Researchers Sara Strakosova, Petr Novak, and Petr Kadera from the Czech Technical University in Prague have proposed a novel approach to improve the end-of-life management of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, a critical aspect of the energy sector’s shift towards sustainability. Their work, published in the International Journal of Production Research, focuses on enhancing the remanufacturing and recycling processes of EV batteries through the use of digital twin technology and a new knowledge representation model.
The researchers highlight a significant challenge in the current manufacturing landscape: the lack of data sharing by manufacturers about their products and (re-)manufacturing processes. This gap hinders effective remanufacturing and recycling efforts, which are vital for a circular economy and environmental conservation. To address this issue, they propose the use of Product Digital Twins (PDTs), digital replicas of physical products that carry relevant information throughout the product’s lifecycle.
The team introduces a new knowledge representation called Bi-Flow Product-Process-Resource Asset Network (Bi-PAN). This model extends the existing Product-Process-Resource Asset Network (PAN) paradigm by integrating both assembly and disassembly workflows into a single information model. Bi-PAN enables the capture of relevant relationships across products, production resources, manufacturing processes, and specific production operations, facilitating better decision-making and optimization in both manufacturing and remanufacturing phases.
The practical application of this research is demonstrated through a use-case involving the disassembly of EV batteries. By utilizing PDTs with Bi-PAN knowledge models, the researchers show that the challenges associated with disassembling various battery types can be solved more flexibly and efficiently. This approach enhances the sustainability of EV battery life-cycle management, a crucial aspect for the energy sector as it transitions towards cleaner technologies.
The proposed method not only supports the circular economy by improving remanufacturing and recycling processes but also provides a framework for manufacturers to share relevant data, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such advancements in digital twin technology and knowledge representation models will play a pivotal role in optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impact.
Source: Strakosova, S., Novak, P., & Kadera, P. (2023). Product Digital Twin Supporting End-of-life Phase of Electric Vehicle Batteries Utilizing Product-Process-Resource Asset Network. International Journal of Production Research.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.