A car powered by its own body panels could soon be driving on our roads after a breakthrough in nanotechnology research by a QUT team.
Researchers have developed lightweight “supercapacitors” that can be combined with regular batteries to dramatically boost the power of an electric car.
The discovery was made by Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Jinzhang Liu, Professor Nunzio Motta and PhD researcher Marco Notarianni, from QUT’s Science and Engineering Faculty – Institute for Future Environments, and PhD researcher Francesca Mirri and Professor Matteo Pasquali, from Rice University in Houston, in the United States.
The supercapacitors – a “sandwich” of electrolyte between two all-carbon electrodes – were made into a thin and extremely strong film with a high power density.
The film could be embedded in a car’s body panels, roof, doors, bonnet and floor – storing enough energy to turbocharge an electric car’s battery in just a few minutes.
The findings, published in the Journal of Power Sources and the Nanotechnologyjournal, mean a car partly powered by its own body panels could be a reality within five years, Mr Notarianni said.
“Vehicles need an extra energy spurt for acceleration, and this is where supercapacitors come in. They hold a limited amount of charge, but they are able to deliver it very quickly, making them the perfect complement to mass-storage batteries,” he said.
“Supercapacitors offer a high power output in a short time, meaning a faster acceleration rate of the car and a charging time of just a few minutes, compared to several hours for a standard electric car battery.”
Dr Liu said currently the “energy density” of a supercapacitor is lower than a standard lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery, but its “high power density”, or ability to release power in a short time, is “far beyond” a conventional battery.
“Supercapacitors are presently combined with standard Li-Ion batteries to power electric cars, with a substantial weight reduction and increase in performance,” he said.
“In the future, it is hoped the supercapacitor will be developed to store more energy than a Li-Ion battery while retaining the ability to release its energy up to 10 times faster – meaning the car could be entirely powered by the supercapacitors in its body panels.
“After one full charge this car should be able to run up to 500km – similar to a petrol-powered car and more than double the current limit of an electric car.”
The Latest on: Panel-powered car
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Panel-powered car” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Panel-powered car
- I tested the world's smallest power station, and it's a solar-charging beaston March 28, 2024 at 11:29 am
Normally, I'm looking for the biggest power stations with the greatest capacity, but the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus made me appreciate the smaller things.
- The 10 Coolest Cars From The 2024 New York Auto Showon March 28, 2024 at 10:58 am
It may not be as elaborate as it once was, but the 2024 New York Auto Show has plenty of cool cars on display for consumers and enthusiasts alike.
- Portable Power Station Deals March 2024: Save Up to 42% Off Brands Like Jackery, Anker, and Moreon March 28, 2024 at 7:31 am
The portable power station has a handle for easy mobility, but also comes with a padded bag to protect it from the elements. It can be recharged using a wall outlet, car, generator, or solar panels.
- You Can Save Up to 42% Off Portable Power Stations From Brands Like Jackery, Anker, and Moreon March 28, 2024 at 7:31 am
Save up to 42% off portable power stations that can be used for camping or in an emergency. Read on for the best portable power station deals in March 2024.
- Massive Power Demand Boosting Solar in US, Nextracker CEO Sayson March 28, 2024 at 7:00 am
Insatiable demand for electricity in the US will overpower headwinds facing the solar industry, leading to an unprecedented buildout of panels, according to Nextracker Inc. Chief Executive Officer Dan ...
- These Yeti Solar Panels, Power Banks, and Whole Home Battery Backups Are 20% Offon March 25, 2024 at 9:00 am
Whether you have a small unit that will keep your phone and laptop charged through an emergency or want to look at whole home backup solutions, this sale on Yeti products through the 31st is worth ...
- How Many Solar Panels Are Needed To Charge A Tesla?on March 25, 2024 at 12:15 am
There are quite a few caveats, especially if you need solar power for other appliances, but the bare minimum solar panels needed is still quite a few.
- Germany’s Solar Panel Industry, Once a Leader, Is Getting Squeezedon March 24, 2024 at 9:00 pm
Domestic manufacturers are caught between China’s low prices and U.S. protectionist policies, even as demand increases.
- 5 Of The Coolest Electric Cars With Solar Panel Roofson March 17, 2024 at 4:15 pm
The limits of solar charging for cars are the same as for home power: Solar panels are not made of easily recycled materials, and the ability to generate power is affected by cloud and tree cover as ...
- Bans on Electric Cars and Solar Panels? It’s Not So Implausibleon March 17, 2024 at 2:00 pm
To confront the global challenge of a warming planet, the world needs to work in unison. Trade wars will only slow the path to net zero.
via Bing News