Innovations and Proven Products for the Mobility of the Future

Freudenberg’s sealing experts are already developing a wide range of new solutions. For example, they have devised a new housing seal that optimizes the battery pressure compensation that is important for electric mobility: the smart pressure compensation element DIAvent®. With another innovative seal for the housings of traction batteries, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is making it possible to build electric vehicles more economically in small volumes. The patented “Profile-to-Gasket” (P2G) approach was especially developed for volumes up to 5,000 batteries per year. Batteries with substantial power densities and the resulting cooling requirements create a need for flat seals or the so-called Plug & Seals that Freudenberg Sealing Technologies manufactures as well.

The company is also focusing on electric-mobility products for thermal management as well as two-component housings for sensors and other electronic parts. Another promising area is lightweight design for electric motors, using plastics that conduct electricity or heat or insulate against them. Mechanical seals can also be used for electric motors, and Simmerrings remain indispensable in the transmissions of electrically powered vehicles. Finally, the housings for sophisticated control electronics must be sealed.

More Innovations for Internal Combustion Engines

But Freudenberg Sealing Technologies still sees potential for improvement in internal combustion engines. In its “LESS” (Low Emission Sealing Solutions) portfolio, the company is bundling innovative sealing solutions that help to minimize friction, optimize combustion and reduce weight, which in turn decreases a vehicle’s energy consumption and emissions. The political pressure to cut emissions is still a reality and is taken very seriously, Möhlenkamp said. “With our LESS products, we are helping our customers to achieve their emissions goals – for conventional engines as well as electrified powertrains.”

The LESS portfolio includes products such as the gas-lubricated mechanical face seal Levitex, which reduces CO₂ emissions during driving by up to 1 gram of CO₂ per kilometer. Or the transmission seal ring Levitas, which “floats” on a hydrodynamic oil film that it generates on its own, keeping friction and wear to an absolute minimum. This leads to a considerable decline in CO₂ emissions. Seals, including Freudenberg’s radial shaft seal rings and diaphragms, are also used in vehicles’ exhaust treatment systems, providing a significant reduction in CO and nitrogen emissions.

During the Vienna Motor Symposium, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is showcasing a wide selection of products for internal combustion engines, such as POP radial shaft seals with and without sensors, Curve Gaskets, Press-in-Place seals; as well as parts for electric vehicles, such as Simmerrings with electrically conductive nonwovens, seals for pouch cells and the pressure compensation element DIAvent®; along with lithium ion battery separators and gas diffusion layers for fuel cells. The Freudenberg Group’s sealing experts are looking forward to strong attendance and exciting discussions with experts visiting the symposium.