The Unique Role of Aerogels in Battery Thermal Insulation Design
Hits: 347
img
Early power batteries were all designed using the CTM (cell-to-module) approach. "Cell" refers to individual battery cells, while "M" stands for battery module—modules composed of multiple cells. These modules are then assembled into battery packs, which are finally installed onto the vehicle chassis.Early power batteries were all designed using the CTM (cell-to-module) approach. "Cell" refers to individual battery cells, while "M" stands for battery module—modules composed of multiple cells. These modules are then assembled into battery packs, which are finally installed onto the vehicle chassis. Typically, a battery module consists of various components including cells, aerogel, thermal insulation plates, end plates, side plates, top covers, low-voltage flexible sampling circuit boards, cell copper terminals, high-voltage copper busbars, low-voltage terminals, high-voltage terminal protective covers, and low-voltage terminal protective covers.
The primary function of the cell is to provide electrical energy. High-voltage copper busbars connect cells in series or parallel configurations. The low-voltage flexible sampling circuit board collects data such as voltage, current, and temperature from the cells and transmits it to the Battery Management System (BMS). End plates and side plates serve to secure the cells in place. High-voltage terminals deliver the high-voltage output from the battery module and must be connected to high-voltage wiring harnesses or busbars. Low-voltage terminals transmit information about battery voltage, current, and temperature to the BMS, typically linked to low-voltage wiring. Typically, a battery module consists of various components including cells, aerogel, thermal insulation plates, end plates, side plates, top covers, low-voltage flexible sampling circuit boards, cell copper terminals, high-voltage copper busbars, low-voltage terminals, high-voltage terminal protective covers, and low-voltage terminal protective covers.
The primary function of the cell is to provide electrical energy. High-voltage copper busbars connect cells in series or parallel configurations. The low-voltage flexible sampling circuit board collects voltage, current, and temperature data from the cells and transmits it to the Battery Management System (BMS). End plates and side plates serve to secure the cells in place. High-voltage terminals deliver the high-voltage output from the battery module and must be connected to high-voltage wiring harnesses or busbars. Low-voltage terminals transmit information such as battery voltage, current, and temperature to the BMS, typically linked to low-voltage wiring harnesses. A battery module is formed by connecting multiple cells either in series or parallel, with aerogel and thermal insulation materials like cotton, sheets, or panels placed between the cells.
Aerogel and thermal insulation materials serve two key functions:
First, they isolate heat generated by the cells. If one cell experiences a short circuit or catches fire, it can produce intense heat. A battery module is formed by connecting multiple cells either in series or parallel, with aerogel and thermal insulation materials such as cotton, sheets, or panels placed between the cells.
Aerogel and thermal insulation materials serve two key functions:
First, they isolate heat generated by the cells. If one cell experiences a short circuit or catches fire, it produces intense heat. Aerogel and insulation materials effectively contain this heat, preventing adjacent healthy cells from overheating and catching fire.
Second, they absorb expansion forces. During operation, cells expand due to heating. Aerogel insulation absorbs this expansion force, preventing mechanical compression that could damage the cells.
Aerogel and thermal insulation effectively contain this heat, preventing adjacent healthy cells from overheating and catching fire.
Second, they absorb expansion forces. During operation, cells expand due to heat; aerogel insulation absorbs this expansion force, preventing mechanical compression that could damage the cells.
When companies claim their new-energy vehicles use advanced materials for cell thermal insulation design, they are most likely referring to aerogel. This is not particularly novel—this practice is widely adopted across the industry.
In September last year, a Xiaomi SU7 was involved in a traffic accident. According to on-site photos, after the crash, the windows automatically lowered and doors remained operable. The fire did not spread, and the flames were quickly controlled—not only due to prompt firefighting efforts but also largely thanks to the inverted cell technology.
It is understood that the Xiaomi SU7 employs an industry-first inverted cell design, with pressure relief valves oriented downward. In extreme conditions, this allows rapid release of energy downward, maximizing passenger cabin safety.When companies claim their new-energy vehicles use advanced materials for cell thermal insulation design, they are most likely referring to aerogel. This is not particularly novel—this practice is widely adopted across the industry.
In September last year, a Xiaomi SU7 was involved in a traffic accident. According to on-site photos, after the crash, the windows automatically lowered and doors remained operable. The fire did not spread, and the flames were quickly controlled—not only due to prompt firefighting efforts but also largely thanks to the inverted cell technology.
It is understood that the Xiaomi SU7 employs an industry-first inverted cell design, with pressure relief valves oriented downward. In extreme conditions, this allows rapid downward release of energy, maximizing passenger compartment safety. Additionally, the SU7 features 17 layers of high-voltage insulation protection and active cooling technology, with dual large-surface cooling areas totaling up to 7. Additionally, the SU7 features 17 layers of high-voltage insulation protection, active cooling technology, and dual large-surface cooling areas totaling up to 7.8㎡—four times greater than industry standards. Furthermore, 165 aerogel sheets are inserted along the sides of the cells, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000°C.
Solutions for new-energy battery safety management are emerging rapidly.8㎡—four times larger than industry standards. Furthermore, 165 aerogel sheets are inserted along the sides of the cells, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000°C.
In particular, new materials offering thermal insulation and flame-retardant properties are gaining market favor.Solutions for new-energy battery safety management are emerging rapidly. In particular, new materials offering thermal insulation and flame-retardant properties are gaining market favor. Among these, aerogel thermal insulation sheets stand out as one of the most critical innovations. These sheets are primarily used for thermal insulation and fire resistance between battery packs and individual battery cells, and can also be applied in vehicle body insulation and fireproofing. The aerogel industry chain spans gel formation and packaging to downstream applications such as battery packs and pipelines. It includes raw material precursors, various fibers like ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and foam, as well as encapsulation materials such as PET and PI films, hot-melt adhesives, and silicone frames. It also encompasses production equipment such as supercritical systems, hot presses, and die-cutting machines. We welcome professionals from related sectors to join us. Among these, aerogel thermal insulation sheets stand out as one of the most critical innovations. These sheets are primarily used for thermal insulation and fire resistance between battery packs and individual cells, and can also be applied in vehicle body insulation and fireproofing. The aerogel supply chain spans gel formation and packaging to downstream applications such as battery packs and pipelines. It includes raw material precursors, various fibers like ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and foam, as well as encapsulation materials such as PET and PI films, hot-melt adhesives, and silicone frames. Equipment used in production processes—including supercritical equipment, hot presses, and die-cutting machines—is also part of the ecosystem. We welcome professionals from related industries to join.