NREL’s laser know-how simplifies photo voltaic module recycling
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Might 03, 2024
Researchers on the U.S. Division of Power’s Nationwide Renewable Power Laboratory (NREL) have developed a brand new methodology utilizing femtosecond lasers to create glass-to-glass welds in photo voltaic modules, considerably simplifying the recycling course of. This innovation replaces the normal use of plastic polymer sheets, which complicates recycling efforts.
By eliminating polymers and using laser welds, the photo voltaic panels will be shattered on the finish of their lifespan, permitting for straightforward recycling of glass and metallic elements, and reusing silicon. David Younger, senior scientist and group supervisor at NREL, emphasised that polymers are a significant impediment in present recycling processes. “Most recyclers will affirm that the polymers are the principle subject when it comes to inhibiting the method of recycling,” Younger famous.
The research, “In the direction of Polymer-Free, Femto-Second Laser-Welded Glass/Glass Photo voltaic Modules,” co-authored by NREL’s Tim Silverman, Nicholas Irvin, and Nick Bosco, together with Trumpf Inc., introduces a robust, airtight seal shaped by the laser welds relevant throughout numerous photo voltaic applied sciences together with silicon, perovskites, and cadmium telluride.
NREL’s findings, as Younger detailed, show the laser welds are sturdy, “So long as the glass would not break, the weld will not be going to interrupt.” He added that with out polymers, the modules must be stiffer, a problem addressed by modifying the embossed options of the glass to resist static load testing.
The analysis not solely enhances the sturdiness of the modules but in addition aligns with targets to increase their operational life past 50 years and simplify recycling procedures. This innovation represents a big development in photo voltaic know-how, probably reshaping module building and end-of-life processing.
Analysis Report:In the direction of Polymer-Free, Femto-Second Laser-Welded Glass/Glass Photo voltaic Modules
Associated Hyperlinks
Nationwide Renewable Power Laboratory
All About Photo voltaic Power at SolarDaily.com
