Optimization of resource efficiency of traction LIB from the perspective of mining activity based on life cycle simulation

Abstract

The number of electric vehicles are increasing because of various automobile environmental regulations in each country. This causes a rapid growth in traction Lithium-ion battery (LiB) applications. However, recycling system of traction LiBs has yet to be fully established. Since a large amount of rare earth elements are used in traction LiBs, the effective use of spent traction LiBs is of significant importance. This study estimates the amount of resource use during the stage of reuse, recycling, and repurposing (for a stationary household battery) of spent traction LiBs by applying the concept of total material requirement. Then, the entire life cycle of a traction LiB is modeled by using system dynamics. Through the model simulation, the effect of reuse, repurpose and recycling on the reduction of primary resource is analyzed and, by changing the selection criteria of spent traction LiBs, the optimal resource use in the entire life cycle of traction LiBs is evaluated.