PVReValue
The PVReValue research project is developing a process for the complete processing and recycling of PV modules that achieves a recycling rate of over 95%. It comprises five steps: Input characterization, composite separation, processing, output characterization and recycling of the fractions. The innovative content lies in the multi-stage composite separation and the combination of further processing methods in order to produce high-quality secondary raw materials for a circular economy.
Project Partners
- Montanuniversität Leoben, Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Coordinator
- Peter Seppele Gesellschaft m.b.H.
- Austrian Research Institute (OFI)
- Sonnenkraft Energy GmbH
- Circulyzer GmbH
- Silicon Austria Labs GmbH
- Solar-Ernte Photovoltaik GmbH
- Technical University of Vienna
- Perndorfer Maschinenbau KG
- MGG Polymers GmbH
Motivation and Goals
Global installed PV capacity exceeded the 1,000 GW mark in 2022. In Austria, installed capacity was already over 2 GW in 2020 and is experiencing high growth rates. End-of-life (EoL) PV modules currently still have low return volumes, but a sharp increase is expected in the coming years, for which it is important to be prepared accordingly.
Building on existing research results, the PVReValue research project is creating the scientific and technical foundations for a complete treatment and recycling process for PV modules. The aim of the project is to develop a holistic process for PV modules in order to achieve a recycling rate of more than 95% by weight.
The innovative content lies on the one hand in the multi-stage composite separation, which effects a pre-fractionation of the fractions to be further processed, and on the other hand in the complex combination of further processing methods for the fractions obtained. The high quality of the process begins with input characterization, whereby modules can be selectively batched and output qualities can be modelled and adjusted accordingly. The project thus generates high-quality recyclable secondary raw materials in the sense of a functioning circular economy.
Main Goals
- Holistic recycling of photovoltaic modules, i.e. in addition to glass, cables, junction boxes and aluminum frames, also cell material, cell connectors and the polymer backsheet and encapsulation material.
- Evaluation of various separation methods (mechanical and chemical) to separate the individual PV module components into pure materials
- Comprehensive characterization of the fractions before and after the individual process steps (input characterization, whereby modules can be selectively charged and output qualities - output characterization - can subsequently be modelled and adjusted accordingly)
- Preparation of the fractions obtained from the separation to obtain usable fractions
- Evaluation of the recycling options for the individual output fractions
Objectives and Approach
- Input characterization of PV modules: Development of a measurement system for the comprehensive characterization of EoL PV modules in order to optimally adapt subsequent processes (including material and pollutant identification).
- Composite separation: Loss-free separation of glass-glass modules using laser or dielectric heating and multi-stage separation of glass backsheet modules (milling and water jet technology).
- Processing and output characterization: Development of processing concepts for the recovery of secondary raw materials and intermediate products that can be used for specialized recycling processes.
- Recycling: High-quality recycling of the recovered materials (glass, metal, silicon, plastic) and targeted circular economy use in high-quality processes and products.
„ The “PVReValue” project is already dealing with the problems of future waste with this future-oriented topic.“
Funding Body
The project is funded by Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) as part of the call for proposals of the “Ausschreibung Kreislaufwirtschaft - Energie- und Umwelttechnologie 2022”. The program is managed by the FFG (project number FO999897767).
