Battery Supply Research Articles

Solvent-Based Electrode Recovery for Direct Recycling of Li-Ion Batteries

The surging demand for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles and consumer electronics drives the enormous expansion of cell manufacturing globally, resulting in a significant amount of manufacturing scraps and vast stockpiles of spent LIBs in near future. Recycling those waste LIBs and reintegrating the recovered materials into the battery supply chain are becoming critical to build a sustainable battery ecosystem. Cathode active materials (e.g., LiCoO2, NCA, NMC) and anode active materials (e.g., graphite) are tightly adhered to metal current collectors (Al and Cu) through organic binders (e.g., PVDF). Separation of those electrode materials from metal foils is challenging yet an enabling step for the direct recycling of LIBs. In this talk, a simple yet efficient solvent-based recovery process for delaminating electrode films from metal foils will be presented. Because of the absence of harsh chemicals, the recovered electrode films and metal foils are battery grade and free of damage in terms of physical and chemical properties. Additionally, reintroducing the recovered electrode materials into a new loop of cell manufacturing will be discussed. This environmentally friendly and cost-effective separation technique not only presents a closed-loop recycling approach but also greatly advances battery recycling into a new paradigm.

Design of a Mini Rice Harvester for Rural and Small Scale Rice Farmers in Tropical and Developing Countries

Food insecurity, price volatility and under-employment of rice farmers in Liberia are key drivers for the development of rice farming machines locally. This project work aims to design and fabricate a simple, low-cost, efficient mini rice harvester powered by a solar panel by translating learnt concepts and principles of engineering into a physical and workable rice harvester. A circular blade cutter, DC motor, DC battery and solar cells are the main components deployed on a rod-plate setup. The solar cell taps solar irradiance from the sun and, with the help of a charge controller, recharges a 12V, 35Amp.hour battery. The battery supplies DC current to a DC motor that drives a circular blade cutter during harvesting. The fabricated harvester fulfilled all design objectives and was justifiable on overall financial cost (USD 194.00), ease of use, and ease of reproduction. The performance of the harvester, in terms of smoothness of cut and completion of cut area, was found to be near 100%. However, the harvester field efficiency performance was found to be 30.75% with an aggregated efficiency of % and a payback period of only 71 hours of operation, equivalent to 60,696 sq.m of harvested rice farm. Incessant clogged cutter's surface and harvested stem removal delays, slowdowns as the operator makes turns, switch failures and re-fix delays during field tests are the primary causes of the low field efficiency. With an improved spacing between the blade cutter and the secondary guard, the performance of the harvester is expected to improve significantly. An average noise level of 88.8 decibels was detected during the harvester's operation; advisably, hearing protection earmuffs may be necessary to safely operate the mini harvester on the dailies for 6 hours. Notwithstanding that the effect of moisture content of the rice stalks, as an input parameter, was not considered in the development of the power requirement for the rice cutter, the harvester can be optimized with minimal effort for commercialization and adopted as a Made-In-Liberia invention.

KASAMBANG VILLAGE, MAMUJU DISTRICT: DEVELOPMENT OF PIKO HYDRO POWER PLANT USING FLOW RICE IRRIGATION IN KASAMBANG VILLAGE

Pico Hydro Power Plant (PLTPH) is one of the power plants that uses water as an energy source. Piko Hydro is included in the category of hydropower plants with small power because it does not need to use a water discharge that is too large to produce power. The tool developed in this study is a Pico Hydro Power Plant by Utilizing Flow Irrigation. The purpose of this research is to find out the results of the development of a Pico Hydro Power Plant, the electrical energy produced, and the community's response. The research method used is descriptive-quantitative with Research and Development (R&D) research and a prototype development model consisting of 4 steps, namely needs analysis, building prototypes, installing, and evaluating. The research data obtained by observation, questionnaires, and documentation. The results showed that the pico-hydro power plant works well, as indicated by the very good product validation value; the water wheel at the generator has a maximum power of 308 watts; and in development with the application of MPPT type charger control regulators, the results are able to stabilize the electrical energy produced and increase the power capability of the power plant with the help of a backup battery supply. For the results of the responses from the Kasambang Village community in Mamuju Regency, as many as 15 respondents obtained very decent results.

