Why Lead Batteries Are Important for the Shift to EV Ecosystems

Tag Archive: Energy

1. Why Lead Batteries Are Important for the Shift to EV Ecosystems

   March 28, 2023 1:36 pm Leave a Comment

   As automobiles evolve, so does the role of the battery. Automakers, regulators, and consumers require more power, safety, and sustainability from automotive batteries, especially electric vehicle (EV) batteries. To meet these growing demands, absorbent glass mat (AGM) advanced lead batteries are ideal for 12-volt systems to facilitate the global shift toward autonomous and electric vehicles.

   Hollingsworth & Vose is a leading manufacturer of advanced materials used in energy, filtration, and industrial applications. Since our origins in 1728, we have continuously evolved, with R&D and manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, Europe, India, and China. Our product line includes a selection of high-quality lead battery components—key to the global shift to EVs. Learn how lead batteries are driving the electric vehicles and infrastructure of the future.

   Why EVs Need Lead Batteries

   Did you know that there are lead batteries in EVs? High-voltage lithium batteries power the electric powertrain, while lead batteries power the low-voltage (12V) safety and auxiliary systems, such as those that drivers and passengers interact with directly. Here is an overview of the 12V capabilities and benefits of lead batteries that make them important in the shift to EVs.

   12V Capabilities

   Lead batteries perform numerous functions in 12V vehicle applications. These capabilities include:

   • While Driving — Lead batteries can power increasing electrical loads for accessories and supplement power for instances of peak load demand (e.g. power steering, seat heating).
   • Parked/Off — Lead batteries enable fob scanning and theft protection. Additionally, they allow for vehicle connectivity to GPS and to facilitate over-the-air updates.
   • Emergencies — Lead EV batteries power functional safety systems to get the vehicle off the road in the event of high-voltage failure of the propulsion system.

   Advantages of Advanced Lead Batteries

   Advanced lead batteries offer several benefits that make them ideal EV batteries, including:

   • Cost Competitiveness — The total cost of ownership is lower than you would find with other types of batteries.
   • Reliability — Advanced lead batteries offer decades of proven performance.
   • Supports the Shift to EV Ecosystems — AGM batteries, in particular, are invaluable for EV charging infrastructures and supporting the electric grid, with long lifespans, safe handling, high-power output, and increased stability that promote the transition to EV vehicles.
   • Sustainability — With a 98-100% recycling rate, advanced lead batteries are the sustainable option.
   • Safe Chemistry — There is no risk of thermal runaway with advanced lead batteries.

   Why Use Advanced Lead Batteries Like AGM?

   Compared to lithium-ion batteries, lead batteries offer advantages for 12V applications in electric vehicles. AGM and other advanced lead batteries enable the stop-start function that reduces vehicle emissions. AGM batteries are especially popular because of their flexibility for where they are mounted in the vehicle due to their non-spillable design, and there is no thermal runaway risk. Due to their robust design, AGM batteries can continue to function properly after a collision in most cases, whereas lithium batteries would require additional electronics to ensure functionality and safety.

   Lead batteries have well-established supply chains and are cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable. What makes lead batteries sustainable is their use of recycled materials. Disposed or end-of-life batteries can be recycled to produce new batteries, which have a low carbon footprint: around 15 kg CO2 per kWh. Reusing materials reduces costs and makes recycling lead batteries an easy way to support global sustainability efforts. The U.S. currently has a lead battery recycling rate of 98%, while Europe’s recycling rate is 100%.

   H&V’s Advanced Lead Battery Components for EVs 

   Advanced lead batteries are crucial to the global shift to electric vehicles. For ideal EV battery components, H&V provides energy-efficient, cost-effective, and reliable solutions. We manufacture top-quality AGM battery separators and other components to meet or exceed automotive standards for quality and performance. Browse our line of proprietary AGM EnergyGuard^®, PowerFill™, PowerLock^®, and other energy products. In addition to AGM lead battery separators, we also offer gel lead, flooded lead, and primary battery separators.

