The PV Circulator maintains the semiconductor properties of recycled silicon primarily by using a highly controlled mechanical and airflow-based processing method that avoids heat and chemical reactions which could degrade the material. Specifically, the process begins with automatic removal of aluminum frames and junction boxes, then the remaining solar panel materials are milled layer by layer while being cooled by airflow to keep the temperature at room level. This cooling is crucial because it prevents chemical reactions that might otherwise damage the silicon’s semiconductor properties.
The airflow processing also enables effective separation and collection of backsheets, encapsulants, and the silicon cell materials without mixing, preserving the integrity of the cell’s semiconductor material. This method maintains the conductive and semiconductor properties of recycled silicon and metals, which is essential for enabling further electrostatic separation processes to refine the materials for reuse.
Additionally, the PV Circulator employs vision AI and machine learning to adaptively optimize the disassembly and sorting process for different panel types, ensuring precise handling that avoids damage to the silicon cells. This fully automated approach works without chemical or high-heat treatments, which are common in conventional recycling and can degrade silicon quality.
In summary, the PV Circulator’s use of mechanical milling combined with airflow cooling, automated component removal, and AI-driven process optimization maintains the semiconductor properties of recycled silicon by:
- Avoiding chemical contamination and high temperature damage through airflow cooling to room temperature.
- Preventing material mixing through careful layer-by-layer milling and separation.
- Using AI-guided automation to tailor handling to panel specifics, minimizing physical damage.
This highly automated, low-waste approach ensures the recycled silicon retains its semiconductor functionality for reuse in photovoltaic applications.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-pv-circulator-maintain-the-semiconductor-properties-of-recycled-silicon/
