Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt many types of electronic devices and equipment we use to communicate. For this reason, it’s important to limit EMI as much as possible and to contain it by using EMI shielding products. EMI can come from cordless phones, fluorescent lights, television sets, electric tools, computers, cell phones, and more. Digital devices such as power circuits, especially those that convert DC current into AC current, can also emit EMI.
In the Netherlands, VERON (the Netherlands national Amateur Radio society) has had many problems with EMI being emitted from residential solar panels. Although there are regulations regarding solar panels in the European Union (EU), only about 33 percent of solar installations met the regulations during 2014. These emissions cause strong interference which can cover a large range of VERON’s spectrum.
There are four main ways to reduce noise from EMI: shielding, filtering, cancellation, and suppression. Filtering, cancellation, and suppression are most often addressed by dealing with EMI that is carried into the system through cables and wiring. Filtering can be used by putting capacitors across signal lines or wiring them to the ground. Cancellation is simply twisting wire pairs which in effect means the wire noises will cancel each other out. Suppression is oftentimes the most effective way of lowering EMI in cables and wiring. It works by molding ceramic into the shape or size needed which allow the EMI to be converted to heat into a core made of ferrite. Once this happens the EMI begins to dissipate.
EMI shielding can be achieved by construction of a metal Faraday cage around the electronics. In order to allow for access to the electronics within the Faraday cage, conductive gaskets are most often used at the seams and access points, and this is where Vanguard’s Ultra-Vanshield EMI gaskets can provide a unique dual function solution for both weather and EMI shielding. Their unique construction and materials perform in extreme cold and heat, and are mechanically forgiving.
At Vanguard, we manufacture shielding products which are designed to protect sensitive electronic systems. We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility and our custom fabricated line can be used for all types of telecom base stations, computers, high speed electronics, automotive control systems, avionics, solar systems, and more. We are able to customize products for our customers worldwide at a reasonable cost. Shielding products range in size from 0.010 to 3” in cross section. We also offer a wide range of finishing services.
To learn more about Vanguard and our products, we invite you to read our blog, follow us on Twitter, and connect with us on LinkedIn. To find out how we can help shield your products, we invite you to speak to a representative about your needs.
There’s a common understanding that alternative sources of power benefit people and the world around us. Fossil fuels and coal are losing favor among consumers, who are looking for cleaner energy options that reduce the amount of air pollution and other contamination. Drive down any road, now, and you are likely to see many homes with solar panels, and pass any number of electric or hybrid cars.
To meet the growing demand for these sources of power, manufacturers have been working to create the necessary components for this infrastructure. Solar panels, wind turbines, and battery-powered cars all require a complex network of parts to function – and they need creative design engineers to bring them to life.
At Vanguard Products, we’ve been seeing an increase in demand for sealing products for these applications. We create custom compound silicone materials that can withstand high temperatures, have high compression set resistance, and extreme UV resistance. All of these traits are needed to ensure the reliability of power generation equipment, which must be durable enough to stand up to unpredictable weather and operating situations.
Sitting out in the sun and exposed to the elements 24/7, solar panels and windmills can be exposed to temperature extremes both high and low, and an intense amount of UV radiation. Many materials will fail under these conditions, so it’s vital to find silicone seals that are designed for this type of function.
Our Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding products are also being successfully applied to the electric vehicle market. As self-driving technologies continue to advance and work their way toward reality, automakers need to ensure the safety of these vehicles. Because wireless electronics are so pervasive in society today, it’s necessary to avoid outside electronic interference within the vehicle. EMI shielding components can protect the vehicle from receiving unintended signals, keeping occupants and other drivers safe from harm.
As a custom elastomer manufacturer and supplier, we look forward to the continuing development of these exciting technologies, and are happy to play a role in their success. If you have any questions about the types of materials used in these alternative power applications, feel free to contact us online or call (203) 744-7265 for further information.
Three decades ago, solar energy usage on a broad scale to power large sections of the population seemed to be a pipe dream. Based upon the technology of the day, it was assumed that “direct conversion” solar cells could never be efficient enough to generate enough power to make their use commercially feasible on a large scale, and their costs made wide scale use unrealistic. Further, solar reflector, collector, and steam turbine technologies of the time were not advanced enough to warrant consideration for use in multi-megawatt power plants.
Over the past several years, the technological landscape has changed considerably with respect to solar energy. Direct conversion solar cells are becoming less costly to the point where many individual residential installations make economic sense. Further, reflector and turbine technology has now advanced to the point where it is now feasible to build solar power plants that can generate greater than 250 megawatts of power. Industrial sites that utilize steam power are now using solar collectors to augment their traditional steam generation, thus reducing their dependence on traditional fossil fuels or electricity.
From a materials and applications standpoint, these installations present some daunting challenges. The most effective solar installations are located in areas of intense solar radiation and wide temperature swings. Take for instance the largest solar installations in Asia and in Australia. These are located in areas where the average solar radiation can approach 7 kWh/square meter/day and the temperature can go from close to freezing all the way to well over 100F. Any material that is used in these systems must not only hold up to long periods of high heat and radiation without degradation, but must also be adaptable to the low temperature exposure as well. Further, the weather environment in these installation locations can be among the most brutal on earth, with weather phenomenons such as brutal sandstorms or torrential tropical rains.
To that effect, Vanguard Products has provided solar energy developers with high-quality silicone materials that can withstand the intense heat, wind, dust-storms, and UV radiation over the long haul, while providing consistent reliable sealing and fluid transport. Our ability to tailor our custom silicone extrusions, moldings and tubing from both the design and materials standpoint has made us a “supplier of choice” for these types of applications. Further, we are able to provide long term durable options with respect to mounting and installation, such as high performance pressure sensitive adhesive mounting. We are looking forward to continuing and growing our supply to this industry in the future in support of the global efforts to increase the use of renewable energy.
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