Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd, headquartered in Tokyo and led by President Yasuhiko Saitoh, has achieved an industry first by developing the ST-OR Type heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing for insulating busbars. This innovative product addresses growing demand for high-performance busbar coverings in various applications, particularly within electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
The Role of Busbars in Power Systems
Busbars are conductive metal strips, commonly made from copper or aluminium, which are used to distribute power in a range of electrical applications. Traditionally found in switchboards and control panels, busbars have seen increasing use in the automotive industry, particularly in EVs and HEVs. As these vehicles rely on high currents and voltages, the need for reliable insulation is critical.
Busbars are generally insulated using materials such as tape or tubing. However, with the introduction of EVs and HEVs, busbars now require more advanced insulation to handle the significant electrical demands. The ST-OR Type heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing from Shin-Etsu Chemical meets this need, offering exceptional insulation and heat resistance properties.
Key Features of ST-OR Heat-Shrinkable Silicone Rubber Tubing
The ST-OR Type tubing has been designed to provide a solution to the unique demands of high-voltage busbar applications. Its key benefits include:
- Superior Electrical Insulation: With a dielectric strength of 28 kV/mm, this tubing delivers exceptional electrical insulation, which is essential for handling high-voltage power.
- Outstanding Thermal Resilience: The tubing offers excellent performance across a wide temperature range, from -40°C to +200°C, making it suitable for use in extreme conditions.
- Enhanced Safety Visibility: The tubing’s outer surface features a bright orange colour, enhancing its suitability as an alternative to traditional high-voltage cables in various power systems.
- Flexible Heat-Shrinking Capabilities: Even after shrinking to fit the busbar, the silicone rubber retains its inherent flexibility, ensuring durability and ease of use.
- Thermal Interface Options: The availability of the ST-TC-1 Type, which offers superior thermal conductivity (1.0 W/m·K) and electrical insulation, further broadens the product’s applications. This version is ideal for covering heating components to efficiently transfer heat to the surrounding casing.
Ease of Application and Enhanced Reliability
Shin-Etsu Chemical’s innovative tubing can be easily applied by covering the busbar and heating the tubing, which then shrinks to provide a snug, protective layer. This process not only enhances the electrical insulation of the busbars but also improves heat resistance, making it an ideal solution for demanding environments. Furthermore, the simplicity of the heat-shrinking process helps manufacturers streamline their production processes, saving time and reducing labour costs.
Contributing to a Sustainable Future
Through the development of cutting-edge silicone products, Shin-Etsu Chemical continues to apply its vast technological expertise to solve real-world challenges. By delivering high-value-added products like the ST-OR Type tubing, the company is helping customers improve the performance and reliability of their power distribution systems. This, in turn, supports the creation of a more sustainable and energy-efficient society.
With its latest product offering, Shin-Etsu Chemical strengthens its position as a leader in silicone technology, driving innovation in industries where safety, reliability, and performance are paramount.
