Adhesive Systems Optimize Heat Dissipation in EV Batteries
Liquid adhesive systems offer an alternative to silicone-based pads to dissipate heat generated in electric vehicle battery cells.
High temperatures are generated in the battery cells of electric vehicles (EVs) during charging, and these have to be dissipated. Until now, this has mostly been achieved by inserting silicone-based pads between the cells and the cooling system. However, the manufacturing process of batteries is increasingly demanding that thermal interface materials (TIMs) with adhesive properties be used – something silicone pads are not able to provide. Liquid adhesive systems developed by WEVO-CHEMIE GmbH offer better surface wetting and can also be used as structural adhesives. In addition to the optimized heat dissipation, these customizable polyurethanes also open up new possibilities in the design process.
The ongoing upgrade of the system voltage of EVs from 400 V to 800 V is leading, among other things, to an increase in the efficiency of the battery charging process. However, this results in high temperatures – also in the battery cells. TIM pads no longer provide adequate heat dissipation in these cases. That is because the inlaid solutions that are inserted between the cells and the cooling system do not fully compensate the uneven surfaces of the cells and cooling system (see Figure 1). This can lead to hotspots and damage to the cells.