Overcoming voltage fluctuation in electric vehicles by considering Al electrolytic capacitor-based voltage stabilizer

Battery pack used in electrical vehicles (EVs) have developed fastly nowadays and are important due to its capability to stores electric charge. However, it is still found that there is an electrical voltage fluctuations due to sudden load changes or faults in the power system. To overcome this problem, the conventional strategy focuses on using voltage stabilizer with inductor-capacitor resonant circuits, leaving the problem of using capacitors at cryogenic temperatures. Herewith, we design a vehicle automatic voltage stabilizer (VAVS) operating at room temperature. The VAVS consists of nine main components, including resistors, capacitors, transistors, and diodes arranged with a specific composition to stabilize the voltage. By considering Al electrolytic capacitor, type of diode, resistor, and transistor, the VAVS device stabilizes the input voltage from 10-15V to obtain an output voltage of 12V. Then, by varying the engine rotation speed of vehicle, VAVS applied in vehicle battery supplies a constant voltage of about 12.1 V. The lowest line regulation analysis reveals a regulated voltage fluctuation of 0.17%/V. Our result shows that VAVS design works at room temperature, overcomes the voltage fluctuation and complies with the standard regulation of voltage stabilizers.

DESAIN SISTEM MONITORING FLOWMETER KOMUNIKASI RS 232 MENGGUNAKAN SOFTWARE NODE-RED PADA FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE

One of the applications of fuel cells is Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). FCEV is more efficient and produces no carbon emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. FCEV emitting only water vapor and warm air. This research hoped will provide new knowledge regarding the monitoring system for hydrogen output in FCEVs using the Node-RED software application, as well as regarding flowmeters with RS 232 output. The design of this serial flowmeter monitoring system was carried out in the fuel cell laboratory, the Energy Conversion and Conservation Research Center (PRKKE). This research was carried out by direct observation of the laboratory where fuel cell electric cars were studied, and collected data directly in the laboratory. The Node-RED flow design begins by providing a timestamp every 10 seconds when FCEV is operated, debugging to determine how the results of trials and failures occur. When FCEV is operated, a tenth of a second of data from the flowmeter enters the Moxa Nport device server. This monitoring design combines the Moxa NPort 5230 device server, battery supply, flowmeter with RS232 communication, and several electronic circuits. The flowmeter testing experiment for hydrogen output data on Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles obtained 1.38 with a speed of 1.46 l/min.

Advanced Regenerative Fuel Cells: Characteristics and Application

Nowadays, with the extreme increase of carbon emissions and the consumption of non-renewable resources, the earth's environment has a huge impact. More countries are adopting new carbon policies, and more companies are building new electric cars. Electric vehicles have a great advantage in harmful gas emissions and energy saving compared with ordinary fuel cars. The few disadvantages of electric vehicles are limited to the efficiency of battery supply and the lack of widespread implementation resulting in poor mobility. However, most electric cars today are powered by hydrogen fuel cells. This article will mainly discuss the working principle, the main characteristics and practical applications of the hydrogen fuel cells in professional fields. We mainly collected some information and data and visited many websites and papers on the hydrogen fuel cell for some study and summary.

Research on Power Battery Recycling in the Green Closed-Loop Supply Chain: An Evolutionary Game-Theoretic Analysis

The used power batteries of new energy vehicles have become a combined issue of environmental pollution, resource scarcity, and economic sustainability. Power battery recycling is inevitably becoming the key link in the formation of the green closed-loop supply chain for new energy vehicles and the green cycle of the new energy vehicles industry. This study establishes a three-party evolutionary game model of “new energy vehicle manufacturers, power battery manufacturers, and power battery recyclers”, simulates the dynamic evolution process of each game player’s strategy, and analyzes the effects of the digital transformation factor and other factors leading to the evolution trend. The main results show that: (i) in the absence of sufficient incentives and constraints, the green closed-loop power battery supply chain cannot be formed naturally; (ii) digital transformation is an important factor in the journey of the green closed-loop supply chain for power battery recycling, and (iii) government rewards and penalties can promote the formation of the green closed-loop supply chain for power batteries. This research innovatively investigates the concept of the green closed-loop power battery supply chain and its formation mechanism, which provides theoretical support to promote the recycling of used power batteries to achieve sustainability.

