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BR-102024018058-A2 - Mechanical separation system for recycling photovoltaic modules and related equipment.

BR102024018058A2BR 102024018058 A2BR102024018058 A2BR 102024018058A2BR-102024018058-A2

Abstract

The present invention describes a system and equipment intended for the mechanical separation for recycling of photovoltaic modules, comprising an adjustable table specifically designed for the mechanical removal of the aluminum structures of the photovoltaic module. More specifically, the present system and equipment contemplate the reduced use of effort for the removal of said metal profiles, since it takes into account the forces required in each region of the module, being able to guarantee the proper positioning in an automated way, centering the module on the table and being adaptable to various models and sizes of photovoltaic modules. The equipment (1) now disclosed is composed of a table (2) equipped with a photovoltaic module fixing element (3) positioned centrally in relation to the table (2), fixed to the upper structure (4) of the base (5), having laterally larger and smaller stroke separators (6 and 7), expansion assembly (8) equipped with motor (9) and control panel (10).

Inventors

  • GUSTAVO LUIZ ZEIDLER
  • ANDRE LUIS RIBEIRO THOMAZONI
  • FERNANDO ALMEIDA SANTOS
  • FELIPE DETZEL KIPPER
  • LORENZI MOREIRA DE FREITAS
  • PAULO RODOLFO BUFFON ORTIZ
  • NATÁLIA DELGADO
  • MARCELO POSSAMAI ALBUQUERQUE
  • RENATO RUSCHEL MACHADO
  • Cleber Spode
  • LEONARDO ZANETTI ROCHA
  • VITOR CAMARGO NARDELLI

Assignees

  • SERVIÇO NACIONAL DE APRENDIZAGEM INDUSTRIAL - SENAI.
  • RECYSUN KEEPING SOLAR SUSTAINABLE LTDA

Dates

Publication Date
20260317
Application Date
20240902

Claims (8)

  1. 1. MECHANICAL SEPARATION EQUIPMENT FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES characterized by the equipment (1) comprising a table (2) equipped with a photovoltaic module fixing element (3) positioned centrally in relation to the table (2), fixed to the upper structure (4) which is fixed to the base (5) on one of its sides, having laterally larger and smaller stroke separators (6 and 7), expansion assembly (8) equipped with motor (9) and control panel (10).
  2. 2. MECHANICAL SEPARATION EQUIPMENT FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, according to claim 1, characterized by having two expansion sets (8) positioned on the base (5) for each of the module separators (6 and 7) available at each of the module vertices.
  3. 3. MECHANICAL SEPARATION EQUIPMENT FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, according to claim 1, characterized in that the photovoltaic module fastening element (3) is composed of a fixed upper plate (3.1), attached to the upper structure (4) by means of fastening elements (3.2), an arm (3.3), equipped with a stabilizing counterweight (3.4), attached to the upper plate (3.1) and at its lower end (3.7) having a bearing (3.5) fixed to the photovoltaic module fastening plate (3.6).
  4. 4. MECHANICAL SEPARATION EQUIPMENT FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, according to claim 1, characterized in that the larger and smaller stroke separators (6 and 7) are composed of a main structure (6.1 and 7.1) intended to be pressure-fitted to the metal profiles of the modules on each of their sides, this main structure (6.1 and 7.1) being fixed to the table (2) by means of bearings (6.2 and 7.2) and a hydraulic cylinder (6.3 and 7.3) fixed to the expansion assembly (8) in order to allow the opening and closing of the table (2) over the photovoltaic module.
  5. 5. MECHANICAL SEPARATION EQUIPMENT FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, according to claim 1, characterized by the expansion assembly (8) having a rail (8.1) with profiles (8.1.1) that run inside the base (8.2) of the expansion assembly (8) connected to the motor (9) in order to act on the pneumatic cylinders (6.3 and 7.3).
  6. 6. MECHANICAL SEPARATION SYSTEM FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, through the equipment (1) described in claim 1, characterized by being composed of the following steps: (STEP 1) Arrangement and fixing of the photovoltaic module on the table (2); (STEP 2) Automated closing of the table (2) over the module through the larger and smaller stroke separators (6 and 7); (STEP 3) Automated opening of the table (2). (STEP 4) Destination of metal profiles for reuse or recycling.
  7. 7. MECHANICAL SEPARATION SYSTEM FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, according to claim 6, characterized in that the control panel (10) is controlled by any human-machine interface (HMI) remotely, via the World Wide Web, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, among others, or in person via pushbuttons, or any other analogous means of control and command.
  8. 8. MECHANICAL SEPARATION SYSTEM FOR RECYCLING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES, according to claim 4, characterized in that the removal of the metal profiles is carried out by moving the larger and smaller stroke separators (6 and 7) from the center outwards, with the glass sheet fixed by the fastening element (3)

