Solid-State Structural Energy Storage for Air Vehicles

A new high-performance multi-functional structural/energy storage technology is sought for airframes. To overcome the limitations of technologies develop by other organizations, ACM proposes to demonstrate a new all-solid technology that utilizes carbon fibers and high-temperature polymers. The technology can be used to lower the overall system weight for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and missiles. It could replace or augment batteries for peak power demands and short duration applications. In Phase I, the electrodes will be formed from modified carbon fibers. The fibers will be processed into carbon fiber/resin composites with added power storage capability. Electrodes and structural components will be fabricated and tested in Phase I. Mechanical and electrical tests will be conducted and possible system-wide weight gains will be evaluated based on the experimental results.