Pyrolysis furnace for the recycling of photovoltaic modules and associated process

Abstract

The invention relates to a pyrolysis furnace, adapted for batch processing, for dismantling photovoltaic modules, comprising: - a pyrolysis chamber, isolated from the outside by a sealed door, - a post-combustion chamber fluidly connected to the pyrolysis chamber, - heating means for the pyrolysis chamber and for the post-combustion chamber, - at least one first and one second location within the pyrolysis chamber, - at least one first and one second removable supports, configured to support a plurality of photovoltaic modules, and arranged respectively in the first and second locations, - a neutral gas distribution system configured to inject said neutral gas into the pyrolysis chamber and to maintain a preliminary temperature at the second location, lower than the pyrolysis temperature applicable to the first location. The invention also relates to a pyrolysis process.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig.2a.

Description

Title of the invention: Pyrolysis furnace for recycling photovoltaic modules and associated process. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of photovoltaic module recycling. It relates in particular to a batch pyrolysis oven, particularly suitable for the thermal dismantling of photovoltaic modules for the purpose of recycling the materials from which they are made. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Given the exponential increase in photovoltaic panels produced and installed, their recycling becomes essential to recover and valorize the precious materials that compose them (metals, glass, silicon...).

[0003] In a recycling process, the metal frame 110 (“frame”) and the junction box 150 of the end-of-life panels 200 are separated from the photovoltaic module 100, which corresponds to the sandwich of functional layers, generally including a stack of glass, photovoltaic cells, metal contacts and polymer layers ([Fig.1]).

[0004] It is then known to dismantle the photovoltaic module 100 either by a mechanical process or by thermal treatment based on a pyrolysis or combustion process. The polymer layers 131, 132, 133, included in the sandwich of functional layers (photovoltaic module 100), are formed of organic compounds, which can be decomposed by pyrolysis or burned by combustion, thus inducing the separation of the layers into mineral materials of the sandwich.

[0005] Document EP3993067 describes a tunnel furnace in which photovoltaic modules are subjected to a temperature that allows them to be dismantled, in particular by burning the polymer layers (air combustion process). The advantage of a tunnel furnace is that it processes the modules continuously, with a conveyor transporting them from the furnace inlet, through the heating section, to an outlet. However, a tunnel furnace can present certain disadvantages, including difficulty in ensuring airtightness (risk of toxic gas emissions into the furnace's external environment), and poorly controlled internal temperature during combustion (risk of degradation of the materials to be recycled, for example, due to metal melting).

[0006] A batch processing furnace can easily be isolated from the outside atmosphere, thus allowing the implementation of a pyrolysis process. Indeed, it should be noted that the management of gases within the furnace during pyrolysis is particularly critical. Unwanted air intake can lead to combustion phenomena with flames, which are dangerous for the equipment and its environment. The pyrolysis gases generated by the decomposition of the polymer layers of the 100 photovoltaic modules are toxic and flammable; therefore, it is common practice to treat them by post-combustion, in order to break down the organic molecules and release only gases that, after passing through a combustion gas treatment unit (for example, a scrubber), will be compatible with atmospheric release.

[0007] The combustion of pyrolysis gases is usually carried out in an afterburner chamber, fluidly connected to the pyrolysis chamber. To ensure the correct treatment of the pyrolysis gases in the afterburner chamber, it is required that these gases be subjected to a temperature greater than or equal to 850°C for a minimum duration of 2 seconds, in accordance with waste incineration legislation.

[0008] The afterburner chamber must therefore have a large volume to ensure that the pyrolysis gases remain there for a sufficient time, and this large volume must be built up and maintained at a high temperature for each batch of photovoltaic modules to be processed. This is why, in a batch pyrolysis furnace, the afterburner chamber is a significant cost contributor. It is therefore desirable to maximize the load (the number of modules) in a batch to optimize the heating of the afterburner chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, the sizing of the afterburner chamber is complex because batches of photovoltaic modules can contain varying amounts of polymers, depending on the module's origin. Operating the pyrolysis chamber at full load can therefore lead to either under-supply or overloading of the afterburner chamber, with risks of overheating and / or the release of toxic gases into the environment.