   Our goal is to provide customers with reliable advanced materials that create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Contact us today to learn more about the role of lead batteries in EVs.

2. Clearing the Air: Why indoor air quality is crucial for schools

   September 2, 2022 9:31 am Leave a Comment

   Picture this: A little girl sits in a classroom in her neighborhood elementary school. She’s trying to focus on the teacher’s lesson, but her asthma is acting up again. She’s wheezing and finding it hard to breathe. Her chest tightens. At some point, it gets to be too much. She has to leave school early and head home.

   It’s an imagined scenario, but one that is increasingly playing out in schools everywhere as the impacts of unhealthy indoor air quality become more and more evident – and real.

   

   According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health; what’s more, the agency estimates that nearly half of all public schools have conditions that contribute to poor environmental quality. Students and staff in schools with poor indoor air quality – caused by pollutants like allergens, dust and mold – can experience coughing, irritated eyes, headaches, allergic reactions and, yes, even aggravated asthma. Beyond the physical symptoms, poor indoor air quality has also been linked to increased absenteeism and lower performance in both students and teachers.

   But just as there’s been an increased understanding of the negative health impacts of poor indoor air quality, there’s also been a greater push to address the issue and make school IAQ clean, healthy and safe for everyone.

   Current trends and insights with IAQ

   Though recognition of the importance of good ventilation, clean air filtration and healthy IAQ had already been on the rise before 2020, COVID-19 helped spotlight the issue even more. As schools worked to make buildings safe for the return of students, many looked into improving IAQ through better ventilation and filtration, which have been shown to reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, when used in concert with other best practices. Interest in school IAQ is certain to remain high as COVID lingers and schools continue to create healthier environments for staff and students.

   The increased attention on indoor air quality has also revealed a pressing need for smart data platforms that can help building management teams take the guesswork out of IAQ management. Many schools don’t have ways to monitor IAQ, nor are they able to determine when it’s time to make ventilation changes or update filters. Modern systems, complete with IAQ sensors and integrated technology, are becoming more readily available. They can be costly and complex, which can be challenging for schools.

   But there is good news: The federal government has made significant funding available – an estimated $122 billion in American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Relief Funds – for schools to make IAQ upgrades.

   MERV 13 filters and the benefits for schools

   One thing schools are sure to invest in when making IAQ improvements: MERV 13 filters for their HVAC systems. MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, rates a filter’s ability to capture particles. Though MERV 8 filters are common, those rated MERV 13 or higher can capture smaller particles and reduce the spread of viruses and allergens, thus improving IAQ and, in the long term, student and teacher health and productivity.

   Technostat^® is the go-to choice of many prominent filter manufacturers who make the MERV 13 panel filters used in U.S. schools.

   Hollingsworth & Vose: The right choice for healthy IAQ

   Global filtration leader Hollingsworth & Vose has been innovating in the world of filtration for decades. In particular, our Technostat^® filter media, which is used in MERV 11-13 filters, is playing a key role in how schools are making improvements to their IAQ. In fact, Technostat^® is the go-to choice of many prominent filter manufacturers who make the MERV 13 panel filters used in U.S. schools.

   Why is that? Not only because Technostat^® meets stringent industry ratings, but also because it is the leading electret media product in the market. It can capture small particles and offers high efficiency filtration with a low pressure drop, which means cleaner air with lower energy consumption in an HVAC system.

   In addition to Technostat^®, H&V offers a range of other filtration solutions that can help schools significantly improve their IAQ, creating better learning environments for students, teachers and staff at a time when the need is greater than ever. Contact us directly for more information.

3. Celebrate Earth Day With NanoWave^® Filter Media

   April 22, 2022 2:11 pm Leave a Comment

   While Earth Day is an important time to celebrate nature and the beauty of the outdoors, at Hollingsworth & Vose, we are doing our part to make the air quality in buildings safer through filtration solutions that reduce energy consumption and minimize carbon emissions as compared to standard filtration in the market.

