“Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Safety: The Magic of Aerogel Technology”
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain global popularity, concerns about the safety of lithium ion batteries have also been growing. These batteries, while efficient in storing electrical energy, come with the risk of thermal runaway, where a defect can cause the temperature to rise uncontrollably and lead to a fire.
To address this issue, Aspen Aerogels, a company specializing in advanced materials, has been developing a solution using aerogel technology. Aerogel is a lightweight, highly porous material that is known for its exceptional thermal insulation properties. The company has received a $670.6 million loan from the Department of Energy to build a new factory in Georgia to produce aerogel blankets that can help contain EV fires.
Aerogel is described as an ethereal material, almost magical in its properties. It is made up of mostly silicon and oxygen, with a structure that is 99% air. This material can withstand high temperatures and effectively prevent heat transfer, making it an ideal choice for insulating lithium ion cells in EV batteries.
Engineer Matt Gwin demonstrated the resilience of aerogel by igniting a piece of the material in a lab setting. Despite being exposed to a flame reaching 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, the aerogel remained intact and only felt warm to the touch. This ability to slow down the transfer of energy makes aerogel an effective barrier in containing fires within EV batteries.
Beyond EVs, Aspen Aerogels’ products have a wide range of applications, including insulating pipes in industrial settings and even in outer space. The versatility of aerogel technology makes it a valuable asset in ensuring safety in various environments.
While aerogels offer a promising solution to mitigate the risks associated with lithium ion batteries, experts emphasize the need for a combination of safety measures to address different stages of a potential fire. From choosing better battery chemistries to predicting and preventing fires using data, a holistic approach is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of EVs.
In conclusion, the development of aerogel technology by Aspen Aerogels represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety of electric vehicles and other applications where thermal insulation is crucial. With ongoing advancements in materials science, the future of EVs looks promising in terms of both performance and safety.