This study proposes and evaluates a multi-functional carbon fiber reinforced composite
with embedded Lithium-ion battery for its structural integrity concept. The comparison
of versatile composite structures manufactured conventionally, air-sprayed and electrospun
multiwalled carbon nanotubes in order to discover a better packaging method for incorporating lithium-ion batteries at its core is determined. In the electrospinning process recognized
globally as a flexible and cost-effective method for generating continuous Nano filaments.
It was incorporated exactly on the prepreg surface to obtain effective interfacial bonding
and adhesion between the layers. The mechanical and physical properties of carbon fiber
reinforced polymers (CFRP) with electrospun multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have
evidenced to possess higher mechanical strength incorporated between the layers of the
composite prepreg than the traditional CFRP prepreg composite, At the same time the
air sprayed CFRP with CNTs offers mechanical strength more than the traditional CFRP
prepreg but lesser than the electrospun. This can be a design consideration from the economic feasibility viewpoint. They also contribute to efficient load transfer and structural
load bearing implementation without compromising the chemistry of battery. The design
validation, manufacture methods, and experimental characterization (mechano-electrical) of
Multifunctional energy storage composites (MESCs) are examined. Experimental results on
the electrochemical characterization reveal that the MESCs show comparable performance
to the standard lithium-ion pouch cells without any external packaging and not under any
loading requirements. The mechanical performance of the MESC cells especially electrospun
CFRP is evaluated from three-point bending tests with the results demonstrating significant
mechanical strength and stiffness compared to traditional pouch cells and conventional, air-sprayed CFRP and at lowered packaging weight and thickness. This mechanical robustness
of the MESCs enable them to be manufactured as energy-storage devices for electric vehicles.