Mobile PV Panel Recycling Device for Automated Shredding and Acid Leaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recycling photovoltaic panels are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly in the automatic disposal of damaged panels, which limits the recovery of valuable materials and the speed of the process.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a grinding mill, belt conveyor, acid tank, flushing agent tub, and heated screw conveyor allows for the automatic shredding, separation, and processing of photovoltaic panels, enabling quick and efficient disposal of used panels by converting them into fine particles and melting plastic and glass fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual disassembly and separation methods are used for photovoltaic panels, then material recovery can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic panel is segmented into multiple components through systematic disassembly: aluminum frame removal, glass separation, silicon cell extraction, and plastic layer removal. Each component is processed separately through dedicated stations, enabling automated handling and increasing recycling speed while reducing manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated mechanical systems including robotic arms for frame removal, automated grinding mills for silicon cell processing, and conveyor belts for material transport. This substitution dramatically increases productivity while minimizing human intervention.
2Loss of substance
If complete disassembly and separation of all materials is performed, then high material recovery rates are achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recycling process is divided into distinct operational stations: aluminum frame removal station, glass separation station, silicon cell grinding station, and plastic removal station. Each station handles one material type with specialized equipment, achieving high recovery rates while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: mechanical disassembly, thermal processing, chemical treatment, and material separation. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive material recovery without requiring multiple separate systems, thereby controlling overall process complexity.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic panels are processed at centralized facilities, then comprehensive recycling can be performed, but transport time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple recycling functions (disassembly, grinding, separation, and initial processing) are merged into a single mobile device that can be deployed at or near the panel disposal site. This integration eliminates the need to transport entire panels to centralized facilities, significantly reducing transport time while maintaining comprehensive recycling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The recycling system transitions from a static centralized facility model to a dynamic mobile deployment model. The device can be moved to different locations as needed, enabling on-site or near-site processing that reduces transport time and increases disposal speed while maintaining flexible operational capacity.
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 rapid and automated recycling of photovoltaic panels, achieving high material recovery rates and reducing manual labor, with the ability to transport the device to the site of panel disassembly for immediate processing.
Implementation Method 1
mill where the thrown-in panels are cut and shredded into fine particles
Implementation Method 2
After dissolving metals in the fragmented particles of the panels in acid
Implementation Method 3
The screw conveyor is heated to the plastic melting point, the charge is compacted there and fed to a final processing station
Implementation Method 4
ground plastic particles with glass particles are dried in the air stream supplied over tub 12 through hose 8
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the invention is device for utilization of photovoltaic panels that have been damaged and are not suitable for further use. In the device for utilization under hopper (1) there is mill (14) where the thrown-in panels are cut and shredded into fine particles. Ground particles are collected by belt conveyor (2) from which they are dropped into openwork basket (6) suspended on ropes (5) of winches 4 and. placed in tank (17) with acid. Next to the acid tank (17) there is a tub (12) with flushing liquid. After dissolving metals basket (6) is pulled upwards, then it is moved over tub (12) and lowered into it on ropes (5). After flushing the residue basket (6) is raised again this time from tub (12), ground plastic particles with glass particles are dried in hose (8). Dried particles are thrown onto belt conveyor (16), and from it to screw conveyor (15). The screw conveyor (15) is heated to the plastic melting point, the charge is compacted there and fed to a final processing station, where press (10) extrudes paving slabs.