[0010] Economic optimization and securing the after-combustion process are therefore issues to be addressed. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a batch pyrolysis oven for optimizing the post-combustion process, both economically and in terms of safety. To this end, the pyrolysis oven includes a neutral gas distribution system configured to generate different temperatures in at least two zones of the pyrolysis chamber, in which sub-batches forming a batch are arranged. The invention also relates to a pyrolysis process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention relates to a pyrolysis oven, adapted for batch processing, for dismantling photovoltaic modules, comprising:

[0013] - a pyrolysis chamber, isolated from the outside by a sealed door,

[0014] - a post-combustion chamber fluidically connected to the pyrolysis chamber,

[0015] - heating means for the pyrolysis chamber and for the post-chamber combustion,

[0016] - at least a first and a second location in the pyrolysis chamber,

[0017] - at least one first and a second removable supports, configured to support a plurality of photovoltaic modules, arranged respectively in the first and second locations, the first and second supports, filled with photovoltaic modules, forming a batch,

[0018] - a neutral gas distribution system configured to inject said neutral gas in the pyrolysis chamber and to maintain a preliminary temperature at the second location, lower than a pyrolysis temperature applying to the first location.

[0019] According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: • the difference between the pyrolysis temperature and the preliminary temperature is greater than or equal to 40°C, preferably between 40°C and 60°C; • the pyrolysis temperature is between 400°C and 500°C; • the neutral gas distribution system includes a nozzle located in the upper part of the pyrolysis chamber, at the level of the second location, configured to inject the neutral gas above the second support; • the neutral gas distribution system includes a nozzle located in the lower part of the pyrolysis chamber, at the level of the second location, configured to inject the neutral gas below the second support; • the neutral gas distribution system is fluidly connected to the second support, which includes a frame made of hollow tubes communicating with each other and equipped with outlet ports to inject the neutral gas as close as possible to the photovoltaic modules; • the first and second supports are configured to leave space between each of the photovoltaic modules they support; • the pyrolysis oven includes, between the first and second supports, a fusible partition made of a pyrolyzable material at the pyrolysis temperature; • Each batch includes between 60 and 150 photovoltaic modules.

[0020] The invention also relates to a pyrolysis process for dismantling photovoltaic modules, implemented in a pyrolysis furnace such as above, comprising the following steps:

[0021] a) the charging of the photovoltaic modules in the first and second supports, fully loaded, outside the pyrolysis furnace, to form a batch to be treated,

[0022] b) the evaluation of a quantity of polymers in the batch to be treated,

[0023] c) if the quantity of polymers is greater than a nominal quantity defined by a pyrolysis gas treatment capacity by the post-combustion chamber:

[0024] - the introduction of the batch to be treated into the pyrolysis chamber, the first support and the the second support being placed respectively in the first location and the second location,

[0025] - heating the pyrolysis chamber to reach the pyrolysis temperature at level of the first location,

[0026] - the cooling of the second location due to the injection of gas by the neutral gas distribution system,

[0027] - once the pyrolysis of the polymers of the photovoltaic modules supported by the first support completed, the neutral gas injection is stopped, to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the second location.

[0028] The pyrolysis process may also include the following step:

[0029] c') if the quantity of polymers is less than or equal to the nominal quantity,

[0030] - the introduction of the batch to be treated into the pyrolysis chamber, the first support and the the second support being placed respectively in the first location and the second location, - heating the pyrolysis chamber to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the first and second locations, with the neutral gas distribution system remaining inactive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0032] [Fig.1] Fig.1 presents an exploded view of a monofacial type photovoltaic panel;

[0033] [Fig.2a]

[0034] [Fig.2b]

[0035] [Fig.2c] Fig.2a, Fig.2b and Fig.2c show pyrolysis ovens conforming to the present invention, with variants of the implementation of the neutral gas distribution system;

[0036] [Fig.3] Fig.3 presents a pyrolysis oven according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0037] [Fig.4] Fig.4 presents a pyrolysis oven according to another possible embodiment of the invention.

[0038] The figures are schematic representations which, for the purpose of readability, are not necessarily to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention relates to a pyrolysis oven, adapted for batch processing, for dismantling photovoltaic modules 100.

[0040] As mentioned in the introduction, photovoltaic panels 200 contain many materials that must be recycled. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an example of a monofacial panel 200 comprising an aluminum frame 110, a junction box 150, and between the two, a functional sandwich (hereafter referred to as the photovoltaic module) which includes a layer of glass 120, a layer of photovoltaic cells, and several polymer layers 131, 132, 133 ensuring the bond between the layers and protecting the back face of the module. The polymer layers may include, in particular, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0041] After removing the frame 110 and the junction box 150, one approach to dismantling the module 100 is to apply a pyrolysis heat treatment to it, which will allow the separation of the different layers of the sandwich, by decomposition of the polymers.

