Plastic Products for Alternative Energy Applications

Plastic bearings are lighter, quieter, and often more wear resistant than their metal counterparts, allowing alternate energy production to operate more efficiently while requiring less maintenance. Acetal and nylon are cost-effective choices for most bushing applications, while ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is sometimes chosen for its weatherability and low-frictional properties. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) delivers optimal performance even at high temperatures or under extreme wear conditions.

Certain plastics display excellent insulating properties and can be used in many electrical housings, shrouds, and enclosures. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a cost-effective solution for many electrical applications, combining low electrical conductivity with high impact strength and satisfactory heat resistance. Phenolics may be used in higher-temperature applications. LEXAN 9034V flame retardant polycarbonate offers transparency and near unbreakable strength for see-through or high impact applications. For the most demanding applications, advanced engineered plastics such as polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), or polyetherimide (PEI) may be used.

The lighter an electric vehicle, the further it can go before it needs to be recharged. EV manufacturers are constantly striving to reduce the weight of each model to make it more appealing to consumers. Batteries used to be one of the heaviest components of an EV. Now, phenolics are often used as battery composite panels as a cost-effective way to significantly reduce weight and improve vehicle range and efficiency. With excellent insulating properties and the ability to withstand high temperatures, phenolics are a safe and effective choice for many electrically adjacent applications.

LEXAN offers a variety of polycarbonate sheets and films that have the electrical and thermal properties and UV and fire protection necessary to be safely used in electric vehicle charging stations. Polycarbonate may be used in internal components and cabinetry as well as external housing and displays. In addition to its excellent electrical properties, this durable material can also be printed and thermoformed for easy fabrication and design flexibility. A special coating makes many grades UV, scratch, and vandalism resistant for long-lasting outdoor performance.

A variety of plastic films may be used in solar panel cells. Because scratched or clouded panels won’t collect as much solar energy, fluoropolymer films such as ETFE or PVDF are often used as a protective outer layer for their transparency and abrasion resistance. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is commonly used as a back sheet to protect the interior cell components. Polyimide (PI) films are used in high performance solar panels because of their stability at high temperatures.

Solar panels use pivot bearings to shift the array to follow the sun for optimal energy collection. UV reinforced UHMW-PE such as TIVAR® 1000 UV makes an excellent pivot bearing because it’s engineered to withstand long-term UV exposure while providing low friction and excellent wear resistance, all without needing additional lubrication.