Battery system housing with battery cell exhaust collection pouch for thermal runaway mitigation

By building a collection bag into the battery system casing to capture and transfer high-temperature gases and debris emitted from the battery cells, the problem of the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery system is solved and the stability and safety of the battery system are improved.

CN119340599APending Publication Date: 2025-01-21GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311438194.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-18
Filing Date
2023-10-31
Publication Date
2025-01-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The battery cells in the battery system are prone to thermal runaway events, causing high-temperature gases and debris to transfer between the battery cells, and then diffuse the thermal runaway events, affecting the stability of the entire battery system.

Method used

Design a battery system enclosure with built-in collection bags that are affixed to each battery cell to capture high-temperature gases and/or debris expelled from a battery cell and move them away from another battery cell , eventually expelling it to the external environment.

Benefits of technology

By reducing the transfer of high-temperature gases and debris between battery cells, the collection bag effectively reduces the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery system and improves the stability and safety of the battery system.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a battery system housing with a battery cell exhaust collection bag for thermal runaway mitigation. A battery system includes a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell. The battery system also includes a battery system enclosure surrounded by an external environment and configured to house the first and second battery cells. The battery system also includes a collection bag housed within the battery system housing and secured to each battery cell. The collection bag is configured to capture high temperature gases and / or debris discharged by at least one of the battery cells. The collection bag is further configured to transfer the captured high temperature gases and / or debris of each battery cell away from another battery cell. Thus, the collection bag reduces the transfer of high temperature gases and / or debris between the battery cells and mitigates the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery system. The collection bag is further configured to drive the captured high-temperature gas and / or debris out to the external environment.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery system housing having a battery cell vent collection bag for mitigating thermal runaway events in a battery system. Background Art

[0002] An array of battery cells, such as a battery module, battery pack, etc., typically includes a plurality of battery cells relatively close to each other. Batteries can be broadly classified as primary batteries and secondary batteries. Primary batteries, also known as disposable batteries, are intended to be used until exhausted, after which they are simply replaced with new batteries. Secondary batteries, more commonly known as rechargeable batteries, employ specific chemistries that allow such batteries to be repeatedly recharged and reused, thus providing economic, environmental, and ease-of-use benefits over disposable batteries.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be used to power a variety of items such as toys, consumer electronics, and motor vehicles. The specific chemistry of rechargeable batteries (such as lithium-ion cells) as well as external factors can result in internal reaction rates that generate significant amounts of heat energy. Such chemical reactions can result in more heat generated by the battery than can be effectively removed. Exposure of battery cells to high temperatures for extended periods of time can result in the cells experiencing a thermal runaway event. Thus, a thermal runaway event that begins in an individual cell can result in heat spreading to adjacent cells in an array of battery cells and result in a thermal runaway event that affects the entire array. Summary of the invention

[0004] A battery system includes a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell. The battery system also includes a battery system housing surrounded by an external environment and configured to accommodate each of the first and second battery cells. The battery system additionally includes a collection bag housed within the battery system housing and secured to each of the first and second battery cells. The collection bag is configured to capture high temperature gases and / or debris exhausted by at least one of the first and second battery cells. The collection bag is also configured to transfer the captured high temperature gases and / or debris of each of the first and second battery cells away from the other of the first and second battery cells. Thus, the collection bag reduces the transfer of high temperature gases and / or debris between battery cells and mitigates the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery system. The collection bag is also configured to expel the captured high temperature gases and / or debris to the external environment.

[0005] The collection bag may include an outlet port having a one-way valve. The one-way valve is intended to control the expulsion of hot gases from the collection bag to the external environment.

[0006] The battery system housing can include a housing tray and a mating housing cover. In such an embodiment, the one-way valve can be fixed to the housing tray or the housing cover.

[0007] The collecting bag may be arranged between the housing cover and the first and second battery cells.

[0008] The collection bag may include separate first and second inlet ports having respective first and second interfaces configured to lock onto (eg, snap onto) respective first and second battery cells.

[0009] The collection bag may include first and second mica material portions arranged to cushion (eg, cover and reinforce) respective first and second inlet ports and thermally protect respective first and second interfaces.

[0010] The collection bag may be constructed of a flexible, high temperature resistant material and include stitching configured to create separate flow paths for hot gases and / or debris from each of the first and second battery cells.

