31/10/2024

October ’24 Contributions

This month, we will look at the recent advances of BeePlanet, our work package leader focused on battery disassembly, and Ford Otosan, whose team is working on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of battery recycling options in Turkey.

BeePlanet

Our partner from Navarre (Spain) has been investigating the steps to be taken prior to the disassembly of batteries. Its findings, reflected in two already submitted reports:

D3.4 Report on identification, characterization, and deactivation of battery packs.
D3.9 Report on working station for identification and deactivation of battery packs.

First, the methodology for the operations before the Electric Vehicle (EV) battery pack dismantling was presented (figure 1). The report also included the complexities of identifying different types of EV battery packs while assessing their performance and state of health. Furthermore, essential deactivation protocols for safe handling and disposal during recycling were also covered.

Figure 1: overview of the different steps and interactions of the disassembly pilot line.

Regarding the new working stations, BeePlanet is overseeing and guiding the progress made by the other task partners. The goal is to gather all the necessary information and finalize the details needed for the first draft, culminating in the design freeze of the workstations to start the construction of them in the coming months.

Figure 2 (left): overview of the design of the disassembly and characterization cell.

Figure 3 (right): DRAFT of the disposition of the modules by the robot and connections for characterization test.

Finally, the characterization station for battery modules, once the pack is opened, is being designed to integrate seamlessly into the overall layout of the disassembly and characterization cells. The primary goal is to minimize manual intervention while ensuring safe and efficient connections and testing procedures.

Ford Otosan

Our partners in Turkey have played a pivotal role in assessing the Turkish EV battery recycling landscape through a comprehensive LCA study focused on scrap from battery manufacturing. They initiated the collection of life cycle inventory data related to the recycling of this material, which is essential for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with battery recycling in Turkey. Sample material for the study was provided by the WEEE recycling company, EXITCOM.

Figure 4. Battery cells for recycling used during the LCA study.

This collaboration with EXITCOM also yielded valuable insights into their recycling methodologies and material recovery efficiency, enhancing our understanding of local recycling practices and enabling the exchange of best practices. With the data collected, the LCA study was conducted, focusing on a comparative analysis of recycling options in Turkey and the EU. Preliminary results from the study were discussed with the team from LEITAT, leading to further insights on optimizing battery recycling processes in both Turkey and the EU.

Figure 5. Battery pack deactivation process prior to recycling.

Aside from the LCA study, Ford Otosan has been closely collaborating with CEPS, exchanging information on the different legal frameworks governing battery recycling. This is a crucial step toward understanding the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance. As part of BATRAW’s commitment to knowledge sharing and fostering collaboration, Ford Otosan also presented the project’s recent findings at the EV Battery Recycling Summit in Stuttgart this past September. This event provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s goals, methodologies, and preliminary results with industry stakeholders, raising awareness of sustainable battery recycling practices.

Thanks to the continuous progress made by partners like BeePlanet and Ford Otosan, BATRAW is getting closer to achieving outstanding results every day.

Stay tuned to our social media channels to keep up with all our achievements!