Bachelor and Master Theses

The growing adoption of electric buses (e-buses) is a critical step toward decarbonizing public transportation. However, e-bus batteries, which often reach the end of their first-life cycle while retaining significant energy storage capacity, present both a challenge and an opportunity. Repurposing these batteries for second-life applications, such as stationary energy storage, can enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and lower the environmental footprint of battery production. Exploring and optimizing second-life solutions for bus batteries offers a pathway to sustainable energy systems and circular economy practices in public transportation.

Research Aim
This research aims to investigate the potential of second-life energy storage solutions for bus batteries. The study seeks to develop a framework for repurposing retired e-bus batteries in stationary applications, focusing on technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.

Research Question
How can second-life energy storage solutions for bus batteries be designed and implemented to maximize resource utilization, economic benefits, and sustainability?

Objectives

1. Evaluate the remaining capacity and performance characteristics of e-bus batteries after their first life.
2. Identify potential stationary energy storage applications (e.g., grid support, renewable energy integration, community microgrids) suited to second-life bus batteries.
3. Develop a framework for second-life battery deployment, addressing technical, economic, and regulatory considerations.
4. Assess the environmental and economic impacts of second-life applications compared to alternative battery management strategies, such as recycling or disposal.

This study will contribute to advancing circular economy practices in the transportation and energy sectors, offering actionable insights for policymakers, transit authorities, and energy providers to harness the untapped potential of second-life bus batteries.

Research setting and research group 

The research work will be performed in the framework of SmartCharg (Smart and Circular Battery Charging Solutions). You can search the project on MDU webpage for more information. This thesis work will be part of the research group DigiCircle (Digital and Circular Industrial Services). The group is currently leading research projects on battery circularity, digital and circular business models, digital servitization, and circular ecosystems with more than 10 industrial companies, public funded companies, municipalities, and industrial clusters. Your thesis work will be used as a knowledge development as part of the group and will be used in the relevant courses, projects or publications upon completion. 

Education in one of these areas (Industrial engineering and management, product development, innovation management, business management, product and process development, energy engineering and management) and familiar with circular economy, business models, and circular ecosystems.