Stabilizing Renewable Energy Solutions

Clean energy technologies like solar and wind offer low-carbon alternatives to traditional power generation. With recent investments toward upgrading the U.S. infrastructure reliance on more renewable energy alternatives, there will be a need for long-lasting, high-performance parts to the electric grid.  

SI Group offers best-in-class antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and coupling agents for clean energy technologies, such as wire and cable manufacturing for solar panels, wind turbines, and even hydroelectric energy. These polymer  additives are commonly used  in manufacturing solar backsheets, adhesives, sealants, and wire and cable insulation to enhance materials' resistance to degradation caused by exposure to heat, oxygen, and other environmental factors. This is particularly important in the renewable energy industry, where cables are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, humidity, and UV radiation. Utilizing stabilizers will allow renewable energy technologies to last longer by resisting environmental degradation and help maintain the performance and efficiency of the clean energy  application.  

Renewable Wire and Cable Applications

Antioxidant and stabilizers are essential for improving the durability and longevity of materials used in renewable energy solutions. Renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, rely on wires and cables exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including UV radiation, heat, and moisture. These conditions can cause degradation, cracking, and other damage to the wires and cables, leading to performance issues and safety concerns. 

Some common types of antioxidant additives used in wire and cable manufacturing for renewable energy transmission include: 

 Amine Antioxidants

Amine antioxidants are particular efficienty for polyolefins used in wire & cable applications that use either medium, high and ultra-high voltage power. 

Phosphite Antioxidants 

 

ALKANOX™ 240 is the work horse of secondary antioxidants used in synergy with hindered phenolic antioxidants to ehnance their performance and provide additional protection against thermal degradation. By reacting with hydroperoxides formed during thermal processing by yielding non-radicals. This phosphite antioxidant is particularly cost effective due to its superior color control and effectivness at high temperatures for polyolefins used in wire and cable applications. 

Phenolic Antioxidants

Hindered phenolic antioxidants are highly effective in protecting wire and cable insulation materials from oxidative degradation caused by exposure to heat and light. 

Metal Deactivators

 

Metal deactivators prevent wire and cable insulation materials from degrading due to metal-catalyzed oxidation. NAUGARD™ XL-1 is a dual function antioxidant and metal deactivator, designed for use in polyolefins and polystyrenics that have residual metallic ions as a result of mineral fillers, inorganic pigments, or catalysts.

Coupling Agents 

Coupling agent additives provide strength and adhesion for inorganic and organic materials designed to enhance polymer properties while providing increased hardness and improved mechanical properties.  

Antioxidant and stabilizers are essential for improving the durability and longevity of materials used in renewable energy solutions. Renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, rely on wires and cables exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including UV radiation, heat, and moisture. These conditions can cause degradation, cracking, and other damage to the wires and cables, leading to performance issues and safety concerns. 

Solar Energy 

 

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation is widely used in solar energy applications, particularly in photovoltaic (PV) systems. XLPE cables offer halogen-free and longer service life benefits for solar power cables and interconnection wiring. SI Group provides antioxidant and UV stabilizer additives for manufacturers utilizing XLPE.  
 

• Insulation for PV cables 

• PV module backsheets 

• Junction box insulation 

• Encapsulation and sealing 

XLPE Wire and Cable

SI Group Main Antioxidants

• Hindered Phenols
  • Hindered phenols provide effective protection against oxidation and thermal degradation, helping extend the service life of XLPE in demanding solar energy environments. 
• Phosphite Antioxidants 
  • ​Phosphite antioxidants act as secondary antioxidants, working synergistically with hindered phenols to enhance the overall antioxidant performance and stability of XLPE.  

SI Group UV Stabilizers 

• LOWILITE™ Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) 
  • ​HALS help inhibit the degradation caused by UV radiation by scavenging free radicals generated upon sunlight exposure. HALS are especially effective in extending the lifespan of XLPE in solar power.  
• LOWILITE™ UV Absorbers
  • ​UV filters or screening agents are used to absorb UV radiation and convert it into less harmful forms of energy, such as heat. These stabilizers can minimize the degradation of XLPE caused by UV exposure and help preserve its mechanical and electrical properties over time.  

LOWINOX™ Metal Deactivators 

• Wire and cables used in solar systems may contain metal components, such as copper conductors. Metal deactivators, such as benzotriazole derivatives or thioethers, are often added to prevent metal-catalyzed oxidation. These additives chelate or react with metal ions, reducing their ability to initiate oxidative degradation. ​

Wind Turbines

Adhesives are commonly used for various purposes in wind turbines, including bonding components, sealing joints, and protecting against environmental factors. Antioxidants and UV stabilizers are often incorporated into adhesives for wind turbines to enhance their durability and resistance to degradation.
Wind turbine blades are manufactured using a mix of glass, carbon fiber, and plastic. These blades must be aerodynamic, lightweight, and durable for effective energy transmission.

Polymer Modifiers

• POLYBOND™ compatibilizers or coupling agents act as adhesion promoters between inorganic materials and organic polymers.
• ROYALTUF™ polymer modifiers from a maleic anhydride modified EPDM that offers various resistance for polyamide or engineering resins used in the manufacturing of wind turbine parts. 

 

​

SI Group offers innovative solutions for clean energy technology in many applications. From high-voltage solar cables to wind turbine adhesives and blades, this portfolio of stabilizers proovides long-term solutions to protect from the extreme elements and demanding environments these energy applications require. Talk to one of our technical specialists today about which grade would work best in your formulations and production.