Towards a closed loop recycling process of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries: Recovery of critical metals and electrochemical performance evaluation of a regenerated LiCoO2

The growing demand for lithium-ion battery technology emphasizes the critical need to establish effective recycling and proper disposal methods for used batteries, ensuring the long-term sustainability and security of the battery supply chain. This study addresses this need by exploring two hydrochemical routes, using sulfuric acid and nitric acid, respectively. The objective is to investigate the influence of the acid used in the leaching process on the properties of the regenerated final product, LiCoO2. Moreover, a novel and simplified approach for extracting lithium as lithium carbonate is proposed.In evaluating the recycled batteries, careful examination of their physicochemical properties and electrochemical performances reveals striking similarities to batteries produced from commercial sources. This comparison provides evidence of the successful recycling process. By optimizing the leaching conditions, we were able to extract more than 98% of both cobalt and lithium from the used cathode materials of cell phone batteries.Significantly, our study demonstrates that nitric acid offers a straightforward method for separating and obtaining a pure product, surpassing the outcomes achieved with sulfuric acid using the same steps. Additionally, we thoroughly investigate and compare the electrochemical performances of the synthesized cathode materials with those synthesized from pure commercial reagents. This systematic analysis confirms the effectiveness and viability of the proposed recycling process.The key advantage of this approach lies in its ability to achieve a complete recycling of the initial spent cathodic elements, which is crucial for establishing a circular economy. This comprehensive recycling method not only addresses the increasing demand for lithium-ion battery technology but also contributes to the sustainable utilization of resources and the preservation of the battery supply chain's integrity.

Will reshoring manufacturing of advanced electric vehicle battery support renewable energy transition and climate targets?

Recent global logistics and geopolitical challenges draw attention to the potential raw material shortages for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Here, we analyze the long-term energy and sustainability prospects to ensure a secure and resilient midstream and downstream value chain for the U.S. EV battery market amid uncertain market expansion and evolving battery technologies. With current battery technologies, reshoring and ally-shoring the midstream and downstream EV battery manufacturing will reduce the carbon footprint by 15% and energy use by 5 to 7%. While next-generation cobalt-free battery technologies will achieve up to 27% carbon emission reduction, transitioning to 54% less carbon-intensive blade lithium iron phosphate may diminish the mitigation benefits of supply chain restructuring. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting nickel from secondary sources and nickel-rich ores. However, the advantages of restructuring the U.S. EV battery supply chain depend on projected battery technology advancements.

A blockchain-enabled framework for reverse supply chain management of power batteries

The production and sales of electric vehicles in China are continuously increasing, and a massive wave of scrap batteries is about to emerge. However, there are many challenges in the power battery recycling, such as a disorganized recycling system, a lack of standards, and low efficiency. In addition, the power battery recycling supply chain faces issues such as a lack of transparency, inadequate data management, low trustworthiness, and counterfeit products. Therefore, it's crucial to establish an efficient and sustainable power battery supply chain recycling system. Blockchain technology can provide solutions in decentralized data management, privacy protection, and anti-counterfeiting traceability. It addresses existing problems and improves the Power Batteries Reverse Supply Chain (PBRSC) ecosystem. Thus, this paper proposes a blockchain-based PBRSC management integration framework. Firstly, a four-layer blockchain power battery recycling platform is designed. Secondly, based on the proposed PBRSC framework, this paper studies three key component technologies: double-chain structure and its storage mechanism, information tracing module, and smart contract enabled battery trading management. Then, the validity and feasibility of the double-chain structure was demonstrated experimentally. Finally, the above architecture and key technologies are implemented in the system, the main functional modules are displayed on the interface, and the effectiveness of the framework is explained in cooperation with related enterprises.