[0042] It should be noted that pyrolysis is an anaerobic process during which organic matter (polymer, grease, etc.) is evaporated by the action of heat. The gases produced during this process are organic, toxic, and combustible. As mentioned in the introduction, an afterburner chamber is usually used to treat these gases by burning them at a high temperature to ensure their complete combustion. During the pyrolysis process, the oxygen level in the pyrolysis chamber 2 must remain low, typically less than or equal to 5% or even 4% (by volume).

[0043] Figure 2a schematically presents a pyrolysis oven 1 according to the present invention. It is an oven adapted for batch processing. It comprises a pyrolysis chamber 2, insulated from the outside by a sealed door 25. The pyrolysis chamber 2 is fluidly connected to an afterburner chamber 3. Heating means 4 are available for heating the pyrolysis chamber 2 and the afterburner chamber 3. Preferably, at least one burner 41 is arranged in The lower part of the pyrolysis chamber 2, and at least two burners 42, 43 are provided in the afterburner chamber 3. They are supplied by a commercial combustible gas supply, for example natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and a gas supply containing oxygen, preferably air. Temperature sensors T are advantageously positioned in the pyrolysis chamber 2 and in the afterburner chamber 3 to monitor their internal temperature.

[0044] At least two locations, referred to as first location 21 and second location 22, are defined in the pyrolysis chamber 2. They are intended to accommodate supports, typically a first support 500a and a second support 500b, respectively arranged in the first 21 and second 22 locations. The supports 500a and 500b are configured to support a plurality of photovoltaic modules 100. They are removable and can be loaded and unloaded from the furnace 1, respectively for pyrolysis treatment and after the dismantling of the modules 100.

[0045] The first support 500a and the second support 500b, filled with photovoltaic modules 100, constitute a batch within the meaning of the present invention. Of course, more than two locations 21, 22 could be provided in the pyrolysis chamber 2, to place more than two supports 500a, 500b; a batch would then consist of n supports 500a, 500b loaded with photovoltaic modules 100.

[0046] The pyrolysis oven 1 further includes a neutral gas distribution system 6 configured to inject said neutral gas into the pyrolysis chamber 2, so as to lower the temperature at the level of the second location 22, compared to the first location 21. Thus, it is possible to maintain a preliminary temperature at the level of the second location 22, lower than a pyrolysis temperature applying to the first location 21, and this in a single pyrolysis chamber 2.

[0047] The neutral gas may, in particular, be nitrogen, argon, or oxygen-depleted air. Its temperature is typically between 10°C and 60°C when injected via the distribution system 6.

[0048] Preferably, the difference between the pyrolysis temperature and the preliminary temperature is greater than or equal to 40°C, preferably between 40°C and 60°C, and even more preferably in the order of 50°C.

[0049] The pyrolysis temperature is typically between 400°C and 500°C, depending on the nature of the polymers present.

[0050] The pyrolysis oven 1 according to the invention allows for the sequential treatment of the photovoltaic modules 100 of the first support 500a and then the photovoltaic modules 100 of the second support 500b, providing cooling by injecting neutral gas at the level of the second location 22. Once the pyrolysis of the modules 100 of the first support 500a is complete, the distribution system 6 of neutral gas is deactivated and the second location 22 is subjected to pyrolysis temperature, thus allowing the processing of the modules 100 arranged in the second support 500b.

[0051] Note that the neutral gas distribution system 6 could also be configured to inject the neutral gas at the first location 21, so as to allow the locations 21,22 to be interchanged and to be able to cool either one.

[0052] The neutral gas distribution system 6 can take different forms. Three variants are illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c.

[0053] According to a first variant ([Fig.2a]), the distribution system 6 includes at least one nozzle, disposed in the upper part of the enclosure 2, at the level of the second location 22, configured to inject the neutral gas above the second support 500b.

[0054] According to a second variant ([Fig.2b]), the neutral gas distribution system 6 includes at least one nozzle, disposed in the lower part of the pyrolysis chamber 2, at the level of the second location 22, configured to inject the neutral gas below the second support 500b.

