Solar panel processing system and solar panel processing method

Abstract

To provide a solar panel processing system and a solar panel processing method capable of removing a cell matrix layer from a solar panel.SOLUTION: A solar panel processing system 20 for exposing a glass substrate of a solar panel 10 includes a conveying device 1 for conveying the solar panel 10 with a surface of the solar panel 10 to be processed facing upward, and a water jet device 5 including a water jet nozzle header having a plurality of jet nozzles and configured to jet high-pressure water from the water jet nozzle header to the surface by rotating the water jet nozzle header by a rotating device 4. The water jet device 5 is arranged in a fixed position relative to the transport device 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system and a processing method for separating glass substrates from non-glass substrates in order to recycle photovoltaic panels (hereinafter referred to as "solar panels"). [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a solar panel has a structure in which multiple solar cells are connected by wiring material between a glass substrate on the front side and a back sheet on the back side, and sealed with a sealant (see Figure 1 of Patent Document 1). The back sheet serves as a protective layer to protect the solar cells and wiring material. Here, the solar cells, wiring material, and back sheet are collectively referred to as the cell matrix layer.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method for separating the glass substrate and the cell matrix layer when recycling solar panels, in which the solar panel is preheated and a blade is placed between the glass substrate and the cell matrix layer to separate them.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a method of spraying high-pressure water from a back sheet to remove the cell matrix layer down to the glass substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2016-203061 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7022467 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The method described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the sealant remains on the glass substrate, and therefore requires an additional step of removing the sealant from the glass substrate.

[0007] In the method described in Patent Document 2, a single spray nozzle moves to remove the cell matrix layer in a line, but the surface cannot be removed in one pass, and the removal efficiency is too low. Furthermore, when a single spray nozzle moves to remove the cell matrix layer in a line, there is a possibility that the sealant will not be completely removed and will remain on the glass substrate.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a solar panel processing system and a solar panel processing method that enable removal of a cell matrix layer from a solar panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. The present invention is a solar panel processing system for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel, and includes a transport device for transporting the solar panel with the side of the solar panel to be processed facing up, and a water jet device including a water jet nozzle header with multiple spray nozzles, which sprays high-pressure water from the water jet nozzle header onto the surface by rotating the water jet nozzle header with a rotation device. The water jet device is disposed in a fixed position relative to the transport device.

[0010] Preferably, one or more water jet devices are provided so that high-pressure water can be sprayed over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel being transported.

[0011] Preferably, when a plurality of water jet devices are provided, the total width of the water jet nozzle headers of each water jet device is equal to or greater than the width of the solar panel to be transported.

[0012] Preferably, a waterproof wall enclosing the water jet device is further provided.

[0013] Preferably, the system further includes a recovery system for recovering used treated water and solar panel debris.

[0014] For example, in one embodiment, the recovery system may include at least a recovery hopper provided below the conveying device, and a tank for storing treated water and debris recovered in the recovery hopper.

[0015] Preferably, the recovery system further comprises a separation system for separating the treated water from the debris.

[0016] For example, in one embodiment, the separation system may include at least a separation tank in which debris is separated by settling from the treated water.

[0017] For example, in one embodiment, the separation system may further include a classified debris separator for separating classified debris from the treated water separated in the separation tank.

[0018] Preferably, a water blowing device for spraying water onto the solar panels is further provided on the discharge side of the water jet device.

[0019] Preferably, an air blowing device for spraying air onto the solar panels is further provided on the discharge side of the water jet device.

[0020] The present invention also provides a solar panel processing method for exposing the glass substrate of a solar panel, comprising: a transport step for transporting the solar panel with the side of the solar panel to be processed facing up; and a high-pressure water spraying step for spraying high-pressure water from a water jet nozzle header onto the surface using a water jet device that includes a water jet nozzle header having a plurality of spray nozzles and rotates the water jet nozzle header with a rotation device. The water jet device is disposed in a fixed position relative to the conveying path.

[0021] Preferably, in the high-pressure water spraying step, one or more water jet devices are used so that high-pressure water can be sprayed over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel being transported.

[0022] Preferably, the method further includes a recovery step for recovering used treated water and solar panel debris.

[0023] Preferably, the recovery step further includes a separation step for separating the treated water from the debris.

[0024] Preferably, the separation step involves at least settling and separating the debris from the treated water.

[0025] Preferably, the separation step further comprises separating the classified debris from the separated treated water.

[0026] Preferably, the water jet device further includes a water blowing step for spraying water onto the solar panel on the discharge side.

