Load sharing thermal runaway barrier for battery cells

Abstract

A load sharing thermal runaway barrier for a group of energy storage cells includes a first spacer plate, a second spacer plate, and at least one first elastic member disposed between the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate. Each first elastic member is configured to hold a first load in response to a pressure applied to at least one of the first and second spacer plates. The load sharing thermal runaway barrier further includes a third spacer plate, a fourth spacer plate, and at least one second elastic member disposed between the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate. Each first elastic member is configured to hold a second load in response to a pressure applied to at least one of the third and fourth spacer plates. The load sharing thermal runaway barrier further includes a thermal insulation pad disposed between the second spacer plate and the third spacer plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a load-distribution thermal runaway barrier for a battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Various electrical and electronic devices, such as energy storage battery cells, control modules, electric motors, and computers, release waste heat as a byproduct of their main operation.

[0003] Energy storage battery cells, such as batteries, can be broadly classified into primary and secondary energy storage cells. Primary energy storage battery cells, such as disposable batteries, are designed to be used until depleted, after which they are simply replaced with one or more new energy storage battery cells. Secondary energy storage battery cells, such as rechargeable batteries, can be repeatedly recharged and reused, thus offering economic, environmental, and ease-of-use benefits compared to disposable energy storage cells. Both primary and secondary energy storage battery cells can be interconnected and organized into energy storage battery cell groups to deliver desired voltage, capacity, or power density.

[0004] Secondary battery cells, such as lithium-ion batteries, are more prone to thermal runaway, or an uncontrolled rise in internal temperature, than primary battery cells. Specifically, thermal runaway occurs when the internal reaction rate increases until more heat is generated than can be removed, leading to a further increase in both the reaction rate and heat generation. Ultimately, the generated heat may become so great that it causes a loss of battery cell utility and damage to materials near the cell. Thermal runaway in secondary energy storage battery cells can be triggered by short circuits within the cell, improper use of the cell, physical abuse, manufacturing defects, or exposure of the cell to extreme external temperatures.

[0005] During thermal runaway, a large amount of heat is rapidly released, heating the entire battery cell to temperatures of 900°C or higher. The internal pressure of the affected battery cell also increases due to thermal runaway. As thermal runaway occurs due to the increased temperature and pressure within the battery cell, the temperature of adjacent battery cells within the battery cell group and the pressure between individual battery cells typically also increase. If the temperature and pressure of adjacent battery cells are allowed to increase unimpeded, such a battery cell can also enter a state of thermal runaway—leading to a cascading effect, where the initiation of thermal runaway in a single battery cell propagates throughout the entire storage battery cell group. As a result, power from the battery cell group may be interrupted, and systems employing battery cell groups may suffer collateral damage due to the scale of thermal runaway and the associated heat release. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A load-sharing thermal runaway barrier for an energy storage battery cell pack includes a first spacer plate, a second spacer plate, and at least one first elastic member disposed between the first and second spacer plates. Each first elastic member is configured to maintain a first load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the first and second spacer plates. The load-sharing thermal runaway barrier also includes a third spacer plate, a fourth spacer plate, and at least one second elastic member disposed between the third and fourth spacer plates. Each first elastic member is configured to maintain a second load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the third and fourth spacer plates. The load-sharing thermal runaway barrier also includes a thermal insulation pad disposed between the second and third spacer plates.

[0007] Insulation pads can be made of aerogel materials.

[0008] Insulation pads can have a thickness ranging from 3.6 to 4.4 mm.

[0009] Each of the first and second elastic members can be configured as a disc spring (Belleville spring) or a conical disc.

[0010] Each disc spring can have a material thickness in the range of 0.8-1.0 mm.

[0011] Each disc spring can have a free height in the range of 4.4-5.6 mm.

[0012] The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier may include a plurality of first disc springs and a plurality of second disc springs. The plurality of first disc springs may be evenly spaced along first and second spacer plates, and the plurality of second disc springs may be evenly spaced along third and fourth spacer plates. The plurality of first and second disc springs can thus be configured to distribute corresponding first and second loads on the respective first and second spacer plates and third and fourth spacer plates.

[0013] Each of the first and second elastic members can be configured as multiple disc-shaped first springs arranged in series.

[0014] The first and second elastic members can be configured to withstand or absorb the operating pressure of the internal energy storage battery pack in the range of 200 kPa to 600 kPa. The first and second elastic members can also be further configured to maintain corresponding first and second loads within the operating pressure range of the internal battery pack.

