Photovoltaic Module Back-Layer Removal for Adaptive Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dismantling photovoltaic modules are energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly, and do not effectively account for the varying compositions of modules from different manufacturing times, leading to inefficient material recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cutting a sample from a photovoltaic module to analyze layer thickness and composition, determining machining parameters, and using these parameters to adaptively remove layers through sanding, with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If crushing and thermal/chemical treatment is used to separate materials, then material recovery is achieved, but energy consumption increases and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the photovoltaic module into distinct layers (front layer, intermediate layer with cells, back layer) and processes each layer separately through selective machining. This allows material recovery without energy-intensive crushing and thermal/chemical treatment, directly resolving the contradiction between material recovery and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different machining parameters specifically tailored to each layer's composition and thickness. By analyzing a sample to determine local characteristics of each layer, the system optimizes machining conditions for that specific location, enabling efficient separation without global energy-intensive processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard dismantling methods are used without composition analysis, then processing is simplified, but material recovery efficiency deteriorates due to varying module compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary analysis of a sample module to determine the composition and thickness of each layer before processing the entire batch. This preliminary action enables optimization of machining parameters in advance, ensuring efficient material recovery while maintaining processing simplicity through automated parameter application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts machining parameters (speed, depth, tool type) based on the analyzed composition of different layers. By changing parameters according to specific material properties identified in the sample analysis, the system maximizes material recovery efficiency while keeping the overall process simple through automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, environmentally friendly dismantling of photovoltaic modules by isolating and recovering materials based on their composition, facilitating better material recovery and recycling.
Implementation Method 1
A step of analyzing said cut sample in order to determine the thickness and composition of each stratum of said back layer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for dismantling a series of photovoltaic modules (M_1, M_2), the method comprising: - A cutting step (E1) of a sample (ECH_1) of a first photovoltaic module (M_1) of the series, said sample comprising at least said back layer of the photovoltaic module, - An analysis step (E2) of said cut sample in order to determine the thickness and composition of each layer of the back layer of the first photovoltaic module, - A determination step (E3) of machining parameters (P_U) to be applied to remove each layer of the back layer (1) of each photovoltaic module of the series of photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample.