Energy

Industry / Markets

Renewable energies are the most important source of electricity as part of the necessary reduction in greenhouse gases and their expansion is a central pillar of the energy transition. The energy industry is therefore one of the industry’s key topics. From energy generation in the form of e.g. hydrogen, energy production and storage to energy conversion, the requirements for future-oriented developments are very diverse and high. The electronics used are one of the core elements of these products and have a major influence on their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The function and longevity of the electronics in turn also depend on the corresponding thermal management; rapid temperature cycles in particular place a mechanical and thermal load on electronic components. KERAFOL® has been actively involved in the development of new products and solutions for this key market for many years. As a result, various Kerafol materials are already an integral part of e.g. solar inverters, stationary energy storage or charging technology.

Areas of application

Energy

Hydrogen technologies

The production of energy carriers based on renewable sources is an essential component of the energy transition towards a CO2-neutral and therefore climate-friendly energy economy.
Hydrogen plays a key role here, both as a substitute for fossil fuels and as a storage medium for electricity generated from renewable sources.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

We manufacture zirconium oxide electrolytes for high-temperature fuel and electrolysis cells (solid oxide fuel/electrolysis cells – SOFC/SOEC), partial cells and complete cells, glass solders for joining stacks and special firing supports for sintering cells.

Solutions

for hydrogen technologies

In addition to suitable solutions in the field of thermally conductive materials, KERAFOL® also offers various services that are particularly helpful with regard to the application and processing of these materials.

Energy storage

With the prevailing boom in batteries for electric and hybrid cars, the importance of stationary storage systems has long been neglected.
If the ever-increasing demand for electricity in the vehicle sector is to be covered by renewable energies, adequate and widely developed storage technology is required.
The functional principle is similar to that in the automotive sector, but the dimensions are significantly larger and the specific requirements and load profiles also differ.
While weight and various energy conversion processes play a major role in electric cars, stationary energy storage systems are primarily concerned with storing large amounts of electricity for longer periods of time and releasing it again when required.
This is particularly useful when using renewable energies in order to be able to absorb corresponding load peaks.
Currently, wind turbines have to be switched off for short periods of time to avoid overloading the grid.
This surplus electricity in particular can be stored using large battery containers or used to produce hydrogen by electrolysis.

Energiespeicher
Energiespeichermodul
Efficient thermal management is essential for the longevity of the battery and its control system (Battery Management Systems – BMS). The increased temperature of the cells or electronic components in particular leads to reduced performance and a shorter service life. Thermal interface materials (TIM) are used to conduct the heat from these components to the heat sink (e.g. metal housing or heat sink). KERATHERM® Gap Filler Liquids are particularly suitable for large-area connections and represent an efficient solution. KERAFOL® is familiar with the associated dispensing technology and also offers its own pilot plant trials. In addition to classic TIMs (films, gap fillers, etc.), products from the KERAMOLD series are also used in the BMS, with which complete assemblies or electronic components can be overmolded accordingly – in addition to heat dissipation, this concept also offers protection against dust or mechanical stresses (e.g. vibrations).

Case Study

Learn more about preventing the thermal runaway effect of battery cells

Solutions

for energy storage

In addition to suitable solutions in the field of thermally conductive materials, KERAFOL® also offers various services that are particularly helpful with regard to the application and processing of these materials.

Energy converter

Following strong growth in installed photovoltaic capacity, the expansion of PV systems in Germany has stalled since 2012.
Due to the goal of achieving C02-neutral electricity production, the rate of expansion has increased significantly again.
In addition to PV modules, so-called inverters or solar inverters are required to operate a system.
The solar cells used in PV modules generate direct current, whereas most electrical consumers require alternating current.
The inverter therefore takes on the task of making the electricity generated usable.
Good inverters use functions such as maximum power point tracking to ensure that the overall efficiency of the system is as high as possible.
The type of inverter required depends on the size of the photovoltaic system.
The electronic components installed in it are subject to high stress due to the many switching and conversion processes and heat up as a result.
So-called thermal interface materials (TIM) are used to conduct the heat from the heat source to the heat sink (e.g. metal housing or heat sink).

Anwendung Softtherm
KERATHERM® Gap Filler Liquids or thermally conductive pastes in particular represent a powerful and efficient solution here. KERAFOL® is familiar with the associated application technology and also offers pilot plant trials with dosing systems. In addition to classic TIMs (films, pastes, etc.), products from the KERAMOLD® series can also be used. In addition to heat dissipation, this concept also offers protection against dust, moisture or mechanical stress (e.g. vibrations).

Solutions

for energy converters

In addition to suitable solutions in the field of thermally conductive materials, KERAFOL® also offers various services that are particularly helpful with regard to the application and processing of these materials.