Photovoltaic Module Recycling Apparatus with Flattening and Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing recycling processes for photovoltaic modules face challenges in safely and efficiently separating the fluorine-containing back sheet from shattered glass sheets, as the glass sheets become bent and unstable, making it difficult to maintain the module in a flat position for removal, and chemical processes generate pollutants.
Innovation Solution
A recycle apparatus comprising a conveyor with rollers, a flattening device, and a cutting tool, where the rollers press and feed the module to the flattening device to flatten it, and then to the cutting tool to separate the back sheet from the glass sheet assembly, with a heater to soften the adhesive layer and facilitate separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chemical processing processes are used to separate the back sheet from shattered glass, then the back sheet can be removed from bent panels, but variety of pollutants are generated into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical processing methods with a mechanical system consisting of a flattening device and cutting tool. The flattening device mechanically restores bent panels to flatness, and the cutting tool mechanically separates the back sheet, eliminating the need for chemical processes that generate pollutants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of panel bending (which prevents mechanical processing) into a beneficial intermediate state by using the flattening device to restore flatness. This allows the subsequently bent panel to be processed mechanically without chemical pollutants.
2Ease of manufacture
If cutting, rolling, or pulling methods are used to remove the back sheet, then the back sheet can be separated from the glass sheet, but the PV module must stay in flat position which is impossible when glass is shattered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the flattening device to restore the panel to a flat state before the cutting tool is applied. This preliminary flattening action enables subsequent mechanical separation operations that would otherwise be impossible on bent, shattered panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the flattening device adjustable and movable, allowing it to adapt to panels with various degrees of bending and damage. The device can dynamically adjust its pressing force and position to restore different panel configurations to flatness.
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 effective separation of the back sheet from the glass sheet assembly without bending the module, reducing environmental pollution and ensuring a cost-effective and safe recycling process.
Implementation Method 1
with a heater to soften the adhesive layer and facilitate separation
Implementation Method 2
The first roller and the second roller is configured to press and feed the photovoltaic module
Data Source
AI summary
A recycle apparatus includes a conveyor, a flattening device, and a cutting tool. The conveyor includes a first roller and a second roller opposite to each other. The flattening device is located aside the first roller and the second roller. The cutting tool is located aside the flattening device. The flattening device is located between the first roller and the second roller of the conveyor and the cutting tool. The first roller and the second roller is configured to press and feed the photovoltaic module to the flattening device for allowing the photovoltaic module to be flattened by the flattening device, and then the flattened photovoltaic module is fed to the cutting tool by the first roller and the second roller for allowing the back sheet to be separated from the glass sheet assembly by the cutting tool.