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be considered for introducing them effectively. For example, we deliver not only new
products but also reused products to users; thus, we must consider items’ conditions
as well as users’ requirements. Furthermore, we must consider the transitions among
multiple circulation loops.
In designing complex systems like circular manufacturing, it is essential to have
an evaluation method. Accordingly, life cycle simulation (LCS) has been developed
(Kimura 1999; Umeda et al. 2000; Takata and Kimura 2003). LCS is a method to
simulate items’ circulations and evaluate their economic and environmental impacts
during their life cycles. So far, many LCS systems with various characteristics have
been developed. For example, Kawakami et al. proposed an LCS model for simulating
a system with multiple product life cycles considering their interactions (Kawakami
et al. 2017). Nassehi and Colledani proposed a multimethod simulation model that
combined a multi-agent model with a system dynamics model (Nassehi and Colledani
2018). Komoto et al. applied LCS to product-service system design (Komoto et al.
2005).
Most LCSs have been developed for the purpose of life cycle planning. They
simulate the items’ flow through various processes. However, there are few systems
which can be used for the management of the circular manufacturing system.
In order to use LCS for improving the circulation flow management, the LCS
system should be able to check when and where each item is processed and used by
which user and in which usage mode. In this study, we developed an LCS system that
satisfies such requirement. The developed LCS system can manage the characteristics
and behavior of an individual item and user, control the individual item’s flow through
the processes, and track the history of all items.
We applied the developed LCS system to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric
vehicles (EVs) and demonstrated its effectiveness in improving the circulation flow
management methods.
The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. In Sect. 19.2, we explain the
problems in management of circular manufacturing. In Sect. 19.3, we evaluate multitiered circulation. In Sect. 19.4, we describe the required functions and features of the
developed LCS system. In Sect. 19.5, we present an application of the LCS to LIBs
in EVs by describing the procedure of improving the circulation flow management
scenarios. We conclude the study in Sect. 19.6.
19.2 Problems in Design and Management of Circular
Manufacturing
19.2.1 Uncontrollable Supply in Terms of Quantity
and Quality
In linear manufacturing, the supply is controlled to synchronize it with the users’
demand in the market.
K. Asai et al.
be considered for introducing them effectively. For example, we deliver not only new
products but also reused products to users; thus, we must consider items’ conditions
as well as users’ requirements. Furthermore, we must consider the transitions among
multiple circulation loops.
In designing complex systems like circular manufacturing, it is essential to have
an evaluation method. Accordingly, life cycle simulation (LCS) has been developed
(Kimura 1999; Umeda et al. 2000; Takata and Kimura 2003). LCS is a method to
simulate items’ circulations and evaluate their economic and environmental impacts
during their life cycles. So far, many LCS systems with various characteristics have
been developed. For example, Kawakami et al. proposed an LCS model for simulating
a system with multiple product life cycles considering their interactions (Kawakami
et al. 2017). Nassehi and Colledani proposed a multimethod simulation model that
combined a multi-agent model with a system dynamics model (Nassehi and Colledani
2018). Komoto et al. applied LCS to product-service system design (Komoto et al.
2005).
Most LCSs have been developed for the purpose of life cycle planning. They
simulate the items’ flow through various processes. However, there are few systems
which can be used for the management of the circular manufacturing system.
In order to use LCS for improving the circulation flow management, the LCS
system should be able to check when and where each item is processed and used by
which user and in which usage mode. In this study, we developed an LCS system that
satisfies such requirement. The developed LCS system can manage the characteristics
and behavior of an individual item and user, control the individual item’s flow through
the processes, and track the history of all items.
We applied the developed LCS system to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric
vehicles (EVs) and demonstrated its effectiveness in improving the circulation flow
management methods.
The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. In Sect. 19.2, we explain the
problems in management of circular manufacturing. In Sect. 19.3, we evaluate multitiered circulation. In Sect. 19.4, we describe the required functions and features of the
developed LCS system. In Sect. 19.5, we present an application of the LCS to LIBs
in EVs by describing the procedure of improving the circulation flow management
scenarios. We conclude the study in Sect. 19.6.
19.2 Problems in Design and Management of Circular
Manufacturing
19.2.1 Uncontrollable Supply in Terms of Quantity
and Quality
In linear manufacturing, the supply is controlled to synchronize it with the users’
demand in the market.