Mar 10 2021
Automotive and motorsports heat management specialists Zircotec is launching a new heat shield solution, ZircoFlex® SHIELD which out-performs traditional products in weight, thermal performance and packaging space, depending on the needs of the user, according to a detailed research program carried out by the company.
Image Credit: Zircotec
This revolutionary patented technology comprises a traditional insulation core combined with Zircotec’s proprietary thermal barrier coatings. Whether the need is to improve performance, decrease weight, or save space, ZircoFlex® SHIELD delivers against all these criteria:
- At half the thickness of the next best heatshield from another manufacturer, ZircoFlex® SHIELD achieves a 40% improvement in heat shielding with as much as a 125oC reduction in surface temperature in exhausts.
- Or it secures the same performance of the next best competitor in almost half the volume.
- And the weight of the shield is reduced by up to 40%.
Zircotec are providing best in class solutions to OEMs, ranging from high performance vehicles through to off-highway, AgriTech and commercial vehicles.
ZircoFlex® SHIELD is the output of many years of development. Extensive real-world testing has been carried out on the engine of a four-cylinder British Touring car (350+bhp, 2L turbo) with many different exhaust pipes fitted with several of the industry leading insulation materials looking at varying levels of insulation.
The research and development program examined both detachable and integral heat shields at different engine speeds and loads, and simulated typical under-hood temperature conditions. The key area of interest was at high rpm and full load where heat flux is the highest. Exhaust gas temperatures (from 660 to 730 oC) were measured entering and exiting the exhaust pipe, along with surface temperatures (from 116 to 695 oC).
Measurements have shown conclusively that ZircoFlex® SHIELD has significantly better thermal performance at a lower weight (by 40%) and lower volume (by 46%). This will therefore enable engines to run more efficiently and the cars to travel significantly faster. It perfectly balances the requirements of thermal performance against weight and space.
Graeme Barette, sales director of Zircotec, said: “If you can retain more heat within the exhaust gases of a turbocharged engine; if you can shield the driver from heat while the engine idles in traffic jams; and if you can lower the temperature under the bonnet at a given engine speed – well then you are seriously increasing race performance and efficiency of on-road cars and off-highway commercial vehicles, such as in AgriTech. That’s what ZircoFlex® SHIELD delivers.
“Thermal protection is particularly important in electric vehicles, where batteries are very dependent on their environment. It is well documented that high and low temperatures can reduce the battery life expectancy and journey distance before re-charging is needed.
“This extended life and keeping more of the heat within the car has obvious environmental benefits, as well as driver comfort.”
The development of ZircoFlex® SHIELD is the result of years of investment in R&D, averaging £1m per year, culminating in a £2.5 million investment into much larger premises and new equipment last year.
Zircotec are experts in plasma-spray processing and thermal barrier solutions and develop and produce industry leading high-performance surface coatings and finishes. They work with most F1 teams and other leading OEMs, high-end supercar manufacturers and motorsport organisations incorporate its heat shielding.
The company has a strong presence in their existing specialist markets, namely automotive and motorsport, though they are now demonstrating the opportunities for sectors which to date has not been possible due to limitations in capacity. Industries such as the electric vehicle sector, oil and gas, marine, power generation and aerospace all present excellent opportunities.
These industries have stringent emissions targets and heat management requirements and Zircotec’s technology can provide a solution to manage heat, without adding excessive weight; key characteristics highly sought in these industries.
Zircotec offer a range of industry coatings with different performance characteristics, ideal for many different applications. This includes the plasma applied ceramic coatings, a flexible heat shield material, carbon composite coatings, anti-wear coatings and ceramic fabrications as well as heat shielding solutions.
The company have also developed a conductive ceramic battery coating that provides RFI shielding with a weight saving of up to 4kg per m2 compared to aluminum. This enables manufacturers to use carbon or plastic composite battery casings for hybrid and electric vehicles rather than the much heavier aluminum solution.