Design and Modelling of Metals Recycling
Semester project or master thesis September 2024
Context
The canton of Valais is seeking material autonomy by applying circular economy measures. The metal fluxes are expected to vary over time due to the energy transition, electricity network, EVs, and battery storage. This project aims to quantify the needs of the different metals (e.g. Lithium, Copper, Nickel, Cobalt, and rare earth elements) needed for the energy transition. Therefore, the objective of this master’s thesis is to assess the quantity of metals available in the canton and quantify the potential for recycling and revalorizing the waste within the canton and Switzerland.
Objective
The objective of the master’s thesis is to study the waste metal fluxes in Valais and evaluate the potential for recycling and valorization. The study will have three parts:
- Quantify the metal fluxes (steel, copper, lithium, nickel, etc.) and assess their potential evolution over time by linking it to the energy transition.
- Identify the recycling processes through a literature review and evaluate their costs.
- Model the metal fluxes in Valais and the recycling facilities using OSMOSE.
- Integrate life cycle assessment (LCA) metrics into the model and generate solutions according to the impacts.
Skills and Background
The master’s student should have a good understanding of the energy sector. Knowledge of modelling, such as machine learning, is a plus. Skills include coding proficiency, autonomy, and familiarity with LCA methodology.
Location
The IPESE laboratory is located in the Sion EPFL campus. Working in the Sion office or remotely. Travels between Lausanne and Sion are compensated by EPFL.
Contact
If interested, please send your CV, transcript of records, and a short motivation letter to Soline Corre, PhD student, soline.corre@epfl.ch.