By info@ico28.com 
“We have created a battery made of carbon fibre composite that is as stiff as aluminium and energy-dense enough to be used commercially, claimed Chalmers researcher Richa Chaudhary.
First revealed with KTH Royal Institute of Technology in 2018, by 2021 the material was achieving 24Wh/kg, and now it has climbed to 30Wh/kg.
This is still well under ~200Wh/kg from conventional lithium ion batteries, but the university argues that its technology offsets its low energy density by reducing the weight of the rest of the vehicle.
The technology is lithium iron phosphate, with structural carbon fibre used in both the positive and negative electrodes – an earlier version had an aluminium foil positive electrode.
The electrolyte is semi-solid instead of liquid “which is challenging when it comes to getting high power, and for this more research is needed”, said the university.
Its elastic modulus is between 25 and 70GPa – hence the “as stiff as aluminium” claim, but it weighs less that aluminium, according to Chalmers.
“In terms of multi-functional properties, the new battery is twice as good as its predecessor – actually the best ever made” said project head Professor Leif Asp, who has been researching structural batteries since 2007. “We have made calculations on electric cars that show that they could drive for up to 70% longer than today if they had competitive structural batteries.”
A company has been spun-out to exploit the technology: Sinonus, based in Borås, Sweden.
“There is a lot of engineering work to be done before the battery cells step from lab manufacturing to being produced on a large scale,” said the university.
For more information, ‘Unveiling the multifunctional carbon fiber structural battery‘ is available in Advanced Materials, and can be read in full without payment.
Original article source:
FAQ
- What does it mean for a battery to be used as a physical structure?
It means that a battery can function not only as an energy source but also as a load-bearing component of a device or system. This dual-use design integrates the battery into the structural framework, reducing the need for separate housings or supports, thereby saving space and weight.
- How does a structural battery differ from a regular battery?
A structural battery is engineered to handle mechanical loads, in addition to storing and delivering energy. Traditional batteries are typically housed in protective casings and do not contribute to the mechanical strength of the structure they are in. Structural batteries, on the other hand, integrate the battery’s material into the device’s frame.
- What are the benefits of using batteries as part of the structure?
Weight Reduction: Eliminating the need for separate structural components can significantly reduce the weight of a system, which is particularly valuable in industries like aerospace, automotive, and robotics.
Space Efficiency: By integrating the battery into the structure, more compact and streamlined designs are possible.
Improved Energy Density: Systems can be designed with a greater energy-to-weight ratio since the battery serves dual purposes.
- What are the main challenges in developing structural batteries?
Material Durability: The battery materials must be robust enough to handle mechanical stresses without compromising their electrical performance.
Safety: Ensuring that the structural battery can withstand impacts or deformations without causing short circuits or leaks is critical.
Energy Efficiency: Balancing the mechanical strength and energy storage capacity is a complex challenge in the design of structural batteries.
- Which industries can benefit the most from structural batteries?
Aerospace: Aircraft and drones could become lighter and more energy-efficient, extending their flight range and payload capacity.
Automotive: Electric vehicles (EVs) could see increased range and reduced weight by incorporating batteries into the vehicle frame.
Consumer Electronics: Devices like smartphones and laptops could be thinner and lighter with batteries integrated into their casings.
Robotics: Robots could have improved energy efficiency and be designed with more compact and flexible bodies.
- What materials are used in structural batteries?
Structural batteries typically use advanced materials such as carbon fiber composites, which are both lightweight and strong. These materials can serve as both the mechanical structure and the conductive matrix for storing and transferring energy. The electrodes are often made from materials that can withstand mechanical stress while maintaining good electrochemical performance.
- What is the future potential of structural batteries?
As materials science and battery technology continue to advance, structural batteries have the potential to revolutionize various fields by enabling more energy-efficient, lightweight, and multifunctional designs. Future applications could include everything from lightweight electric vehicles and longer-flying drones to wearable technology and even space exploration devices.