Systems and Dynamics Models - Lithium Supply Analysis Model (LISA)

Model description

1. Purpose of the model: This model was developed to assess the viability of U.S. lithium supply from geothermal brine and the potential supply chain impact of extracting lithium from this source. This model links global lithium demand and supply considering different electric vehicle (EV) demand scenarios.

We seek to answer the following questions:

What is the economic potential of lithium extraction from U.S. geothermal sources?
Is geothermal lithium extraction technology a viable investment in the U.S.?
What is the potential supply chain impact of lithium supply from U.S. geothermal sources?

2. Methodology: Detailed description of the model can be found in our published article.

This model was built using the system dynamics modeling method.

Prerequisites
The application is built using Venapps, special user interfaces that simplify user interaction with Vensim models. Users must have a current Vensim license to open and run it.

The files present are all important and required for the model to run. More information on the file types can be found here.
Here are the steps to run the model:

Open the mdl. file.
Click on VCD button (second to last option on the left of the bar). A window will open.
Double-click on the vcd. file.
Click the "Run Venapp" at the bottom of the page. The application will run.

3. Prerequisites: Users are required to download Vensim to run the model.

4. License type: This model has been licensed under GPL 2.0. To learn more about the terms and conditions for use, reproduction and distribution, please read the LICENSE.txt file available in the Model files section.

5. Funding source: This work is supported by the Critical Materials Institute, an Energy Innovation Hub funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Advanced Manufacturing Office under Grant AL-12-350-001.

Notice: This computer software was prepared by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, hereinafter the Contractor, under Contract No. AC07-05ID14517 with the United States (U. S.) Department of Energy (DOE). The Government is granted for itself and others acting on its behalf a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable worldwide license in this data to reproduce, prepare derivative works, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government. There is a provision for the possible extension of the term of this license. Subsequent to that period or any extension granted, the Government is granted for itself and others acting on its behalf a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable worldwide license in this data to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform publicly and display publicly, and to permit others to do so. The specific term of the license can be identified by inquiry made to Contractor or DOE. Neither the United States nor the United States Department of Energy, nor contractor makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any liability or responsibility for the use, accuracy, completeness, or usefulness or any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.

Author contact information:

Ange-Lionel Toba

Email: DanhoAngeLionel.Toba@inl.gov

Idaho National Laboratory

1955 Fremont Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Ruby Nguyen

Email: ruby.nguyen@inl.gov

Idaho National Laboratory

1955 Fremont Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Model files:

https://inlbox.box.com/s/c6tz0uzj9fh8rsvt09helcq379qucn79

Link to GitHub