 / 043331. Application WO 2022 / 065479 proposes a thermal 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 includes integrated electronic elements and connection elements of these integrated electronic elements to 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 processes can cause damage to the connecting 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, a photovoltaic cell encapsulant, and - a frame surrounding the photovoltaic module, the frame comprising a groove to receive an edge of the photovoltaic module, - one or more deframing wires arranged in the groove, extending at least partly longitudinally to the edge of the photovoltaic module.

[0011] The invention makes it easier to separate the frame and the photovoltaic module, which facilitates the recycling of the latter. Description 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 encapsulation material both forming the encapsulation.

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

[0014] The edges of the photovoltaic module, which define its perimeter, can be defined as being formed by the edges of the front and rear faces and the encapsulant. Two opposing edges can be defined, as the photovoltaic module can 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 can be defined at the top and bottom edges, on either side of the slice of the photovoltaic module. Encapsulating

[0015] The encapsulant can be formed from at least one front film and a back film comprising at least one polymer-type encapsulating material selected 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, α-olefin copolymers and α-,[3- ethylenic carboxylic acid esters, such as ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers and ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, silicone elastomers and / or crosslinked thermoplastic polyolefin based elastomers.

[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 consists of at least two films of encapsulating 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 one solidified assembly in which the photovoltaic cells are embedded or coated.

[0019] A photovoltaic module may have two protective layers. The first protective layer, for example, forms the front face and is made of one or more transparent materials chosen from the following, non-exhaustive list: glass, composite material, plastic, polymer. A photovoltaic module may have a second protective layer forming the rear face and is made of one or more materials chosen from the following, non-exhaustive list: glass, composite material, plastic, polymer, metals. If both the first and second protective layers are made of glass, it is called a double-glass module. Frame

[0020] The frame can for example be made of aluminium or aluminium alloy, such as for example an aluminium-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, when viewed in cross-section, have 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] The throat height can be configured to allow the frame to receive sufficient sealant to ensure proper sealing and bonding of the photovoltaic module to the frame. The throat height can be between 2 and 6 mm, or even between 4.8 and 6.0 mm, preferably between 4.8 and 5.6 mm.

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

[0025] A frame portion may, when viewed in cross-section, have 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, by bolting.

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

[0027] At least one of the arms of the E, in particular an arm surrounding the groove receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module, may be chamfered. The chamfer may facilitate the insertion of the sealant into the groove and / or the edge of the photovoltaic module.

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

[0029] The longitudinal groove can be formed in the frame groove. It can allow the unframing wire to be properly positioned and held in place.

[0030] In one embodiment, a frame part may have a longitudinal groove to receive the unframing wire, or each frame part may have a longitudinal groove to receive the unframing wire.

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

[0032] Alternatively, the frame may be without a longitudinal groove, particularly where the groove is sufficiently wide. The deframing wire can be placed directly in the groove. Frame release wire

[0033] The device may include one or more cropping wires, for example one, two, three or four cropping wires. A cropping wire may be arranged along one or more 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 unframing wire, which can be arranged along all edges of the photovoltaic module.

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

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

[0037] The presence of the decoupling wire allows for the selective decoupling of all or part of the photovoltaic module from its frame, without damaging any possible connection elements to electronic components integrated into the frame and / or the photovoltaic module. The decoupling wire allows for the careful removal of the sealing compound without cutting any connection elements.

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

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

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

[0041] The unframing wire can be configured to support a weight of approximately 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 between 150 and 300 kgf / mm2, being in particular in the order of 160 to 200 kgf / mm2.

[0043] The frame release wire can be stretched over the frame section. It can be fixed by one or both of its free ends to the frame, in particular to one or more frame sections. The fixing can be made at the rear of the frame section, in particular on the other side of the arm of the E.

[0044] The deframing wire can extend longitudinally along the edge of the photovoltaic module near an edge of the frame, so that the wire can cut through as much of the sealant present in the groove as possible. In one embodiment, the deframing wire can extend longitudinally along the edge of the photovoltaic module at a distance d from an edge of the frame, the distance d being less than 10 mm, or even less than 8 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, and even better less than 4 mm.

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

[0046] The unframing wire can also extend to a minority 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 unframing wire may include a portion of wire extending 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.

[0048] When the unframing wire is pulled, this configuration can allow the sealing product present on the front face, the back face and the edge of the photovoltaic module to be cut.

