Apparatus for suppressing thermal events of energy storage device

Abstract

An apparatus for suppressing a thermal event of at least one energy storage device is disclosed. The apparatus may include a dampening enclosure including a vent chamber having a path. The path may include an inlet portion and an outlet portion, and the path may be configured such that emissions emitted from the at least one energy storage device can be directed from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. An outlet portion of the path may include an outlet aperture. The filter may be configured to filter emissions passing through the outlet orifice of the path, and the valve may be configured to open at a predetermined threshold pressure level to release at least a portion of the emissions into the atmosphere.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to safety devices for energy storage devices, and more particularly to devices for suppressing thermal events of energy storage devices, such as batteries. Background Art

[0002] This background description is provided for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure.Unless otherwise indicated herein, nothing described in this section is admitted, either explicitly or implicitly, to be prior art to the present disclosure or the appended claims.

[0003] Batteries can be used in a variety of applications, such as in vehicles (e.g., cars and airplanes) and electronic devices (e.g., computers and mobile phones). Although many types of batteries are available on the market, lithium-ion batteries are widely used due to their relatively high energy density, low weight, and lack of battery memory effect compared to other types of batteries.

[0004] However, lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to thermal runaway events. A thermal runaway event may occur when the temperature of the battery rapidly surges outside the normal operating temperature range, resulting in a sudden release of the energy stored in the battery. During a thermal runaway event, gases and battery byproducts (e.g., materials / debris) may quickly escape or be discharged from the battery into the surrounding environment. When these gases and materials mix with the surrounding air, the mixture may spontaneously ignite and potentially cause a fire. Therefore, a thermal runaway event of the battery may cause damage to structures near the battery. For example, when the battery is installed in a vehicle (such as an airplane or a car), a thermal runaway event may cause damage to the interior of the vehicle, which may affect the operation of the vehicle. Therefore, the risks associated with the use of on-board batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) of vehicles should be mitigated.

[0005] Current methods for addressing thermal runaway events for batteries may rely on the use of gel packs. The gel pack may be wrapped around the battery to absorb the heat generated from the battery and reduce the likelihood of a thermal runaway event. However, the use of gel packs may have many disadvantages. For example, the battery may still fail and release gases and byproducts from the battery into the environment. The gases and byproducts may mix with moisture in the surrounding air, which may produce flammable gases. In addition, a thermal runaway event may occur if the gel pack fails to cover enough battery surface area. For example, the gel pack may only be able to directly cover a portion of the surface of the battery, which may severely limit the ability to address temperature fluctuations in the battery. Therefore, the disadvantages of surface area coverage associated with the use of gel packs may limit the effectiveness of this method of addressing thermal runaway events.

[0006] For at least these reasons, there remains a need for an apparatus to inhibit and / or mitigate thermal runaway events in energy storage devices, such as batteries. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present application relates to a device for improving the safety of the use of energy storage devices and energy storage sources. The device can mitigate and / or reduce adverse effects caused by thermal events of energy storage devices. For example, the device can be configured to contain and suppress gases and byproducts (e.g., battery fragments and materials) that are exhausted or released during a thermal runaway event of an energy storage device (such as a lithium-ion battery). The device can also minimize potential damage to internal electrical components / elements and structures near the energy storage device. In addition, the device enables the energy storage device to be located in a non-pressurized area of ​​an aircraft. The device can be configured to be mounted or attached to a housing that houses one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries).

[0008] In one aspect, a device for suppressing a thermal event of at least one energy storage device is disclosed. The device may include a containment enclosure including a vent chamber having a path. The path may be configured to enable emissions discharged from at least one energy storage device to be directed from an inlet portion to an outlet portion. The outlet portion of the path may include an outlet hole. The device may also include a filter having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the filter may be configured to filter emissions passing through the outlet hole of the path. In addition, the device may also include a valve coupled to the outlet end of the filter. The valve may be configured to open at a predetermined threshold pressure level to release emissions into the atmosphere.

