Advances in tank heaters based on PTC (positive temperature coefficient) plastic nanomaterials 2019-01-0152

We proposed solutions based on plastic PTC effect nanomaterials for thermal management of liquids like water or AD-Blue that can freeze in the automotive temperature operative range. The proposed heaters can be moulded in any shape, following the specific tank needs, in carpet like shapes for a distributed heating of the tank, or in bulky components integrating sensors housings, pipes, pumping systems or in the packaging of other components. The PTC effect is distributed avoiding overheating in parts with poor thermal exchange (dry condition). The advantages can be summarized as follows: higher efficiency, safer operation, no additive damage (urea is decomposed if overheated), arbitrary shape design, low cost. The evolution of the technology, presented for the first time in 2017, will be shown and the obtained performances compared with currently used technologies.