Recycling for a circular economy

Project summary:

Plastic recycling is an important issue with the shortage of the landfill and environmental pollution as well as its economic impact. Residual adhesives should be removed for 100% HDPE recycling in massive plastic bottles recycling. It is necessary to design a process at laboratory and upscale the process from laboratory scale to industrial scale. To achieve this goal, an advanced mathematical model will be developed for describing the complex multiphase flow during the removal process and understanding the details of internal phenomena inside the reactor. A laboratory test rig will be set up for concept proof and model validation. Then, the mathematical model will be used to evaluate and test new designs and different operational scenarios extensively. Eventually, the optimal design and process parameters combination can be obtained. Mathematical modelling, supported by laboratory-scale experiments, offers a powerful and cost-effective tool for process design and optimisation, and more importantly for industrial upscaling, from laboratory-scale concept proof to industry-scale technology demonstration and implementation.

We welcome students to join us, using the advanced numerical modelling technology to protect the environment and make contributions to society. We provide various scholarships for both international and domestic students. You can obtain good opportunities to participate in the collaboration between university and industry. 

Project summary:

Photovoltaic (PV) is one of the renewable technologies and the amount of waste PV panel is estimated to reach 9.57 million tonnes in 2050. The recycling of waste PV panels remains as a challenge and also represents a business opportunity. This project aims to develop and design an innovative process of recycling end-of-life solar cell panels by means of numerical simulations for process design and lab experiments for process demonstration.The recycling sub processes will be designed and optimised in terms of EVA separation, hydrometallurgy, waste gas and water treatment, etc. From the engineering point of view, each process requires deep understanding so that the process optimisation can be achieved. Based on the proposed recycling technical scenario, the respective numerical model of each process will be developed to illustrate the physics and thermochemical phenomena behind it. A number of scientific articles and conference presentations will also be produced within the duration of the project. (figure below from Shin et al. 2017) We welcome students who are interested in PV and numerical modelling technology to join us, and we could provide various scholarships for international and domestic students. You can obtain good opportunities to participate in the collaboration between university and industry.