Pyrolysis furnace for recycling photovoltaic modules, and associated method

Abstract

The invention relates to a pyrolysis furnace suitable for batchwise treatment, for breaking down photovoltaic modules, said pyrolysis furnace comprising: - a pyrolysis enclosure, isolated from the outside by a leaktight door; - a post-combustion chamber fluidically connected to the pyrolysis enclosure; - heating means for the pyrolysis enclosure and for the post-combustion chamber; - at least a first and a second location in the pyrolysis enclosure; - at least a first and a second removable support that are configured to support a plurality of photovoltaic modules and are arranged respectively in the first location and the second location; - a neutral gas distribution system designed to inject said neutral gas into the pyrolysis enclosure and to maintain a preliminary temperature at the second location that is lower than a pyrolysis temperature applied at the first location. The invention also relates to a pyrolysis method.

Description

Pyrolysis furnace for the recycling of photovoltaic modules and associated process FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of photovoltaic module recycling. It relates in particular to a batch pyrolysis oven, especially 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 ().

[0004] It is then known that the photovoltaic module 100 can be dismantled 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, specifically by burning off the polymer layers (air combustion process). The advantage of a tunnel furnace is that it processes the modules continuously, with a conveyor belt transporting them from the furnace inlet, through the heating chamber, to an outlet. However, a tunnel furnace can present some drawbacks, including difficulty in maintaining a watertight seal (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 treatment furnace can easily be isolated from the outside atmosphere, thus allowing for the implementation of a pyrolysis process. It is important to remember that gas management within the furnace during pyrolysis is particularly critical, and unwanted air entry can lead to combustion phenomena with flames, which are dangerous for the equipment and its surroundings. The pyrolysis gases generated by the decomposition of the polymer layers of 100 photovoltaic modules are toxic and flammable; therefore, it is common practice to treat them through post-combustion, in order to break down the organic molecules and release only gases that, after passing through a combustion gas treatment unit (e.g., a scrubber), will be compatible with atmospheric release.

[0007] The combustion of pyrolysis gases is usually carried out in a post-combustion chamber, fluidly connected to the pyrolysis unit. To ensure the correct treatment of the pyrolysis gases in the post-combustion chamber, it is required that these gases be subjected to a temperature of 850°C or higher 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, sizing 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 that need 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 are arranged to form a batch. 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 equipment for the pyrolysis chamber and for the post-combustion chamber,

[0016] - at least one first and one second location within the pyrolysis chamber,

[0017] - at least one first and a second removable supports, configured to support a plurality of photovoltaic modules, and 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 into the pyrolysis chamber and to maintain a preliminary temperature at the second location, lower than a pyrolysis temperature applicable 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 disposed 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 disposed 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 comprises a frame formed of interconnected hollow tubes 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 provide space between each of the photovoltaic modules they support; the pyrolysis furnace includes, between the first and second supports, a fusible partition made of a pyrolyzable material at the pyrolysis temperature; each batch comprises between 60 and 150 photovoltaic modules.

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

[0021] a) loading the photovoltaic modules into the first and second supports, fully loaded, outside the pyrolysis oven, to form a batch to be processed,

[0022] b) the evaluation of the 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 second support being placed respectively in the first and second locations,

[0025] - heating the pyrolysis chamber to reach the pyrolysis temperature at 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 is completed, the injection of neutral gas is stopped, in order 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 second support being placed respectively in the first and second locations, - the heating of the pyrolysis chamber to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the first and second locations, 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] This presents an exploded view of a monofacial type photovoltaic panel;

[0033]

[0034]

[0035] La, laet la represent pyrolysis ovens according to the present invention, with variants of the implementation of the neutral gas distribution system;

[0036] This presents a pyrolysis oven according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

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

[0038] The figures are schematic representations which, for the sake 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 100 photovoltaic modules.

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

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

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

[0043] Figure 1 schematically represents a pyrolysis oven 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 fluidically connected to a post-combustion chamber 3. Heating means 4 are available for heating the pyrolysis chamber 2 and the post-combustion 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 post-combustion 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 post-combustion chamber 3 to monitor their internal temperature.

