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This project investigates the viability of using reconditioned batteries, which have lost part of their original capacity while powering electric vehicles (EVs), to minimize the expenses of fast-charging infrastructures under the three charging scenarios where fast-charging mode is likely to be needed the most. The analysis is conducted for the Spanish scenario and considers the retail electricity tariff that best suits the requirements of a FCS. The economic analysis is performed on an annual basis and is tackled with an optimization algorithm, formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming problem and run on MATLAB. The expected lifetime of the ESS, being made of reused automotive cells, is estimated with a semi-empirical approach, using an iterative process and implemented in MATLAB. A sensitivity analysis is conducted on three input parameters that were identified to have a considerable impact on the system design and performance.   Overall, results show that with current figures energy storage integration in FCSs is viable as it effectively reduces the infrastructure expenses in all scenarios. Peak-shaving is identified as the main source of cost savings while demand shifting is not effective at all. The latter is further discussed in the sensitivity analysis and some considerations are elaborated. The most profitable scenario for storage integration is the case of a fast-charger located in a urban environment while, surprisingly, the lowest cost savings are obtained in the highway case. The sensitivity analysis illustrates the impact and effects that electricity prices and specific cost of both the power converter and the second-life batteries produce on the optimal system design. Moreover, charging demand profiles are deeply analyzed and their main implications highlighted.

The energy demand is steadily increasing, and the electricity sector is undergoing a severe change in this decade. The primary drivers, such as the need to decarbonize the power industry and megatrends for more distributed and renewable systems, are resulting in revolutionary changes in our lifestyle and industry. The power grid cannot be easily or quickly be upgraded, as investment decisions, construction approvals, and payback time are the main factors to consider. Therefore, new technology, energy storage, tariff reform, and new business models are rapidly changing and challenging the conventional industry. In recent times, industrial peak shaving application has sparked an increased interest in battery energy storage system (BESS).  This work investigated BESS’s potential from peak shaving and Time-of-use (TOU) applications for a Culture-house in Skellefteå. Available literature provides the knowledge of various BESS applications, tariff systems, and how battery degradation functions. The predicted electrical load demand of the culture-house for 2019 is obtained from a consultant company Incoord. The linear optimization was implemented in MATLAB using optimproblem function to perform peak shaving and time-of-use application for the Culture-hose BESS. A cost-optimal charging/discharging strategy was derived through an optimization algorithm by analyzing the culture-house electrical demand and Skellefteå Kraft billing system. The decisional variable decides when to charge/discharge the battery for minimum battery degradation and electricity purchase charges from the grid.   Techno-economic viability is analyzed from BESS investment cost, peak-power tariff, battery lifespan, and batter aging perspective. Results indicate that the current BESS price and peak-power tariff of Skellefteå Kraft are not suitable for peak shaving. Electricity bill saving is too low to consider TOU application due to high battery degradation. However, combining peak shaving & TOU does generate more profit annually due to additional savings from the electricity bill. However, including TOU also leads to higher battery degradation, making it not currently a viable application. A future scenario suggests a decrease in investment cost, resulting in a shorter payback period.  The case study also analyses the potential in the second-life battery, where they are purchased at 80 % State of Health (SoH) for peak shaving application. Second-life batteries are assumed to last until 70 % or 60 % before End of Life (EOL). The benefit-cost ratio indicates that second-life batteries are an attractive investment if batteries can perform until 60% end of life, it would be an excellent investment from an economic and sustainability perspective. Future work suggests integrating more BESS applications into the model to make BESS an economically viable project.

This master’s thesis aims to improve the circularity of the electric vehicle (EV) battery value chain, specifically focusing on sustainable waste management of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) in Europe, particularly Sweden. The research objectives include evaluating and proposing actionable recommendations to enhance circularity, addressing environmental impacts, and supporting the industry’s transition towards a sustainable business model aligned with the new European Union (EU) Battery Regulation, which aims to enhance recycling rates, reduce environmental impact, and secure the recovery of valuable materials. The key research questions addressed are: (1) What initiatives, technologies, or best practices are currently being developed to support circularity and sustainable waste management in the EV battery value chain? (2) How can the circularity of the EV battery value chain be enhanced, particularly in sustainable waste management for LIBs? (3) What environmental impacts, socio-economic opportunities, and challenges exist in a circular value chain in the EV battery industry? The methodology employed a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and case study, stakeholder interviews, SWOT analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) using Minviro LCA software to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of state-of-the-art industrial LIB recycling methods. Key findings indicate that several initiatives and technologies are being developed to support circularity, including advanced recycling technologies and second-life applications for batteries. Enhancing circularity requires regulatory support, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaborative efforts. The findings highlight significant potential for extending the lifecycle of EV batteries through re-use, re-purposing, and recycling strategies. The analysis reveals that advancements in recycling technologies and supportive regulatory frameworks can substantially reduce the environmental impact and improve LIB supply chain sustainability. Notably, the LCA results highlight that mechanical and hydrometallurgical recycling processes offer more favourable environmental outcomes than pyrometallurgical methods. Thus, it shows potential for lower environmental impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resource depletion, alongside socio-economic opportunities like job creation and economic growth. However, challenges such as technological barriers, economic feasibility, regulatory compliance, and EV battery value chain complexities remain, and these must be addressed. The conclusions drawn from the findings recommend that a combination of regulatory support, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration is essential for improving the circularity of the EV battery value chain. The study recommends advancements in recycling technologies, developing efficient testing and certification processes for second-life batteries, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks to facilitate circular economy practices. These measures are crucial for supporting the industry’s shift towards a more sustainable and circular model, ultimately contributing to the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.