Datwyler – Testing of fire-resistant material for battery systems.
As the batteries for electric vehicles increase in power and energy density, their materials need to become even more fire-resistant. Find out the key methods for testing and measuring fire resistance, and the information developers can gain from them.
In the mobility sector, the transition from internal combustion engine to electric powertrain not only presents a huge opportunity for OEMs, but also a series of challenges. One of those challenges is maintaining the integrity and safety of the battery – something that is vital for the increased ranges consumers are demanding, as well as the industry’s confidence in the safety of a vehicle’s driver and passengers.
With the majority of electric vehicles using Li-ion batteries, the main issue for manufacturers is the risk of thermal runaway. Li-ion batteries may offer higher power and energy density, but they also generate a lot of heat, which if not controlled, can dramatically increase and eventually cause thermal runaway, resulting in the battery catching fire or even exploding. Not only will this cause extensive damage to the car, but potentially put the vehicle’s occupants in danger.
Therefore, one of the key requirements for sealing materials in the batteries of electric vehicles to contribute to overall thermal management is fire resistance. As the batteries have evolved, the legislation around fire safety has been continuously changing, and now all modern battery seals are required to have a V0 rating, which means the materials are self-extinguishing and can survive exposure to fire for certain time.
However, by their very nature, organic elastomers that make up standard sealing compounds are highly flammable, thus fire resistance must be achieved by other means, such as using fire-retardant additives or fire-retardant coatings.
Testing of fire-resistant material for battery systems, October 9, 2023
