Potting compounds seal the deal for surfers

The AIR 4 jet-powered surfboard has a 14hp motor and an exchangeable Li-ion battery with a capacity of up to 3.6kWh, allowing it to skim the water at up to 50kph. To create the customised battery uses specially developed polyurethane potting compounds to seal the battery so that it can be used in corrosive saltwater. Potting of the battery cells and the control unit provides sealing and heat dissipation while enabling a very compact design, said Wevo, adding that the polyurethane resins also offer improvements for the manufacturing process.

The company said it has also optimised the adhesion properties to secure connection of the cells and the control unit to the housing. The compounds’ flow behaviour and low viscosity ensure bubble-free potting between the cells, which, in turn, ensures effective thermal management and electrical insulation. The bond also means the battery can also withstand the mechanical stress of the surfer standing on the board.