Large surfaces for electronic functionality
Our goal with research on Large surfaces for electronic functionality, is to develop technologies that make it possible to produce large electronic functional surfaces. These can be used to create renewable energy and create features for efficiency.
STC has long experience of hybrid electronics on large surfaces together with researchers in materials engineering at the FSCN (Fiber Science Communication Network) research center. Our focus is within:
- Paper or plastic as a carrier
- Laser-based production methods
- Printed electronics including insulators, conductors and semiconductors
- Hybrid solutions that combine electronic chips and printed features
- Power electronics
Functional surfaces can be interacted with the surrounding environment. The surface may vary in size, change properties due to external conditions, store energy or information, present information or feel changes in physical parameters. The focus is on large functional areas primarily for storing and generating renewable electrical energy, where the focus is on creating electronic features on large areas with non-conventional materials at low cost. An example of application is in large storage rooms where you can quickly read where a specific product is located by placing printed sensors on the floor or shelf.
Another example of our research is where STC, together with the partner company Permobil, placed sensors in the seat cushion on a wheelchair that measures how a person sits and distributes pressure on the seat, which can prevent pressure ulcers.
Another example is energy storage for electric cars. Today's electric car batteries are based on lithium technology, which takes both a long time to load and reloads relatively quickly. The battery also becomes very hot and has a short life span. Researchers at Mid Sweden University are currently developing an environmentally friendly alternative to energy storage with a brand new super capacitor that is significantly faster to load and has a thousand times as long lifespan compared to standard batteries. By combining different technologies, you get a more efficient battery with longer life. In this work, the researchers have developed a high-performance voltage converter that can handle the combination of 400 V high-voltage motors with low voltage super capacitors of around 50 V. The voltage converter effectively manages the difference between gas and brake to reduce power loss and continue to charge the battery.
