Consumer appliances play a big role in our lives, from providing us comfort to essential services. Without a kettle or stove, how would we make our warm cuppas on cold winter mornings? It’s a scary thought… But for many UK homeowners, the cost of living crisis is taking a toll and the use of many products mean higher consumer appliance costs. This is heightened by appliances that aren’t designed and manufactured to be efficient, both in performance and energy use.
Insulation is a critical component in consumer appliances that helps regulate temperature, increase useful life, and improve overall efficiency. It essentially acts as a barrier, or buffer, preventing the transfer of heat from the appliance’s interior to the surrounding environment or vice versa. By reducing heat loss or gain, insulation improves end-user safety and minimises the need for excessive energy consumption, thereby lowering energy bills and extending the lifespan of appliances.
The development of EV batteries has come a significant distance when compared to the earlier models from only a decade ago. Advancements in battery technology have led to increased energy densities and longer driving ranges, with indications of ranges tripling over the past decade. One aspect that remains a challenge is the weight of these batteries, however there are positive and exciting indications that the research and development within this field have managed to find commercially viable solutions.
As the world embraces renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to surge, but so does the pressure from the growing sustainability concerns of battery recycling and end-of-life processing. EV battery waste is now a global priority, with over 15 million tonnes of waste lithium-ion batteries predicted to be produced by 2030. Many of the metals and elements found within lithium-ion batteries are toxic and harmful to the environment, so the race to find recycling solutions is hotting up.
As homeowners continue to seek out cleaner energy, domestic energy storage systems have become an increasingly attractive proposition. Not only do they offer a sustainable alternative, but we’re beginning to see signs of financial benefits as well. These systems can now harness intelligent software that coordinates energy production and helps users decide when to store excess energy or release it to the grid. However, with the increasing adoption of these systems, it is crucial to prioritise safety to ensure the well-being of homeowners. There are various safety considerations, common concerns and technologies associated with domestic battery energy storage systems that are worth considering.
Mica is a class of silicate minerals that are physically and chemically similar in a layered structure. They possess excellent properties for thermal and electrical resistance, therefore being ideal for high temperature insulation solutions. Mica is mined in over 35 countries, with India and Madagascar being the largest sources, followed by China and Brazil. Mica plays a crucial role in various industries, from cosmetics to electronics. All of our products contain mica, the majority of which is mined in very poor countries by artisanal miners living in very poor conditions. Due to these circumstances, ensuring sustainably sourced mica becomes much more significant.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity in recent years due to a range of factors, from their eco-friendly design and potential to reduce carbon emissions, to the wider momentum of EV advertising and social shift towards them. As EV technology continues to evolve, manufacturers are placing increased emphasis on safety features to ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers. One crucial aspect of EV safety lies in the efficient management of battery temperature through cooling systems and insulation.
At Elmelin, we provide vital manufacturing support and solutions to the automotive sector, specifically EVs. The unique thermal and dielectric insulation properties of mica are the key reasons behind it being a core material within our EV battery insulation solutions. Our bespoke mica-based solutions are designed to be efficient, safe and long-lasting. Safety is critical to all of our solutions and is a major value of Elmelin, so we recognise both the importance of EV battery engine performance, but also the role safety plays in an EV. In this blog post, we explore how EV battery cooling systems and insulation play a vital role in ensuring vehicle safety. …
The Battery Show Europe 2023 has finished for another year and once again it’s been a fantastic opportunity filled with insightful discussions and forward-thinking technology that’s being developed by suppliers and manufacturers from all over the world. It took place on the 23rd-25th May 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany, and it is the third consecutive year we’ve exhibited. Over the 3 days we had the pleasure of meeting with like-minded industry professionals seeking advice and solutions, where we were able to share the work we do and how it can benefit the automotive sector. …
Elmelin are delighted to once again be attending The Battery Show Europe on the 23rd-25th May 2023 for the third consecutive year. Located at booth 8-B68,we’re heading back to Stuttgart for an expo that continues to deliver great value and play a crucial role in the battery technology sector. In recent years, The Battery Show Europe has helped us to not only establish new exciting working relationships, but also further ourselves as a business and the solutions we provide. …
Manufacturing processes often involve extremely high temperatures, which can lead to significant energy loss and increased costs. Suitable high temperature insulation is a solution that can help manufacturers to not only reduce energy consumption, but also save money. As an industrial insulation manufacturer, we recognise the importance of cost control and the impact of rising energy prices. High temperature insulation is designed to withstand extreme temperatures found in industrial processes and prevent heat loss, making it an essential component in manufacturing sites. …
