Carbon fiber-reinforced composites: Applications in alternative energy & transportation systems
- Zoltek Corp., St. Louis, MO (United States)
Historically, carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRCs) were limited to aerospace applications, primarily due to the high cost of the staple carbon fiber strands and labor-intensive composite manufacturing. By the early 1990s, new cost-effective fabrication methods reduced the price of carbon fiber tenfold from the initial level of over $100.00/lb. to around $12.00/lb. As a result, entirely new markets for CFRCs emerged to take advantage of the unbeatable strength/weight properties, primarily in the sporting goods industry. Today`s market is much more varied, with applications appearing in infrastructure, industrial and mechanical components, and alternative energy and transportation systems. In fact, carbon fiber-reinforced composites are enabling the technologies for the myriad of new alternative energy and transportation systems in development. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) tanks are filament wound from carbon fiber, which provides the lightweight/high strength construction necessary for efficient energy storage. Similarly, carbon fiber flywheels allow higher rotor speeds for greater energy storage capability. Lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced windmill blades, are in development with longer chord lengths for greater energy capture. In summary, CFRCs are being evaluated for structural components in practically all alternative fuel and transportation sectors, including automotive, due to the increased energy efficiency allowed by the overall weight reduction. As new programs to further develop these high volume applications emerge, the carbon fiber industry will be challenged to reduce the cost of carbon fiber and composite manufacturing methods to ensure continued market expansion.
- OSTI ID:
- 412096
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960310-; TRN: 96:005072-0061
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 41. international symposium of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering and exhibition: materials and processes challenges - aging systems, affordability, alternative applications, Anaheim, CA (United States), 25-28 Mar 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Society for the advancement of material and process engineering. 41st International SAMPE symposium and exhibition, Volume 41, Books 1 and 2; PB: 1844 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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