[0044] At least two locations, referred to as first location 21 and second location 22, are defined within the pyrolysis chamber 2. According to the example in Figure 1, the pyrolysis chamber 2 comprises a floor and a ceiling extending in the horizontal plane (x,y), as well as side walls (vertical), one of which supports the airtight door 25. The two locations 21 and 22 correspond respectively to two defined, adjacent surfaces on the floor of the chamber 2. These locations may be physically separated by a vertical element placed between them, as described later, for example, with reference to a particular embodiment involving a fusible partition; nevertheless, the two locations 21 and 22 remain within the same pyrolysis chamber 2, with its atmosphere and heating system. It is also conceivable that there may be no physical separation between the locations 21 and 22.In all cases, the distinctive feature of these locations 21, 22 is that they are not subjected to the same temperature, thanks to the judicious use of a neutral gas distribution system. For example, if the pyrolysis oven 1 comprises two locations 21, 22, each location corresponds to an area less than or equal to 50% of the total surface area of ​​the bottom of the chamber 2. More generally, if the pyrolysis oven 1 comprises n locations 21, 22, each location corresponds to an area less than or equal to 1 / n times the total surface area of ​​the bottom of the chamber 2.

[0045] The two locations 21 and 22 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 100 photovoltaic modules. They are removable and can be loaded and unloaded from the furnace 1, respectively for pyrolysis treatment and after the dismantling of the 100 modules.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] A neutral gas is defined as a pure, inert gas or a very weakly reactive mixture within the pyrolysis chamber in contact with combustion gases (no oxidizing effect). The neutral gas can be nitrogen, argon, or oxygen-depleted air (between 0% and 5% oxygen, preferably less than 3%). Its temperature is typically between 10°C and 60°C when injected via the distribution system 6.

[0049] 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 around 50°C.

[0050] The pyrolysis temperature is typically between 400°C and 500°C, depending on the nature of the polymers present.

[0051] The pyrolysis oven 1 according to the invention allows the photovoltaic modules 100 of the first support 500a to be treated sequentially, then the photovoltaic modules 100 of the second support 500b, providing cooling by injection of neutral gas at the level of the second location 22. Once the pyrolysis of the modules 100 of the first support 500a is completed, the neutral gas distribution system 6 is deactivated and the second location 22 is subjected to the pyrolysis temperature, thus allowing the treatment of the modules 100 arranged in the second support 500b.

[0052] 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.

[0053] It is also conceivable to implement another neutral gas distribution system (in addition to the distribution system 6, which is assumed here to be located at the second location 22), adapted to inject a neutral gas in such a way as to promote heating at the first location 21. In particular, the neutral gas can be injected by this other distribution system at a temperature above 350°C, for example between 400°C and 500°C, making it possible to limit the use of the burner 41 (or other heating means) provided for the pyrolysis chamber 2, or to form an alternative heating means 4 for the chamber 2.

[0054] The neutral gas distribution system 6 can take different forms. Three variants are illustrated in figures 2a to 2c.

[0055] According to a first variant ( ), the distribution system 6 includes at least one nozzle, located 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.

[0056] According to a second variant ( ), the neutral gas distribution system 6 includes at least one nozzle, located 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.

[0057] The vertical stratification of heat within chamber 2 leads to the existence of hot zones, typically at the top and / or bottom of chamber 2. Cooling by neutral gas injection is most effective when this injection is carried out at the hot zones of chamber 2, either at the top in the first variant, or at the bottom 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 500b support.

[0058] 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).

[0059] According to a third variant ( ), the distribution system 6 is fluidly 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 equipped with outlet ports to inject 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.

[0060] Of course, this third variant can be implemented in conjunction with the first and / or second variant.

[0061] Advantageously, the first 500a and the second 500b supports are configured to leave a space between each of the 100 photovoltaic modules. This allows, on the one hand, for increased pyrolysis efficiency, and on the other hand, for the passage of the neutral gas injected between the 100 modules by the distribution system 6, and thus their efficient cooling.

[0062] It is preferable that the 100 photovoltaic modules be held vertically; their dislocation causes the module fragments to fall into a tank located at the bottom of the 500a,500b supports. Alternatively, each 100 module could be held in a horizontal or oblique position.

[0063] According to a particular embodiment, a fusible partition 700 is arranged between the first support 500a and the second support 500b. Its fusible nature stems from the fact that it is made of a pyrolyzable material at the pyrolysis temperature applied in the enclosure 2. The partition 700 can, for example, be composed of a photovoltaic module 100, held by an intermediate support 800, arranged at the boundary between the first location 21 and the second location 22. Alternatively, it can be composed of a polymer plate.

[0064] Such a partition 700 creates a separation between the two locations 21 and 22 and facilitates the application of neutral gas injection to the second location 22; the cooling of the latter (temperature difference relative to the first location 21) can thus be more efficient and precise, at least in the initial moments of pyrolysis of the modules 100 of the first support 500a. A partition 700 formed from a photovoltaic module 100 can also provide some thermal insulation, due to the presence of fluorinated polymers, which are very good thermal insulators.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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. The supports 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d, loaded with photovoltaic modules 100, would then form a batch. 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.

