Gore Unveils New Battery Lab in Shanghai to Revolutionize Battery Technology
W. L. Gore & Associates has made a significant move in the realm of battery technology by inaugurating its new Battery Lab in Shanghai, China. This venture marks an expansion of Gore's global research and development capabilities, designed to expedite advancements in battery materials for a diverse range of customers across the globe. The primary goal of the lab is to develop, characterize, and conduct rigorous testing on crucial materials used in battery cells and packs. These materials include membranes, venting solutions, and management strategies for moisture and condensation. Importantly, the lab is also focused on enhancing explosion and thermal runaway mitigation techniques, as well as ensuring effective pressure equalization and controlled gas release. Gore's initiative will provide customized and integrated solutions aimed at original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) within electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. This will potentially result in faster iteration processes and a decreased time frame from the prototype stage to market launch.
As a global leader in materials science, Gore has consistently leveraged deep materials understanding to drive sustainable development across various sectors. The new Shanghai Battery Lab is envisioned as a catalyst for bringing Gore’s innovative technologies to the forefront, including advances in dry electrode processes and other groundbreaking methods. The utilization of advanced membrane materials, paired with process innovation, offers a comprehensive suite of solutions for lithium-ion batteries. These solutions encompass critical safety features such as venting, explosion protection, condensation management, thermal runaway risk reduction, pressure regulation, and gas release mechanisms. Such enhancements significantly improve the safety and stability of battery systems.
With decades of experience in the automotive industry, Gore is recognized as a pioneer of venting and moisture management technologies, which are widely used in critical automotive components, including ADAS sensors, automotive electronics, powertrains, chasses, lighting, and battery systems. Gore's reliable and consistent solutions address core industry challenges, aiding OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in achieving significant advancements in safety, durability, and seamless system integration.
The Shanghai Battery Lab is also committed to fostering a collaborative innovation ecosystem for sustainable battery development. As performance and safety standards for energy storage systems continue to rise in the EV and electronics markets, the lab acts as a nexus, connecting Gore's extensive technical resources with the specific needs of local customers. It offers a comprehensive range of services, from material development to testing and validation, while encouraging close collaboration with OEMs to facilitate simultaneous evolution in cell processes, pack designs, and vehicle integration.
Yong Zhao, who leads the Automotive Vents Asia Pacific business for Gore's Performance Solutions, stated, "By integrating global resources and strengthening local R&D capabilities, we aim to deliver agile responses and customized material solutions to empower Chinese customers for sustainable growth in global markets."
Dr. Justin Skaife, Chief Technology Officer of Gore’s Performance Solutions, emphasized the company’s unique cross-industry experience in automotive and electronics markets, stating, "This expertise enables us to forge ahead in developing future-ready solutions for next-generation battery systems. We look forward to collaborating with partners in China and around the world to promote innovation and sustainable advancements within battery technology."
Gore's Performance Solutions Division tackles complex product and process challenges across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, industrial sectors, and electronics. By prioritizing collaboration and innovation, Gore partners with clients to design products and processes that excel in safety, efficiency, reliability, and productivity within demanding operating environments. This initiative not only solidifies Gore’s commitment to the battery industry but also supports the overarching goal of global sustainability through inventive materials science solutions.