Thick film heaters: a new option for new energy vehicles
Against the backdrop of the rapid development of new energy vehicles, thermal management systems have become crucial for improving overall vehicle performance and range. Thick-film heaters in the 8-15kW power range are gaining increasing popularity, and their unique technological advantages are changing traditional heating methods.
Thick-film heaters utilize thick-film circuit printing technology, printing heating resistance paste onto a metal substrate to form a highly efficient heat conduction path. Compared to traditional PTC heaters, thick-film heaters offer the following significant advantages:
Rapid Response: Low thermal inertia allows it to reach operating temperature within seconds of being powered on, significantly reducing user waiting time. High Thermal Efficiency: Electrothermal conversion efficiency exceeds 95%, effectively reducing battery energy consumption and extending vehicle range. Precise Temperature Control: Combined with sensors, it achieves precise temperature control within ±1℃, providing a comfortable in-vehicle environment. Safe and Reliable: No hot spots, avoiding the power degradation problem caused by PTC heater aging, resulting in a longer service life. Lightweight Design: Compact structure, weighing only 1/3 of traditional heaters, contributing to overall vehicle weight reduction.
In new energy vehicle applications, 8-15kW thick film heaters are mainly used for:
(1) Preheating the battery pack at low temperatures to ensure normal charging and discharging of the battery in cold environments
(2) Heating the cab air conditioning to provide fast and comfortable warm air
(3) Defrosting and defogging to ensure driving safety
As new energy vehicles develop towards higher range and greater energy efficiency, thick-film heaters, with their superior performance, are becoming the preferred solution for thermal management systems.