[0015] Each of the first, second, third, and fourth spacer plates may have a thickness in the range of 0.20-0.30 mm.

[0016] Each of the first, second, third, and fourth spacer plates may be made of stainless steel or high-strength steel.

[0017] Another embodiment of this disclosure relates to a motor vehicle employing a power unit that uses electrical energy generated by an energy storage system having a battery cell bank to produce torque, wherein the battery cell bank includes a load-distribution thermal runaway barrier.

[0018] The present invention also includes the following solutions: Solution 1. A load-sharing thermal runaway barrier for an energy storage battery pack, the load-sharing thermal runaway barrier comprising: First spacer plate; Second spacer plate; At least one first elastic member is disposed between the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and is configured to maintain a first load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate; Third spacer plate; Fourth spacer plate; At least one second elastic member is disposed between the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate and configured to maintain a second load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate; and A heat insulation pad is disposed between the second spacer plate and the third spacer plate.

[0019] Option 2. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to Option 1, wherein the thermal insulation pad is made of an aerogel material.

[0020] Option 3. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to Option 2, wherein the thermal insulation pad has a thickness in the range of 3.6 mm to 4.4 mm.

[0021] Option 4. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to Option 1, wherein each of the at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member is configured as at least one disc spring.

[0022] Option 5. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to Option 4, wherein the disc spring has a material thickness in the range of 0.8-1.0 mm.

[0023] Option 6. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to Option 4, wherein the disc spring has a free height in the range of 4.4 mm to 5.6 mm.

[0024] Option 7. The load-distributed thermal runaway barrier according to Option 4, wherein: Each of the at least one first elastic member includes a plurality of first disc springs, and each of the at least one second elastic member includes a plurality of second disc springs; The plurality of first disc springs are arranged along the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and are evenly spaced apart; and The plurality of second disc springs are arranged and evenly spaced along the third and fourth spacer plates, and configured to distribute the corresponding first and second loads on the corresponding first and second spacer plates, as well as the third and fourth spacer plates.

[0025] Option 8. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to Option 4, wherein the at least one disc spring comprises a plurality of disc springs arranged in series.

[0026] Option 9. The load-sharing thermal runaway barrier according to Option 1, wherein the at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member are configured to withstand the operating pressure of the internal energy storage battery pack in the range of 200-600 kPa, and maintain corresponding first and second loads within the operating pressure range of the energy storage battery pack.

[0027] Option 10. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to Option 1, wherein each of the first spacer plate, the second spacer plate, the third spacer plate, and the fourth spacer plate has a thickness in the range of 0.20-0.30 mm.

[0028] Option 11. A motor vehicle, comprising: The power unit uses electrical energy to generate torque; and An energy storage battery pack electrically connected to the power unit, the energy storage battery pack comprising: A first battery cell and a second battery cell, each battery cell being configured to generate and store said electrical energy through a thermal release electrochemical reaction; and A load-distribution thermal runaway barrier, the load-distribution thermal runaway barrier being disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and having: First spacer plate; Second spacer plate; At least one first elastic member is disposed between the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and is configured to maintain a first load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate; Third spacer plate; Fourth spacer plate; At least one second elastic member is disposed between the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate and configured to maintain a second load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate; and A heat insulation pad is disposed between the second spacer plate and the third spacer plate.

[0029] Option 12. The motor vehicle according to Option 11, wherein the heat insulation pad is made of an aerogel material.

[0030] Option 13. The motor vehicle according to Option 12, wherein the heat insulation pad has a thickness in the range of 3.6 mm to 4.4 mm.

[0031] Option 14. The motor vehicle according to Option 11, wherein each of the at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member is configured as at least one disc spring.

[0032] Option 15. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, wherein the disc spring has a material thickness in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0033] Option 16. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, wherein the disc spring has a free height in the range of 4.4 mm to 5.6 mm.

[0034] Option 17. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, wherein: Each of the at least one first elastic member includes a plurality of first disc springs, and each of the at least one second elastic member includes a plurality of second disc springs; The plurality of first disc springs are arranged along the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and are evenly spaced apart; and The plurality of second disc springs are arranged and evenly spaced along the third and fourth spacer plates, and configured to distribute the corresponding first and second loads on the corresponding first and second spacer plates, as well as the third and fourth spacer plates.

[0035] Option 18. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, wherein the at least one disc spring comprises a plurality of disc springs arranged in series.