[0027] Preferably, the solar panel processing method according to claim 12 further comprises an air blowing step for spraying air onto the solar panel on the discharge side of the water jet device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to remove the cell matrix layer from the solar panel.

[0029] The solar panels are transported by a transport device and pass under a water jet device that is placed in a fixed position on the transport path, and the cell matrix layer is removed by high-pressure water, making efficient removal possible.

[0030] The water jet device rotates a water jet nozzle header with multiple spray nozzles, allowing high-pressure water to be directed at the solar panel in a flat, even pattern, without any gaps, enabling efficient removal.

[0031] The high-pressure water is sprayed over an area equivalent to the width of the solar panel, enabling efficient removal.

[0032] When using multiple water jet devices, the total width of the water jet nozzle headers must be equal to or greater than the width of the solar panel, allowing high-pressure water to be directed at the solar panel without any gaps, resulting in efficient removal.

[0033] The use of a waterproof wall can prevent treated water from scattering into the surrounding area.

[0034] Using a recovery system, it is possible to recover treated water and debris.

[0035] Using a separation system, it is possible to separate the treated water from the debris. This makes it possible to recycle the glass.

[0036] By using a water blower or air blower, the glass substrate can be cleaned and transported out.

[0037] The objects, features, configurations, operations, and effects of the present invention and embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a solar panel processing system 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the solar panel processing system 20. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the solar panel processing system 20. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the solar panel processing system 20. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the solar panel processing system 20. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a photograph, substituted for a drawing, of a solar panel 10 that has been treated by spraying high-pressure water onto its surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel processing system 20 comprises a conveying device 1, a waterproof wall 2, a collection hopper 3, a rotating device 4, at least one water jet device 5, a water supply section 6, a high-pressure water generating device 7, a water blowing device 8, an air blowing device 9, a water recovery tank 11, a pump 12, a debris separation water tank 13, a classified debris separation device 14, and a classified debris flexi-bag 15.

[0040] The transport device 1 is a conveyor device or the like that can transport the solar panels 10 in the transport direction. However, it is not limited to a conveyor device as long as it can transport the solar panels.

[0041] The water supply unit 6 is a water tank or a water supply source. Water is supplied from the water supply unit 6 to the high-pressure water generator 7. The high-pressure water generator 7 supplies high-pressure water to the water jet device 5.

[0042] The water jet device 5 is a well-known water jet device that injects high-pressure water while rotating multiple injection nozzles (not shown). This is a well-known technique disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-62481 and Japanese Patent No. 7510715, among many others.

[0043] The multiple jet nozzles are arranged, for example, on the bottom surface of a T-shaped metal member (referred to as a "water jet nozzle header"). The shape is not limited to a T-shape and may be a shape extending in three directions. Water supply passages toward each jet nozzle are drilled inside the water jet nozzle header. The water jet nozzle header is rotated by a rotation device 4 made up of an air motor or an electric motor. Therefore, the water jet nozzle header rotates while high-pressure water supplied to the water jet nozzle header from a high-pressure water generator 7 is sprayed from each jet nozzle. This causes the high-pressure water to hit the surface of the solar panel 10 in a planar manner.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a photograph of a solar panel 10 that has been treated by spraying high-pressure water onto a surface (here, a circle). It can be seen that the cell matrix layer has been completely removed, exposing the glass substrate.

[0045] 2 and 4, three water jet devices 5 are used. By using three water jet devices 5, high-pressure water can be sprayed in a planar manner over the entire solar panel 10 in the short side direction.

[0046] In Figures 2 and 4, two large water jet devices 5 are placed on the left and right, with one small water jet device 5 in the center between them, and are arranged alternately so that high-pressure water hits the solar panel 10 without any gaps in the short direction. In FIG. 3, for ease of viewing, only two large water jet devices 5 on the left and right are shown.

[0047] However, the number, size, and arrangement of the water jet devices 5 are merely examples. One or more water jet devices 5 may be provided so that high-pressure water is sprayed without gaps over an area corresponding to the width of the solar panel 10 being transported (in the illustrated example, the width is in the short direction, but if the solar panel 10 is transported placed horizontally, the width is in the long direction). That is, as long as high-pressure water hits the surface of the solar panel 10 in a planar manner, the water jet device 5 may be of any size and may be arranged in any manner.