   With energy consumption in buildings contributing over 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and HVAC equipment accounting for 40% of commercial building energy usage, our team is motivated to help overcome these energy burdens through the introduction of advanced filter media that achieves better and more sustainable outcomes.

   Air filtration is a critical requirement for healthy indoor air quality, but one that often involves making difficult decisions around higher energy expenditure to achieve the increased levels of filtration needed to keep building occupants safe and productive. That’s because it generally takes more energy to move air through higher-grade filters in HVAC systems (such as MERV 13-16), meaning more energy usage is the trade-off for cleaner air.

   When considering indoor air quality, can we live in a safe and more energy-efficient world, having our cake and eating it too? A recent study conducted by on the carbon handprint of our NanoWave^® filter media, an industry game-changer given its low-pressure-drop-to-performance ratio, revealed that building owners don’t have to compromise with higher energy usage for a safer indoor environment.

   

   After reviewing our manufacturing processes and considering the energy use savings against comparable filter media, the study showed that NanoWave^® emits 32 times less carbon and generates a savings of -326 kgs CO2e per filter use from cradle to gate. To put that into perspective, those savings are roughly the same amount of carbon emissions that a car ride from Massachusetts to Michigan would generate using regular gas.

   The filtration industry admittedly has much work to do to continue improving manufacturing practices as responsible contributors to the green economy. At H&V, we are passionate about driving sustainable innovation to fulfill our mission of creating a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable world. If you are interested in learning more about how NanoWave^® can help reduce HVAC energy consumption and lead to better outcomes for people, buildings, and the planet, please contact us at info@hovo.com.

    

   Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Earth Day from the team at Hollingsworth & Vose!

4. Hollingsworth and Vose Continues Its Pursuit of a Cleaner, Healthier, More Sustainable World

   April 12, 2022 10:30 pm Leave a Comment

   Hollingsworth & Vose has an innovative and insightful outlook that helped to grow the company from a family business established over 200 years ago to a global leader in the advanced filtration industry today. Our company’s primary goal is to develop sustainable filtration solutions for a cleaner, healthier world.

   Josh Ayer is the CEO of Hollingsworth & Vose. He came to the company in 2009 as the Vice President and Managing Director for their Asia Pacific Region. He then became the President and Managing Director of the Americas region, followed by President and Chief Operating Officer.

   

   International Filtration News (IFN) recently interviewed Ayer for their ”Executive Q&A” article. Ayer spoke about the dedication and commitment that Hollingsworth & Vose has to the research and development of sustainable filtration and energy.  

   How Has Hollingsworth & Vose Grown and Become an Industry-Leading Innovator?

   As a global manufacturer of advanced materials for filtration, battery, and industrial applications, Hollingsworth & Vose always strives to maintain innovation in everything we do. 

   Since our origins in 1728, we’ve expanded our manufacturing and research development into facilities in America, China, Europe, and India. Our greatest strengths are foresight and the ability to meet market needs and create a positive impact as they arise. 

   During Ayer’s interview, he explained the company’s success, ”I think it’s always been key for us as a company to keep innovation at the forefront of what we do. That is what has allowed us to evolve and thrive for so long.”

   Ayer also mentioned the following reasons for H&V’s past and continued growth:

   • An international presence that has contributed significantly to our role as an industry leader.
   • Our 13 worldwide research and development, and manufacturing facilities, allow us to partner economically and efficiently with customers. 

   How Are Hollingsworth & Vose Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic?

   We stepped up when COVID-19 struck the world, and our main focus became providing the filtration media for respirators, ventilators, medical wear, and COVID-19 testing materials.

   In addition to filter media, our battery separators supported medical equipment and backup power sources for overtaxed emergency vehicles, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

   

   According to Ayer, ”Before COVID-19, the industry was in a pretty good place. There was a wide range of interesting markets — lots of demand for increased performance requirements that really kept us not only busy but continually innovating, as well.”