[0049] The device may include 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] Electronic elements may for example be chosen from the following list, which is not exhaustive: bypass diodes, environmental condition sensors, in particular temperature and / or humidity sensors, photovoltaic production sensors, in particular voltage or current sensors, electronic board, junction box, in particular within or outside the frame.

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

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

[0053] The trimming wire may have at one of its free ends, or even at each of its free ends, a wire gripping device. This may be a loop of the trimming wire.

[0054] The wire's gripping mechanism allows it to be easily pulled. When the unframing wire is pulled, it cuts through the sealing material. This then allows for easy separation of the frame and the photovoltaic module.

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

[0056] In one embodiment, the unframing wire may have two wire-gripping members, one at each of its free ends. This allows the wire to be easily pulled from either of its free ends, and in particular from both free ends successively, which advantageously allows almost the entire length of the wire to be pulled while avoiding pulling on a central portion of the wire. The central portion of the wire that cannot be pulled may be a section of the wire crossing a connecting element. Such a configuration avoids the risk of pulling on and damaging said connecting element.

[0057] During use, one free end of the unframing wire can be pulled to the connecting element, and then the second free end of the unframing wire can be pulled to the connecting element. This allows the unframing wire to unframe the photovoltaic module along its entire length, except at the connecting element. This facilitates complete separation of the frame and the photovoltaic module without risk of damaging the connecting element. Manufacturing process

[0058] The unframing wire according to the invention can be put in place during the manufacture of the photovoltaic device.

[0059] The invention thus relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device, in particular as defined above, the photovoltaic device comprising at least one photovoltaic module, having a front face and a rear face between which is disposed a photovoltaic cell encapsulant, and a frame surrounding the photovoltaic module, the frame having a groove for receiving an edge of the photovoltaic module, in which a deframing wire is disposed in the groove of the frame so that the deframing 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 unframing wire is intended to extend at least partially longitudinally along the edge of the photovoltaic module.

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

[0062] The frame release wire can then be embedded in a sealant, such as silicone. The frame groove can be filled with sealant.

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

[0064] One can then detach one end of the unframing wire over a portion of its length, in particular about 1 cm, in order to place it in a minority on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, in particular by passing it over the rear face of the photovoltaic module through its edge.

[0065] A portion of the deframing wire can finally be placed 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.

[0066] Thus, the unframing wire extends in a minority way 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] The end of the deframing wire which had been detached can then be fixed on the back 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 just described, the unframing wire is placed in the frame before inserting the photovoltaic module into the frame.

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

[0071] In a first step, the decoupling wire is attached to the front face of the photovoltaic module, for example by means of adhesive, glue, or other means, specifically around its entire perimeter. The decoupling wire can be stretched taut over the photovoltaic module. A portion of the decoupling wire can be positioned to go around the photovoltaic module, passing 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 positioned to go around the photovoltaic module from its front face to its rear face via its edge. This portion can be approximately 1 cm to 2 cm long.

[0072] In a second step, the photovoltaic module carrying the unframing wire is inserted into the frame, leaving the unframing wire in the groove of the frame and allowing the portion of the unframing wire to come out through the back face of the photovoltaic module.

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

[0074] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a method of dismantling a photovoltaic device as defined above, in which the unframing 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 release wire weakens a sealant present in the frame groove, which secures the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic device may include a sealant all around the photovoltaic module.

[0076] By pulling on the unframing wire from the rear face of the photovoltaic module, pulling in the direction of the arrival of the unframing wire, the unframing 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 unframing wire can then be pulled parallel to an edge of the photovoltaic module. In particular, the unframing wire is pulled parallel to the groove in the frame into which the unframing wire is received.

[0079] A cutting of the sealing material of the photovoltaic module within its frame is achieved, thereby separating the photovoltaic module from its frame. The cutting of the sealing material can be achieved simultaneously on the front and rear faces of the photovoltaic module.

[0080] One can pull on a first free end of the unframing wire to a connecting element, then one can pull on a second free end of the unframing wire to the connecting element.

[0081] In particular, the unframing wire can be pulled successively from its two free ends, which advantageously allows almost the entire length of the wire to be pulled while avoiding pulling on a central portion of the wire. The central portion of the wire that can be avoided may be a section of the wire crossing a connecting element. This configuration helps to avoid the risk of pulling on the said connection element and damaging it.

