Why Clean Air Filtration Is Critical to the Safety and Performance of New Energy Vehicles
The range and safety performance of new energy vehicles (NEVs) are closely tied to the quality of their most critical component — the lithium battery. From electrode sheet preparation to cell packaging, every step of lithium battery production demands a highly controlled air environment. As the “guardian” of air quality, air filters play a vital role in removing airborne contaminants, laying a solid foundation for high-quality battery manufacturing.
Key Requirements for Lithium Battery Cleanrooms
With larger capacity and higher energy density, NEV batteries require more stringent production environments. Any contamination in the air can directly impact vehicle performance and safety. For example, dust particles on electrode sheets can cause short circuits, potentially leading to thermal runaway or fire. Impurities introduced during packaging may compromise battery sealing, reducing driving range.
Therefore, key production areas such as cell assembly and module packaging must meet ISO Class 7 cleanroom standards, while critical processes like electrolyte coating for solid-state batteries may require ISO Class 6 or better. These high standards demand air filters with consistently high performance that can effectively capture particles as small as 0.1μm.
Air Filter Applications in Critical Battery Manufacturing Processes
1. Electrode Sheet Production: Controlling Dust at the Source
The electrode sheet is the “heart” of a lithium battery, and its quality directly affects performance. During slitting, copper and aluminum shavings may be generated and dispersed into the air. If they settle on the sheet surface, they can puncture the separator. To prevent this, the following filtration system is recommended:
- Primary Filters (G4 grade): Capture large particles and packaging debris to protect downstream equipment.
- Medium Filters (F9 grade): Remove 1–5μm metal dust particles and prevent diffusion into the cleanroom.
- Localized HEPA Filters (H13 grade): Ensure clean airflow in critical zones and maintain particulate concentration below 0.1mg/m³.
2. Cell Assembly: Ultra-Clean Filtration for Maximum Safety
Cell assembly integrates the anode, cathode, and separator — and modern separators can be as thin as 8μm. Even microscopic particles pose a high risk. The recommended setup includes:
- HEPA Filters (H14 grade): ≥99.995% efficiency @ 0.3μm, to purify ambient workshop air.
- ULPA Filters above Assembly Tables: ≥99.9995% efficiency @ 0.12μm, creating ISO Class 5 localized zones to prevent contaminants from compromising cell integrity.
3. Module and PACK Assembly: Preventing Cross-Contamination
This stage involves assembling multiple cells into battery packs. The focus here is twofold: avoiding cross-contamination between batches and keeping external dust out of the battery enclosure. Required air filtration includes:
- Medium Efficiency Filters (F8 grade): Remove airborne fibers and mold spores, extending HEPA filter life.
- HEPA Filters (H13 grade): Maintain clean incoming air and work with positive pressure systems to prevent unfiltered air intrusion, ensuring a stable assembly environment.
Choosing the Right Air Filter for NEV Battery Workshops
1. Filtration Efficiency and Stability
Always select filters that meet or exceed required standards and offer long-term performance. In critical areas, HEPA filters rated H13 and above are essential. Ensure that the filter’s efficiency degradation stays below 5% over time to avoid quality fluctuations in battery production.
2. Resistance to Interference
During production, machines generate vibration and static electricity. Filters must be vibration-resistant and made from anti-static materials to prevent dust from clinging to the surface, which could reduce filtration effectiveness and lifespan.
3. Capacity to Match Production Demand
Large-scale lithium battery production requires high-volume airflow. Filtration systems must be designed based on production output to ensure that each workstation receives sufficient clean air.
Conclusion
Though often overlooked, air filters are the unsung heroes of NEV lithium battery workshops. By providing targeted protection across each production phase, they help minimize contamination risks and ensure the safety and durability of the final product. We offer customized air filtration solutions tailored to the needs of lithium battery manufacturing, supporting producers in delivering high-quality energy storage systems for the vehicles of tomorrow.