Towards environmentally sustainable battery anode materials: Life cycle assessment of mixed niobium oxide (XNO™) and lithium‑titanium-oxide (LTO)

Electric mobility has proven to be essential for the carbon neutrality of the transport sector. However, several studies have demonstrated the environmental costs linked to the supply of rechargeable batteries, which should not be overlooked. The supply of some elements has raised concerns, either because they are associated with environmental and social risks, or because they are considered critical raw materials due to their concentrated geographical supply. It is therefore important to look for innovative technologies capable of reducing the demand for traditional battery raw materials and technologies, but that also have lower environmental impacts linked to their supply. Niobium has been reported to improve the performance of battery components and could (partially) replace some traditional battery materials, but little is known about the environmental impacts of niobium-based battery materials. This study compares two commercial lithium-ion battery anode materials, namely lithium-titanate (LTO) and an innovative mixed niobium oxide anode material (ECA-302, a formulation of XNOTM). Life cycle assessment is employed to quantify the environmental impacts of both technologies, taking into account impacts on global warming potential (GWP), acidification, ozone depletion, photochemical ozone formation (POF) and the use of fossil resources. The impacts were quantified by mass (1 kg anode material) and functionality (1 kWh delivered/cycle life), using primary industrial data for ECA-302 and literature-adapted data for the LTO. Results show that ECA-302 performs better than LTO considering both the material mass and energy delivery per cycle levels. The GWP for the supply of the ECA-302 was 51% lower than the LTO, but the most remarkable differences were observed for POF, for which ECA-302 had an impact about 72% lower than LTO at the production stage and 77% lower at the energy delivery. The results also indicate that 20% less ECA-302 material is needed to deliver 1 kWh over the cycle life of the battery compared to LTO.

Robust Control of RSOC/Li-ion Battery Hybrid System Based on Modeling and Active Disturbance Rejection Technology

The application of new energy systems for industrial production to advance air pollution prevention and control has become an irreversible trend. This development includes hybrid systems consisting of reversible solid oxide cells (RSOC) and a Li-ion battery; however, at present the energy dispatching of such systems has an unstable factor in the form of poor heat/electricity/gas controllability. Therefore, the system studied in this paper uses the Li-ion battery as the energy supply/storage case, and uses the RSOC to supply power for the Li-ion battery charge or the Li-ion battery supply power to the RSOC for hydrogen production by water electrolysis. In this hybrid system, Li-ion battery thermoelectric safety and RSOC hydrogen production stability are extremely important. However, system operation involves the switching of multiple operating conditions, and the internal thermoelectric fluctuation mechanism is not yet clear. Therefore, in this paper we propose a separate control with a dual mode for hybrid systems. Active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) with a simple structure is used to achieve Li-ion battery module thermoelectric safety and control the hydrogen production/consumption of the RSOC module in the hybrid system. The results show that the required Li-ion battery thermoelectric safety and RSOC hydrogen consumption/production requirements can be met using the proposed controller, leading to a hybrid system with high stability control.

Rare but problematic: Tesla’s rare metals supply chain headache

Research methodology This case was developed through secondary sources in response to the environmental concerns being raised in legal actions, company documents, online forums, trade press articles and academic research relative to Li mining practices, a key material in Li-ion batteries. The case focuses on Tesla’s actual and potential response to the environmental and humanitarian concerns being raised with its battery supply chain Case overview/synopsis Tesla was one of the world’s leading producers of Li-ion batteries which were critical to its EV and battery offerings. Unfortunately, sourcing rare earth metals, such as Co and Li, which are key components in these batteries, raise several environmental and social concerns. This case highlights senior leadership considerations critical to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, including environmental tradeoffs and issue management. The case highlights the complexity of strategic decision-making in innovative and ESG contexts and challenges the students to contextualize the trade-offs behind each decision and the potential impact to associated stakeholders. Complexity academic level Level: Upper undergraduate and masters. Majors: Management; technology & innovation management; environmental science; science, technology & society; supply chain management; business ethics. Courses: Strategic management (social issues in management, strategic management, technological innovation); technology & society; ethics, supply chain management. Time: 60- or 90-minute class session. Supporting texts (depending on course context): Strategic Management of Technological Innovation. Schilling, M. McGraw Hill, 2017. Contemporary Strategy Analysis. Grant, R. Wiley, 2017. Society, Ethics & Technology. Winston, M., Edelbach, R. Cengage, 2014. Principles of Supply Chain Management. Wisner, J., Tan, K., Leong, G. Cengage, 2019.

