Scientists have created a massless structural battery that is 10 times more efficient than previous ones and can reduce the weight of cars, planes and even satellites, while storing energy in a revolutionary way.
A world where your home, car or even plane not only runs, but is powered by a battery. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, scientists have taken a big step in that direction by developing a massless structural battery that is 10 times more efficient than previous models.
What are structural batteries?
Structural batteries are a true two-in-one: in addition to storing energy, they function as an integral part of a structure. Think of them as a weight-bearing device that also keeps devices powered. Instead of carrying the extra weight of conventional batteries, you incorporate your functionality directly in the object structure.
This concept has the potential to completely change the way we design vehicles, homes and even electronic devices. The idea is to make intelligent use of space, reducing weight and increasing efficiency.
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How do massless structural batteries work?
The latest innovation comes from Chalmers University of Technology and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. The scientists created these batteries with a simple yet revolutionary design:
- A positive and a negative electrode are separated by a buffer glass “fabric”.
- A special polymer electrolyte is used to conduct the energy.
- The material is cured in an oven, forming a flat, strong structure.
The result is a multifunctional battery that supports weight, conducts energy and withstands mechanical stress. With an energy density of 24 Wh/kg and a stiffness of 25 GPa, it is already competitive with traditional building materials.
Advantages of structural batteries for electric cars
Electric cars are, perhaps, the biggest beneficiaries of this technology. Today, vehicles need to be designed to carry heavy batteries that do not contribute to the structure of the car. With structural batteries, this changes completely.
In addition to reducing the vehicle's overall weight, these batteries reduce energy consumption, increasing efficiency and range. This means that less energy will be needed to run, and the car's design can be much lighter and more aerodynamic.
Impacts on other industries: airplanes, bicycles and satellites
But it doesn't stop there. Structural batteries promise to revolutionize other industries:
Electric planes: Currently, the weight of batteries is a major obstacle. With this innovation, electric planes become more viable, allowing for lighter and more efficient designs.
Electric bikes: Imagine a bike where the frame itself is the battery. Less weight, more style and greater efficiency.
Satellites: In space, every gram counts. Incorporating batteries into the structure of satellites can reduce costs and improve performance.
These batteries can also be combined with solar panels, storing energy directly in the equipment structure for later use.
Its role in energy storage
Scientists are already working on improvements to increase the energy density and stiffness of batteries. The goal is to achieve 75 Wh/kg and 75 GPa of stiffness, using materials such as carbon fiber to make the design even lighter and more efficient.
In the future, applications may go beyond imagination. From laptops to buildings, technology could redefine how we store and use energy. Will we one day see fully electric cars and planes that are their own power sources?
The massless structural battery is more than just a breakthrough—it’s a milestone that could change the course of technology and sustainability. Promising to reduce weight, save energy, and revolutionize design, these batteries show that the future is closer than we imagine. The question remains: what else can we build when energy and structure become one?
The question remains:
And what happens when you need to replace a battery that has reached the number of recharges? This has already been thought of, right?
In the near future batteries will be built into almost everything from TVs to large ships and will become independent in most useful equipment.
Great difficulty, since the battery is integrated into the car's structure. Even so, there are already vehicles using:
1. BMW i3 (used structural battery, but no longer produced).
2. Tesla Model S (uses battery integrated into the structure).
3. Volkswagen ID.4 (uses structural battery).
4. Audi e-tron (battery integrated into the frame).
Sources:
1. Automotive News
2. Green Car Reports
3. Car and Driver