The sealing components used also have to be chemically stable toward organic electrolytes. In addition, during the battery’s entire service life, the sealing material must not leach out contaminating substances into the battery electrolyte as this could have a long-term negative influence on the cells’ electrochemistry.
Kritzer P, Clemens M, Heldmann R (2011) Innovative seals: a robust and reliable seal design can provide efficient battery cooling cycles for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Engine Technology International, June 2011, p. 64
The following pages will discuss the main sealing components for cells and the entire battery system. Cell sealing components must electrically isolate the two pole connectors from each other. The sealing components used also have to be chemically stable toward organic electrolytes.
The sealings to connect power electronics are usually integrated directly into the plug. Silicon rubber-based components are used for this application in most cases. They have increased resistance toward high electrical voltages, and their surface does not carbonize, as opposed to carbon-based polymers.
Furthermore, there are several “sealing-like” components such as pressure-equalizing elements, system overpressure valves, and fixation elements for the individual cells. All housing system gaskets must protect the battery interior over the entire service life against splash oil, splash water, and wading water.
Plug & Seal components are already being used as standard in vehicle cooling systems and cooling modules of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries. Additional requirements for battery cooling systems can be met with sealed plastic pipe con-nectors and branched, flow-optimized components (Fig. 10.3).