[0048] When multiple water jet devices 5 are used, the total length of the width of the water jet nozzle headers used in each water jet device 5 (if a T-shaped water jet nozzle header is used, the width from the left and right of the center of rotation of the T, and if a three-way water jet nozzle header is used, the width from the left and right of the center of rotation) is set to be equal to or greater than the width of the solar panel 10 being transported, so that high-pressure water can be applied to the solar panel 10 in a flat plane across the width of the panel without any gaps.

[0049] The solar panel 10 placed on the transport device 1 is transported in the transport direction with the cell matrix layer facing up. High-pressure water is sprayed in a planar manner (circularly in this embodiment) from the water jet device 5. Therefore, during transport, it hits the surface of the water jet device 5. The cell matrix layer in the area where the high-pressure water hits is removed by the high-pressure water, exposing the glass substrate. The water jet device 5 itself is fixed and does not move.

[0050] In the device described in Patent Document 2, the water jet device itself moves in a line, which is a fundamental difference. If the water jet device itself moves, and if it moves in a line, it would take too long to process one solar panel 10.

[0051] The water jet device 5 is arranged at a fixed position on the transport path of the transport device 1, so that the solar panels 10 move in the transport direction while the high-pressure water jetted in a planar manner while rotating hits the solar panels 10. Therefore, the cell matrix layer of the solar panels 10 that have passed under the water jet device 5 is removed after passing through, which is very efficient.

[0052] With this configuration, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, multiple solar panels 10 can be placed on the transport device 1 and the solar panels 10 can be processed one after another, thereby improving processing efficiency. The processed solar panels 10 are placed on the transport platform 16 shown in Figures 1 and 5 and can be collected.

[0053] The above is the basic configuration of this embodiment. In order to put this into practical use, it will be necessary to collect the wastewater after treatment, prevent the high-pressure water from diffusing, collect debris, etc., so this embodiment also includes additional configurations for these purposes.

[0054] The components required for practical application are a structure that prevents the treated water from being scattered around, and a recovery system for recovering the treated water used by the water jet and the debris from the cell matrix layer of the solar panel generated by the process.

[0055] Furthermore, the recovery system may be provided with a separation system for separating debris from the treated water.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the water jet device 5 is covered with a waterproof wall 2. As shown in Figure 5, the waterproof wall 2 is constructed by surrounding a frame with a transparent acrylic plate, for example. This makes it possible to work while viewing the contents. The waterproof wall 2 prevents the high-pressure water from diffusing to the surrounding area.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, a collection hopper 3 is provided below the waterproof wall 2.

[0058] The waterproof wall 2 has sections that correspond to the entrance and exit of the solar panel 10. Near the area that corresponds to the exit, a water blowing device 8 and an air blowing device 9 are provided, as shown in Figure 5. Water is sprayed from the water blowing device 8, which removes debris and the like from the surface of the solar panel 10. Air is sprayed from the air blowing device 9, which blows away fine debris and water droplets from the surface of the solar panel 10.

[0059] The high-pressure water sprayed from the water jet device 5, the water sprayed from the water blow device 8, and the air sprayed from the air blow device 9 cause the treated water and debris from the cell matrix layer on the surface of the solar panel 10 to fall into the recovery hopper 3.

[0060] Here, the glass refers to the glass of the cell matrix layer, which includes metal parts such as solar cells and wiring, and resin parts such as the protective layer and back sheet. Because this glass contains hazardous materials and reusable metals, the collected glass is properly processed and recycled.

[0061] The recovery hopper 3 is provided with a water recovery tank 11, and treated water and debris are recovered in this water recovery tank 11. The recovery hopper 3 and water recovery tank 11 are an example of a recovery system, but do not limit the present invention, and recovery may be achieved by other means.

[0062] A pump is attached to the water recovery tank 11, and the treated water and debris from the water recovery tank 11 are sent to a debris separation tank 13. In the debris separation tank 13, heavy debris sinks and is collected. The settling of debris in the debris separation tank 13 is an example of a separation system, but this does not limit the present invention, and separation may be performed by other means.

[0063] The debris that is mixed with the treated water and does not settle is sent to the classification debris separator 14. The classification debris separator 14 separates the powder into classification debris and wastewater. A classified rubble flexible container 15 is attached to the classified rubble separator 14, and the classified rubble is collected in a flexible container (such as a bag). As the classified debris separator 14, for example, a drum screen or the like may be used, but this is not limited to this in the present invention.

[0064] As described above, according to the embodiment, the solar panel 10 transported by the transport device 1 passes under the water jet device 5 that sprays high-pressure water over a wide area. This allows the cell matrix layer of the solar panel 10 to be efficiently removed.

