The Applications of tellurium copper in New Energy industry
The tellurium-copper alloy, with its core performance characteristics such as high conductivity (≥ 98% IACS), arc resistance, high-temperature resistance without softening, and a balance of high strength and ductility, has achieved in-depth application in multiple scenarios in the new energy industry. These specific fields include:
I. New Energy Vehicle Sector
Charging station connectors and contactors
As a key material for high-current charging stations, tellurium-copper alloy must meet the requirements of withstanding temperatures exceeding 200℃ and operating under long-term high power (such as 480kW). Its arc resistance and high-temperature electrical conductivity stability can effectively reduce the performance degradation of the connectors due to heat generation, and are suitable for the power upgrade trend of charging stations from 60kW to 480kW.
Battery pack component
Conductive "neural network": Some new energy vehicle enterprises use 0.5-millimeter-diameter tellurium-copper alloy wire to weave the internal circuits of battery packs, achieving efficient current transmission and lightweight design (the thickness of the copper bars has been reduced from 8mm to 3mm).
High-voltage connectors: In battery systems, converters, and electric motors, the tellurium-copper alloy meets the dual requirements of high mechanical stress and high conductivity efficiency due to its strength of ≥ 400 MPa and ductility of ≥ 30% EL.
II. Photovoltaic Energy Field
Backsheet Materials for Solar Panels
In projects such as the Qinghai Talatan Solar Power Base, the use of tellurium-copper alloy as the backsheet material has increased the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar panels to 24.3%, which is 40% higher than that of traditional silicon-based cells. Its high thermal conductivity and weather resistance help reduce energy loss and extend the lifespan of the components.
III. Core Performance Support and Industrial Value
| Performance advantage | Scenarios suitable for the new energy industry | Market impact |
| High conductivity (≥ 98% IACS) | Battery pack wiring, high-current transmission of charging stations | Promote the improvement of the range and charging efficiency of new energy vehicles |
| Anti-electric arc and high-temperature resistance (above 200℃) | Charging station contactor, high-voltage connector | Ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment |
| Balance between ductility and strength | Lightweight battery copper bars, precise wire mesh weaving | Reduce the overall vehicle energy consumption and manufacturing costs |
IV. Technical Trends and Challenges
Currently, the industry further optimizes the thermal resistance and processing performance of tellurium-copper alloys through micro-alloying (such as adding elements like Te and Mg) to meet the complex working conditions of high-frequency and high-power requirements of new energy vehicles. For instance, the C14500 tellurium-copper alloy has become the mainstream choice, but its low-temperature brittleness and the risk of grain boundary cracking still need to be addressed through process improvements.
In summary, tellurium-copper alloys play a crucial role in the power transmission system of new energy vehicles, the infrastructure of charging stations, and the efficient conversion of photovoltaic energy. They are one of the core materials driving the industry towards higher power, lightweight, and longer lifespan development.