World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology

International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

Vol:10, No:12, 2016

Evaluation of a Remanufacturing for Lithium Ion

Batteries from Electric Cars
Achim Kampker, Heiner H. Heimes, Mathias Ordung, Christoph Lienemann, Ansgar Hollah, Nemanja Sarovic

 However, it may still hold the capacity to carry sufficient

Abstract—Electric cars with their fast innovation cycles and their charge for use in further applications [4]. All processes that
disruptive character offer a high degree of freedom regarding take advantage of the residual value of end-of-life batteries are
innovative design for remanufacturing. Remanufacturing increases summarized in a collective term, called post-first-life
not only the resource but also the economic efficiency by a prolonged
applications. Second use, remanufacturing and recycling all
product life time. The reduced power train wear of electric cars
combined with high manufacturing costs for batteries allow new fall within this umbrella term. Essentially, post-first life
business models and even second life applications. Modular and applications are activities that carry out the approach of a
Open Science Index, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Vol:10, No:12, 2016 waset.org/Publication/10006102

intermountable designed battery packs enable the replacement of circular economy to minimize waste, reduce system risks and
defective or outdated battery cells, allow additional cost savings and optimize resource yields [5]. An efficient circular economy
a prolongation of life time. This paper discusses opportunities for can help to improve the cost structures of LIBs and electric
future remanufacturing value chains of electric cars and their battery
cars respectively. However, diverse challenges have to be
components and how to address their potentials with elaborate
designs. Based on a brief overview of implemented remanufacturing solved to ideally combine all post-first-life possibilities. In
structures in different industries, opportunities of transferability are particular, the design phase of the batteries is already crucial
evaluated. In addition to an analysis of current and upcoming for their subsequent suitability in post-first-life applications
challenges, promising perspectives for a sustainable electric car [6]. Furthermore, the processes for the disassembly and
circular economy enabled by design for remanufacturing are remanufacturing define the cost structures significantly and
deduced. Two mathematical models describe the feasibility of
need to be optimized for a universal process [7]. The Chair of
pursuing a circular economy of lithium ion batteries and evaluate
remanufacturing in terms of sustainability and economic efficiency. Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM)
Taking into consideration not only labor and material cost but also and the Laboratory of Machine Tools and Production
capital costs for equipment and factory facilities to support the Engineering (WZL) at the RWTH Aachen University, focus
remanufacturing process, cost benefit analysis prognosticate that a on an integrated product and production development process.
remanufacturing battery can be produced more cost-efficiently. The One of the declared overall research targets is to reduce the
ecological benefits were calculated on a broad database from
battery cost to less than 100 €/kWh on pack level. This paper
different research projects which focus on the recycling, the second
use and the assembly of lithium ion batteries. The results of this determines the feasibility of engaging in a circular economy
calculations show a significant improvement by remanufacturing in for the EV LIB market with the focus on a battery
all relevant factors especially in the consumption of resources and remanufacturing in the context of this Integrative Product and
greenhouse warming potential. Exemplarily suitable design Process Development (IPPD) to reduce the production costs.
guidelines for future remanufacturing lithium ion batteries, which
consider modularity, interfaces and disassembly, are used to illustrate II. BACKGROUND
the findings. For one guideline, potential cost improvements were
calculated and upcoming challenges are pointed out. A. LIB in EV
The LIB technology is emerging as one of the optimum
Keywords—Circular economy, electric mobility, lithium ion solutions for the middle-term future in energy storage of an
batteries, remanufacturing.
EV. Typically, actual traction batteries consist of plurality of
I. INTRODUCTION single battery cells. As visualized schematically in Fig. 1,
these cells are first combined to a battery module and then
I N the past years, electric vehicles (EVs) have been
generating interest from the automobile, technology
industry and the public alike [1]. The growing market will lead
these modules are assembled to a battery pack which is then
integrated in the vehicles power train. Such battery solutions
are highly cost-intensive not only due to the high material cost
to the emergence of end-of-first-life batteries and has initiated but also due to the various requirements, the long individual
the debate for the best strategies for this secondary market [2]. development process and the production costs [8]. Especially
Due to the degenerative nature of lithium-ion batteries (LIB), the safety features of the product must be fulfilled, to meet all
an end-of-first-life battery is deemed unsuitable to meet EV the different standards and to guarantee a safe production
standards when the available capacity reaches 80% [3]. process under high voltage [8]. It would be desirable to further
reduce the production costs of LIB packs, to make the battery
Achim Kampker, Heiner H. Heimes, Mathias Ordung, Christoph technologies available for a broad user range by affordable
Lienemann and Ansgar Hollah are with the Chair of Production Engineering prices and to maximize the efficiency in battery production for
of E-Mobility Components, Steinbachstraße 19, Aachen, 52074 Germany
(corresponding author: Christoph Lienemann, phone: +49 241 8027809; fax:
all parties participating in the value chain. In this regard, it is
+49 241 80 22293; e-mail: C.Lienemann@pem.rwth-aachen.de). still uncertain if and how the different Re-X (recycling,