[0009] In another aspect, a battery module is disclosed. The battery module may include a housing and a battery disposed in the housing. A housing may be mounted to the housing for suppressing a thermal runaway event. The housing may include a vent chamber having a path. An inlet hole may be configured to allow emissions discharged from the battery to enter the path, and an outlet hole may be configured to allow emissions to exit the path. A filter may be configured to filter emissions passing through the outlet hole, and a valve may be configured to open at a predetermined threshold pressure level to release at least a portion of the emissions into the atmosphere.

[0010] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present application may be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. The drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and do not limit the breadth, scope, proportions, or applicability of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an aircraft is shown in which one or more exemplary energy storage modules may be implemented;

[0013] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an energy storage module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an energy storage module in FIG. 1 ; and

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A stereoscopic view of the suppression cover of the energy storage module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The accompanying drawings and the following description illustrate specific exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to design a variety of arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles described herein and are included within the scope of the claims that follow this description. In addition, any examples described herein are intended to aid in understanding the principles of the present disclosure and are interpreted as not limiting the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described below, but is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Detailed descriptions are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, common features are represented by common reference numerals throughout the drawings. In some drawings, multiple instances of a particular type of feature may be used. Although the features are physically and / or logically different, the same reference numeral is used for each feature, and different instances are distinguished by adding a letter to the reference numeral. When features are referred to herein as a group or type (for example, when a specific one of multiple features is not referred to), the reference numeral is used without a distinguishing letter. However, when a specific feature of multiple features of the same type is referred to herein, the reference numeral is used with a distinguishing letter. For example, with reference to Figure 4 , the outlet ports are shown and associated with reference number 264. When referring to a specific one of the outlet ports, such as outlet port 264A, a distinguishing letter "A" may be used. However, when referring to any one of the outlet ports or the outlet ports as a group, reference number 264 may be used without a distinguishing letter.

[0018] As used herein, different terms are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. In addition, the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" are used interchangeably with "include", "includes" or "including". In addition, the term "wherein" is used interchangeably with the term "wherein". As used herein, "exemplary" represents an example, an embodiment and / or an aspect, and should not be interpreted as limiting or representing a preferred or preferred embodiment. As used herein, ordinal terms (e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc.) used to modify elements (such as structures, parts, operations, etc.) do not themselves represent any priority or order of the element relative to another element, but only distinguish the element from another element with the same name (except for the use of ordinal terms). As used herein, the term "group" refers to a combination of one or more elements, and the term "multiple" refers to multiple elements.

[0019] The present application relates to a device for improving the safety of the use of an energy storage device or energy storage source. The device can mitigate and / or reduce adverse effects caused by thermal events of the energy storage device. For example, the device can be configured to contain and suppress gases and / or byproducts (e.g., battery fragments and materials) emitted or released during a thermal runaway event of an energy storage device (such as a battery). The device can also prevent or minimize any potential damage to internal electrical components / elements and structures near the energy storage device. In addition, the device enables the energy storage device to be located in a non-pressurized area of ​​an aircraft. The device can be configured to be attached or coupled to a housing that houses one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries).

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figure 1 , illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an aircraft 100 in which an apparatus for suppressing thermal events of an energy storage device (eg, a battery) may be implemented. Figure 1The aircraft 100 in FIG. 1 includes a fuselage 102 having a left side 104, a right side 106, a nose end 108, and a tail end 110. A first wing 112 is coupled to the left side 104 of the fuselage 102. A second wing 114 is coupled to the right side 106 of the fuselage 102. In the illustrated example, the aircraft 100 includes a door 116 disposed on the left side 104 of the fuselage 102. Passengers and / or crew members may enter (e.g., board) and / or exit (e.g., deplane) the aircraft 100 via the door 116. Figure 1 The aircraft 100 in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and thus, other aircraft may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 An energy storage module or assembly 200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an energy storage module 200 is shown. The energy storage module 200 can accommodate an energy source or energy storage device 202 (e.g., a battery and / or battery pack) for supplying power to electrical components and / or systems. In other examples, the energy storage module 200 can accommodate multiple energy storage devices. The energy storage device 202 can include a rechargeable battery, an electrochemical battery, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or any other suitable energy device. The energy storage module 200 can be designed to withstand the high temperatures and internal pressures generated by thermal events of the energy storage device 202. The energy storage module 200 can be incorporated into or used within a vehicle or structure. For example, the energy storage module 200 can be disposed in a Figure 1 In other examples, the energy storage module 200 may be incorporated into a train, a spacecraft, a building, or any other type of vehicle or structure.