[0065] Furthermore, by surrounding the water jet device 5 with a waterproof wall 2, high-pressure water can be prevented from diffusing to the surroundings.

[0066] In addition, the treated water and debris can be collected by a collection hopper 3 provided at the bottom of the conveying device 1. The collected treated water and debris are separated in a sedimentation process in a debris separation tank 13 and in a classified debris separation device 14.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the processing of a solar panel having a glass substrate on one side and a backsheet on the other side is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a double-sided solar panel having glass substrates on both sides, the present embodiment can also be used to remove the solar cell, wiring material, and protective layer after removing one of the glass substrates.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit its scope. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each of the constituent elements of the invention disclosed in this specification is considered to be an independent, stand-alone invention. Inventions that combine the constituent elements in any manner are also included in the present invention. The specific expressions in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention also includes those that conceptualize these exemplary expressions. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The present invention is a solar panel processing system and a solar panel processing method, and is industrially applicable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Conveyor device 2 waterproof wall 3 Collection hopper 4 Rotating device 5. Water jet equipment 6 Water supply section 7. High-pressure water generator 8 Water blower 9 Air blower 10. Solar panels 11 Water recovery tank 12 Pump 13. Shell separation tank 14 Classification and debris separation device 15-class glass flexible container 20. Solar Panel Processing System

Claims

1. 1. A solar panel treatment system for exposing a glass substrate of a solar panel, comprising: a transport device for transporting the solar panel with the surface to be treated of the solar panel facing up; a water jet device including a water jet nozzle header having a plurality of jet nozzles, the water jet nozzle header being rotated by a rotation device to jet high-pressure water from the water jet nozzle header onto the surface; 10. A solar panel processing system, comprising: a water jet device disposed in a fixed position relative to the transport device;

2. 2. The solar panel processing system according to claim 1, wherein one or more water jet devices are provided so as to be able to spray the high-pressure water over a range corresponding to the width of the solar panel being transported.

3. 3. The solar panel processing system of claim 2, wherein when a plurality of water jet devices are provided, the total width of the water jet nozzle headers of each water jet device is equal to or greater than the width of the solar panel to be transported.

4. The solar panel treatment system according to claim 1 , further comprising a waterproof wall surrounding the water jet device.

5. The solar panel treatment system according to claim 1 , further comprising a recovery system for recovering used treated water and debris from the solar panels.

6. The recovery system comprises at least a collection hopper provided at a lower portion of the conveying device; The solar panel processing system according to claim 5 , further comprising a tank that stores the treated water and debris collected by the collection hopper.

7. The solar panel treatment system according to claim 5 , wherein the recovery system further comprises a separation system for separating the treated water from the debris.

8. The solar panel processing system according to claim 7 , wherein the separation system includes at least a separation water tank that separates the debris from the treated water by settling it.

9. The solar panel treatment system according to claim 8 , wherein the separation system further includes a classified debris separation device for separating classified debris from the treated water separated in the separation water tank.

10. 2. The solar panel processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a water blowing device on the discharge side of the water jet device for spraying water onto the solar panels.

11. 2. The solar panel processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an air blowing device for injecting air onto the solar panels, on the discharge side of the water jet device.

12. 1. A solar panel processing method for exposing a glass substrate of a solar panel, comprising: a transport step of transporting the solar panel with the surface to be treated of the solar panel facing up; a high-pressure water spraying step of spraying high-pressure water from the water jet nozzle header onto the surface using a water jet device that includes a water jet nozzle header having a plurality of spray nozzles and rotates the water jet nozzle header with a rotation device, A solar panel processing method, characterized in that the water jet device is disposed in a fixed position relative to the transport path.

13. 13. The solar panel processing method according to claim 12, wherein the high-pressure water spraying step uses one or more water jet devices so as to spray the high-pressure water over a range corresponding to the width of the solar panel being transported.

14. The solar panel treatment method according to claim 12, further comprising a recovery step of recovering used treated water and the remains of the solar panels.

15. The solar panel treatment method according to claim 14 , wherein the recovery step further comprises a separation step for separating the treated water from the debris.

16. 16. The solar panel treatment method according to claim 15, wherein the separation step at least separates the debris from the treated water by settling it.

17. The solar panel treatment method according to claim 16, wherein the separation step further comprises separating classified glass from the separated treated water.

18. 13. The solar panel processing method according to claim 12, further comprising a water blowing step for spraying water onto the solar panels on the discharge side of the water jet device.

19. The solar panel processing method according to claim 12, further comprising an air blowing step for spraying air onto the solar panels on the discharge side of the water jet device.

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