Liquid-Dispense Gap Fillers and Thermal Pads Comparison

This white paper presents a case study comparing the thermal performance of liquid-dispense gap fillers and pre-cured thermal pads used as thermal interface materials (TIMs) in lithium-ion battery packs. Effective heat management is crucial for the advancement of high energy-density battery packs, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs). The study aims to evaluate the thermal impedance of CoolTherm gap fillers against commercially available thermal pads with equivalent thermal conductivities. The document outlines the methodology for measuring thermal impedance, which includes preparing Copper-TIM-Copper sandwich samples and conducting tests under various pressures. It discusses the significance of thermal resistance in heat transfer and the impact of TIM properties on thermal performance. The findings from this study are intended to assist designers in developing more efficient and cost-effective battery packs by providing data on the comparative performance of different TIM materials. The paper concludes with a discussion of results and implications for future battery design.