KACO has introduced a new generation of pressure equalization elements engineered to improve ventilation reliability in electric drive systems. The company says that its latest solution is already deployed in an initial series project and addresses common shortcomings of conventional systems, specifically the risk of clogging from oil mist and limited resistance to pressure fluctuations and water ingress.

Electric drive units experience significant temperature and pressure swings. At elevated temperatures, fine oil mist can accumulate on traditional diaphragm-based pressure compensation devices, leading to functional loss through clogging. KACO says it has addressed this problem by designing a system that separates valve functions, keeping the membrane clear of oil mist and maintaining consistent ventilation performance, even in demanding operating environments.

The pressure equalization elements feature active pressure management to compensate for changes in temperature and altitude. KACO lists several technical attributes, including a permanently transparent, non-clogging membrane; an oil- and water-repellent design with optimized geometry; and protection ratings of IP6K4, IP6K7, and IP6K9, indicating robust resistance to environmental factors. The system is also available in scalable variants to meet various load requirements encountered in electric drive applications.

Source: KACO