Bystronic Glass: Efficient Buffering, Storing And Sorting Of Photovoltaic Modules

The market leader in the field of sorting systems for glass now also offers customer-specific solutions for the solar industry. Therefore, Bystronic glass's decades of experience in such systems, for example in insulating glass production now also applies to the handling of substrates or ready-made modules. 

Bystronic glass offers sorting systems for buffer operation or the direct connection to a production line for thin-film solar modules. Customers obtain modular configurable solutions designed to meet their individual production requirements. "The sorting systems can be used in the front end for de-coupling the different production processes from each other as well as at the back end for sorting the ready-made modules prior to packaging," explains Pieder Berther, project engineer in the sales department of the Bystronic glass Technology Center Bystronic Maschinen AG.

 

The buffer and storage system Depending on size and composition, the substrates are stored either vertically, at an angle of 6°, or horizontally. Loading and unloading is carried out by means of conveyors, sorting carriages or robots. Depending on customer requirements, this can be done either according to the storing sequence (first-in, first-out principle), against the storing sequence (first-in, last-out principle) or individually in any order. The fixed storage systems or cartridges have more than 120 positions, which can be managed in a high-bay warehouse. "Our buffer and storage system is suitable for the storage of both substrates as well as ready-made modules with back rails and junction box – for all conventional glass sizes up to 2.20 x 2.60 metres," explains Pieder Berther. The system's cycle times can be adjusted according to the performance of the production line.

 

In order to sort ready-made photovoltaic modules according to quality, performance classes, physical sizes or other features a sorting operation is required: After leaving production in the sequence of manufacture, the modules are temporarily stored and then removed at the appropriate time according to the sorting criteria. It is possible to integrate a number of inspection processes in advance – i.e. at the end of the production process and prior to storage and / or sorting. The sorted modules subsequently arrive at the automatic packing station.

 

"The buffer and storage system as well as the sorting system are characterised by solid design, high positioning accuracy and gentle handling of substrates and / or modules," Pieder Berther comments to highlight the features of the proven Bystronic glass quality. Apart from these mechanical advantages, the systems are also equipped with their own control system for seamless object tracking, including interfaces to the different processes and the MES (manufacturing execution system).

 

Bystronic glass media contact

Iris Minten

PR / Online Communication

c/o Bystronic Lenhardt GmbH

Karl-Lenhardt-Str. 1-9

D-75242 Neuhausen-Hamberg

Phone +49 (0)7234 601 120

Fax +49 (0)7234 601 114