[0055] The vertical stratification of heat in enclosure 2 leads to the existence of hot zones, usually at the top and / or bottom of enclosure 2. Cooling by neutral gas injection is all the more effective when this injection is carried out at the hot zones of enclosure 2, either in the upper part in the first variant, or in the lower part in the second variant. Of course, the first and second variants can be combined to inject the neutral gas at both the top and bottom of the second support 500b.

[0056] Advantageously, the neutral gas distribution system 6 according to the first or second variant comprises a plurality of nozzles, distributed over all or part of the surface of the second location 22 in a horizontal plane (x,y).

[0057] According to a third variant ([Fig.2c]), the distribution system 6 is fluidically connected to the second support 500b so as to inject the neutral gas as close as possible to the photovoltaic modules 100. Advantageously, the second support 500b comprises a frame formed of hollow tubes communicating with each other and having outlet ports for injecting the neutral gas between the photovoltaic modules 100. It is thus possible to limit the consumption of neutral gas because the injection, targeted and as close as possible to the modules 100, is made more efficient.

[0058] Of course, this third variant can be implemented jointly with the first and / or second variant.

[0059] Advantageously, the first 500a and the second 500b supports are configured to provide a space between each of the 100 photovoltaic modules. This allows, on the one hand, to increase the efficiency of pyrolysis, and on the other hand, to promote the passage of the neutral gas injected between the modules 100 by the distribution system 6, and thus their efficient cooling.

[0060] It is preferable that the photovoltaic modules 100 be held vertically; their dislocation causes the module fragments to fall into a tank formed in the lower part of the supports 500a, 500b. Alternatively, each module 100 could be held in a horizontal or oblique position.

[0061] According to a particular embodiment, a fusible partition 700 is disposed between the first support 500a and the second support 500b ([Fig. 3]). Its fusible nature arises from the fact that it is made of a pyrolyzable material at the pyrolysis temperature applied in the enclosure 2. The partition 700 may, for example, be composed of a photovoltaic module 100, held by an intermediate support 800, disposed at the boundary between the first location 21 and the second location 22. Alternatively, it may be composed of a polymer plate.

[0062] Such a partition 700 creates a separation between the two locations 21, 22 and facilitates the application of the neutral gas injection to the second location 22; the cooling of the latter (temperature difference with respect to the first location 21) can thus be more efficient and more precise, at least in the initial moments of the pyrolysis of the modules 100 of the first support 500a. A partition 700 formed in a photovoltaic module 100 can also provide a certain degree of thermal insulation, due to the presence of fluorinated polymers, which are very good thermal insulators.

[0063] At the latest when the pyrolysis temperature is applied to the second location 500b (i.e. when the neutral gas distribution system 6 is inactive), the partition 700 is also dislodged (if photovoltaic module) or totally pyrolyzed (if polymer plate), and no longer exists at the end of the batch treatment.

[0064] Note that the described characteristics of the neutral gas distribution system 6 apply to the case where the pyrolysis chamber 2 includes a third slot 23, or even a fourth slot 24, to accommodate the additional supports 500c, 500d ([Fig. 4]). The supports 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d loaded with photovoltaic modules 100 would then form a batch. And the neutral gas distribution system 6 would have independent subsystems 6b, 6c, 6d, to individually cool each of the second 500b, third 500c, and fourth 500d supports. Thus, the pyrolysis temperature could be applied sequentially in the first slot 21, then in the second 22, then in the third 23, and finally in the fourth 24.

[0065] Without limiting the foregoing, the pyrolysis oven 1 according to the invention is preferably capable of processing a batch of sixty to one hundred and fifty modules 100 photovoltaic modules, for example a batch of one hundred modules. The volume of the pyrolysis chamber 2 is on the order of 20 m3 to 50 m3. The neutral gas distribution system 6 can provide an injection flow rate between 0 and 600 Nm3 / h (norm cubic meters per hour).

[0066] The afterburner chamber 3 can, for example, be sized to be capable of processing between 20 kg / h and 30 kg / h of pyrolysis gas from the pyrolysis chamber 2. This capacity, combined with a given pyrolysis time, typically between 4 and 8 hours, corresponds to a quantity of polymers, referred to as the nominal quantity. The afterburner chamber 3 does not need to be oversized to accommodate a maximum quantity of polymers that would be included in a batch of a particular type of module 100 with a high polymer content. It is dimensioned for a certain polymer load (nominal quantity), advantageously the smallest load that is envisaged to be treated, corresponding for example to a batch of a certain type of 100 modules. For larger loads, a sequential pyrolysis of the 100 modules placed in the different locations 21,22 of the furnace 1, avoids any overload of pyrolysis gas in the post-combustion chamber 3.This sequential pyrolysis, even if it significantly lengthens the duration of pyrolysis, makes it possible to rationalize the temperature rise and fall phases, which consume energy (rise) and time (rise and fall).