[0036] Option 19. The motor vehicle according to Option 11, wherein the at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member are configured to withstand an internal energy storage battery pack operating pressure in the range of 200 kPa to 600 kPa, and maintain corresponding first and second loads in the range of the internal energy storage battery pack operating pressure.

[0037] Option 20. The motor vehicle according to Option 11, wherein each of the first spacer plate, the second spacer plate, the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate has a thickness in the range of 0.20 mm to 0.30 mm.

[0038] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and preferred modes for carrying out the described disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle employing a hybrid powertrain and an energy storage system configured to provide electrical energy thereto, according to the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 Based on this disclosure Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic close-up cross-sectional plan view of one embodiment of the energy storage system, wherein the energy storage system includes an energy storage battery cell group having individual battery cells positioned between load-distribution thermal runaway barriers, the load-distribution thermal runaway barriers having elastic members arranged between individual spacer plates.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic close-up cross-sectional detail of the disc spring elastic component in its free state.

[0042] Figure 4 In accordance with this disclosure Figure 2 The schematic close-up cross-sectional detail of one embodiment of the load-distribution thermal runaway barrier shown specifically depicts disc-shaped spring elastic members evenly spaced between individual spacer plates.

[0043] Figure 5 In accordance with this disclosure Figure 2 The schematic close-up cross-sectional detail of one embodiment of the load-distribution thermal runaway barrier shown specifically depicts a plurality of uniformly spaced disc-shaped spring elastic members arranged in series between individual spacer plates.

[0044] Figure 6 Illustrations of load-deflection curves for three representative disc springs used as thermal runaway barriers for load distribution.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the tension (stress) in a representative disc spring and the internal pressure of the energy storage battery cell array within the load-distributed thermal runaway barrier. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Referring to the attached diagram, Figure 1 Vehicle 10 is shown. It should be understood that the same element symbols used in multiple figures represent the same parts or parts with the same function. Furthermore, the figures are intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of this disclosure, and should not be considered as depictions of parts to scale. Vehicle 10 can be, but is not limited to, commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, buses, trains, etc. As shown, vehicle 10 can be an electric or hybrid electric vehicle having one or more power sources or power units to provide vehicle propulsion. Specifically, vehicle 10 may have a first power unit 12, such as an electric motor, and a second power unit 14, such as an internal combustion engine, configured to generate respective drive torques to drive the vehicle via wheels 16.

[0047] The vehicle 10 also includes an energy storage system 18 configured to supply electrical energy to each of the first power unit 12 and the second power unit 14 to generate corresponding drive torque. Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage system 18 includes an energy storage battery cell pack 20. The energy storage battery cell pack 20 includes a first battery cell 20-1 and a second battery cell 20-2. Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). Each of the first and second battery cells 20-1, 20-2 is configured to generate and store electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction that generates or releases thermal energy. Although the energy storage battery cell group 20 is specifically shown having the first and second battery cells 20-1, 20-2, the energy storage battery cell group 20 may include a variety of multiple energy storage cells arranged adjacent to or generally spaced apart from each other.

[0048] In the following description, the terms "energy storage battery cell," "battery," and "cell" are used interchangeably and can refer to various different battery cell chemistry compositions and configurations, including but not limited to lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-zinc, silver-zinc, or other battery types / configurations. As used herein, the term "battery pack" refers to a plurality of individual batteries contained in a single or multiple housings, the individual batteries being electrically interconnected to achieve the voltage and capacity required for a particular application. Additionally, a storage battery cell group 20 is shown schematically, and therefore, not all battery elements and / or battery pack elements are shown in the illustrations.

[0049] Energy storage system 18 is configured to maintain consistent dissipation of heat emitted or released by the first battery cell 20-1 and the second battery cell 20-2 during the typically normal charging and discharging of the battery cells. Energy storage system 18 is also designed to facilitate efficient dissipation of heat under less typical operating conditions, such as abuse, and to limit the possibility of thermal runaway in the energy storage battery cell pack 20. Specifically, energy storage system 18 is configured to accomplish the above tasks via one or more load-distributing thermal runaway barriers 22 disposed, for example, between individual battery cells 20-1, 20-2 and relative to adjacent structures, which will be discussed in detail below. Energy storage system 18 may also include a cooling plate (not shown) that uses a circulating liquid coolant to help manage heat in the battery pack 20.