Sourcing diversification: Strategy selection, sourcing allocation and brand power

The supply of power batteries is monopolised by a few suppliers, resulting in high purchasing costs for electric vehicle manufacturers (EVMs). Hence, some EVMs have implemented diversified sourcing strategies to seek purchase concessions and reduce their dependence on battery suppliers. Motivated by the sourcing strategies of EVMs, we develop a game-theoretic model to investigate the optimal procurement strategies of manufacturers with different brand power. The model consists of a primary supplier, an alternative supplier, and two competing manufacturers, wherein the focal manufacturer has the option of implementing dual sourcing or partial outsourcing through sourcing allocation, whereas the rival manufacturer only sources from the primary supplier. Specifically, we first study the focal manufacturer’s three procurement strategies under the primary supplier’s uniform pricing: single sourcing (the benchmark), dual sourcing and partial outsourcing. Then, we examine the primary supplier’s strategic response to the manufacturer’s sourcing diversification: maintaining uniform pricing or switching to differential pricing. By analysing the equilibrium profits, we find that compared with the situation under single sourcing, both the primary supplier and the focal manufacturer may obtain higher profits under dual sourcing or partial outsourcing. However, with an increase in the focal manufacturer’s order proportion, the primary supplier’s profit may decrease; and the focal manufacturer’s diversified sourcing strategy may hurt all the supply chain players. Furthermore, we show that when the primary supplier considers switching to differential pricing, the focal manufacturer tends to abandon the diversified sourcing and adopt single sourcing.

Anticipating lithium extraction in northern Portugal: A Sacrifice Zone in the making?

Despite increasing calls for the development of a circular economy, extractive industries are gaining renewed relevance in Europe. The European Commission's plan to expand domestic sourcing of lithium to scale up the production and use of electric vehicles has been met with social resistance from affected communities who mobilize to protect their livelihoods, and nature. The growing conflicts emerging around global battery supply chains highlight the importance of examining justice-related concerns around current decarbonization strategies. This article takes a political ecology approach that combines the concepts of place and anticipation to examine negotiations around a proposed lithium mine in the Barroso region in northern Portugal. Drawing on 27 qualitative semi-structured interviews and ethnographic research in August 2021, we explore how local residents engage in the politics of anticipation around the mine. The study has two main findings: (1) While local supporters hope to benefit from the project economically, opponents expect it to undermine agricultural traditions, counteract plans for expanding tourism services, and as known from mining areas in the past, drive displacement and rural injustices. (2) As opponents feel restricted in their ability to participate in decision-making around the project, they act upon the future through defensive resistance, connecting across multiple scales and drawing on place-based symbols to mark differences from dominant ideas on extractive development. The study suggests that local activists' experiences of being disregarded in their concerns and demands indicate that plans to expand resource extraction in the name of the green economy are giving rise to new sacrifice zones.

Body Heat Powered Wirelessly Wearable System for Real‐time Physiological and Biochemical Monitoring

AbstractThrough harvesting energy from the environment or human body, self‐power wearable electronics have an opportunity to break through the limitations of battery supply and achieving long‐term continuous operation. Here, a wireless wearable monitoring system driven entirely by body heat is implemented. Based on the principle of maximizing heat utilization, while optimizing internal resistance and heat dissipation, the stretchable TEG improves the power density of previous similar devices from only a few microwatts per square centimeter to tens and makes it possible to continuously drive wireless wearable electronic systems. Furthermore, ceaseless self‐power energy gives wearable electronics unparalleled continuous working ability, which can realize the tracking and monitoring of biochemical and physiological indicators at different time scale. A practical system demonstrates the ability to real‐time monitor heart rate, sweat ingredient and body motion at a high sampling rate. This study marks an important advance of self‐powered wearable electronics for wirelessly real‐time healthy monitoring.

