Digital Twin-Driven Circular Product Design: A Framework for Lifecycle Optimisation of Electric Vehicle Batteries

About the Project

Project Details

Electric Vehicle Batteries are critical to achieving the decarbonisation agenda, however, the manufacturing phase of Electric Vehicle battery (EVBs) carries a significant environmental burden. Current end-of-life (EoL) treatment of EVBs is unsustainable, causing resource scarcity and environmental harm. The recycling of EVBs at the EoL is challenging due to its various components. Although EVBs are now being repurposed for storage use in homes and factories, the strategies to continuously keep them in the circular loop are not well explored, thus, most of them still end up in the landfill after their EoL. Furthermore, the current design of EVBs restricts their disassembling at their EoL, thus, contributing to the existing burden of recycling.

This PhD research explores the use of Digital Twin (DT) to capture Circular Indicators (CIs) at the EoL of EVBs and provide Circular Design strategies for both manufacturers and users. Recent research in the application of DT architecture to inform circular design of EVBs are mostly centred around EVB management and storage [1]. Furthermore, research in the application of CIs for redesign of EVBs is at infancy [2] and has not addressed the integration of DT to capture the suitable CIs for the circular redesign of EVBs. This PhD will push the boundaries and provide the foundation for further work in EVB redesign.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1.
• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1, and a Masters degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher.

Qualifications from other countries which are considered by Aston University to be equivalent to that described above will be eligible to apply.

Desirable / Essential Skills or Experience

• Good Coding Skill and willing to evolve them along the journey.
• Basics on IP networking

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected.Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic refereeswho can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Contact Information

For formal enquiries about this project, please contact: m.obi1@aston.ac.uk or y.jia1@aston.ac.uk

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

Funding Notes

This project includes a bursary to cover home or international tuition fees.

Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any costs relating to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus. International students must meet the financial requirements for the visa, flights, and NHS Surcharge. Applicants should be confident that they can meet these costs before applying.

Further information can be found here: Financial Requirements | Aston University