[0082] During disassembly, one can pull on the first free end of the unframing wire to the connecting element, and then pull on the second free end of the unframing wire to the connecting element. This allows the unframing wire to be unframed along its entire length, except at the connecting element. This facilitates the complete separation of the frame and the photovoltaic module without risking damage to the connecting element.

[0083] Once the discharge 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 of recycling a photovoltaic device, in particular as defined above, comprising the implementation of the method of dismantling a photovoltaic device as described above in order to disassemble the photovoltaic module from the frame.

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

[0086] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of embodiments thereof, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, on which:

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

[0088] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a schematic and partial cross-sectional view of the photovoltaic module of the [Fig.1].

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

[0090] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial schematic cross-sectional and perspective top view of the manufacturing process of the photovoltaic device of the [Fig.3].

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0097] - A first protective layer 1 (commonly called "backsheet") facing rear; 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, electrical connectors 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, clear tempered glass approximately 3 to 4 mm thick. Alternatively, it can be based on multi-layer polymers defining a non-transparent back face, known as the "backsheet".

[0100] In the following description, the front face of the photovoltaic module M corresponds to a face of the module receiving 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 gas and water impermeability, electrical protection / insulation, and mechanical protection. This first layer 1 may be made of a fluoropolymer. This may be polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), for example, marketed under the name TEDLAR (registered trademark) by DuPont (registered trademark). Without limitation, the first layer 1 may itself be composed of a stack of several layers: a PVF layer, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) layer, and another 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 with at least one electrically or optically active element, such as photovoltaic cells. This can be a polymer such as EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) forming a material to which the first layer 1 can adhere on one side and the third layer 3 on the other, allowing the three layers to be joined together. The three layers can be joined together by hot lamination, so that the first and third layers adhere to the encapsulating material 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 strings of cells. Electrical connection elements 22, for example made of copper, provide the electrical connections between the cells 20 in each string.

[0104] Edges 40 of the photovoltaic module M, which define its perimeter, can be defined, 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 may 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 slice of the photovoltaic module M.

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

[0106] The frame 30 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.

[0107] The frame 30 has a groove 50 to receive an edge 40 of the photovoltaic module, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0108] The groove 50 also receives a sealant 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 sealant 55.

[0109] A height h of the groove 50 can be configured to allow the frame to receive enough sealant 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 includes, when viewed 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, when viewed in cross-section, has a general E-shape, which improves 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 facilitate the insertion of the sealant into the groove 50 and / or the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M.

[0112] Furthermore, the frame 30 has a longitudinal groove 35 for receiving a framing wire 60, extending 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 arms of the E surrounding the groove 50 that receives the edge 40 of the photovoltaic module M, in particular the arm located on the side of the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module. The longitudinal groove is located on one of the arms of the E, on the inner side of the groove 50. It allows the framing wire 60 to be properly positioned and held in place.

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

[0114] The frame release wire 60 is stretched across the frame section, as shown in [Fig. 5]. It is fixed by its two free ends to the frame. The fixing is made here at the rear of the frame section, on the other side of the arm of the frame E 30.

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

[0116] The deframing wire 60 can extend longitudinally along the edge of the photovoltaic module at a distance d from an edge of the frame, the distance d being less than 8 mm. The depth of the groove can be on the order of 10 mm.

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

[0118] The unframing wire 60 extends mainly over 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 M. In addition, the deframing wire 60 also extends to a lesser extent 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 deframing wire 60 includes a portion of wire extending perpendicularly 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 deframing wire 60 has, at one of its free ends, or even at each of its free ends, a wire deframing gripping element 61. In this example, it is a loop of the wire deframing wire 60. The wire gripping element is located on the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module. The wire deframing wire 60 gripping element 61 allows it to be easily pulled. When the wire deframing wire 60 is pulled, it cuts the sealing compound 55. This can then allow the easy separation of the frame 30 and the photovoltaic module M.

[0121] In an embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the photovoltaic device 100 includes 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 particular case, the unframing wire 60 has two wire-gripping elements 61, one at each of its free ends. This allows the wire to be easily pulled from either of its free ends, and in particular from both free ends successively, which advantageously allows almost the entire length of the wire to be pulled while avoiding pulling on a central portion of the wire. The central portion of the wire that cannot be pulled is a part of the wire that crosses a connecting element 70. Such a configuration avoids the risk of pulling on and damaging said connecting element.