   As Ayer thought back to the start of the pandemic, he talked more about the challenges and adaptations the company faced: 

   • Overcoming capacity constraints 
   • Adapting and shifting focus to “people protection”
   • Providing emergency vehicles, hospitals, and other health facilities with battery separators for backup power sources

   Ayer is also looking ahead to the future of H&V. He believes filtration is going to play a huge part in the future of vaccines, which require the microfiltration of liquids and pharmaceutical cleanrooms to eliminate air contaminants. 

   Further, as government regulations and consumer expectations lean toward improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), our global environmental efforts for clean energy, air, and water will intensify. 

   Important Market Segments for Filtration in 2022

   As far as filtration in 2022, Ayer believes the demand for filtration media will continue to increase as the public realizes the importance of sustainability and emission reduction. Government regulations and corporate air quality policies will expedite the demand for green buildings with sustainable, healthy spaces that adhere to LEED standards.

   Additionally, cabin air filtration will play a huge part in the transportation sector as we move toward more energy-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids and EVs. Ayer predicts, ”The demand for filtration in the future may evolve, but it’s not going away.”

   Hollingsworth & Vose Continues Its Innovations Toward Sustainable, Clean Filtration Solutions

   Hollingsworth & Vose is a family-run company and global leader in the development of sustainable filtration media. As Ayer proudly said, ”We won’t stray from our mission of creating a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable world.” 

   Contact us for information on sustainable filtration and ethical energy solutions that meet your sustainable business needs.

   You can also click here or the image below for our latest brochure on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)!

   

5. Hollingsworth & Vose Continues to Expand Their Global Presence in India

   March 15, 2022 3:49 pm Leave a Comment

   As a trusted supplier of energy and filtration solutions, Hollingsworth & Vose is dedicated to serving customers around the world. With 13 production facilities strategically located in North America, Asia, and Europe, H&V has a global footprint that is positioned to meet the needs of regional customers. H&V’s international presence, and vertically integrated capabilities producing raw materials, greatly improves its ability to supply customers.

   Hollingsworth & Vose Makes a Significant Acquisition

   In 2014, U.S.-based Hollingsworth & Vose acquired Raman FibreScience Pvt Ltd, a technology company based in Mysuru, India. Raman FibreScience specializes in developing innovations in fiber-based, wet-laid filtration media and battery separators and was a natural complement to H&V’s existing business. H&V successfully integrated the India R&D and manufacturing operations extending the company’s reach to supply Mysuru-based battery products to global customers.

   The acquisition has enabled our manufacturing facility in Mysuru to produce battery separator products that expand our offerings into energy storage. For example, our Hi-Sep™ battery separators are produced in Mysuru and are commonly used in both industrial and automotive applications.

   H&V Invests in India and Expands Manufacturing Capacity

   Now in 2022, H&V is expanding its manufacturing capacity in Mysuru, India.  The investment H&V is committing will more than double H&V’s existing capacity to serve the South Asia and Global market. 

   In line with H&V’s vision to provide solutions for “Creating a Cleaner World”, H&V’s investment will expand capacity to manufacture Hi-Sep battery separators and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) separators for automotive and industrial applications.  Further, the investment will enable production of HEPA filtration media for regional customers.      

   

   H&V has invested and grown the technology where Hi-Sep serves a niche requirement in deep cycle flooded and gel battery applications to include Electric rickshaws, back-up power, and industrial forklifts.    

   Premium Energy Solutions From Global Leader Hollingsworth & Vose

   With multiple facilities spread across three continents, Hollingsworth & Vose is committed to providing the world with more innovative energy and filtration solutions. Our strategic acquisition of Raman FibreScience, coupled with the commitment to expand South Asia production capacity, has enabled H&V to further support the global transition to clean and sustainable energy storage solutions. We look forward to expanding our expertise and presence in India as well as the rest of the world.

