REINFORCE
R&D Projects
REINFORCE | HORIZON-CL5-2022-D2-01-10
Grant ID: 101104204
2023 – 2027
Title
Standardised, automated, safe and cost-efficient processing of end-of-life batteries for second and third life re-use and recycling
Challenge
Designing, developing and deploying a novel sustainable, and highly efficient circular value chain serving as a reference for automated, safe and cost-efficient logistics and processing of EoL batteries from EV and stationary applications for repurposing and recycling.
Goal
To identify and define the specific process design, technical specifications, standards, and users requirements that must be considered for EoL batteries reuse, repurpose, and recycling applications, optimised recycling of materials, and useful battery passports;
To design and develop standardised, safe, and cost-efficient solutions for EoL batteries preliminary diagnostics at collection, reverse logistics and automated assessment and sorting from EV and stationary applications, leading to the optimization of a streamlined logistics chain prior to battery dismantling;
To create and deploy digital and automation solutions to develop and optimise the REINFORCE disassembly process of EoL batteries of various types and shapes, from pack to module, and from module-to-cellto- electrodes, focusing on improved sorting performance, advanced process control, safety, recovery rates, sustainability and production costs;
To implement, test and demonstrate the full EoL batteries processing value chain for reuse, recovery and recycling in a living lab demonstration, as well as create an innovative traceability system along the battery value chain useful for 2nd and 3rd life battery use, while demonstrating the fulfilment of the batteries industry’s requirements and standards, and achieving the KPIs directly linked with the technological competitiveness of the REINFORCE circular model in a cost-efficient and sustainable way;
To contribute to EU battery industry and provide Europe a leadership position in the reuse, recovery and recycling of batteries in a circular economy by creating innovative circular business models for 2nd and 3rd life batteries applications to reduce primary raw material demand, engaging the key stakeholders and end users to expand the project’s scope towards new market opportunities to maximise its impact.
Outcome
To identify and define the specific process design, technical specifications, standards, and users requirements that must be considered for EoL batteries reuse, repurpose, and recycling applications, optimised recycling of materials, and useful battery passports;
To design and develop standardised, safe, and cost-efficient solutions for EoL batteries preliminary diagnostics at collection, reverse logistics and automated assessment and sorting from EV and stationary applications, leading to the optimization of a streamlined logistics chain prior to battery dismantling;
To create and deploy digital and automation solutions to develop and optimise the REINFORCE disassembly process of EoL batteries of various types and shapes, from pack to module, and from module-to-cellto- electrodes, focusing on improved sorting performance, advanced process control, safety, recovery rates, sustainability and production costs;
To implement, test and demonstrate the full EoL batteries processing value chain for reuse, recovery and recycling in a living lab demonstration, as well as create an innovative traceability system along the battery value chain useful for 2nd and 3rd life battery use, while demonstrating the fulfilment of the batteries industry’s requirements and standards, and achieving the KPIs directly linked with the technological competitiveness of the REINFORCE circular model in a cost-efficient and sustainable way;
To contribute to EU battery industry and provide Europe a leadership position in the reuse, recovery and recycling of batteries in a circular economy by creating innovative circular business models for 2nd and 3rd life batteries applications to reduce primary raw material demand, engaging the key stakeholders and end users to expand the project’s scope towards new market opportunities to maximise its impact.
User requirements and KPIs for repurposing for 2nd and 3rd life and recycling of EoL batteries, available for the battery industry;
Faster, smarter, precise preliminary diagnostic process for any type of EoL batteries from EV and stationary applications;
New generation of standardised, safe, cost-effective container for the transport of EoL batteries with smart monitoring, prevention, and tracing systems;
Standardised, automated diagnostic process for the full assessment of EoL batteries, and 2nd life application assignment;
Safe storage and handling solutions with smart detection and suppression measures;
Fast and efficient discharge technology for EoL batteries to be recycled down to 20% of SoC;
Fully automated and safe pack-to-module disassembly process easily configurable for different pack batteries;
New module-to-cell disassembly based on a destructive process for EoL battery recycling;
Three-module automated cell-to-electrode disassembly process for selective extraction of materials;
Digital-driven industrial model of a fully automated EoL battery disassembly line from pack to electrode;
New intelligent digital battery passport system based on new indicators of battery life history towards 2nd (and 3rd) life;
Streamlined, safe and cost-efficient demonstrator by integrating all steps of the EoL battery value chain 2nd life batteries validated in stationary PV applications, satisfying user requirements and KPIs for 2nd life applications;
LCA and circularity study of materials used and production methods, SLCA to estimate impacts of both 2nd life and recycling LCC analysis for all the different stages encompassing the logistics of the life cycle of the battery;
HIRADC documents for collection and reversed logistics phase, and for battery assessment and discharge phase;
SOP for collection and reversed logistics and battery handling and storage REINFORCE robust integrated circular business models to assess their potential in different scenarios of EoL battery logistics.
LAETA
Research Team:
Luís Oliveira | 0000-0003-2180-0376
Main Contribution:- Development of a simulation module to evaluate circular business models, including characterization factors (multi-regional, technology, labour market, energy and stakeholder correlation, blockchain, among others);
- Assessment of circular business models with a sustainability data management platform, as well as the development of associated LCC analysis.
Research Team:
Luís Oliveira | 0000-0003-2180-0376
- Development of a simulation module to evaluate circular business models, including characterization factors (multi-regional, technology, labour market, energy and stakeholder correlation, blockchain, among others);
- Assessment of circular business models with a sustainability data management platform, as well as the development of associated LCC analysis.