02-16-2010, 07:29 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Pokémoderator
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Article: Future cars could be powered by their bodywork
Hello -
Technology in it's infancy, but maybe it will pan out someday :
With new battery tech, future cars could be powered by their bodywork - SmartPlanet - Feb 11, 2010
Quote:
Researchers from Imperial College London and European partners that include Volvo are developing a prototype material that’s strong and light enough to be used as a car’s skin but can store and discharge electrical energy.
The plan of the €3.4 million (approx. $4.65 million U.S.) project is to bolster the charging capacity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to make them lighter and more energy efficient, allowing drivers to travel longer distances before needing to recharge.
The composite material is made of carbon fibers and a polymer resin and can store and discharge large amounts of energy much more quickly than conventional batteries.
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CarloSW2
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02-16-2010, 08:05 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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(:
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Man, I thought my car door handle gave me a shock sometimes now  |
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02-16-2010, 08:14 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I would be interested to see what happens to a fully charged panel that is hit by a standard metal fender. Or a pedestrian. Or another fully charged panel... I can't help but think that some of the energy in there will be discharged into the other party. Not pleasant to say the least.
-soD
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02-16-2010, 08:26 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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...beats walking...
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...the telephone addage "...reach out and touch someone" will now become: "...reach out and ZAP someone (pedestians and bicyclists?)"
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02-16-2010, 10:37 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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hell yeah I want one of these cars next time I have to visit Long Beach, between this and the South African anti-carjacking flamethrowers, throw in some flat-proof tires and we're in business!!
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02-16-2010, 11:39 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Left Lane Ecodriver
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Considering the price of batteries, I'll keep them inside the bodywork, thanks. I've seen designs that make structural use of battery housings, which is a more practical design, IMO.
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02-17-2010, 01:56 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Powerpaint
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02-17-2010, 03:16 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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Moderate your Moderation.
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