Sinonus is a relatively new contributor to energy storage innovation. The spin-off from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology however, seems poised to make a noteworthy contribution. We are not promoting the business as such. Although we could not resist writing about its weightless batteries, and its faith in multi-purpose solutions.
Sinonus Weightless Batteries Use What Is Already There
Sinonus targets multi-purpose solutions, because our planet’s resources are limited. For example, if we have a phone we should ask ‘what else could we do with this’.
On the same basis the company believes ‘in developing innovative multi-purpose materials that enable energy and resource efficacy’.
Continuing on the smartphone theme for a moment, the company reminds us that these are now also mpc players and cameras.
Sinonus focuses its energy on transforming single purpose materials -such as structural materials and batteries – by applying its multipurpose carbon fiber composite solution.
A Practical Example of This Theory in Action
We currently create mechanical structures using single-purpose materials, such as steel and carbon fiber for example. We approach building batteries as single-purpose devices to store energy. But what if we thought laterally about weightless batteries instead?
Applying a ‘silo principle’ to energy storage could mean we box ourselves in, in terms of system volume, weight, and overall performance. Therefore the company prefers a multi-factorial approach, in which a battery material can do more than store energy.
The Sinonus Lightweight Battery In Action
The novel Sinonus battery product is a carbon-fiber-based composite material. It is able to deliver structural strength, while also functioning as a battery. In this way the product uses its mass to store the energy. And this in turn reduces weight and volume, while also improving system performance.
The key to this innovation involves using the carbon-fiber composite in two simultaneous ways. In other words, the material is the structure of the battery, while also acting as the electrodes. Adding a novel electrolyte completes the picture. A strong, material that also works as a lightweight battery.
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