[0022] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the energy storage module 200 may include a housing or base portion 204 and a suppression cover or cover portion 206. The suppression cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 may be configured to be mounted or attached to the housing 204. The housing 204 of the energy storage module 200 may be configured to support and retain the energy storage device 202. The housing 204 may be designed to withstand adverse effects (e.g., high temperature and / or internal pressure) caused by a thermal event (e.g., a thermal runaway event) of the energy storage device 202. The housing 204 may be made of a variety of materials or a combination of materials. For example, the housing 204 may be made of a heat-resistant material such as a metal. In some instances, the housing 204 may be constructed of stainless steel, titanium, and / or aluminum. In other instances, the suppression cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 may be constructed of other types of materials.

[0023] The housing 204 of the energy storage module 200 may be generally rectangular or square in shape. In some embodiments, the housing 204 may include a bottom 210, side walls 212, and end walls 214. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the housing 204 may include: a first side wall 220; a second side wall 222, opposite to the first side wall 220; a first end wall 224, coupled between the first side wall 220 and the second side wall 222; and a second end wall 226, coupled between the first side wall 220 and the second side wall 222 and opposite to the first end wall 224. In other examples, the housing 204 of the energy storage module 200 may have other shapes and / or include any suitable number of side walls / end walls.

[0024] The bottom 210, sidewalls 212, and end walls 214 of the housing 204 may define a compartment or cavity 230 having a sufficient size and shape to receive and retain the energy storage device 202. In some examples, thermal insulation material may be disposed around the energy storage device 202 and / or between the energy storage device 202 and the housing 204. Figure 2 As shown, the compartment 230 of the housing 204 can accommodate a battery pack or battery 231. The battery pack 231 may include one or more battery arrays. Each battery array may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may be stacked side by side and held relative to each other. In some embodiments, the battery cells may be lithium-ion battery cells. In other instances, the "battery cells" may be implemented as other types of battery cells, such as lithium polymer battery cells, nickel-cadmium battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, or any other rechargeable battery cells or materials. Although the housing 204 of the energy storage module 200 is depicted as accommodating one battery, any number of batteries or battery packs may be disposed in the compartment 230 of the housing 204.

[0025] The compartment 230 of the housing 204 may also house other electrical components or elements 232. For example, a circuit board 234 and / or electrical components may be disposed in the compartment 230 of the housing 204. In other examples, the housing 204 may include additional compartments to hold other batteries and / or electrical components. The electrical components 232 disposed in the compartment 230 of the housing 204 may be communicatively coupled to external electrical components. Figure 2 As shown, the second end wall 226 of the housing 204 may have an interface portion 236 having one or more ports and terminals to enable electrical connections between internal electrical components and external electrical components.

[0026] The containment enclosure 206 of the energy storage module 200 can be coupled or mounted to the housing 204. The containment enclosure 206 can be designed to mitigate adverse effects caused by thermal events of the energy storage device 202 disposed in the compartment 230 of the housing 204. For example, the containment enclosure 206 can be configured to contain and contain gases and / or byproducts (e.g., battery debris and materials) that are vented or released during a thermal runaway event of the energy storage device 202 (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). Thus, the containment enclosure 206 enables the energy storage device 202 to be located in a non-pressurized area of ​​the aircraft. For example, the containment enclosure 206 can enable the energy storage device 202 to be located in an unoccupied area of ​​the aircraft that may not have firefighting capabilities. In addition, the containment enclosure 206 can be airtight and impermeable, thereby enabling the containment enclosure 206 to be located in an area exposed to water, moisture, and / or rain.

