About UNIVAQ
The Università degli Studi dell’Aquila (UNIVAQ) is a prominent Italian public research university with a strong focus on engineering, materials science, and environmental sustainability. UNIVAQ specialises in developing innovative circular economy solutions, sustainable material recovery processes, and advanced recycling methodologies designed to lower the environmental footprint of next-generation industrial technologies.
Role in the Project
Within the project, UNIVAQ drives the circularity and end-of-life strategies for Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cell (SOEC) systems. Focusing on resource recovery and eco-friendly design, UNIVAQ’s key responsibilities include:
- Waste Management & Material Recovery Strategy: Developing advanced hydrometallurgical and thermochemical recycling methods to recover Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), manufacturing scrap, and dismantled stack components.
- Design-for-Recycling (DfR): Establishing architectural guidelines for SOECs-such as modular structures, clear component labeling, and reversible joining methods (adhesives or fasteners)-to enable quick manual and automated disassembly.
- Process Simulation & Circularity Modeling: Modeling and evaluating recycling efficiency, economic costs, and environmental impacts using advanced simulation tools (HSC Chemistry and SuperPro Designer) to deliver practical guidelines for sustainable SOEC end-of-life management.