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [01] The present invention describes a system and equipment intended for the mechanical separation for recycling of photovoltaic modules, comprising an adjustable table specifically designed for the mechanical removal of the aluminum frames from the photovoltaic module. [02] More specifically, the present system and equipment contemplate the reduced use of force for the removal of said metal profiles, since it takes into account the forces required in each region of the module, being able to guarantee the correct positioning in an automated way, centering the module on the table and being able to adapt to various models and sizes of photovoltaic modules. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [03] Currently, the world's energy matrix is structured, for the most part, on the burning of fossil fuels, a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce as it is exploited, making the search for new renewable energy sources essential. [04] One renewable source currently used is photovoltaic solar energy, obtained through photovoltaic modules. This source, although an excellent option for generating renewable energy, can generate a large amount of waste if not properly treated. [05] For example, photovoltaic modules used in the direct conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect represent the largest part of the waste generated by this source. [06] In this sense, the recycling of this material is a very important issue for the use of this type of energy, and an efficient system and equipment capable of meeting this demand is desirable. [07] However, the equipment known until now for this purpose must operate without any force control, damaging the glass sheet and wasting energy unnecessarily. [08] Additionally, state-of-the-art systems promote the removal of metal profiles through forces directly on the corners of the module, also leading to damage to the material removed for recycling. [09] In a search of the state of the art, we identified several documents claiming systems or equipment for the mechanical separation for recycling of photovoltaic modules, among which the following documents stand out: [010] Document CN219504102 “SOLAR CELL PANEL FRAME DISMOUNTING DEVICE ABSTRACT” discloses a solar panel frame dismantling device, including a mounting bracket and support platform, wherein the support platform is configured below the central part of the mounting bracket, being equipped with a dismantling body between the mounting bracket and the support platform. The dismantling body in question includes a hydraulic power unit fixed to the central part of the mounting bracket and its output is vertical for downward mounting. The said equipment is equipped with the mounting panel at the output of the hydraulic power unit, its connection being fixed at the output of the hydraulic power unit, and being equipped with a spring clamped to the underside of the mounting panel and support, so that it rests on the fixed connection of one end of the spring clamped to the mounting panel, so that the pressure band with contact of the solar cell panel at the other end promotes the entire tilt around the mounting panel. [011] Note that the prior art in question has the drawbacks of operating mechanically without any force control, damaging the glass sheet and wasting energy unnecessarily, and in addition, it promotes the removal of metal profiles through forces directly on the corners of the module, also leading to damage to the material removed for recycling. [012] Document KR102428626 “RECYCLING SYSTEM FOR SOLAR CELL PANEL” discloses a solar panel recycling system including a shredder into which a solar panel is inserted and primarily forms a temporary shredder; an incineration unit configured to secondarily form shredded material by thermal deformation of the temporarily shredded material; a dust collection unit connected to the incineration unit to collect the dust generated in the fragment formation process. Between the shredder and the incineration unit, it is possible to include a feed conveyor and a recovery conveyor, respectively supplied in the incineration unit. [013] Note that the prior art in question has the drawbacks of operating the material by crushing it, which completely damages the glass sheet that, if not destroyed, could be reused. In addition to increasing the energy required to separate the materials in subsequent steps. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [014] The present system and equipment aim to provide a suitable means for the mechanical separation and recycling of photovoltaic (PV) module components, through mechanical processing of the module, in order to remove its structural metal profiles from the glass sheet without breaking it. [015] The mechanical separation system now revealed is one of three systems that contemplate the complete recycling of a photovoltaic module, the other two being the thermal separator and the chemical separator. [016] This mechanica