Solar Module Glass Separation by Interface Heating and Peeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar cell module recycling techniques require high-cost and environmentally impactful steps, such as thermal decomposition, to remove sealing materials from glass substrates, leading to increased recycling costs and environmental load.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for recycling solar cell modules that involves heating the interface between the cover glass and the sealing material to a prescribed temperature range and applying a force from the side surface to peel off the sealing material and electric cell layer, thereby avoiding cutting and subsequent high-temperature processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a blade is used to cut the sealing material for separation, then the glass substrate can be separated from other materials, but a large amount of sealing material remains adhered onto the glass substrate requiring additional high-temperature thermal decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation qualityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing material is pre-heated to its glass transition temperature range before separation, softening it in advance to enable clean peeling without residual adhesion, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent high-temperature thermal decomposition steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical cutting action of a blade is replaced with thermal softening followed by mechanical peeling, where heat activates the sealing material to allow separation without cutting, reducing process complexity and eliminating residual adhesion issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If high-temperature thermal decomposition is performed to remove remaining sealing material, then complete separation is achieved, but recycling cost and environmental load significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation completenessVSAvoidrecycling cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature parameter is precisely controlled within the glass transition temperature range of the sealing material rather than using high-temperature thermal decomposition, achieving complete separation at lower temperatures and reducing energy consumption and costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing material's adhesive property, which normally causes residual adhesion problems, is converted into a benefit by heating it to its glass transition temperature where it becomes soft and pliable, enabling complete removal through peeling without requiring energy-intensive thermal decomposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If high-temperature thermal decomposition is performed to remove remaining sealing material, then complete separation is achieved, but environmental load increases due to CO2 generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation completenessVSAvoidenvironmental load

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The processing temperature is reduced from high-temperature thermal decomposition to the sealing material's glass transition temperature range, eliminating CO2 emissions while achieving complete separation through controlled thermal softening and peeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for the collection of materials at low cost and high yield, reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for high-temperature thermal decomposition and minimizing the remaining sealing material on the cover glass.

Implementation Method 1

heating an interface between the cover glass and the sealing material to a prescribed temperature range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

applying a force from a side surface of the solar cell module to the sealing material with the interface maintained at the prescribed temperature range, to peel off the sealing material and the electric cell layer from the interface thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250033348A1Solar cell module recycling method and recycling device

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 SOLAR FRONTIER KK

AI summary

A recycling method is applied to a solar cell module which includes a cover glass, an electric cell layer, and a sealing material which closely adheres the cover glass and the electric cell layer. The recycling method includes heating an interface between the cover glass and the sealing material to a prescribed temperature range; and applying a force from a side surface of the solar cell module to the sealing material with the interface maintained at the prescribed temperature range, to peel off the sealing material and the electric cell layer from the interface thereof.