Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are increasingly widespread, from large institutions to individual homes. These systems store electrical energy for future use, providing essential backup or auxiliary power and can serve as portable battery storage solutions.
BESS are typically categorized into three main tiers:
- Grid-level storage is used in applications like large solar arrays, wind farms, or hydroelectric plants. Energy generated is stored in nearby storage units and distributed as needed based on demand.
- Commercial-level storage applies to businesses or organizations that require backup power to maintain operations during outages or power disruptions. Hospitals are a key example, as they rely on uninterrupted power for critical patient care.
- Residential-level storage involves homes storing surplus energy from sources such as solar panels.
No matter the scale, all BESS face similar thermal management issues that affect both the batteries and the accompanying electronics, motors, and rotors. Like the batteries in electric vehicles, these systems produce significant heat that must be carefully managed to prevent system failure or safety hazards.
Introducing THERM-A-FORM CIP 60
To address the unique demands of BESS applications, THERM-A-FORM CIP 60 is a two-component (2k) dispensable thermal gap filler with a thermal conductivity of 6.0 W/m-K. With a Shore 00 hardness of 50 at full cure, it is engineered as a flexible alternative to rigid, hard-curing materials. Its lower hardness enables it to act as a vibration dampener and simplifies the rework process.
As a two-component material, THERM-A-FORM CIP 60 offers excellent flow properties, making it ideal for high-volume dispensing and applications requiring heat transfer in complex geometries. Its snap cure nature prevents silicone oil bleed, which can otherwise impact the aesthetics or processes in electronics assembly within BESS modules. The material is specifically designed to minimize silicone oil migration, ensuring cleaner assembly processes.
With a 1:1 mix ratio, THERM-A-FORM CIP 60 is available in various cartridge sizes and can be easily dispensed using either manual or automated equipment through a static mixing tip. This makes it highly beneficial for assembly processes that typically use thermal gap pads. Its dispensable nature also supports automated assembly lines, whether for desktop prototyping or large-scale, high-volume production.
