Process information
| Key Data Set Information | |
| Location | CN |
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| Use advice for data set | Users of this data set should ensure that the methodology for the glass and aluminum recovery process includes the separation techniques mentioned (thermal decomposition, mechanical cutting, manual crushing). When applying this data, it is crucial to consider the specific context of the PV waste treatment and the geographic applicability, as the process efficiency and environmental regulations can vary by region. For accurate LCA results, users must also factor in the end-of-life stage where non-recyclable materials end up in a landfill. The data should be updated to reflect technological advances and changes in waste management practices. |
| Technical purpose of product or process | The industrial process described is utilized in the recycling and resource recovery industry, specifically for the processing of photovoltaic (PV) panel waste. It involves the separation and recovery of valuable materials such as glass and aluminum frames from discarded PV modules. The recovered glass is predominantly used for manufacturing new glass products, while the aluminum is reused in the production of aluminum frames and other aluminum-based goods. The process contributes to the sustainability of PV technology by enabling the circular economy in the energy sector. |
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| General comment on data set | Flat-glass recycling that aims to recover glass and Al frames, referred as “glass recycling”. glass is separated from the module and recycled by thermal decomposition, mechanical cutting or shredding. The downcycling approach recycles module glass and aluminiumframe, which has been demonstrated in Europe . This process firstlymanually removed the Al frame, junction box and copper cables. Then the module was shredded on the glass recycling line, followed by crushing and a series of manual and mechanical sorting and extractionprocesses to recycle most of the glass and Al . The ferrous metals were sent to specific recyclers; the leftovers, which includes the mixture of silicon, metal, plastic, and glasses that the shredder cannotfurther separate, were sent to landfill. This simple recycling methodavoids most masses to be landfilled with relatively low energy input and processing costs. |
| Copyright | No |
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Modelling and validation
Administrative information
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