What is Thermal Management

By definition, thermal management is the means of monitoring and controlling temperatures produced by devices in electrical enclosures. Control is possible through technologically advanced materials and components with known thermodynamic and heat transfer properties.

Flexible Graphite

At EGC, we engineer our thermal management solutions primarily using flexible graphite, among other materials. Flexible graphite is processed from mined natural graphite flakes and then intercalated or chemically treated to create “layers” of structured elements. This intercalation is heated rapidly to a state of decomposition resulting in an eighty-fold expansion (exfoliation) in size when compared to raw flake. Creating a “worm-like” structure, it is then molded into specific shapes or calendared into sheets.

EGC ThermaFoil®

Made exclusively from pure, natural graphite flake, the end material (branded ThermaFoil® by EGC) is highly suited for thin-film heater products based on inherent properties. These properties include:

• High thermal conductivity
• Thermally anisotropic
• Low thermal mass
• High electrical conductivity
• Compressible and conformable
• Lightweight and flexible
• Extremely long lasting
• Inert to most chemical agents resulting in suitability where other materials fail

Graphite-Based Technologies

One of our core strengths is engineering these graphite materials for use in heating applications. In combination with insulation, heat spreading and storage materials, our flexible graphite-based technologies can perform over a wide range of temperatures – from cryogenic to 550ºF – and spread, store or closely control using resistive or inductive heating. In fact, EGC employs three primary thermal management technologies ideal for a variety of industries and applications:

• Self-regulating PTC heater technology
• NTC heaters and patented control methodologies
• Thermal energy storage (TES)

Is thermal management right for you? If so, which technology would be optimal? With so many variables to consider, contact us at 440-285-5835 or email us. We’ll walk you through the process, one step at a time.