[0011] The collection bag may additionally include a protrusion disposed within a separate flow path configured to capture hot debris and retain it within the collection bag.

[0012] Flexible high temperature resistant materials may include black slag or vermiculite.

[0013] The collection bag may include a bellows structure configured to expand under the pressure of the high temperature gas.

[0014] Also disclosed is a motor vehicle having a power source and the above disclosed battery system, the battery system being configured to supply electrical energy to the power source.

[0015] The present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0016] Technical Solution 1. A battery system, comprising:

[0017] a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell;

[0018] a battery system housing surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first and second battery cells;

[0019] a collection bag housed within the battery system housing, secured to each of the first and second battery cells, and configured to:

[0020] capturing hot gases and / or debris exhausted by at least one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell;

[0021] transferring the captured high temperature gas and / or debris of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell away from the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, thereby reducing the transfer of the high temperature gas and / or debris between the battery cells and mitigating the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery system; and

[0022] The captured high temperature gases and / or debris are expelled to the external environment.

[0023] Technical Solution 2. A battery system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the collection bag includes an outlet port, the outlet port has a one-way valve, and the one-way valve is configured to control the expulsion of the high-temperature gas from the collection bag to the external environment.

[0024] Technical Solution 3. A battery system according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the battery system housing comprises a housing tray and a matching housing cover, and wherein the one-way valve is fixed to one of the housing tray and the housing cover.

[0025] Technical Solution 4. A battery system according to Technical Solution 3, wherein the collection bag is arranged between the outer housing cover and the first and second battery cells.

[0026] Technical Solution 5. A battery system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the collection bag includes a separate first inlet port and a second inlet port, the first inlet port and the second inlet port having corresponding first interfaces and second interfaces, and the first interfaces and the second interfaces are configured to lock to the corresponding first battery cells and second battery cells.

[0027] Technical Solution 6. A battery system according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the collection bag includes a first mica material portion and a second mica material portion, and the first mica material portion and the second mica material portion are arranged to pad the corresponding first inlet port and the second inlet port and thermally protect the corresponding first interface and the second interface.

[0028] Technical Solution 7. A battery system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the collection bag is made of a flexible, high-temperature resistant material and includes sutures configured to generate separate flow paths for the high-temperature gas and / or debris in each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0029] Technical Solution 8. A battery system according to Technical Solution 7, wherein the collection bag additionally includes a protrusion arranged inside the separate flow path, and the separate flow path is configured to capture the debris and hold the debris inside the collection bag.

[0030] Technical Solution 9. A battery system according to Technical Solution 7, wherein the flexible high-temperature resistant material comprises one of black slag and vermiculite.

[0031] Technical Solution 10. A battery system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the collection bag comprises a bellows structure, and the bellows structure is configured to expand under the pressure of the high-temperature gas.

[0032] Technical Solution 11. A motor vehicle, comprising:

[0033] a power source configured to generate a power source torque; and

[0034] a battery pack configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery pack comprising:

[0035] a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell;

[0036] a battery system housing surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first and second battery cells;

[0037] A collection bag is contained within the battery system housing and is fixed to the first battery

[0038] each of the battery cell and the second battery cell, and is configured to:

[0039] capturing hot gases and / or debris exhausted by at least one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell;

[0040] transferring the captured high temperature gas and / or debris of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell away from the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, thereby reducing the transfer of the high temperature gas and / or debris between the battery cells and mitigating the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery system; and

[0041] The captured high temperature gases and / or debris are expelled to the external environment.

[0042] Technical Solution 12. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the collection bag includes an outlet port, the outlet port has a one-way valve, and the one-way valve is configured to control the expulsion of the high-temperature gas from the collection bag to the external environment.

[0043] Technical Solution 13. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the battery system housing comprises a housing tray and a matching housing cover, and wherein the one-way valve is fixed to one of the housing tray and the housing cover.

[0044] Technical Solution 14. The motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the collection bag is arranged between the outer casing cover and the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0045] Technical Solution 15. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the collection bag includes a separate first inlet port and a second inlet port, the first inlet port and the second inlet port having corresponding first interfaces and second interfaces, and the first interfaces and the second interfaces are configured to lock onto the corresponding first battery cells and second battery cells.

[0046] Technical Solution 16. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 15, wherein the collection bag comprises a first mica material portion and a second mica material portion, and the first mica material portion and the second mica material portion are arranged to pad the corresponding first inlet port and the second inlet port and thermally protect the corresponding first interface and the second interface.