International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 10(12) 2016 1929 ISNI:0000000091950263
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Vol:10, No:12, 2016

remanufacturing, reuse) strategies can affect the cost

structures effectively [9].

Fig. 1 From battery cells to a battery pack

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Recovery Retrieval freedom regarding innovative design for remanufacturing.

Re-Use Product This freedom allows functional updates to prolong the life
time by improving the utility additionally to conventional
Remanufacturing Components
reparation. Less power train components combined with an
Recycling Material improved wear and a high efficiency form the basis for a
prolonged life cycle of electric cars [12].
Burning Energy
Remanufacturing as an industrial process to transfer a used
Disposal None and worn component in a quasi-new condition or to an
improved functional condition increases the resource
Fig. 2 Adapted waste pyramid – Higher level equals a better recovery efficiency. But due to an optimized lifetime and material cost
efficiency [11] savings also the economic efficiency is higher [13]. The reuse
of components retrieved by remanufacturing could therefore
Material scarcity puts additional pressure on the market
lead to a competitive cost structure for EVs. This is
leading to drastic price increases for materials involved in the
additionally amplified by different laws for a circular
production of LIBs [9]. The battery of an EV can account for
economy life-cycle which force companies to implement
up to 40% of the entire vehicle's value-added share; material
appropriate methods for a waste reduction to their product
cost is the leading expense in EV battery production [10]. This
design. These laws tend to get stricter by time and intensify
accounts for the depletion of resources having major economic
the urge to implement sustainable solutions in the product
repercussions on the industry. In order to offset the increasing
development process [14]. In comparison with refurbishing or
costs incurred by materials prices, post-first life applications
retrofit, where single components are exchanged, updated or
can lead to leaner technology production by maintaining the
repaired, remanufacturing focuses on the complete product
raw material in circulation. By remanufacturing and recycling
[15].
the material efficiency can be increased.
Various existing researches define product requirements to
B. Remanufacturing allow a remanufacturing. SUNDIN for example defines a
Remanufacturing can be seen as the second best level of the serial production environment, replaceable components or the
adapted waste pyramid if you just consider the Re-X strategies absence of disruptive technology changes as an enabler for a
besides prevention and minimization of waste. In comparison sustainable remanufacturing [16]. An EV fulfills all of those
with the reuse, in which a complete product is transferred to a product requirements for a remanufacturing, but also the
similar application or used in a different function and with the market, process and design requirements must be taken into
recycling, in which raw material is retrieved, remanufacturing consideration. The LIB is a fast-evolving technology and
focuses on the retrieval of individual components of an end- might face minor to medium disruptive innovations in the
of-live product. This classification is visualized in the adapted future [9]. For example, a different cell chemistry and design
waste pyramid and different Re-X strategies, Fig. 2 [11]. (Lithium sulfur or solid-state-batteries) or improved
However, especially innovative industries face a lot of performance could affect the remanufacturing suitability so
challenges on the way to the top of the waste pyramid. The that a remanufacturing seems not preferable for vehicle
electric mobility as a comparatively new market also faces a batteries [9]. But due to an elaborate design for
high cost pressure to produce the single components especially remanufacturing, which takes all requirements into
the battery more efficiently, to effectively increase the consideration, for example by modular interfaces and
attractiveness of EVs [12]. Fast innovation cycles and the replaceable components, the barrier of a disruptive character
disruptive character of electric cars offer a high degree of of the technology can be overcome [9].