[0123] The unframing wire according to the invention can be installed during the manufacture of the photovoltaic device. A manufacturing process for the photovoltaic device 100 will now be described with reference to [Fig. 4].

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

[0125] Next, the off-frame wire 60 is stretched and fixed on the frame 30, so as to avoid any movement of the off-frame wire.

[0126] The frame release wire 60 is then embedded in a sealant 55, in particular silicone. The frame groove can be filled with sealant 55.

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

[0128] Next, one end of the deframing wire is detached over a portion of its length, approximately 1 cm, in order to position it partially on the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module M, passing over the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module along its edge. For this purpose, a portion of the deframing wire 60 is positioned 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 along its edge.

[0129] Next, the end of the deframing wire that had been detached is fixed on the back face of the photovoltaic module, as close as possible to the frame.

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

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

[0132] In a first step, the framing wire 60 is fixed to the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module, along its entire perimeter. The framing wire can be stretched taut over the photovoltaic module. A portion of the framing wire 60 can be positioned to go around the photovoltaic module, passing 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 shown by the dashed line in [Fig. 6], except for the portion positioned to go around the photovoltaic module from its front face 41 to its rear face 42 via its edge. This portion can be approximately 1 cm to 2 cm long.

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

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

[0135] To dismantle the photovoltaic device 100, the unframing wire 60 is pulled from one or both of its free ends from the rear face 42 of the photovoltaic module M. Pulling on the unframing wire 60 weakens the sealing compound 55. By pulling on the unframing wire from the rear face of the photovoltaic module, in the direction of the wire's entry, the unframing wire 60 cuts the sealing compound 55, first on the rear face 42, then on the edge, and then on the front face 41 of the photovoltaic module M. The unframing 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 unframing wire 60 is received.

[0136] We obtain a cutting of the sealing product 55 of the photovoltaic module in its frame, and thus the separation of the photovoltaic module M from its frame 30.

[0137] In the case where the photovoltaic device includes one or more connecting elements 70, as illustrated with reference to Figures 8 and 9, a first free end of the unframing wire 60 is pulled to the connecting element 70, and then a second free end of the unframing wire 60 is pulled to the connecting element 70. This advantageously allows almost the entire length of the wire to be pulled while avoiding pulling on a central part of the wire, which crosses the connecting element 70. Thus, the risk of pulling on and damaging said connecting element 70 is avoided.

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

Claims

Demands

1. Photovoltaic device (100), comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module (M), having 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) having a groove (50) for receiving an edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M), - one or more unframing 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) having 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 any one of the preceding claims, the unframing wire (60) extending mainly over a front face (41) of the photovoltaic module (M).

4. Photovoltaic device according to the preceding claim, the unframing wire (60) also extending minorityally 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 unframing wire (60) comprising a portion of wire extending not 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) by passing through its edge.

6. Photovoltaic device according to any 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) for these integrated electronic elements, in particular between the photovoltaic module (M) and its frame (30).

7. A photovoltaic device according to any one of the preceding claims, the framing wire (60) having at one of its free ends, even at each of its free ends, a grasping organ (61) for the wire.

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

9. A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the photovoltaic device (100) comprising at least one photovoltaic module (M), having a front face (41) and a rear face (42) between which is disposed a photovoltaic cell encapsulant, and a frame (30) surrounding the photovoltaic module (M), the frame (30) having a groove (50) for receiving an edge (40) of the photovoltaic module (M), a method in which a deframing wire (60) is disposed in the groove (50) of the frame (30) so that the deframing 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. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, wherein the deframing wire (60) is then embedded in a sealing product (55), in particular silicone.

11. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, wherein the photovoltaic module (M) is then inserted into the groove (50) of the frame (30), in particular in such a way that a portion of the unframing wire is disposed mainly on a front face (41) of the photovoltaic module (M).

12. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, wherein one end of the unframing wire (60) is then detached over a portion of its length, in particular about 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 through its edge (M).

13. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim in which a portion of the deframing wire (60) is placed not 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) by passing through its edge.

14. Method of dismantling a photovoltaic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unframing 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, wherein a first free end of the unframing wire (60) is pulled to a connecting element (70), and then a second free end of the unframing wire is pulled to the connecting element (70).

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