[0047] Technical Solution 17. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the collection bag is made of a flexible, high-temperature resistant material and includes sutures configured to generate separate flow paths for the high-temperature gas and / or debris in each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0048] Technical Solution 18. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 17, wherein the collection bag additionally includes a protrusion arranged inside the separate flow path, and the separate flow path is configured to capture the debris and retain the debris inside the collection bag.

[0049] Technical Solution 19. A motor vehicle according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the collecting bag comprises a bellows structure, and the bellows structure is configured to expand under the pressure of the high-temperature gas.

[0050] Technical Solution 20. A motor vehicle, comprising:

[0051] a power source configured to generate a power source torque; and

[0052] a battery pack configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery pack comprising:

[0053] a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell;

[0054] a battery system housing having a housing tray and a mating housing cover, surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first and second battery cells;

[0055] A collection bag is contained within the battery system housing and is fixed to the first battery

[0056] each of the battery cell and the second battery cell, and is configured to:

[0057] capturing hot gases and / or debris exhausted by at least one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell;

[0058] transferring the captured high temperature gas and / or debris of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell away from the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, thereby reducing the transfer of the high temperature gas and / or debris between the battery cells and mitigating the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery system; and

[0059] expelling the captured high temperature gas and / or debris to the external environment;

[0060] wherein the collection bag comprises an outlet port having a one-way valve configured to control expulsion of the high temperature gas from the collection bag to the external environment, and wherein the one-way valve is secured to one of the housing tray and the housing cover.

[0061] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the best mode for carrying out the disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle employing multiple power sources and a battery system having battery cells arranged in an array configured to generate and store electrical energy.

[0063] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic side views of two exemplary embodiments of battery cells are shown in , each of the depicted battery cells having a corresponding vent.

[0064] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 , illustrating a housing for housing battery cells and a gas and debris collection bag disposed within the housing according to the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic side view of a battery array shown in , illustrating a gas and debris collection bag for capturing hot gases and debris exhausted by one of the battery cells according to the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Schematic top view of a battery array shown in , illustrating gas and debris collection bags arranged within a housing and having separate mica liners in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional partial side view of a gas and debris collection bag having projections disposed within separate flow paths according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," and the like are used descriptively with respect to the drawings and do not represent limitations on the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be recognized that such block components may be comprised of a plurality of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 , depicting a motor vehicle 10 having a power system 12. Vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a passenger vehicle, an aircraft, a watercraft, a train, etc. It is also contemplated that vehicle 10 may be a mobile platform, such as an airplane, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a boat, a personal sports device, a robot, etc., for purposes of the present disclosure. Power system 12 includes a power source 14 configured to generate a power source torque for propelling vehicle 10 relative to a road surface 18 via driven wheels 16. Power source 14 is depicted as an electric generator.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown in , the power system 12 may also include an additional power source 20 such as an internal combustion engine. The power sources 14 and 20 may work in synergy to provide power to the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 additionally includes an electronic controller 22 and a battery system 24, which is configured to generate and store electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction that generates heat for supplying electrical energy to the power sources 14 and 20. The electronic controller 22 may be a central processing unit (CPU) that regulates various functions of the vehicle 10, or a power system control module (PCM) configured to control the power system 12 to generate a predetermined amount of power source torque. The battery system 24 may be connected to the power sources 14 and 20, the electronic controller 22, and other vehicle systems via a high-voltage bus 25. Although the battery system 24 is described primarily with respect to a vehicle environment herein, it is by no means excluded that the subject battery system is used to provide power to other non-automotive systems.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , the battery system 24 includes one or more sections or arrays 26 of individual battery cells relative to an XYZ coordinate system. Each battery cell array 26 can be configured as a battery module or multiple battery modules bundled into a battery pack. The array 26 includes a plurality of battery cells, such as a first group of battery cells 28 and an adjacent, directly adjacent second group of battery cells 30, each battery cell extending generally upward (i.e., in the Z direction). Although one array 26 (illustrated as a battery pack) and two groups of battery cells 28, 30 (illustrated as separate modules) are specifically indicated, it is by no means excluded that the battery system 24 has a greater number of such arrays in which a specific number of battery cells are arranged. As shown, the first battery cell group 28 includes at least a first battery cell 28-1 and a second battery cell 28-2, while the adjacent second battery cell group 30 includes at least a first battery cell 30-1 and a second battery cell 30-2. As shown, each battery cell in the groups 28 and 30 can be configured as a cylindrical or prismatic cell extending generally upward in the XZ plane. Each such battery cell generally includes a corresponding cell vent 31 ( Figure 2 ) for driving out or discharging high pressure gas. Such a cell exhaust port 31 is typically located at the upper portion of the corresponding battery cell.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in , the battery system 24 also includes a battery system housing 32, which is configured to accommodate each of the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30. The battery system housing 32 is surrounded by an ambient environment 34 (i.e., an environment outside the battery system housing). The battery system housing 32 is configured to manage high-temperature gases emitted by the battery cells in the battery cell groups 28 and 30, such as during a battery cell thermal runaway event, and drive the high-temperature gases out to the external environment 34. The battery system housing 32 includes a housing tray 36 and a housing cover 38. The battery cells of the battery cell groups 28 and 30 are generally arranged on the housing tray 36. The housing cover 38 is generally positioned above the battery cell groups 28 and 30 and is configured to engage the housing tray 36 to substantially seal the battery system housing 32 and its contents relative to the external environment 34. As shown, the battery system housing 32 is arranged in a horizontal XY plane so that the housing cover 38 is positioned above the housing tray 36 when viewed along the Z axis.