   To learn more about how working with H&V can streamline your operations, contact us today.

6. How Does a Coalescer Filter Work?

   June 8, 2021 7:54 pm Leave a Comment

   Basics of Coalescing Filtration

   Coalescer filtration is used to separate liquid droplets and aerosols from both liquid and gas media. Coalescer filter elements are manufactured from specialized materials, including borosilicate micro-fiberglass, synthetic fibers, and thermoplastic resins. Each coalescer filter material is tailored to the particular needs of the application, with a variety of filtration grades for different coalescer functions and media.

   When used for liquid/liquid separation, coalescer filters remove water from various petroleum-based liquids such as jet fuel, diesel, and hydraulic fluid. This ensures optimal fuel efficiency and functionality of airplanes, motor vehicles, generators, and industrial equipment.

   Coalescer filters are also used to remove oil and water aerosols from compressed air systems. By removing unwanted moisture from the airflow, coalescer filters prevent the buildup of lubricants, condensed water, and oils on pipes, joints, and fixtures. By doing so, coalescer filters ensure optimal efficiency, extend equipment service life, and reduce the need for cleaning and maintenance.

   

   The method by which coalescing filters remove contaminants is largely dependent on the size of the contaminants you wish to remove. Particles that are greater than one micron can typically be removed through direct contact filtration, while smaller particles may require interception and diffusion. Regardless of the method, coalescing filters operate on the same general principle. Liquid droplets collect on the fiber material of the filter element and coalesce at fiber intersections, creating larger droplets that are pulled to the bottom of the filter element by gravity. As the droplets collect and move down the filter, they grow larger and heavier, eventually falling from the base of the filter into a drainage system.

   Since coalescer filtration systems operate within the flow of air or liquid material, they also collect any solid particulate matter that can contaminate your system. This helps to prevent dust, dirt, and other matter from clogging your system. However, it is important to ensure that you have the right kind of filtration setup for your system to avoid clogging the coalescer and restricting the flow of air or fluid. Depending on the application and medium being filtered, a coalescer can be operated independently or incorporated into a larger separation system.

   Where Are Coalescer Filters Used?

   Coalescer filters are incorporated into a wide variety of applications for everything from oil and gas operations to petrochemical refining applications and fuel filtration. They can be used to separate gas and liquid in oil and gas refining systems to produce final products with high purity. Coalescer filters are also used to protect oil and gas refining equipment from water vapor, which can corrode pipes, storage containers, and other critical equipment.

   Other applications that benefit from coalescer filters include fuel filtration in automotive and aerospace vehicles, natural gas dehumidification, and industrial air compressor applications where humidity and particulate matter can compromise system efficiency. They are also incorporated into cabin pressurization systems for airplanes and can be used in virtually any filtration system that requires the removal of submicron liquid droplets and aerosols.

   State-of-the-Art Filtration Solutions by Hollingsworth & Vose

   Whether you’re in need of compressor filters for your industrial operation or coalescers for natural gas production, Hollingsworth & Vose has the experience and technology to produce cutting-edge filtration solutions for your operation. We are committed to creating innovative systems using the latest material technology, including glass and synthetic media and resin treatments that will meet and exceed industry regulations, environmental standards, and system requirements.

   Our cutting-edge coalescer media is uniquely engineered to provide optimal filtration for nearly any system. With H&V’s exceptional filtration systems, you will enjoy enhanced equipment service life, reduced warranty costs, and improved system efficiency. Using personalized analysis of your system, we can customize your filtration medium to meet particular water and oil repellency, synthetic content requirements, and gradient densities for various liquids.

   As an internationally recognized expert in filtration technology, Hollingsworth & Vose understands that every system is different. Our seasoned engineers and technicians have the knowledge and experience necessary to produce consistent, superior quality filtration systems to meet even the most rigorous specifications. To learn more about our coalescers and other filtration solutions, contact us today.