Duration: 18 months
This project focuses on developing a CubeSat chassis with in-built structural batteries, achieving an estimated mass reduction of 10% - 15%, improved energy density (targeting above 80 Wh/Kg), retention at least 80% capacity after 100 cycles, ionic conductivity between 10^-5 to 10^-4 S.cm-1 at RT, and equivalent or up to 20% increase in structural resistance (when compared to an aluminum solution). Structural batteries offer significant flexibility in design, allowing energy storage to be seamlessly integrated into the satellite structure, eliminating the need for separate battery packs. This innovation significantly reduces total weight and volume compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, which currently account for 66% of satellite applications, when compared to other chemistries. These improvements allow also to create more free space for payloads as well as reduction fuel requirements, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved mission efficiency. Considering the integration of solid-state electrolytes into the proposed solution, they have the potential to enable fast charging and provide resilience against microgravity-induced failures, making them ideal for space applications.
The synergy between lightweight composite materials with high-performance energy storage solutions is triggering a revolution beyond small electronics, impacting the aerospace and aeronautical industry, which can be translated into an enhanced reliability of CubeSats due to the reduced risk of mission failure, prioritizing the scaling up processes.
These advancements are supported by both numerical simulations and experimental data, paving the way for more efficient designs in space exploration. Moreover, this project aligns with the Agenda 2050 by advancing sustainable energy solutions through lightweight, efficient, and integrated structural batteries, reducing resource use and fuel consumption, while enhancing reliability and scalability in aerospace applications.
