Energy storage
Security for sustainable energy

E-mobility is forging ahead and represents an important development in the direction of energy transition and sustainability. However, the use of energy storage systems also involves high risks. Damage and/or ignition pose great danger for the environment. For this reason, the outside world must be protected from the risks arising from energy storage through reliable insulation.

Task

To ensure the flexible use of energy storage devices, they must be able to be used and transported smartly and safely. For the protection of the outside world, e-car, e-bike and mobile device batteries should be reliably isolated from negative influences so as not to pose a high risk to their environment if damaged.

Challenge

A major problem concerning battery safety is the sometimes unpredictable fire behaviour. This is a consequence of the lithium contained in batteries, which has a high reactivity and can explode if damaged. So-called thermal runway of battery cells means the start of a possible chain reaction. This chain reaction, triggered for example by impact during an accident followed by a short circuit, can create extremely high temperatures of more than 1000°C in a battery. The technical textiles used must withstand these extreme temperatures and prevent the escape of heat, sparks and fire.

Planning
In order to create an engineered textile capable of withstanding the thermal runaway of a lithium battery, the specific processes of such an operation were identified. The resulting requirements profile formed the basis of the material development.
Course of development
The complex symbiosis of different materials and processing technologies has created an innovative technical textile that provides additional protection against mechanical forces. A previously unknown silicone resin emulsion that features a special heat shield function was developed. Special yarn and surface forming technologies additionally contributed to the high resistance of the final product.
The result
The combination of specially developed self-extinguishing high-performance textiles and a reflective, high-temperature resistant coating system enables effective heat reduction and thus safety of the battery cell carrier. This ensures the safe transport of energy storage devices.
Project summary

The developed heat composite material can be individually adapted to different requirements in terms of weight, thickness and drapability. As a result, the less than 2 mm material meets the requirements of the automotive industry that were previously unattainable in this form and can even be used inside the battery box.
Despite the minimal material thickness, its high resistance to high temperatures, pressure changes, fire and particle bombardment has been proven by the selected combination of high-performance materials, including demanding plasma treatment tests and impact tests at the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg. All to deliver an application-driven solution to support a sustainable lifestyle.

Gain impressions
References that distinguish us
View all references