[0050] Various forms of abuse during operation / charging and / or manufacturing defects can cause batteries, such as those in battery pack 20, to enter thermal runaway, where the internal heat generated exceeds the heat that can be effectively recovered. As a result, a large amount of thermal energy is rapidly released, heating the entire battery cell to temperatures of 900°C or higher and causing the formation of localized hot spots with temperatures exceeding 1500°C. Once a battery cell (e.g., battery cell 20-1) begins to experience thermal runaway, the thermal energy generated during this event can heat adjacent battery cells (e.g., battery cell 20-2) above their critical temperatures, causing them to enter thermal runaway as well. These adjacent battery cells can then heat additional battery cells to temperatures sufficient to cause them to enter thermal runaway. Thus, the occurrence of a single battery cell experiencing thermal runaway can trigger a cascade reaction that can propagate throughout the energy storage battery cell pack 20.

[0051] Although the specification focuses on energy storage system 18, other systems capable of rapidly releasing large amounts of heat energy are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Such systems may include, for example, consumer electronics such as telephones and personal computers, as well as other systems that include heat-dissipating devices and can use radiators to manage this heat energy release. Therefore, while the following description focuses on applying the structure described below to energy storage system 18, it is also contemplated that it be applied to such other systems using heat-dissipating devices.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 2The energy storage system 18 includes the aforementioned load-distribution thermal runaway barrier (or simply "thermal runaway barrier") 22 configured to dissipate the heat generated by the first and second battery cells 20-1, 20-2. Typically, the thermal runaway barrier 22 is disposed between the first battery cell 20-1 and the second battery cell 20-2, i.e., in contact with the proximal side of adjacent first and second battery cells. The thermal runaway barrier 22 includes a first spacer plate 24-1, a second spacer plate 24-2, and one or more first elastic members 26 disposed between the first and second spacer plates. The first elastic members 26 are configured to maintain a substantially uniform or consistent first load in response to pressure applied to the first and / or second spacer plates 24-1, 24-2. F 1 (like Figure 4 and 5 (As shown). Each first elastic member 26 can be configured as one or more conical discs, i.e., disc springs, such as Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. During the operational life of the energy storage battery cell pack 20, during charge / discharge cycles, target pressure may be applied to the first and / or second spacer plates 24-1, 24-2.

[0053] The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier 22 further includes a third spacer plate 24-3, a fourth spacer plate 24-4, and one or more second elastic members 28 disposed between the third and fourth spacer plates. The second elastic members 28 are configured to maintain a substantially uniform or consistent second load in response to pressure applied to the third and / or fourth spacer plates 24-3, 24-4. F 2 Similar to the first elastic member 26, each second elastic member 28 may be configured as one or more disc springs. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). Therefore, the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28 transfer their respective first and second loads through the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth spacer plates 24-1, 24-2, 24-3, 24-4. F 1 , F 2 ( Figure 4 and 5 (As shown in the diagram) The spacer plates 24-1, 24-2, 24-3, and 24-4 are uniformly or evenly applied and distributed within the thermal runaway barrier 22. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth spacer plates 24-1, 24-2, 24-3, and 24-4 may be made of stainless steel or high-strength steel. Furthermore, each of the first, second, third, and fourth spacer plates 24-1, 24-2, 24-3, and 24-4 may have a thickness in the range of 0.20-0.30 mm.

[0054] The aim is that each of the first and second elastic members 26, 28 can absorb and withstand the internal operating pressure of the battery cell assembly 20, i.e., the internal operating pressure of the first or second battery cell 20-1, 20-2, in the range of 200 to 600 kPa, which can be generated by battery cell expansion of up to 12% during battery cell cycling over the battery life. The first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28 may be further configured to maintain a corresponding first load within the range of internal battery cell assembly operating pressure. F 1 Second load F 2 More specifically, the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28 substantially uniformly distribute the internal operating pressure in the battery cell group 20 on the surfaces of the first battery cell 20-1 and the second battery cell 20-2, and on the surface of the heat insulation pad 30 that contacts the corresponding first spacer plate 24-1, second spacer plate 24-2, third spacer plate 24-3 and fourth spacer plate 24-4.

[0055] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the load-distribution thermal runaway barrier 22 may have a plurality of first elastic members 26 arranged in a single layer (effectively in parallel) and uniformly spaced between the first and second spacer plates 24-1, 24-2 to generate the necessary uniform first load. F 1 The target load is evenly distributed on the respective first and second spacer plates. Similarly, the thermal runaway barrier 22 may have a plurality of second elastic members 28 arranged in a single layer and evenly spaced between the third and fourth spacer plates 24-3, 24-4 to generate the necessary uniform second load. F 2 The target load is then evenly distributed on the corresponding third and fourth spacer plates.