International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 10(12) 2016 1930 ISNI:0000000091950263
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Vol:10, No:12, 2016

The analysis of the different cost types such as material, The short durability and the request for a modern up-to-date
labor but also capital costs for equipment and factory facilities car can be addressed by a continuous update of the car, not
prognosticates that a remanufacturing battery can be produced only by software but also by hardware components. For this,
for around 60% of the initial cost of a new battery [17]. An the design of the car must be able to integrate new or
example pilot process for remanufacturing of LIBs, known as remanufacturing components both in terms of product and
cut-and-paste, has already been developed by Sybesma’s process. The other variant is the remanufacturing of a
Electronics and focuses on comprehensive battery testing, complete EV for a dissimilar application. For example, an
disassembly of post-vehicle-application batteries as well as the electric car produced for private use is remanufactured for a
reassembly of remanufacturing batteries [5]. A similar logistic use with exactly defined requirements which can be
remanufacturing process has been developed earlier just for easily met by the remanufactured car. Therefore, for example
consumer battery cells [18]. the seats could be exchanged with transport racks and the
battery capacity adapted to the needed operating range. Also
III. BUSINESS SITUATION FOR REMANUFACTURING IN for this model an elaborate design with modular interfaces and
ELECTRIC MOBILITY interchangeable components is needed. Especially the battery
For remanufacturing, various business models are pack as the most valuable component of the power train is in
focus of remanufacturing initiatives. Additional cost savings
Open Science Index, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Vol:10, No:12, 2016 waset.org/Publication/10006102

conceivable. Some of them are already in practice and some

seem promising for the emerging electric mobility market. and a prolongation of life time is enabled by modular and
Based on an overview of existing and conceivable applications intermountably designed battery packs, which allow a
the business situation for a remanufacturing of LIBs is framed. replacement of defective or outdated battery cells [9].

A. Remanufacturing in other industries C. Potential Remanufacturing Applications for LIB

In many industries, remanufacturing is already in use for For the LIB pack, as the most valuable and properties-
single components especially in invest intensive areas such as defining component of the EV, different use cases offer a rich
industry machines, aerospace or plant construction [19]. In the potential for remanufacturing principles. First of all, the
automotive industry remanufacturing merely serves to residual value (up to 70-75%) of used automobile batteries is
improve the efficiency of the spare parts supply by automotive still significantly high after the capacity dropped to just 80%
suppliers. For example, combustion engines, starters and and makes a reasonable usage in car unprofitable [23], [24].
alternators as well as clutches are predestined for Especially the cells but also the periphery modules such a
remanufacturing [20]. All these components are obsolete in an housing, cooling or management system still are valuable
EV. enough for a remanufacturing process. Second-life concepts
like a reuse as a stationary energy storage take this potential
B. Potential Remanufacturing Applications for EV already in consideration. But due to very different
Up to now, in the automotive industry, only a refurbishing requirements and conditions dissimilar application might not
on component level is realized, which means that the car stays be the optimum solution [4]. Typically, the after-sales-market
the same while changing or repairing wear parts. A offers a high potential for remanufacturing solutions [20].
remanufacturing on vehicle level is not implemented yet. One Considering the fast developing technology of LIBs, the
of the reasons is, amongst others, that the vehicle design industry faces new challenges for the after series supply of
concepts are not developed for and do not allow a disassembly suitable battery packs. Especially for possible young timer
and exchange of cost-intensive components [16]. The cars with a long lifetime perspective (e.g. sport cars) a longer
remanufacturing of cost-intensive components is not wanted spare part supply is needed. Suitable remanufacturing
due to design, environmental or safety aspects [17]. An solutions can help to establish a working spare part and after
integrated approach for a remanufacturing suitable design of series supply of LIBs [12]. Furthermore, the durability of
the complete vehicle cannot be identified although it offers single cells in the battery pack varies strongly and affects the
various economic and ecological potentials [17]. EV designs capacity of the complete pack. Changeable cells or modules in
offer various levels of freedom for an integration of a remanufacturing design can help to improve the lifetime and
remanufacturing principles in the early product development reduce the range loss by time [9]. Taking the steadily
process [21]. With their smaller number of components and a improving battery technology in consideration updates for
significantly reduced wear of those in comparison to a battery packs with new technology cells or modules are
combustion engine powered car, remanufacturing conceivable as well. Like this the possible range could be
requirements are targeted more effectively. On the level of a enhanced by time. Also, a modular range update, if the
complete EV two different remanufacturing models are personal range requirements change, is a possible application
conceivable [12]. In comparison with a conventional vehicle, for remanufacturing design.
EVs can amortize the higher costs of acquisition due to their
D. Business Model Assessment
lower operating costs over life-cycle [12]. A longer usage of a
vehicle is an approach to further improve this advantage. To address the different potentials, the business situation
Especially fleet operators (e.g. in logistics) have a great needs to be analyzed and a framework forms the basis for
interest in prolonging the life-time [22]. future market developments. Therefore, in analogy to

