Structural Battery Power Panels

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Program:
RANGE
Award:
$769,144
Location:
University Park, Pennsylvania
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
11/01/2013 - 12/31/2015

Technology Description:

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is using a new fabrication process to build load-bearing lithium-ion batteries that could be used as structural components of electric vehicles. Conventional batteries remain independent of a vehicle’s structure and require heavy protective components that reduce the energy to weight ratio of a vehicle. PowerPanels combine the structural components with a functional battery for an overall reduction in weight. Penn State’s PowerPanels use a “jelly roll” design that winds battery components together in a configuration that is strong and stiff enough to be used as a structural component. The result of this would be a low-profile battery usable as a panel on the floor of a vehicle.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Penn State’s design would integrate the battery into a vehicle’s structural components such as floor panels, reducing vehicle weight and increasing driving range.

Security:

The mass adoption of EVs would diminish the demand for petroleum, dramatically reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Environment:

Greater use of EVs would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector.

Economy:

Technological advancements from the RANGE program could enable EVs to travel significantly further on a single charge at a much lower cost than that of current EVs and conventional vehicles.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Paul Albertus
Project Contact:
Dr. Chris Rahn
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
cdrahn@psu.edu

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Release Date:
02/15/2013