Solar Module Recycling Conveyor With Resin Oxidation Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar cell module recycling systems are limited in processing large-sized modules and suffer from excessive fuel consumption due to the need for redesigning thermal decomposition furnaces and inefficient energy use in heating substrates.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell module recycling system with a conveyor and thermal decomposition furnace featuring a filter below the conveyor belt, allowing for oxidative decomposition of resin without spilling, and an adjustable mechanism to optimize temperature and airflow, enabling processing of larger modules with reduced fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If a substrate is used to place solar cell modules for thermal decomposition, then the modules can be processed, but the substrate requires additional heating energy and must be redesigned for large-sized modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating energy for substrateVSAvoidsubstrate redesign
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the substrate from the thermal decomposition system entirely. Solar cell modules are placed directly on the conveyor belt for thermal decomposition without requiring a separate substrate, thereby eliminating the energy consumption and redesign issues associated with substrates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belt is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the transport mechanism and the support structure for thermal decomposition. This eliminates the need for separate substrates and reduces overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the thermal decomposition furnace is redesigned to process large-sized modules, then larger modules can be processed, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capability for large modulesVSAvoidfurnace redesign
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt system provides a dynamic and flexible platform that can accommodate various module sizes without requiring furnace redesign. The modular nature of the conveyor system allows easy adjustment for different module dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belt serves as a universal support structure that can handle both small and large solar cell modules, eliminating the need for specialized furnace designs for different module sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If resin is melted and dropped during thermal decomposition, then decomposition is effective, but resin may spill and cause environmental issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecomposition efficiencyVSAvoidresin spill
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the melting resin and the environment. The filter allows resin to be oxidatively decomposed while preventing it from spilling out, thus maintaining decomposition efficiency while eliminating harmful spills

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter converts the potentially harmful spilled resin into a beneficial process by channeling it through oxidative decomposition, transforming the harmful spill into a controlled decomposition reaction that eliminates the resin environmentally

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

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

The system effectively processes large-sized solar cell modules while minimizing fuel usage by reusing thermal energy from resin decomposition and eliminating the need for additional substrates, thus reducing costs and expanding recyclability.

Implementation Method 1

the solar cell module is heated by a furnace such as an electric furnace under an oxidizing atmosphere, the EVA is thermally decomposed to remove a sealing material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a filter that is provided in the thermal decomposition furnace and oxidatively decomposes resin melted and dropped from a thermally decomposed solar cell module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidative decomposition: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

the solar cell module is heated in a heating furnace under an oxidizing atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 15% or more to melt a resin component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 4

the resin component is combusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP4659874A1Solar cell module recycling system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 TOKUYAMA CORP
  • EP4659874A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4659874A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4659874A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a solar cell module recycling system capable of processing a solar cell module having a large panel size and saving fuel consumption. A solar cell module recycling system for thermally decomposing a used solar cell module, includes: a conveyor on which the solar cell module is placed; a thermal decomposition furnace that thermally decomposes the solar cell module placed on the conveyor; and a filter that is provided in the thermal decomposition furnace and oxidatively decomposes resin melted and dropped from a thermally decomposed solar cell module thermally decomposed. The conveyor is provided so as to penetrate an inside of the thermal decomposition furnace in a conveyance direction, and includes a plurality of through holes that causes the resin to be melted and dropped.