Photovoltaic Panel Disposal via Chemical Solvent Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic panel disposal methods fail to effectively separate and reuse individual components without emitting toxic gases, requiring high temperatures and energy consumption, and lack efficient recycling solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a reactor with a mixture of acetone and ethylene, controlled pressure, and diathermic oil heating to separate photovoltaic panel components at low temperatures, reducing energy consumption and eliminating harmful emissions, with a system for vapor condensation and filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If glass is separated from plastic material by heating to about 500°C, then the glass can be separated from the panel, but toxic gases are emitted into the environment requiring costly treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (500°C) to low temperature (below 100°C) processing. This is achieved by using a chemical solvent system instead of thermal decomposition, fundamentally altering the separation mechanism to avoid toxic gas generation while maintaining effective glass-plastic separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal-mechanical separation system (heating to 500°C) with a chemical dissolution system using acetone and ethylene carbonate. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature combustion that produces toxic gases, while still achieving complete separation of glass from encapsulating material through chemical action
2Manufacturing precision
If high temperatures are used to separate panel components, then the separation can be achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the temperature parameter from high (500°C) to low (below 100°C) operating conditions. The chemical solvent system requires minimal thermal energy input compared to thermal decomposition methods, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective component separation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the energy-intensive thermal-mechanical separation system with a chemical dissolution system. The acetone-ethylene carbonate mixture chemically breaks down the encapsulating material at low temperatures, eliminating the need for high-energy thermal processes and achieving separation with minimal energy input
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional disposal methods are used, then the panel can be disposed of, but the individual components cannot be separated and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies segmentation by completely separating the panel into its individual components (glass, silicon cells, metal frames, cables, and encapsulating material) through chemical dissolution. This complete segmentation enables each component to be independently recovered and reused, transforming the disposal process into a comprehensive recycling operation with high adaptability for component reuse
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the encapsulating material (EVA) from the panel structure through chemical dissolution in acetone-ethylene carbonate mixture. This extraction process removes the binding material that holds components together, allowing all individual components to be separated and recovered for reuse, thereby enabling complete component versatility
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 the separation and reuse of up to 95% of materials like glass, silicon, silver, and aluminum without toxic fumes, achieving efficient recycling with low energy costs and short treatment times.
Implementation Method 1
heating diathermic oil to a set temperature and introducing said oil into a pipe coil present in said reactor
Implementation Method 2
cooling a condenser for the abatement of the hot vapors emitted by said reactor; control the pressure generated inside said reactor by way of a solenoid valve that opens and allows the discharge of said hot vapors which are directed into said condenser inside which they are abated and reconverted to said mixture
Implementation Method 3
a refrigeration assembly, connected to a condenser, for cooling said pipe coil present in said reactor
Implementation Method 4
activating an aspiration device which, connected to a carbon filter/expansion vessel, to said condenser and to said reactor, creates the circuit that makes it possible to abate and filter said vapors
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for the disposal of photovoltaic panels which are constituted by an element protecting against atmospheric agents, by photovoltaic cells, by strings connected with ribbons, by two layers of encapsulating material, by a flat glass layer and by a frame, which comprises the following steps: - loading the photovoltaic panel, from which the frame has previously been removed, into a reactor (2); - introducing a mixture based on acetone and ethylene into the reactor (2); - hermetically closing the reactor (2); - heating diathermic oil to a set temperature and introducing the latter into a pipe coil present in the reactor (2); - maintaining the oil at a constant temperature and starting the process of separation of the materials contained in the reactor (2); - cooling a condenser (6) for the abatement of the hot vapors emitted by the reactor (2); - control the pressure generated inside the reactor (2) by way of a solenoid valve that opens and allows the discharge of the hot vapors which are directed into the condenser (6) inside which they are abated and reconverted to the mixture; - cooling the reactor (2) and activating an aspiration device (9) which, connected to a carbon filter/expansion vessel (10), to the condenser (6) and to the reactor (2), creates the circuit that makes it possible to abate and filter the vapors; - interrupting the cooling at the end of the chemical reaction inside the reactor (2) and opening the reactor (2) for the extraction of the separated materials at the end of the work cycle.