Ecodesign approach based on prospective life-cycle assessment, to support R&D decision making for new generations of batteries

International audienceThe highest levels of environmental performance are achieved when environmental criterion is introduced in the early stages of the design and development process of new technologies. Thus, the availability of environmental information throughout their lifecycle is fundamental for ecodesign and the LCA methodology can provide this information. However, during design decision making in a R&D context, LCA is mainly applied at a low level of technology maturity and for researchers this remains a difficult requirement to consider. This work aims at responding to the challenge of environmental performance criteria integration into technological developments of future generations of batteries and will be applied to three case studies: the advanced Li-ion, Lithium-Sulphur and all-solid-state battery technologies. The objective is to propose a methodology to support researchers through ecodesign decision-making by helping them to understand the environmental issues and to identify the levers for improving the environmental performance of new generations of batteries.The Design Research Methodology (DRM) framework proposed by Blessing and Chakrabarti (2009) was adopted. The DRM application leads on, among others, the definition of resources and needs in terms of environmental assessment as well as action levers and limits in ecodesign for this R&D context. This results in the identification of three moments of support where environmental evaluation is needed: project set-up, daily R&D tasks and final evaluation of the technology. To meet this needs, the proposal is based on a ecodesign toolbox built on adapted R&D prospective LCA principles which consists of four operational tools for the research teams: A Li-ion batteries environmental impacts database for the 3 new battery technologies and commercial reference technologies. A simplified and parameterized assessment tool where modelling can be performed depending on the researcher context and with a specific assessment of material criticality. An ecodesign suggestion bank which presents a collection of ecodesign tools. And a series of short videos for researcher awareness and training about the issues and challenges arising from the battery sector.The set of tools that support the new method are being developed and their usability will be validated during the last phase of the DRM. It is expected that this proposal will guide researchers in their decision making all along the design process