[0073] Also like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in , the battery system 24 may additionally include a radiator 40. The radiator 40 is generally positioned below and in direct contact with the battery cells of the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30, thereby absorbing thermal energy from the corresponding battery cells. As shown, the radiator 40 can be in direct physical contact with the battery cells of the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30. The radiator 40 can be configured as a coolant plate having a plurality of coolant channels 42. The coolant channels 42 are specifically configured to circulate a coolant and thereby remove thermal energy from the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30 while the battery cell array 26 generates / stores electrical energy.

[0074] Generally, during normal operation of the battery cell array 26, the heat sink 40 is effective in absorbing the thermal energy released by the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30. However, during extreme conditions, such as during a thermal runaway event (eg, Figure 4 During a thermal runaway event (indicated by number 46 in FIG. 1 ), the amount of thermal energy released by the battery cell experiencing the event may saturate the heat sink 40 and exceed the ability of the battery cell array 26 to efficiently transfer heat, for example, from the battery system housing 32 to the surrounding environment 34. As a result, the excess thermal energy will typically be transferred between adjacent cells in each of the corresponding first battery cell group 28 and second battery cell group 30 and between the two groups, causing thermal runaway to propagate through the battery cell array 26. The term "thermal runaway event" generally refers to an uncontrolled increase in temperature in a battery system. During a thermal runaway event, the generation of heat within the battery system or battery cell exceeds the dissipation of heat, resulting in a further increase in temperature. A thermal runaway event may be triggered by a variety of conditions, including a short circuit within the cell, improper cell use, physical abuse, manufacturing defects, or exposure of the cell to extreme external temperatures.

[0075] For example, in the event that one of the battery cells (such as cell 28-1) in the first battery cell group 28 experiences a thermal runaway event 46, the excess gas generated by such an event will cause a highly elevated internal cell pressure, which has a tendency to rupture the housing of the subject cell. In the event that the housing of the battery cell 28-1 is ruptured, the high temperature gas (temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Celsius) emitted by the subject battery cell may transfer cell debris through the first battery cell group 28, triggering thermal runaway of another battery cell 28-2. In addition, the thermal runaway event 46 can spread from the first battery cell group 28 to the second battery cell group 30 and trigger thermal runaway of its battery cells 30-1, 30-2. Therefore, such a transfer of high temperature gases and / or debris typically increases the likelihood of a chain reaction in the (multiple) battery cell arrays 26, thereby affecting a large portion of the battery system 24.

[0076] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in , the battery system 24 additionally includes a gas and debris collection bag 50 housed within the battery system housing 32. The collection bag 50 can be arranged above the battery cells 28-1, 28-2, 30-1, 30-2, between the battery cells and the housing cover 38. As shown, the collection bag 50 can extend across a row of battery cells in the corresponding first battery cell group 28 or second battery cell group 30, or extend across each battery cell in both the first and second battery cell groups, and is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the housing cover 38. The collection bag 50 includes an outer surface 50A and an inner surface 50B. The collection bag 50 is fixed to each of the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2 of the battery cell group 28 and the battery cells 30-1, 30-2 of the battery cell group 30.