International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 10(12) 2016 1931 ISNI:0000000091950263
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Vol:10, No:12, 2016

PORTER the customer, market, technology, competition and situation in the remanufacturing market currently is
supplier situation must be examined [25]. unincisive. Entry barriers and regulatory boundaries exceed
the achievable profits thus far.
Single Procedure
1 repetition 1. Determination of goals
IV. IMPACT AND POTENTIAL
and scope To specify the benefits of a remanufacturing for LIBs a
2. Determination of possibilities
for action
model for rating the ecological as well as the economical
2 3. Selection of ecological criteria potentials was developed and applied. The method consists of
3 4. Evaluation of criteria weights eleven steps and can be divided into two parts. The first part
by pairwise comparison with a
consistency check according
(Steps 1-4) for weighting the criteria and select the data must
4 to Analytical Hierarchy be executed only once. The second part focuses on the
Process (AHP) assessment of the environmental and economic criteria and
5. Identifying of
5 8 ecological influences must be performed for each assessment.
6. Calculation of ecological The environmental assessment method to evaluate the
6 9 utility per kWh ecological potential follows the requirements described in the
7. Determination of overall
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ecological rating standard DIN ISO 14044, where fundamental requirements

7 (Standardization and like environmental relation, iterative approach or functional
benefit analysis) unity are described [29]. The different criteria are weighted
10 8. Determination of costs
Ecological Economical 9. Calculation of economical against each other on the base of an Analytical Hierarchy
potential potential value in €/kWh Process (AHP) to allow an objective assessment [30]. The
10.Visualization economic potential is evaluated on the data base of various
11 11.Final determination of
overall potential research projects and industry numbers with the use of the net
present value method (NPV), an investment appraisal and a
Fig. 3 Method for the impact and potential evaluation cost comparison calculation [31].
To ensure the feasibility with existing data the following
The different customer segments for remanufacturing must assumptions were made based on various sources [4]-[7], [18],
be identified and their special requirements must be [23]:
discovered in detail. Possible segments can be divided for • Enough batteries in circulation
example by the position in the supply chain, by the type of • Divisibility of battery capacity
component, by the country, by the first or second life • All collection, transport and remanufacturing processes
application or the deployed technology [20]. For those takes place in Germany
segments, special distributive channels must be identified and • All batteries based on NMC cathodes
a possible price structure must be deduced. A positive market
development and a deduction for a rising demand of A. Ecological Potential of Remanufacturing LIB
remanufacturing batteries can be assumed by the projections For remanufacturing there is no ecological data of existing
for rising quantities of batteries used in EVs, the already high industrial processes available. The ecological benefits were
raw material prices and the limited available resource capacity calculated on a broad database from different research
especially for cobalt and lithium but also other rare, valuable projects, which focus on the recycling, the second use and the
metals [26]-[28]. To strengthen and deepen the market assembly of LIBs [3]-[5], [17], [18], [23], [24], [32]-[33].
understanding different market shares, the global division, the Parts of these processes are used in a remanufacturing process
market drivers and market boundaries must be identified. To as well and build the foundation of the process calculation. For
identify the driving technology forces and possible enterprises recycling the batteries run through a preparation and
for a market exploitation, it is mandatory to further analyze disassembly process. For the second use (e.g. in stationary
which technical and monetary capacities are necessary for the energy storages) the batteries must be reconditioned and
remanufacturing process of a LIB [17]. Furthermore, the tested. And the last process for remanufacturing – the (re-
identification of all potential deal breaking conditions reduces )assembly – resembles an initial assembly. As an assumption
the entrepreneurial risk. An important question to solve is; based on the Mineta National Transit Research Consortium
which sort of company has the biggest potential in a new (MNTRC) research 10% to 15% of the cells need to be
remanufacturing market. Is it inevitable to determine the replaced for remanufacturing [5]. The results of these
product design or own intangible assets like an Original calculations are displayed in Table I and show a significant
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or can start-ups generate improvement by remanufacturing in all relevant sustainability
benefits through their flexibility? For the supply situation, factors. Especially the resource consumption and the
different variants of sources exist. The used batteries can be greenhouse warming potential are improved by a
obtained directly from the vehicle user, the vehicle scrap yard remanufacturing process. To illustrate the criteria, the formula
or from the OEM. The uncertainties in quality, time and for the abiotic depletion potential for the consumption of
quantity of the returns are a great challenge for a successful resources of mineral type is presented in formula (1) [34].
remanufacturing business model [16]. The competitive ADP is the quotient of extraction rate of a resource and the

