Research on Experimental Structural Batteries and development of the electrical data acquisition system

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in interest surrounding sustainability and sustainable technologies due to the need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change and its damaging effects. Simultaneously, mainly because of population growth, lifestyle changes and economic development, global energy demand rises, requiring higher generation and more efficient transmission. Energy storage technologies are regarded as crucial elements to overcome both problems although they are facing multiple challenges such as space occupation and materials dependency. The project CONVERD (Development of a multifunctional reinforcement system for selfpowered concrete structures) carried out by AMADE Research Group, presents the evaluation of a solution for the mentioned challenges in form of experimental structural battery with a sodium-based and solid-state electrolyte. This project follows an investigation line started by INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, from University of Porto. In the publication of the article “An All- Solid-State Coaxial Structural Battery Using Sodium-Based Electrolyte”, the development of a solid-state electrolyte based on sodium ions is presented (without disclosing the chemical formula), which allowed them to design a battery prototype with specific characteristics that could fit as part of building reinforced structures. AMADE research group, with its extensive knowledge in composite materials, concrete and reinforced structures wants to study the functioning of these batteries as concrete structure reinforcements subjected to mechanical stress. Therefore, through this Final Bachelor’s Project of the Double Degree and in collaboration with eXIT Research Group (specialized in the optimization of energy systems and data analysis), significant contributions were made to the CONVERD project by developing the necessary hardware and software tools for the electrical study, performing the required tests and providing the needed electrical knowledge. The first objective of the project is the design and implementation of a data acquisition system, integrating hardware and software tools, capable of performing and analysing the conducted tests on the structural batteries manufactured at the University of Porto. This application should enable the electrical data acquisition, treatment and graphical representation automatically. Secondly, new properties and characteristics of Na-ion solid-state batteries and the affectations of mechanical stress on them are pretended to be discovered in order to contribute to energy storage technology advancements.

9

12

13