Integrated Converter With G2V, V2G, and DC/V2V Charging Capabilities for Switched Reluctance Motor Drive-Train Based EV Application

The article proposes an integrated converter (IC) with driving, grid-to-vehicle (G2V), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and DC/ vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities for electric vehicle (EV) drive-train employing switched reluctance motor (SRM). During drive mode, the battery supplies the driving power, and the proposed IC independently controls the individual phases of the SRM. When EV is standstill/ idle, the proposed IC can charge the battery via standard AC and DC charging sockets. For charging the battery via a single-phase residential/public AC outlet, i.e., G2V charging, the proposed IC exhibits a power factor correction (PFC) charger. The reconfigured switches are bidirectional, facilitating the flow of power in both directions, i.e., G2V and V2G charging. For fast charging of the battery via DC source, which includes emerging DC grids, solar photovoltaic systems, and battery source of another EV, i.e., V2V charging, the proposed IC exhibits a four-quadrant DC-DC converter (FQDDC). For realizing the inductors of the PFC charger and FQDDC converter, the phase windings of SRM are reconfigured. Thus, the proposed IC eliminates the requirement of any additional non-integrated circuit, which reduces the total switch count. Also, proposed way of reconfiguring inductors results in a standstill rotor at appropriate rotor positions. The above-stated claims of the proposed IC are validated via experimental studies.

High concentration from resources to market heightens risk for power lithium-ion battery supply chains globally

Global low-carbon contracts, along with the energy and environmental crises, have encouraged the rapid development of the power battery industry. As the current first choice for power batteries, lithium-ion batteries have overwhelming advantages. However, the explosive growth of the demand for power lithium-ion batteries will likely cause crises such as resource shortages and supply-demand imbalances. This study adopts qualitative and quantitative research methods to comprehensively evaluate the power lithium-ion battery supply and demand risks by analyzing the global material flow of these batteries. The results show that the processes from resources to market of the power lithium-ion battery industry are highly concentrated with growing trends. The proportion of the top three power lithium-ion battery-producing countries grew from 71.79% in 2016 to 92.22% in 2020, increasing by 28%. The top three power lithium-ion battery-demand countries accounted for 83.07% of the demand in 2016 and 88.16% in 2020. The increasing concentration increases the severity of the supply risk. The results also imply that different processes are concentrated within different countries or regions, and the segmentation puts the development of the power lithium-ion battery industry at significant risk. It is urgent to address this situation so that this severe risk can be ameliorated.

Research on Outdoor Mobile Music Speaker Battery Management Algorithm Based on Dynamic Redundancy

In terms of the battery management system of a mobile music speaker, reliability optimization has always been an important topic. This paper proposes a new dynamic redundant battery management algorithm based on the existing fault-tolerant structure of a lithium battery pack. The internal configuration is adjusted according to the SOC of each battery, and the power supply battery is dynamically allocated. This paper selects four batteries to experiment on with two different algorithms. The simulation results show that compared with the traditional battery management algorithm, the dynamic redundant battery management algorithm extends the battery pack working time by 18.75%, and the energy utilization rate of B1 and B4 increases by 96.0% and 99.8%, respectively. This proves that the dynamic redundant battery management algorithm can effectively extend battery working time and improve energy utilization.

GWO Optimized LEACH CRT-Based Forwarding Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks Energy Optimization

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are intelligent communication systems that assist in the industrial revolution of IoT. Sensor nodes present in WSNs often have limited battery lifetime due to their energy limits. Ability to replace or recharge the battery supply for networks in largescale or remote sites has been a major drawback. Clustering, duty cycling, data aggregation and routing has been major energy efficiency techniques employed to address energy problems. Due to the poor performance of the traditional LEACH, this paper employ the GWO CRT-based forwarding and splitting techniques to enhance the performance of LEACH. The simulation is done on MATLAB 2018a and the obtained results prove that the proposed protocol i.e., GWO CRT-based outperforms the existing models such LEACH, improved LEACH etc., with respect to energy consumption, throughput, and the lifespan of the network.