Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a strong and lightweight battery made from carbon fibre that could revolutionize the field of electric aviation. The material is sturdy enough to serve as a load-bearing structure, leading to the creation of what is being called the “world’s strongest battery.” This structural battery can be integrated into the design of vehicles to reduce weight and increase range.
The properties of the structural battery make it versatile, with potential applications in mobile phones, laptops, electric cars, and even electric planes. This technology could address the challenges of energy density and space constraints in electric aviation, providing a solution to power sources that are more than 40 times heavier than jet fuel. Additionally, the team at Chalmers University claims that structural batteries could potentially extend the range of electric cars by up to 70%.
The researchers have been working on advancing structural battery technology for several years, with their latest breakthrough reaching an energy density of 30 watt-hours per kilogram. While this may not match the capacity of traditional lithium-ion batteries, the multifunctional properties of the new structural battery make it twice as efficient as its predecessor and the best in the world.
The potential of structural batteries has attracted interest from various industries, including automotive and aerospace, and could lead to significant advancements in energy-efficient transportation. With further development and investment, this technology could play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the transport industry.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com