[0077] The collection bag 50 is configured to capture high temperature gases 52A and / or debris 52B exhausted by at least one of the first battery cell 28-1, 30-1 and the second battery cell 28-2, 30-2. The collection bag 50 is also configured to transfer the captured high temperature gases 52A and / or debris 52B away from the other of the first battery cell 28-1, 30-1 and the second battery cell 28-2, 30-2, thereby reducing (relative to the open space between the battery cell and the housing cover) and minimizing the transfer of the high temperature gases 52A and / or debris 52B between the battery cells in the battery system housing 32. Therefore, the collection bag 50 mitigates the propagation of the thermal runaway event 46 in the battery system 24. The collection bag 50 is also configured to expel the captured high temperature gases 52A and / or debris 52B to the external environment 34.

[0078] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in , the collection bag 50 may include an outlet port 54. The outlet port has a one-way fluid exhaust valve 56 that is configured to control the expulsion of the high temperature gas 52A from the collection bag 50 to the external environment 34. The outlet port 54 can be fixed to the housing tray 36 or the housing cover 38, such as via a snap-fit ​​connection at the one-way valve 56. The collection bag 50 can also include a separate inlet port 58 for each corresponding battery cell in the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30 (such as for the battery cells 28-1, 28-2, 30-1 and 30-2). Each of the inlet ports 58 has a corresponding interface 60 that is configured to lock to a corresponding battery cell in the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30 at a corresponding battery cell exhaust port 31. Specifically, the interface 60 may include a snap or snap-fit ​​mechanism that allows the collection bag 50 to be quickly connected to the corresponding battery cell. Individual interfaces 60 may be configured to simultaneously engage multiple battery cells in each of cell packs 28 and 30 , or alternatively, each interface 60 may be configured to engage an individual battery cell, such as an individual interface for each of cells 28 - 1 , 28 - 2 , 30 - 1 , and 30 - 2 .

[0079] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown in , the collection bag 50 may additionally include a plurality of separate mica material portions 62 and 64. Each mica material portion 62 is arranged on the inner surface 50B surrounding one of the corresponding interfaces 60 to cushion (i.e., cover and reinforce) the corresponding inlet port 58 and thermally protect the interface at the corresponding battery cells of the first cell group 28 and the second cell group 30. Each mica material portion 64 is arranged on the inner surface 50B, opposite and above the corresponding inlet port 58, to cushion the collection bag 50 in the area where the hot gas 52A and / or debris 52B impact on the inner surface. The mica portions 62 and 64 may be glued to the inner surface 50B of the collection bag 50. The collection bag 50 may be made of a flexible, high temperature resistant material. The material of the collection bag 50 may be, for example, black slag or vermiculite.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown in , the collection bag 50 may include stitching lines 66 in certain areas 68 of the bag that bring together the inner surfaces 50B of two opposing (e.g., upper and lower) sides. Thus, the stitching lines 66 generate separate flow paths or channels 70 for the high temperature gases 52A and / or debris 52B for each battery cell of the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30. The separate flow paths 70 generated via the stitching lines 66 can operate as bounded channels for the high temperature gases 52A, each fluidly connected to the outlet port 54. Each separate flow path 70 is configured to reduce the likelihood of an uncontrolled release of the high temperature gases 52A to the interior of the battery system housing 32 during thermal runaway of one or more of the constituent battery cells.

[0081] Each individual flow path 70 is specifically configured to divert the hot gases 52A and / or debris 52B away from other battery cells in the corresponding battery cell group 28 or 30, and also away from another adjacent battery cell group. Such operation of the individual flow paths 70 is designed to reduce the transfer of hot gases 52A and / or debris 52B between battery cells of the first group of battery cells 28 and between battery cells of the second group of battery cells 30. The individual flow paths 70 also reduce the transfer of gases 52A and / or debris 52B between the first and second groups of battery cells (e.g., from the first group of battery cells to the second group of battery cells) to mitigate or control the propagation of the thermal runaway event 46 in the battery cell array 26.