[0027] The suppression cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 can be generally rectangular or square in shape. In other examples, the suppression cover 206 can have other shapes and / or configurations. The suppression cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 can be made of a variety of materials or combinations of materials. For example, the suppression cover 206 can be made of a heat-resistant material such as a metal. In some examples, the suppression cover 206 can be constructed of stainless steel, titanium, and / or aluminum. In other examples, the suppression cover 206 can be constructed of other types of materials.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the containment cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 can be removably coupled to the housing 204. For example, the containment cover 206 can be removed from the housing 204 to allow a user to access the energy storage device 202 (e.g., a battery or battery pack) disposed in the compartment 230 of the housing 204. Thus, the user can replace and / or remove the energy storage device 202 from the housing 204 of the energy storage module 200. Figure 3 As shown, the containment cover 206 can be attached to the housing 204 by one or more fasteners 238. For example, the containment cover 206 can be attached to the housing 204 by four fasteners. The containment cover 206 can engage the perimeter of the housing 204 to close the compartment 230 of the housing 204.

[0029] When containment enclosure 206 is attached to housing 204 of energy storage module 200, an airtight seal may be formed between containment enclosure 206 and housing 204 to prevent gases and byproducts exhausted by energy storage device 202 from being released into the environment. A gap or space may be formed between the energy storage device and containment enclosure 206 for receiving and collecting gases and / or byproducts exhausted from energy storage device 202. Figure 3As shown, a gasket 240 can be used to form a seal between the suppression cover 206 and the housing 204 of the energy storage module 200. The gasket 240 can be generally rectangular or square in shape and can be an O-ring made of a flexible or compressible material such as rubber, silicone, and plastic polymers. The gasket 240 can be positioned or disposed in a gasket channel 241 formed around the periphery of the housing 204. Similarly, the gasket 240 can also be positioned or disposed in a gasket channel formed around the periphery of the suppression cover 206.

[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the containment enclosure 206 of the energy storage module 200 may include side walls 242, end walls 244, a top 246, a bottom 248, and a plenum 250 (eg, a labyrinth system). The plenum 250 provides a space or volume to allow gas to expand therein. Figure 3 As shown, the suppression cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 may include: a first side wall 252; a second side wall 254, opposite to the first side wall 252; a first end wall 256, connected between the first side wall 252 and the second side wall 254; and a second end wall 258, connected between the first side wall 252 and the second side wall 254 and opposite to the first end wall 256. In other examples, the suppression cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 may have other shapes and / or may include any suitable number of side walls and end walls. In some examples, the suppression cover 206 may also have a cavity or chamber 261 to accommodate electrical components or elements.

[0031] A vent chamber 250 of containment enclosure 206 may be formed between sidewalls 242, end walls 244, top 246, and bottom 248. Vent chamber 250 may be configured to receive and contain gases and byproducts (e.g., battery debris and / or materials) that are vented or released from energy storage device 202 (e.g., a battery) during a thermal event. For example, during a thermal runaway event of energy storage device 202, energy storage device 202 may vent gases and byproducts into compartment 230 of housing 204, thereby increasing the pressure within compartment 230. During a thermal event of energy storage device 202, vent chamber 250 may enable gases and / or byproducts to vent or exit from compartment 230 of housing 204 and into vent chamber 250 of containment enclosure 206.

[0032] The vent chamber 250 of the containment housing 206 may include a vent path or passage 260 (e.g., a labyrinthine passage or path) for carrying gases and / or byproducts released from the energy storage device 202. The vent path 260 may facilitate cooling and expansion of the gases and / or byproducts released from the energy storage device 202 by extending and directing the discharge of the gases and / or byproducts along the vent path 260. In addition, the vent path 260 may direct gases away from the energy storage device 202 (e.g., a battery) and other electrical components and elements of the energy storage module 200. In this way, during a thermal event of the energy storage device 202, the vent path 260 may prevent or mitigate damage to the energy storage device 202 and other electrical components disposed in the housing 204 of the energy storage module 200.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the vent path 260 of the vent chamber 250 can be formed between one or more inlet ports or openings 262 (one is shown) and one or more outlet ports or openings 264 (two are shown). The vent path 260 can enable gases and byproducts to be directed from the one or more inlet ports 262 to the one or more outlet ports 264 along the vent path 260. The one or more inlet ports 262 can be located near or at a first end or inlet portion 266 of the vent path 260, and the one or more outlet ports 264 can be located near or at a second end or outlet portion 268 of the vent path 260. Gases and byproducts released by the energy storage device 202 can enter the vent path 260 at the one or more inlet ports 262 and can exit the vent path 260 at the one or more outlet ports 264. In the example shown, the vent path 260 of the vent chamber 250 may include one or more C-shaped sections / portions, U-shaped sections / portions, or S-shaped sections / portions between one or more inlet ports 262 and one or more outlet ports 264. In some examples, the vent chamber 250 may include more than one vent path disposed between one or more inlet ports 262 and one or more outlet ports 264.

