The PV Circulator unit handles the separation of different materials in end-of-life solar panels through a highly automated, chemical-free mechanical process that relies primarily on airflow and advanced AI technology.
Here is how the PV Circulator manages the separation:
- Mechanical disassembly without chemicals or heat: The unit mechanically removes the aluminum frames and junction boxes from the panels without using chemicals or thermal treatment, thereby avoiding pollution and chemical reactions.
- Layer milling and cooling: After frame and junction box removal, the remaining solar panel materials are milled layer by layer. The milled materials are cooled by airflow to room temperature to prevent chemical changes.
- Airflow separation process: The cooled milled materials are then subjected to an airflow-based separation that effectively separates and collects different components such as backsheets, encapsulants, and the cell materials (silicon and metals). This airflow process prevents material mixing and helps maintain the semiconductor and conductive properties of the silicon and metals.
- Electrostatic separation ready: Because the materials preserve their properties after airflow separation, they can undergo further electrostatic separation for more refined sorting in subsequent recycling steps.
- Vision AI and machine learning integration: The PV Circulator uses vision AI to scan each solar panel to identify its make, model, and component form factors based on a company database. Machine learning algorithms automatically adjust separation parameters and optimize processes continuously without human intervention. The system also shares learning experiences across a neural network with other PV Circulators, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
- Final outputs and reuse: The sorted materials are individually collected and ready for further use in manufacturing. For example, glass material is processed to meet ASTM C1866 standards to be reused as ground glass pozzolan for concrete. Silicon and metals retain their properties suitable for reuse in semiconductor and conductive applications.
In summary, the PV Circulator uses precise mechanical dismantling combined with airflow-based physical separation and intelligent AI-driven process optimization to effectively separate and recover high-purity materials from solar panels without chemical or thermal pollution. This leads to a zero-pollution, comprehensive recycling solution with a high recovery rate of up to 99.3% of materials.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-pv-circulator-unit-handle-the-separation-of-different-materials-in-solar-panels/