[0082] Continue to refer to Figure 6 , the collection bag 50 may also include a protrusion 72 disposed within the separate flow path 70. The protrusion 72 is configured to capture the high-temperature debris 52B after they are driven out of the battery cell experiencing the thermal runaway event 46. Thus, the protrusion 72 may retain the high-temperature debris 52B within the collection bag 50 and prevent the debris from being ejected from the outlet port 54 into the external environment 34. The collection bag 50 may include a bellows structure 74, such as between the opposing upper and lower sides. The bellows structure 74 is configured to further increase the flexibility of the collection bag 50 by expanding under the pressure of the high-temperature gas 52A during filling of the bag when the battery cell(s) in the battery system 24 experience a thermal runaway event 46.

[0083] In summary, the collection bag 50 is shaped to fit within the battery system housing 32 to collect high temperature gases 52A and / or debris 52B released by the battery cells in the corresponding battery pack during a thermal runaway event, and to guide such gases from the housing to the environment while trapping the debris therein. Specifically, during operation of the battery system 24, the collection bag 50 drives the high temperature gases from each individual battery cell to the external environment and transfers the gases away from other battery cells in the (multiple) battery cell array 26. The collection bag 50 can also trap hot battery cell debris. Therefore, the collection bag 50 reduces the transfer of high temperature gases and / or debris between individual battery cells and mitigates the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery system 24. The collection bag 50 can also include a one-way valve that is fixed to the battery array housing 32 and fluidly connected to a separate flow path generated via the suture 66 for controlling the discharge of high temperature gases to the environment.

[0084] The detailed description and the accompanying drawings or figures are support and description of the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Although the best mode and some of the other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. On the contrary, it is possible that each feature described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments that are not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Therefore, these other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery system comprising: a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell; a battery system housing surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first and second battery cells; a collection bag housed within the battery system housing, secured to each of the first and second battery cells, and configured to: capturing hot gases and / or debris exhausted by at least one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; transferring the captured high temperature gas and / or debris of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell away from the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, thereby reducing the transfer of the high temperature gas and / or debris between the battery cells and mitigating the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery system; and The captured high temperature gases and / or debris are expelled to the external environment.

2. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The collection bag includes an outlet port having a one-way valve configured to control expulsion of the high temperature gas from the collection bag to the external environment.

3. The battery system according to claim 2, wherein: The battery system housing includes a housing tray and a mating housing cover, and wherein the one-way valve is secured to one of the housing tray and the housing cover.

4. The battery system according to claim 3, wherein: The collecting bag is arranged between the housing cover and the first and second battery cells.

5. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The collection bag includes separate first and second inlet ports having respective first and second interfaces configured to lock to the respective first and second battery cells.

6. The battery system according to claim 5, wherein: The collection bag comprises first and second portions of mica material arranged to cushion the respective first and second inlet ports and to thermally protect the respective first and second interfaces.

7. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The collection bag is constructed of a flexible, high temperature resistant material and includes stitching configured to create separate flow paths for the high temperature gas and / or debris for each of the first and second battery cells.

8. The battery system according to claim 7, wherein: The collection bag additionally includes a protrusion disposed within the separate flow path, the separate flow path being configured to capture the debris and retain the debris within the collection bag.

9. A motor vehicle comprising: a power source configured to generate a power source torque; and a battery pack configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery pack comprising: a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell; a battery system housing surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first and second battery cells; a collection bag housed within the battery system housing, secured to each of the first and second battery cells, and configured to: capturing hot gases and / or debris exhausted by at least one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; transferring the captured high temperature gas and / or debris of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell away from the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, thereby reducing the transfer of the high temperature gas and / or debris between the battery cells and mitigating the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery system; and The captured high temperature gases and / or debris are expelled to the external environment.

10. A motor vehicle comprising: a power source configured to generate a power source torque; and a battery pack configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery pack comprising: a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell; a battery system housing having a housing tray and a mating housing cover, surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first and second battery cells; a collection bag housed within the battery system housing, secured to each of the first and second battery cells, and configured to: capturing hot gases and / or debris exhausted by at least one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; transferring the captured high temperature gas and / or debris of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell away from the other of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, thereby reducing the transfer of the high temperature gas and / or debris between the battery cells and mitigating the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery system; and expelling the captured high temperature gas and / or debris to the external environment; wherein the collection bag comprises an outlet port having a one-way valve configured to control expulsion of the high temperature gas from the collection bag to the external environment, and wherein the one-way valve is secured to one of the housing tray and the housing cover.