International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 10(12) 2016 1932 ISNI:0000000091950263
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Vol:10, No:12, 2016

square of the ultimate reserve of this resource. As for a would lead to a higher initial invest but cut be amortized by a
remanufacturing, only a small amount of new resources is higher quantity of batteries. For estimating an optimistic
needed and in this scenario the components, which are not scenario by an automatic disassembly line, the assumptions
able to be remanufactured, are forwarded to a recycling from Table II were used for a capital expenditure budgeting
process, the figure for the ecological impact in this category is calculation and the additional costs for a high automation
slightly low. disassembly line would be 19,44 €/kWh. Furthermore, the
assumption is made, that personnel costs can be reduced to 30
DR fossilEner gy €/kWh by optimization and economization due to the new
R 
2 assembly line. In total, it equals to a costs advantage of 13,06
ADP fossilEner gy  €/kWh. The total costs sum up to 119,74 €/kWh. Compared to
fossilEner gy
(1)
DR ref the assumed retail price in the scenario the total benefit of
R  ref
2 60,26 €/kWh can be achieved by remanufacturing. However,
for an economic success of remanufacturing for LIBs many
challenges must be addressed, to make an automatic
with
disassembly line profitable. High invest costs combined with
low numbers of batteries cause a long amortization period.
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Rfossil Energy ≙ “ultimate Reserve” for fossil energy in MJ The complexity and quickly changing designs of the battery
packs demand for a highly flexible technology. High voltage,
DRfossil Energy ≙ “De-accumulation” MJ/year explosion risks and electrolyte fumes are only a few hazards in
disassembling a battery pack.
Rref ≙ ultimate reserve of reference resource in kg TABLE II
ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR AN AUTOMATIC DISASSEMBLY LINE
DRref ≙ extraction rate of reference resource in kg/year Category Unit Quantity
Invest for automation € 6 million
TABLE I
Residual value at end of economic life € 3 million
ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF REMANUFACTURING LIBS
Economic life Years 30
Category Indicator Unit Quantity
Interest rate % 3
Consumption of resources KEA MJ/kWh -224,1
Variable costs €/piece 96
ADP Kg-Sb-eq/kWh -0,001
Fixed costs €/piece 150.000
Greenhouse effect GWP Kg-CO2-eq/kWh -15,58
Sales volume* Pieces 30.000
Eutrophication potential EP kg-PO4-eq/kWh -0,01
Costs €/kWh 19.44
Acidification potential SO2 Kg-So2-eq/kWh -0,09
*Car sales volume based on yearly production capacity of Renault ZOE
Photochemical oxidants POCP Kg-Eth.-eq/kWh -0,007
KEA = accumulated energy expenditures, ADP = abiotic depletion
potential with an antimony equivalent, GWP = Greenhouse warming
V. DESIGN FOR REMANUFACTURING IN LIB
potential, EP = eutrophication of ecosystems, SO2 = Acidification potential A. Design for Remanufacturing Principles
with sulfur as reference substance, POCP = Photochemical oxidants with an
ethene equivalent To address the various potentials of remanufacturing for
EVs and batteries, an elaborate holistic design of the
B. Economical Potential of Remanufacturing LIB
components, which considers modularity, interfaces and
The main economic potential for remanufacturing of LIB is disassembly, is required. The design principles are
the retrieval of battery cells and other valuable components exemplarily shown on a LIB pack. Synchronized components
such as housing, cables or electronics. To calculate the of the module, the cell bracing and wiring and housing is the
potential benefits, the costs for the disassembly and first key to a remanufacturing able design. Considering the
reassembly must be evaluated. A potential optimistic reselling workers’ safety (high voltage), the disassembly process is the
price of 180 €/kWh for a remanufacturing battery is assumed main focus for gathering the design requirements. The
based on similar calculations for second-life batteries in changeability of cells must be guaranteed without any danger.
stationary energy storages [3]-[5]. This price also marks the Detachable connectors and wiring of the cells therefore
upper limit for remanufacturing costs. The MNTRC already becomes essential. The housing takes the role of a modular
estimated the costs for a remanufacturing process of LIBs of a interface to insert the cells in a plug system. Ideally also the
Chevrolet Volt with a capacity of 16 kWh [5]. The total costs periphery (sensors, management, cooling) is pluggable and
for remanufacturing was estimated to 2.500 $ (~2250 €) which easy to connect. For this pluggable battery module, potential
equals to costs of 140 €/kWh which results in a benefit of 40 cost improvements were calculated. Here the additional
€/kWh [5]. benefit by the remanufacturing is not yet taken into
Taking a capacity loss to 80% (12.8 kWh) and an exchange consideration and would resolve in an even higher cost
of 10% defect cells (~720 €) into consideration the adjusted potential. Both changes could resolve to a cost reduction of
costs equal around 132,8 €/kWh [35]. Another cost driver are 6% of the initial production costs each [36]. The plug-in
the personal costs (62,5 €/kWh) which are significantly high system and its research needs are visualized in Fig. 4.
and can be reduced by an increased automation [5]. This

