Possible Optimization of the Energy Balance in the Automotive Sector by the use of Carbon Composite Structures

Abstract Composite materials are mainly known for their use in high-tech applications like structural aircraft parts. Carbon fibre reinforced plastics are characterized by good mechanical properties and low weight, but are relatively expensive and their manufacturing process involves high levels of energy consumption. Due to these disadvantages, the current use of this material in the automotive area is limited. In this paper the energy consumption for the manufacturing process, the utilisation phase, and the recycling phase of three different car models will be investigated. A comparison between the different materials including carbon fibre reinforced plastics, aluminium and steel will be performed. Although the manufacturing process of carbon fibre reinforced plastics is highly energy intensive, there is an advantage in the overall energy consumption during the life cycle of its vehicle.In an additional scenario, the energy consumption of the manufacturing process for carbon composites is calculated with 10% less energy consumption. It will be shown that decreasing the energy consumption in the manufacturing process of carbon composites will offer high potentials for the automotive industry to improve the energy balance with the usage of a high amount of carbon fibre reinforced plastics.