[0034] like Figure 4As shown, one or more inlet ports 262 may include an inlet port or opening 262A, and one or more outlet ports 264 may include a first outlet port or opening 264A and a second outlet port or opening 264B. The ventilation path 260 of the ventilation chamber 250 may be defined between the inlet port 262A and the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B. In some examples, the ventilation chamber 250 may include a plurality of inlet ports and one or more outlet ports. The inlet port 262A may be formed in the bottom 248 of the suppression cover 206 of the energy storage module 200 and extend through the bottom. The inlet port 262A may be in communication (e.g., gas communication) with the compartment 230 of the housing 204 and the first end 266 of the ventilation path 260. The size and position of the inlet port 262A may be designed so that gases and byproducts can escape from the compartment 230 of the housing 204 and enter the ventilation path 260 of the ventilation chamber 250. The shape of the inlet port 262A may be cylindrical. In other examples, the inlet ports 262A can each have any suitable shape or configuration. After the gas and byproducts enter the vent path 260 of the vent chamber 250, the gas can be directed from the inlet port 262A to the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B along the vent path 260. The sensor 269 can be coupled to the suppression enclosure 206 to measure the temperature and / or pressure in the vent path 260.

[0035] As shown, the bottom 248 of the containment housing 206 may include a cover plate or heat shield 270 disposed above the plenum chamber 250. The cover plate 270 may thermally protect the plenum path 260 (e.g., a labyrinth-like passage) to enable cooling of the expanding gases. The inlet port 262A may be defined in the cover plate 270 of the containment housing 206. In other embodiments, the inlet port 262A may be defined at any suitable location on the bottom 248 of the containment housing 206. Figure 3 As shown, cover plate 270 can be removably coupled to containment housing 206 to enable access to plenum chamber 250. Containment housing 206 can be attached to housing 204 by one or more fasteners 272. For example, containment housing 206 can be attached to housing 204 by four fasteners. In some examples, a gasket can be used to form an airtight seal between cover plate 270 and containment housing 206.

[0036] The first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can be in communication with the second end 268 of the vent path 260. The first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can be defined in and extend through the side walls or end walls of the containment enclosure 206 of the energy storage module 200. The size and position of the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can be designed to enable gases and byproducts to exit the vent path 260 of the vent chamber 250. Figure 4 As shown, the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can be defined in the first end wall 256 of the suppression housing 206 and extend through the first end wall. In other examples, any of the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can be defined as and can extend through any other suitable portion (e.g., the top, bottom, sidewall, and end wall) of the suppression housing 206. The shape of the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can be cylindrical. In other examples, the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can have any suitable shape or configuration. In some examples, the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B can each be configured to accommodate a filter.

[0037] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in , the first filter 274 can be configured to be disposed in the first outlet port 264A, and the second filter 276 can be configured to be disposed in the second outlet port 264B. The first filter 274 and the second filter 276 can filter pollutants and particles of the gas and byproducts released from the energy storage device 202. The first filter 274 and the second filter 276 can each include a sintered bronze filter or any other suitable filter. The shape or configuration of the first filter 274 and the second filter 276 can correspond to the shape of the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 274B, respectively. For example, the first filter 274 and the second filter 276 can have a circular cross-section.

[0038] The first biasing member 278 can be configured to provide support and hold the first filter 274 in the first outlet port 264A. The second biasing member 280 can be configured to provide support and hold the second filter 276 in the second outlet port 264B. In some examples, the first biasing member 278 and the second biasing member 280 can include a spring. The first biasing member 278 and the second biasing member 280 can each be configured to provide a compressive force on the first filter 274 and the second filter 276 when in a compressed state to hold these filters in the first outlet port 264A and the second outlet port 264B. The first biasing member 278 and the second biasing member 280 can be compressed and held against the first filter 274 and the second filter 276 by the end plate 282.