International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 10(12) 2016 1933 ISNI:0000000091950263
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Vol:10, No:12, 2016

VI. CONCLUSION
A remanufacturing of LIBs used in electric cars offers
potential for cost savings up to 60 €/kWh in an ideal scenario.
In a functioning circular economy remanufacturing the
batteries can improve the environmental impact in all relevant
sustainability indicators, especially for the consumption of
resources and the reduction of the greenhouse warming
potential. In combination with second use and recycling
activities remanufacturing improves the sustainability and
reduces the production costs significantly. By elaborate
design, which offers standardized interfaces and modularity,
the barriers for remanufacturing a disruptive technology, such
as LIBs, can be addressed and together with business models
and carefully designed processes finally overcome. Due to an
optimized design for remanufacturing further cost savings can
Open Science Index, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Vol:10, No:12, 2016 waset.org/Publication/10006102

be achieved additionally to the cost potential by the

remanufacturing. The transfer and adaption of
remanufacturing business models used in other industries and
an optimized design for remanufacturing face various
Fig. 4 Schematic presentation of a plug-in system [36] challenges. To address the challenges of uncertainties further
B. Challenges to Be Addressed research is necessary. Special prediction models need to be
developed with focus on quality, quantity and time of batteries
To implement these design principles new design concepts available for a possible remanufacturing. Furthermore, a
and according business models need to be created, which method needs to be researched and implemented which
acknowledge the high uncertainties and market scenarios. The enhances the product development process with
vision of a working circular economy for LIBs with different remanufacturing design guidelines considering uncertainties
second use application intensifies the pressure for industry and business models. A method to define a global optimum for
wide arrangements for interface norms and modular standards. costs, quality and time which includes remanufacturing needs
To address the challenges of uncertainties, special prediction to be designed, to overcome the technical and economic
models need to be developed which focus on quality, quantity barriers and to create a fitting remanufacturing target corridor
and time of batteries available for a possible remanufacturing in the field of tension in the development process. Once this is
[12]. Furthermore, a method needs to be researched, accomplished a hardware demonstrator in a realistic test
implemented and validated which enhances the product environment must be used to validate the findings.
development process with remanufacturing design guidelines
considering uncertainties and business models [9]. As the ACKNOWLEDGMENT
disassembly is not the invers sequence of the manufacturing, a
design for disassembly is essential. Moreover, the The results presented in this paper were achieved by the
requirements for the following process steps for Chair of Production Engineering for E-Mobility Components
remanufacturing must be also considered in the design phase. (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University and funded by the
The linkage of remanufacturing technologies builds the base federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European
for an itemization of design principles for each component. Regional Development Fund (Europäischer Fonds für
For example, many of the joining technologies used in battery regionale Entwicklung - EFRE) of the European Union within
production such as gluing or welding are challenging for a the research project BatteReMan (Steigerung der
remanufacturing of LIBs of electric cars. For an early Ressourceneffizienz im Lebenszyklus der Lithium-Ionen-
implementation of remanufacturing requirements in the Batterie durch Remanufacturing).
development process it is necessary to find a global optimum
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International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 10(12) 2016 1934 ISNI:0000000091950263
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Vol:10, No:12, 2016

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