German battery market 2022 and our materials
The German battery market is expected to grow strongly in the coming years, especially in the area of electromobility. In 2022, the market for electric mobility batteries in Germany is expected to reach a value of several billion euros.
The German government has a target for the deployment of electric mobility by 2030 and this leads to an increasing demand for batteries for electric vehicles. Energy storage, especially for renewable energies, will also play an important role in the future development of the battery market.
Battery production capacity in Germany is expected to expand significantly over the next few years to meet rising demand. This creates competition among manufacturers, which in turn can drive down prices and improve battery performance and safety.
However, it should be noted that the forecasts for the development of the battery market in Germany depend on a large number of factors and there may be uncertainties regarding the actual development of the market.
Batteries are made up of several components that work together to store and deliver electricity. Some of these components are thermal pads, battery separator sheets, and insulating sheets.
Thermally conductive foils for batteries
Thermal interface sheets are an important part of batteries, used to remove heat from the battery's active components, preventing overheating and extending battery life. Thermally conductive foils allow the thermal energy generated during the charging and discharging process to be dissipated quickly and efficiently in order to keep the temperatures inside the battery in the safe range.
There are different types of thermal pads, which can vary depending on the type of battery and what it is used for. Examples are:
- Metal thermal foils: These foils are made of metallic materials such as aluminum or copper and have a very high thermal conductivity. They are commonly used in lithium ion batteries.
- Ceramic Thermal Conductive Sheets: Made of ceramic materials, these sheets have high heat resistance and good thermal conductivity. They are often used in high temperature applications.
- Graphite Thermal Foils: Made of graphite, these foils have good thermal conductivity and high heat resistance. They are commonly used in lithium ion batteries.
There are also other types of thermal pads such as polyimide thermal pads and silicone thermal pads that can be used for specific applications.
battery separator foils
Battery separator foils are an important part of batteries, used to separate the electrodes and prevent short circuits. They are usually made from polymeric materials and have high thermal and electrical insulating capabilities. Battery separator foils allow the electrodes to work independently by preventing the charges on the electrodes from interacting with each other.
There are different types of battery separator films, which can vary depending on the type of battery and what it is used for. Examples are:
- Polyethylene Separator Films (PE): These films are the most commonly used battery separator films and are used in lithium-ion batteries. They have high heat resistance and good electrical insulation properties.
- Polypropylene separator films (PP): These films are similar to PE separator films, but have higher heat resistance and better mechanical strength.
- Cellulosic Separator Films: Used in lead-acid batteries, these films are made from natural materials such as cellulose.
There are also other types of battery separator films such as polyamide separator films and glass fiber separator films that can be used for specific applications.
Insulating foils for batteries
Insulating foils are an important part of batteries, used to isolate and protect the electrical contacts within the battery from each other. They prevent unwanted electrical currents or short circuits from occurring and ensure that charges only flow where they are supposed to. Insulating foils are usually made of paper, polypropylene, polyester or polyimide.
Insulating foils are used to separate and insulate the electrodes from each other, as well as to insulate and protect the electrical circuits inside the battery. These can be used in various battery types such as lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, etc.
Insulating films help increase battery safety and improve battery performance. They ensure that the electrical contacts within the battery are not damaged by preventing the charges from flowing into areas where they shouldn't and they protect the battery from overheating, short circuits and other damage.
Thermal run away
Thermal runaway (thermal escalation) is a dangerous phenomenon that can occur in batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, in which an increase in temperature starts a chain reaction that leads to a further increase in temperature, ultimately leading to a fire or an explosion explosion. This process is also known as "thermal propagation" or "thermal propagation of the defect".
Thermal escalation typically starts with a small internal short circuit or a defect in the battery design that leads to an increase in temperature. This increase in temperature causes the electrolyte to break down and release gases that further increase the temperature. The heat generated leads to further thermal decomposition of the electrolyte, resulting in more gases and a further increase in temperature. This chain reaction can continue until the battery reaches a critical temperature and causes a fire or explosion.
It is important to note that thermal runaway can also be caused by external factors such as high ambient temperatures or exposure to fire. It is therefore crucial to treat batteries properly and to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when using, charging and storing them.
We have published two other articles on the topic of thermal runaway:
Thermal runaway and thermal propagation on lithium-ion batteries