[0056] Alternatively, such as Figure 5 As shown, each of the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28 may include a plurality of disc springs arranged in series between respective individual spacer plates. In an embodiment of the series-arranged disc springs, an additional spacer 30 may be arranged between the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28. Figure 5 The series arrangement of the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28 shown is intended to create a larger spacing between the first spacer plate 24-1 and the second spacer plate 24-2. S 1 Provided above Figure 4 The embodiment is more consistent with the corresponding first load. F 1And similarly, the larger spacing between the third spacer plate 24-3 and the fourth spacer plate 24-4 S 2 Provides a more consistent corresponding second load. F 2 The internal operating pressure limits of battery cell pack 20 can be determined empirically, such as during controlled laboratory testing during the useful operating life of battery cells 20-1 and 20-2.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 Disc springs 26 and 28 are typically relative to the outer diameter of the spring. D e , inner diameter D i Free height h 0 Cone height l 0 and thickness t This is specified. Then, based on the determined internal operating pressure of the battery cell pack 20, the spring load-deflection curve of the appropriate disc spring can be calculated using the standard conical disc equation. h 0 / t≥1.5 ( Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram). Therefore, the free height of the target disc spring can be adjusted. h 0 and thickness t The dimensions are designed to provide specific tension profiles (strain profiles) for battery cell packs 20 operating under pressures ranging from 200 to 600 kPa. Figure 7 (As shown). This tension curve generates the required corresponding uniform first load in the load-distribution thermal runaway barrier 22. F 1 Second load F 2 In a particular embodiment designed to withstand operating pressures in the range of 200-600 kPa, each of the disc springs used for the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28 may have a material thickness in the range of 0.8-1.0 mm. t Additionally, each target disc spring can have a free height ranging from 4.4 to 5.6 mm. h 0 .

[0058] The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier 22 further includes a thermal insulation pad 32 disposed between the second spacer plate 24-2 and the third spacer plate 24-3. The thermal insulation pad 32 may be made of an aerogel material. The thermal insulation pad 32 may have a thickness in the range of 3.6-4.4 mm. Typically, aerogel materials are synthetic porous ultralight materials derived from gels, wherein the liquid component of the gel has been replaced by a gas, but the gel structure does not collapse significantly. This structure of the thermal insulation pad 32 results in a solid barrier with very low density and very low thermal conductivity. Therefore, the thermal insulation pad 32 is configured to minimize thermal energy transfer between adjacent battery cells, such as the first and second battery cells 20-1, 20-2, without significantly increasing the mass of the energy storage system 18.

[0059] Re-reference Figure 2 The energy storage system 18 may further include a battery pack housing 34 configured to enclose first and second battery cells 20-1, 20-2 (and a plurality of other similar battery cells) and a thermal runaway barrier 22, which may be arranged between two individual battery cells or between two groups of similar battery cells. As shown, the battery pack housing 34 may include a first end plate 36-1 and a second end plate 36-2, each arranged at a respective distal end of the battery pack 20. As shown, the thermal runaway barrier 22 may also be arranged adjacent to the first end plate 36-1 (or adjacent to the second end plate 36-2), i.e., on the side of a particular battery cell 20-1, 20-2 away from the respective adjacent battery cell. Furthermore, additional battery cells may be arranged along the first battery cell 20-1 and the second battery cell 20-2, so that the storage battery cell group 20 may have a plurality of battery cells on each side of the thermal runaway barrier 22, i.e., sandwiching the thermal runaway barrier in the middle. Alternatively, in a location adjacent to the first end plate 36-1 or the second end plate 36-2, an embodiment excluding the thermal runaway barrier 22 can be used.

[0060] In summary, the thermal runaway barrier 22 is designed to operate effectively within a limited packaging space, under a wide range of internal battery cell array 20 pressures, and to withstand high internal battery cell surface pressures. Furthermore, the thermal runaway barrier 22 is configured to mitigate thermal runaway in the storage battery cell array 20. Specifically, the first elastic member 26 and the second elastic member 28 of the thermal runaway barrier 22 substantially distribute the internal operating pressure of the battery cell array 20 substantially across the surfaces of the first battery cell 20-1 and the second battery cell 20-2, and on the surface of the thermal insulation pad 32, via the first spacer plate 24-1, the second spacer plate 24-2, the third spacer plate 24-3, and the fourth spacer plate 24-4. This distribution of the internal operating pressure of the battery cell array 20 maintains uniform contact between the thermal insulation pad 32 and adjacent components during battery cell cycling and allows the insulating pad to thermally isolate individual battery cells.