[0067] Consider, for example, a post-combustion chamber 3 designed for a flow rate of 20 kg / h, and a pyrolysis process consisting of 6 hours of pyrolysis plus 5 hours of heating / cooling of the pyrolysis chamber 2 and the post-combustion chamber 3. The furnace 1 is designed here to process a batch of photovoltaic modules 100 containing 120 kg of polymers (nominal quantity). Depending on the type of modules 100, the quantity of polymers contained in a complete batch may exceed 120 kg by a few percent, a few tens of percent, or even be twice this nominal quantity.The oven 1 according to the invention allows for the processing of a quantity greater than the nominal quantity, without overloading the post-combustion chamber 3 (due to sequential pyrolysis at the first location 21, then at the second location 22), without requiring oversizing of chamber 3, and with a shorter cycle time than if two pyrolysis process iterations had been implemented. Indeed, two process iterations would have led to a cycle time of twice 1 Lh (i.e., 22 h), whereas sequential pyrolysis potentially extends the pyrolysis by a few hours (for example, 3 h to 6 h), but streamlines the temperature rise and fall times, resulting in a significantly reduced cycle time of 14 h to 17 h.

[0068] The invention also relates to a pyrolysis process for dismantling photovoltaic modules 100, implemented in a pyrolysis oven 1 as previously described.

[0069] The pyrolysis process comprises a first step a) of loading the photovoltaic modules 100 into the first support 500a and into the second support 500b, advantageously fully loaded for economic reasons. This loading is carried out outside the pyrolysis furnace 1. The first 500a and second 500b loaded supports constitute the batch to be treated.

[0070] There are different types of photovoltaic modules 100, which do not necessarily include the same quantity or type of polymers. For example, a monofacial module 100, that is, one with a single glass face, has a mass of approximately 20 kg and contains about 9% to 14% polymers, or between 1.8 kg and 2.8 kg. Significant variability in the quantity of polymers can already be observed between batches of one hundred monofacial modules 100, typically between 180 kg and 280 kg. There are also bifacial biglass type modules, which contain about half as much polymer as monofacial type modules, i.e. between 0.9 kg and 1.4 kg per 100 module. Here again, the quantity of polymers in a batch of one hundred 100 modules can vary significantly between 90 kg and 140 kg.

[0071] The process according to the invention therefore provides for a step b) corresponding to the evaluation of the quantity of polymers in the batch to be treated, knowing the type and characteristics of the modules 100 forming the batch.

[0072] If the quantity of polymers is greater than a nominal quantity defined by a pyrolysis gas treatment capacity by the post-combustion chamber 3, then the process includes a step c) corresponding to the following sequence: • the introduction of the batch to be treated into the pyrolysis chamber 2: the first support 500a and the second support 500b are placed respectively in the first location 21 and the second location 22; • heating of the pyrolysis chamber 2 by means of the heating means 41, to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the first location 21, • simultaneously, cooling of the second location 22 by injection of gas via the neutral gas distribution system 6, • once the pyrolysis of the polymers of the photovoltaic modules 100 supported by the first support 500a is completed, the injection of neutral gas is stopped, in order to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the second location 22.

[0073] Prior to heating the pyrolysis chamber 2, the post-combustion chamber 3 is also brought up to temperature by means of heating means 42,43, to reach a temperature of at least 850°C (regulatory temperature).

[0074] At the end of step c), the entire batch of photovoltaic modules 100 has undergone pyrolysis, the modules 100 are dismantled, and the post-combustion chamber 3 has been able to be supplied with pyrolysis gas, throughout the treatment, at a level close to its capacity but never above.

[0075] If the quantity of polymers is less than or equal to the nominal quantity, then the process includes a step c') corresponding to the following sequence: • the introduction of the batch to be treated into the pyrolysis chamber 2, the first support 500a and the second support 500b being placed respectively in the first location 21 and the second location 22, • heating the pyrolysis chamber 2 to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the first location 21 and the second location 22, the neutral gas distribution system 6 remaining inactive; and prior to this, heating the post-combustion chamber 3 to at least 850°C.

