Optimal decisions of power battery production and repurposing rate under different repurposed battery markets and repurposing parties
研究了在垄断与双寡头市场、以及由原制造商或第三方负责梯次利用的四种场景下，如何确定新电池最优产量和退役电池最优梯次利用率，发现梯次利用不一定增加新电池产量，且并非所有可梯次利用的电池都应被梯次利用。
The repurposing of retired power batteries is the main feature that distinguishes batteries from general products in reusing. Most existing studies have not incorporated the repurposing rate as a decision-making variable, nor have they adequately examined the competitive dynamics of the repurposed battery market. To address this gap and enhance understanding of how repurposing influences new power battery production across different market conditions, we determine the optimal production levels for new batteries and the optimal repurposing rates of retired batteries under four distinct scenarios. These scenarios consider two key factors: the competitive structure of the repurposed battery market (monopoly versus duopoly) and the entities responsible for repurposing (either the original manufacturer or an external third party). Our results show that: (1) When the repurposing rate is unconstrained, the optimal production of new batteries is unaffected by the repurposing; conversely, repurposing can lead to an increase in new power battery production. (2) It is not always beneficial to repurpose all retired batteries deemed suitable for such processes. (3) When the manufacturer undertakes the repurposing of retired batteries, as opposed to a third party, the production of new power batteries increases, provided that the optimal repurposing rate is not constrained. (4) Contingent upon market conditions for decommissioned batteries, the third party or the manufacturer may establish an elevated repurposing rate. This study advances the understanding of the interactions between repurposing, recycling, and new power battery production, offering insights into optimal decision-making in various competitive and operational contexts.