Viton™ Fluoroelastomers for Renewable Energy Solutions

Renewable and clean energy solutions range from solar, wind, hydrogen, hydropower, and even the potential usage of geothermal energy sources. With the growth in population and urbanization, sourcing renewable energy has become more important than utilizing non-renewable, stemming from finite resources such as coal or oil. U.S. infrastructure is expected to grow and develop due to investment from the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

In particular, there will be a significant focus on developing clean and renewable energy solutions such as power storage and smart grids. Fluoroelastomers will offer l Renewable and clean energy solutions range from solar, wind, hydrogen, hydropower, and even the potential usage of geothermal energy sources. With the growth in population and urbanization, sourcing renewable energy has become more important than utilizing non-renewable, stemming from finite resources such as coal or oil. U.S. infrastructure is expected to grow an long-term performance solutions to help with energy generation, transmission, and storage.

 

Viton™ fluoroelastomers can be the potential technology to help drive renewable energy growth in solar installations, offshore wind turbines, energy storage systems, and even potentially green hydrogen solutions. Fluoroelastomers can be essential components for transmission and power storage as they offer exceptional performance benefits for renewable energy applications. 

 

Viton™ Fluoroleastomers for Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing

Viton™ fluoroelastomers exhibit exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and environmental factors such as weather and UV radiation. These properties make them well-suited for renewable energy applications, including solar energy. In the solar industry, fluoroelastomers are primarily used as seals and gaskets for photovoltaic (PV) modules and concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. They are used to create a tight seal around the edges of solar panels to prevent moisture and other contaminants from entering the module and causing damage to the sensitive electronics inside.

Solar energy applications such as photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturing use chemicals and functions under extreme environments such as high temperatures. With more aggressive processing technologies used to optimize equipment efficiency, the challenge for manufacturers is addressing those strains with improved product performance. Fluoroelastomer (FKM) seals can dramatically improve performance and avoid potential cell manufacturing downtimes. 

Viton™ is also used in the sealing systems of CPV systems, which use highly efficient solar cells by focusing sunlight through its lenses or mirrors. In these systems, fluoroelastomers create a seal around the lens or mirror, preventing dust and debris from accumulating on the surface and reducing the system’s efficiency. Overall, the exceptional temperature and chemical resistance of  Viton™ fluoroelastomers makes them an ideal material for use in harsh environments such as solar energy applications, where exposure to heat, UV radiation, and chemicals is common.

 

Viton™ Grade Spotlight

 

Viton™ A-200 fluoroelastomer is a gum polymer grade that improves processing compared to competitive fluoroelastomers. This grade can also be blended with other Viton™ grades to enhance processing and flow characteristics when desired. 
 

Viton™ A-200 Benefits:

• Lower viscosity
• Improved mold flow
• Excellent extrusion characteristics
• Better mold release
• Less mold fouling
• Improved compression set resistance
• Outstanding for injection or transfer molding making complicated seal shapes

Whether you do injection or transfer mold various seals, shafts, or O-rings for renewable energy transmission services, Viton™ fluoroelastomers can provide steady and reliable long-term performance benefits. Talk to one of our technical experts today about which Viton™ grade will work best for your performance requirements, processing considerations, and cost.