Battery Powered Grass Trimmer Life Cycle Assessment – Case Study

Abstract

Batteries as a power source are the basis for all major hand tool manufacturers as vide variety of portable products became battery powered for more convenient usage. Manufacturers disable unapproved battery applications in their products by designing batteries specific for these products. In practice, the life of power tool batteries depends on two parameters: natural aging and the type of use. In a case study of a Battery Powered Grass Trimmer which battery broke after four years, the repair procedure for the package is shown. However, shortly after the repair, the Battery Powered Grass Trimmer suffered a bearing deformation that rendered it unusable. Due to its age and the unavailability of replacing electric engine, the Trimmer was scrapped and a detailed Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) applying SimaPro methodology is provided. Since the product under study is no longer on the market, a properly functioning, refurbished battery with significantly increased capacity is used in a new battery-powered grass trimmer from another manufacturer. The paper's final consideration underscores the need for an international standard that regulates battery compatibility and reduces waste, especially electronic waste.

Keywords

• battery
• battery protection
• Life Cycle Analysis
• maintenance
• SimaPro
• trimmer