Solar Module Dismantling via High Voltage Electrochemical Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for recycling solar cell modules are inefficient and hazardous, as they often require high-temperature heat treatments that damage components and release harmful lead vapors, and chemical methods are time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a transparent conductive layer between the glass and encapsulant in solar cell modules, where a high voltage is applied to separate the glass and encapsulant in a moisture environment, allowing for safe and efficient dismantling without the need for high-temperature processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If heat treatment of 500 to 600 degrees Celsius is used to separate glass and encapsulant, then separation is achieved, but components are damaged and contaminated, and lead vapor is released harmful to human body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation processVSAvoidlead vapor and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the separation parameter from high temperature (500-600°C) to high voltage electrical field. This parameter substitution eliminates thermal damage to components and prevents lead vapor release while achieving effective separation of glass and encapsulant layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal separation mechanism with an electrical field-based separation mechanism. By applying high voltage across the module, electrical forces separate the layers without the harmful effects of high-temperature heat treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional heat treatment method is used for dismantling, then separation is achieved, but refinement and reprocessing are required due to component damage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedismantling processVSAvoidrefinement and reprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the separation parameter from high temperature to high voltage electrical field. This parameter substitution eliminates thermal damage to components and prevents lead vapor release while achieving effective separation of glass and encapsulant layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If high voltage is applied to separate glass and encapsulant in moisture environment, then separation is achieved without damage and contamination, but requires transparent conductive layer structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent damage and contaminationVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent conductive layer serves multiple functions: during operation, it conducts electricity for power generation; during dismantling, it serves as an electrical electrode for separation. This multi-functionality adds no extra components while enabling the beneficial high-voltage separation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing transparent conductive layer in the solar module is utilized for the dismantling process. The layer that normally serves electrical conduction during operation automatically becomes the electrode for high-voltage separation when needed, making the system self-sufficient for both operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This method allows for the economical and safe separation of solar cell components, reducing damage and contamination, and decreases transportation costs by avoiding the need for crushing, while also addressing the silicon supply shortages and rising manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a transparent conductive material layer is coated between the one surface of the glass and the encapsulant, applying a high voltage between the transparent conductive material layer and the other surface of the glass, and exposing the silicon solar cell module, including the transparent conductive material layer discolored by application of the high voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentUS11104116B2Method for dismantling solar cell module for recycling

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for dismantling a solar cell module for recycling comprises the steps of: providing a silicon solar cell module in which a silicon solar cell element and one side of glass are bonded together by a sealing agent and a transparent conductive material layer is coated between the side of the glass and the sealing agent; applying a high voltage between the transparent conductive material layer and the other side of the glass; and separating the glass and sealing agent by exposing the silicon solar cell module having the transparent conductive material layer discolored by application of the high voltage to a moisture environment.