[0039] The end plate 282 may be attached to the containment housing 206 by one or more fasteners 284. For example, the end plate 282 may be attached to the first end wall 256 of the housing 204 by three fasteners. The end plate 282 may have one or more ports or openings 286 extending therethrough. Figure 4 As shown, the end plate 282 includes a first port 286A and a second port 286B. The first port 286A of the end plate 282 can be aligned with the first outlet port 264A defined in the first end wall 256 of the containment housing 206. Similarly, the second port 286B of the end plate 282 can be aligned with the second outlet port 264B defined in the first end wall 256 of the containment housing 206.

[0040] When end plate 282 is attached to first end wall 256 of containment enclosure 206, a hermetic seal may be formed between containment enclosure 206 and end plate 282 to prevent gases and byproducts exhausted by energy storage device 202 from being released into the environment. Figure 3 As shown, a first gasket 288A and a second gasket 288B can be used to form a seal between the containment housing 206 and the end plate 282. The gaskets 288A and 288B can be generally cylindrical and can be O-rings made of a flexible or compressible material such as rubber, silicone, and plastic polymers. The first gasket 288A can surround the first outlet port 264A, and the second gasket 288B can surround the second outlet port 264B. The gaskets 288A and 288B can be positioned or disposed in a gasket channel in the end plate 282. Similarly, the gaskets 288A and 288B can also be positioned or disposed in a gasket channel formed in the first end wall 256 of the containment housing 206.

[0041] When the internal pressure in the vent path 260 of the energy storage module 200 reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, the gases and byproducts exhausted by the energy storage device 202 may be released into the atmosphere. The atmosphere may be the internal or external atmosphere. Figure 3As shown, the first valve 290 is configured to be at least partially disposed in the first port 286A of the end plate 282 and is configured to receive the gas and byproducts that pass through the first filter 274. Similarly, the second valve 292 is configured to be at least partially disposed in the second port 286B of the end plate 282 and is configured to receive the gas and byproducts that pass through the second filter 276. The first valve 290 and the second valve 292 may include pressure reducing valves. In other examples, the first valve 290 and the second valve 292 may include pressure control valves / thermal control valves or any other suitable valves.

[0042] The first valve 290 and the second valve 292 can be configured to prevent the gases and byproducts discharged from the energy storage device from being released into the atmosphere unless a threshold pressure is reached. In some instances, the threshold pressure can be about 20 PSI. For example, if the pressure at the first valve 290 and the second valve 292 or the internal pressure of the energy storage module 200 reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the first valve 290 and the second valve 292 can be opened to release the pressure and release or discharge a portion of the gases and byproducts into the atmosphere, which can reduce the possibility of an eruption of the energy storage module. Therefore, the first valve 290 and the second valve 292 can release gases during thermal events (such as thermal runaway events and / or overpressure events of the battery).

[0043] The description of different advantageous arrangements has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples of the disclosed form. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, different advantageous embodiments describe different advantages over other advantageous embodiments. One or more selected examples are selected and described to best explain the principles and practical applications of the examples and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the multiple examples of the present disclosure and the multiple variations suitable for the particular use under consideration.

[0044] In addition, in this specification, the situation where an element is "coupled" to another element can include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as an element being coupled to another element and making some contact with the other element. Indirect coupling can be defined as a coupling between two elements that is not in direct contact with each other, but has one or more additional elements between the coupling elements. In addition, as used herein, fixing an element to another element can include direct fixing and indirect fixing. In addition, as used herein, "adjacent" does not necessarily mean contact. For example, an element can be adjacent to another element without contacting the element.

[0045] As used herein, a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specific function is indeed able to perform a specific function without any change, rather than only having the possibility of performing a specific function after further modification. In other words, a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specific function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing a specific function. As used herein, "configured to" represents an existing feature of a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that enables a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware to perform a specific function without further modification. For the purposes of this disclosure, a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that is described as "configured to" perform a specific function may be additionally or alternatively described as "suitable for" and / or "operating to" perform the function.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" mean that the recited features, parameters or values ​​need not be achieved precisely, but rather deviations or changes (including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement precision limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art) may occur without impairing the effect that the features are intended to provide.

