In order to develop a composite body panel that can store and release energy like a battery, led by the British Imperial College and Volvo Car Company (Göteborg, Sweden), the EU-funded STORAGE project (2010~2013), showing the use of supercapacitor laminates A structural supercapacitor roof and trunk lid that reduces weight by 60% compared to existing components.
The rechargeable panel includes multiple layers of carbon fiber/epoxy resin insulated by fiberglass inserts.
These parts are made of MTM47 non-autoclave curing prepreg from Solvay Specialty Polymers (Woodland Park, NJ).
In order to achieve effective energy conversion, various material methods have been studied, including carbon aerogel strengthening of carbon fibers and multifunctional substrates (for example, 50% by weight epoxy resin and ionic lithium salt solution).
Volvo claims that this panel can power the 12V electrical system of its S80 hybrid demonstration vehicle.
The project's member Swerea SICOMP (Piteå, Sweden) led the patent application for carbon fiber batteries.
At the same time, the number of models equipped with photovoltaic solar panels on the roof is also increasing.
'For years, the military has been developing panels and embedded solar panels. ' Gary Goodnsdale, general manager of Trans Tech International (Loudon, Tennessee), said, 'Mixed composites once again offer many opportunities, such as adding carbon. Nanotubes and other carbon nanomaterials. Embedding flexible circuits in body panels is also an attractive development because you can eliminate harnesses and simplify supply chains and assembly.