[0067] Without being limiting, the pyrolysis oven 1 according to the invention is preferably capable of processing a batch of sixty to one hundred and fifty photovoltaic modules 100, for example, a batch of one hundred modules. The volume of the pyrolysis chamber 2 is on the order of 20 m³ 3 at 50 m 3 The neutral gas distribution system 6 can provide an injection flow rate between 0 and 600 Nm 3 / h (norm cubic meter per hour).

[0068] The post-combustion chamber 3 can, for example, be sized to process 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 post-combustion chamber 3 does not need to be oversized to accommodate a maximum quantity of polymers that might be included in a batch of a particular type of module 100 with a high polymer content. It is sized for a certain polymer load (nominal quantity), advantageously the lowest load that is planned to be processed, corresponding, for example, to a batch of a certain type of module 100. For higher loads, sequential pyrolysis of the modules 100 placed in the different positions 21, 22 of the furnace 1 prevents 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 phases of temperature rise and fall, which consume energy (rise) and time (rise and fall).

[0069] Let us 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 100 photovoltaic modules 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 resulted in a cycle time of two times 11 hours (i.e., 22 hours), whereas sequential pyrolysis potentially extends the pyrolysis by a few hours (for example, 3 to 6 hours), but streamlines the temperature rise and fall times, resulting in a significantly reduced cycle time of 14 to 17 hours.

[0070] The invention also relates to a pyrolysis process for dismantling photovoltaic modules 100, implemented in a pyrolysis oven 1 as previously described.

[0071] The pyrolysis process comprises a first step a) loading the 100 photovoltaic modules into the first support 500a and the second support 500b, advantageously at full load for economic reasons. This loading is carried out outside the pyrolysis furnace 1. The first 500a and second 500b supports, once loaded, constitute the batch to be treated.

[0072] There are different types of 100W photovoltaic modules, which do not necessarily contain the same quantity or type of polymers. For example, a monofacial 100W module, meaning 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 amount of polymers can already be observed between batches of one hundred monofacial 100W modules, typically between 180 kg and 280 kg. There are also bifacial, double-glass modules, which contain about half as much polymer as monofacial modules, between 0.9 kg and 1.4 kg per 100W module. Again, the amount of polymers in a batch of one hundred 100W modules can vary considerably, between 90 kg and 140 kg.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 arranged respectively in the first location 21 and the second location 22; the 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, the 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 stopping of the injection of neutral gas, to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the second location 22.

[0075] Prior to heating the pyrolysis chamber 2, the post-combustion chamber 3 is also brought up to temperature using the heating means 42,43, to reach a temperature of at least 850°C (regulatory temperature).

[0076] At the end of step c), the entire batch of 100 photovoltaic modules underwent pyrolysis, the 100 modules were dismantled, and the post-combustion chamber 3 was able to be supplied with pyrolysis gas, throughout the treatment, at a level close to its capacity but never above.

[0077] 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 disposed respectively in the first location 21 and the second location 22, the heating of 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, the heating of the post-combustion chamber 3 to at least 850°C.

[0078] The process has been described for a furnace 1 with 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 phase and a 5-hour non-productive heating / cooling phase. The furnace is designed here to process a batch of one hundred and forty bifacial modules 100, each containing 0.9 kg of polymers.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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

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), - a post-combustion chamber (3) fluidly connected to the pyrolysis chamber (2), - heating means (4) for the pyrolysis chamber (2) and for the post-combustion 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), the difference between the pyrolysis temperature and the preliminary temperature being greater than or equal to 40°C. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the difference between the pyrolysis temperature and the preliminary temperature is between 40°C and 60°C. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pyrolysis temperature is between 400°C and 500°C. 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). 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 the level of the second location (22), configured to inject the neutral gas below the second support (500b). Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which 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). Pyrolysis oven (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (500a) and second (500b) supports are configured to provide a space between each of the photovoltaic modules (100) that they support. 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. Pyrolysis oven (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each batch comprises between 60 and 150 photovoltaic modules (100). A pyrolysis process for dismantling photovoltaic modules (100), implemented 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 in the first slot (21),- the cooling of the second location (22) due to the injection of gas by 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 cessation of the injection of neutral gas, in order to reach the pyrolysis temperature at the level of the second location (22). 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 disposed respectively in the first location (21) and the second location (22), - the heating of 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.

Images