[0047] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein only as identifiers and are not intended to impose order, position, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. In addition, reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or exclude the presence of, for example, a "first" or lower numbered item and / or, for example, a "third" or higher numbered item.

[0048] Although the device has been described with reference to certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the claims. Therefore, the device of the present invention is not limited to the specific examples disclosed, but the disclosed device includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for suppressing a thermal event of at least one energy storage device (202), the apparatus comprising: a containment enclosure (206) comprising a plenum chamber (250) having a path (260), wherein the path comprises an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the path is configured to enable exhaust discharged from the at least one energy storage device to be directed from the inlet portion to the outlet portion, and wherein the outlet portion of the path comprises an outlet aperture; a filter (274) having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end of the filter is configured to filter emissions passing through the outlet opening of the pathway; and A valve (290) is coupled to the outlet end of the filter, the valve being configured to open at a predetermined threshold pressure level to release emissions to the atmosphere.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The filter comprises a first filter, wherein the outlet aperture comprises a first outlet aperture, wherein the valve comprises a first valve, and wherein the outlet portion of the path comprises a second outlet aperture, and the apparatus further comprises: a second filter (276) having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end of the second filter is configured to filter emissions passing through the second outlet aperture of the pathway; and A second valve (292) is coupled to the outlet end of the second filter, the second valve being configured to open at the predetermined threshold pressure level to release exhaust to the atmosphere.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The containment housing is configured to be mounted to a housing (204).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one energy storage device is disposed in the housing.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The containment enclosure includes a heat shield plate (270) for enclosing at least a portion of the plenum chamber.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The heat shield plate includes at least one opening configured to enable exhaust from the at least one energy storage device to pass through the heat shield plate and into the inlet portion of the pathway.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The heat shield plate is spaced apart from the at least one energy storage device to provide an area for exhausting emissions discharged from the at least one energy storage device.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one energy storage device is selected from: at least one rechargeable battery, at least one electrochemical battery, at least one lithium ion battery, at least one lithium polymer battery, at least one lead-acid battery, at least one nickel-cadmium battery, and at least one nickel-metal hydride battery.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The path of the plenum chamber includes a labyrinthine passage or flow path.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The path of the plenum chamber may include one or more C-shaped, U-shaped or S-shaped portions.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal event includes a thermal runaway event.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The valve comprises a pressure reducing valve.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined threshold pressure level is approximately 20 psi.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The filter comprises a sintered bronze filter.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The device is mounted in a vehicle or a structure, and wherein the vehicle comprises an aircraft or an automobile.

16. A battery module, comprising: Housing (204); A battery (202) is arranged in the housing; a housing (206) mounted to the housing for suppressing a thermal runaway event, wherein the housing includes a vent chamber (250) having a path (260), wherein the housing includes an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, wherein the inlet aperture is configured to enable emissions discharged from the battery to enter the path, and wherein the outlet aperture is configured to enable emissions to exit the path; a filter (274) having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end of the filter is configured to filter emissions passing through the outlet aperture; and A valve (290) is coupled to the outlet end of the filter, the valve being configured to open at a predetermined threshold pressure level to release at least a portion of the exhaust to the atmosphere.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The filter comprises a first filter, wherein the outlet aperture comprises a first outlet aperture, wherein the valve comprises a first valve, and wherein the housing comprises a second outlet aperture, and the battery module further comprises: a second filter (276) having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end of the second filter is configured to filter emissions passing through the second outlet opening of the housing; and A second valve (292) is coupled to the outlet end of the second filter, the second valve being configured to open at the predetermined threshold pressure level to release exhaust to the atmosphere.

18. The battery module according to claim 16, further comprising a heat shielding plate (270), the heat shielding plate being arranged between the battery and the ventilation chamber, wherein: The heat shielding plate includes the inlet hole.

19. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The valve comprises a pressure reducing valve, and wherein the filter comprises a sintered bronze filter.

20. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein: The battery is selected from one of a rechargeable battery, an electrochemical battery, a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel cadmium battery, and a nickel metal hydride battery.

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