[0061] The detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings are supportive and descriptive of this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While some best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be construed as independent embodiments. Rather, it is possible that each feature described in one example of an embodiment may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments that are not described in words or with reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A load-sharing thermal runaway barrier for an energy storage battery pack, the load-sharing thermal runaway barrier comprising: First spacer plate; Second spacer plate; At least one first elastic member is disposed between the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and is configured to maintain a first load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate; Third spacer plate; Fourth spacer plate; At least one second elastic member is disposed between the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate and configured to maintain a second load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate; and A heat insulation pad is disposed between the second spacer plate and the third spacer plate.

2. The load distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 1, wherein, The heat insulation pad is made of aerogel material.

3. The load distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 2, wherein, The heat insulation pad has a thickness in the range of 3.6 mm to 4.4 mm.

4. The load distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member is configured as at least one disc spring.

5. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 4, wherein, The disc spring has a material thickness in the range of 0.8-1.0 mm.

6. The load distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 4, wherein, The disc spring has a free height ranging from 4.4 mm to 5.6 mm.

7. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the at least one first elastic member includes a plurality of first disc springs, and each of the at least one second elastic member includes a plurality of second disc springs; The plurality of first disc springs are arranged along the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and are evenly spaced apart. as well as The plurality of second disc springs are arranged and evenly spaced along the third and fourth spacer plates, and configured to distribute the corresponding first and second loads on the corresponding first and second spacer plates, as well as the third and fourth spacer plates.

8. The load distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one disc spring comprises a plurality of disc springs arranged in series.

9. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member are configured to withstand the operating pressure of the internal energy storage battery pack in the range of 200-600 kPa, and to maintain corresponding first and second loads within the operating pressure range of the energy storage battery pack.

10. The load-distribution thermal runaway barrier according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first spacer plate, the second spacer plate, the third spacer plate, and the fourth spacer plate has a thickness in the range of 0.20-0.30 mm.

11. A motor vehicle, comprising: The power unit uses electrical energy to generate torque; as well as An energy storage battery pack electrically connected to the power unit, the energy storage battery pack comprising: A first battery cell and a second battery cell, each battery cell being configured to generate and store said electrical energy through a thermal release electrochemical reaction; and A load-distribution thermal runaway barrier, the load-distribution thermal runaway barrier being disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and having: First spacer plate; Second spacer plate; At least one first elastic member is disposed between the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and is configured to maintain a first load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate; Third spacer plate; Fourth spacer plate; At least one second elastic member is disposed between the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate and configured to maintain a second load in response to pressure applied to at least one of the third spacer plate and the fourth spacer plate; and A heat insulation pad is disposed between the second spacer plate and the third spacer plate.

12. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The heat insulation pad is made of aerogel material.

13. The motor vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The heat insulation pad has a thickness ranging from 3.6 mm to 4.4 mm.

14. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member is configured as at least one disc spring.

15. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The disc spring has a material thickness ranging from 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm.

16. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The disc spring has a free height ranging from 4.4 mm to 5.6 mm.

17. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the at least one first elastic member includes a plurality of first disc springs, and each of the at least one second elastic member includes a plurality of second disc springs; The plurality of first disc springs are arranged along the first spacer plate and the second spacer plate and are evenly spaced apart; as well as The plurality of second disc springs are arranged and evenly spaced along the third and fourth spacer plates, and configured to distribute the corresponding first and second loads on the corresponding first and second spacer plates, as well as the third and fourth spacer plates.

18. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one disc spring comprises a plurality of disc springs arranged in series.

19. The motor vehicle of claim 11, wherein the at least one first elastic member and the at least one second elastic member are configured to withstand an internal energy storage battery pack operating pressure in the range of 200 kPa to 600 kPa, and maintain corresponding first and second loads within the range of the internal energy storage battery pack operating pressure.

20. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the first spacer plate, the second spacer plate, the third spacer plate, and the fourth spacer plate has a thickness in the range of 0.20 mm to 0.30 mm.

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