We are pleased to announce that we have been successful in securing funding through the Faraday Battery Challenge to develop a new powder coating process for parts destined for electric vehicles.
H V Wooding will be working with materials and engineering researchers from the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) and the University of Sheffield to improve the quality of the busbars for the electrification market.
Supported by Innovate UK through the Faraday Battery Challenge, the project focuses on investigating and developing alternative coating methods that will improve the performance and integrity of the critical components, which carry high-current power between different parts of an electrical system.
“Current coating methods are difficult to control, with a high level of components rejected because of poor quality insulation,” explains Paul Allen, Sales Director. “There is currently no standard specification or process availability, and our new method will contribute supply chain capability and capacity for battery and energy storage applications.”
“We will develop a best practice testing method to standardise quality assurance where there is currently no international standard, and this could generate up to £1m in additional sales to our business.”
“Powder coated insulated busbars are safer than heat shrink sleeved alternatives. They have better thermal and electrical performance alongside other benefits in compact battery design – for example saving up to 10% clearance and creepage distance.
“If the innovative and optimised epoxy powder coating process is implemented it will definitely open up new markets and will lead to new skilled jobs in our area.
“The successful project will support the overall goal of the Faraday Battery Challenge and scale-up British busbar manufacturing for battery modules and packs in accordance with the UK’s Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution.”