[0076] The process has been described in the case of a furnace 1 having two locations 21, 22, but there could be three, four (or even more) locations, and sequential pyrolysis at these locations. Consider, for example, a post-combustion chamber 3 designed to process 25 kg / h, and a pyrolysis process comprising a 5-hour pyrolysis and a 5-hour non-productive heating / cooling phase. The furnace is here designed to process a batch of one hundred and forty bifacial modules 100 at 0.9 kg of polymers per module.

[0077] By implementing the invention, a batch of one hundred and forty bifacial modules 100 with 1.4 kg of polymers per module can be processed by implementing sequential pyrolysis at two locations 21, 22 in the pyrolysis chamber 2. A batch of one hundred and forty monofacial modules 100 with 1.8 kg of polymers per module can also be processed by implementing sequential pyrolysis at two locations 21, 22. A batch of one hundred and forty monofacial modules 100 with 2.3 kg of polymers per module can also be processed by implementing sequential pyrolysis at three locations 21, 22, 23. A batch of one hundred and forty monofacial modules 100 with 2.8 kg of polymers per module can also be processed by implementing sequential pyrolysis at four locations 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0078] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described, and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A pyrolysis furnace (1), adapted for batch processing, for dismantling photovoltaic modules (100), comprising: - a pyrolysis chamber (2), isolated from the outside by a sealed door (25), - an afterburner chamber (3) fluidly connected to the pyrolysis chamber (2), - heating means (4) for the pyrolysis chamber (2) and for the afterburner chamber (3), - at least one first (21) and a second (22) slots in the pyrolysis chamber (2), - at least one first (500a) and a second (500b) removable supports, configured to support a plurality of photovoltaic modules (100), and arranged respectively in the first slot (21) and the second slot (22), the first (500a) and the second (500b) supports, filled with photovoltaic modules (100), forming a batch,- a neutral gas distribution system (6) configured to inject said neutral gas into the pyrolysis chamber (2) and to maintain a preliminary temperature at the second location (22) lower than a pyrolysis temperature applicable to the first location (21).

2. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the difference between the pyrolysis temperature and the preliminary temperature is greater than or equal to 40°C, preferably between 40°C and 60°C.

3. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pyrolysis temperature is between 400°C and 500°C.

4. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neutral gas distribution system (6) comprises a nozzle disposed in the upper part of the pyrolysis chamber (2), at the level of the second location (22), configured to inject the neutral gas above the second support (500b).

5. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neutral gas distribution system (6) comprises a nozzle disposed in the lower part of the pyrolysis chamber (2), at level of the second location (22), configured to inject neutral gas below the second support (500b).

6. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neutral gas distribution system (6) is fluidly connected to the second support (500b), which comprises a frame formed of hollow tubes communicating with each other and having outlet ports for injecting the neutral gas as close as possible to the photovoltaic modules (100).

7. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (500a) and the second (500b) supports are configured to provide a space between each of the photovoltaic modules (100) that they support.

8. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, between the first (500a) and the second (500b) supports, a fusible partition (700) made of a pyrolyzable material at the pyrolysis temperature.

9. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each batch comprises between 60 and 150 photovoltaic modules (100).

10. A pyrolysis method for dismantling photovoltaic modules (100), carried out in a pyrolysis furnace (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) loading the photovoltaic modules (100) into the first (500a) and second (500b) supports, fully loaded, outside the pyrolysis furnace (1), to form a batch to be treated; b) assessing the quantity of polymers in the batch to be treated; c) if the quantity of polymers exceeds a nominal quantity defined by the pyrolysis gas treatment capacity of the afterburner chamber (3): - introducing the batch to be treated into the pyrolysis chamber (2), the first support (500a) and the second support (500b) being arranged respectively in the first slot (21) and the second slot (22); - heating the pyrolysis chamber (2) to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the first location (21),- the cooling of the second location (22) due to the injection of gas by the neutral gas distribution system (6),

11. - once the pyrolysis of the polymers of the photovoltaic modules (100) supported by the first support (500a) is completed, the injection of neutral gas is stopped, in order to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the second location (22). A pyrolysis process according to the preceding claim, further comprising the following step: (c) if the quantity of polymers is less than or equal to the nominal quantity, - the introduction of the batch to be treated into the pyrolysis chamber (2), the first support (500a) and the second support (500b) being arranged respectively in the first location (21) and the second location (22), - heating the pyrolysis chamber (2) to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the first location (21) and the second location (22), the neutral gas distribution system (6) remaining inactive.