Risks and Mitigation Actions in Automated Disassembly of Traction Batteries

Due to the transition of the automotive industry from combustion engines to alternatives, especially towards electric drives with large batteries, it will be inevitable to rethink the end of life of the components used. Especially the batteries, which are one of the main cost drivers, are only used up to approx. 80% SOC (State of charge) of its initial capacity. To handle the expected volumes of traction batteries it will be necessary to establish automated procedures. Due to the high risks of lithium-ion batteries, special precautions must be taken. Risks associated with machinery are addressed in Europe within the machinery directive. For the manufacturer of the machine it is therefore mandatory to identify potential risk of the machinery itself and in combination with the material handled within the machine. Within the paper, we will identify potential risk with a risk analysis according to EN 12100 for the automated disassembly of traction batteries from system to module level. Classical risks as well as risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries are addressed regarding the prevention as well as potential mitigation actions if the risk already occurred.