Electric mobility is gaining momentum: Vehicles with alternative drive systems are regarded as a central component in the fight against noise pollution and steadily rising emissions. Several European countries are already planning to part with the combustion engine. In China – currently the world's largest market for electric vehicles – binding quota regulations for electric and hybrid cars are scheduled for application as early as 2019.
The heart of these vehicles is the built-in high-voltage (HV) battery. It serves as an electrochemical energy storage device that supplies the electric motor with electricity. As it currently has the best performance of all available battery technologies, lithium-ion technology has emerged as the leading technology. In addition to their high specific power and energy, Li-ion traction batteries are also characterized by their high efficiency when charging and discharging as well as low self-discharge.
HV batteries: Thermal management is of key importance
Connected to the HV battery are various mechanical and electronic components that ensure efficient, long-term and above all safe operation. One of the most important components is the housing, which protects the modules of the traction battery from damaging environmental influences such as dust, dirt or moisture.
Thermal influences also play a central role here: for normal operation of an electric vehicle, outside temperatures of 10 to 25°C and operating temperatures of approx. 20 to 40°C are optimal. If the temperatures exceed or fall below this ideal range it can have negative effects on the service life, capacity and especially the operational safety of the HV battery. Higher temperatures, for example, cause faster degradation of the materials used in the battery cells and thus faster aging. Excessive thermal stress can also cause internal short-circuits and, as a result, serious to irreparable damage to the traction battery and vehicle. In order to ensure safe operation and optimum performance and service life, the traction battery is cooled at high temperatures by means of a built-in cooling system.
Reliable heat transfer thanks to heat-conducting pastes
Approximately 5 to 10 liters of these highly viscous materials, which contain heat-conducting fillers, are dispensed per vehicle in between the modules and the battery housing - and the trend is rising. Supporting cooling by means of water or coolant, they ensure a reliable heat transfer between the HV battery and the housing, thus helping to prevent potential defects caused by overheating. Due to their soft, flexible consistency, they also protect the partly sensitive components of the traction battery from shocks and vibrations during driving.
