Battery module for relieving thermal runaway

Abstract

Embodiments include a battery module having a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and insulating members on opposite sides of the first battery cell. The battery module further includes a battery module case surrounded by an external environment and configured to accommodate each of a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and a thermal insulation member, and a module cover mounted to the battery module case and including a ventilation feature, the venting feature is configured to vent a high temperature gas from a first battery cell into an external environment, thereby minimizing transfer of the high temperature gas from the first battery cell to an adjacent second battery cell and controlling propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery module. The insulating member includes a tapered portion disposed between the first battery cell and the vent feature.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module configured to remove heat and mitigate thermal events.

[0002] A battery module or array can include multiple battery cells in relatively close proximity to each other. Batteries can be broadly categorized as primary and secondary batteries. Primary batteries, also known as disposable batteries, are intended to be used until depleted, after which they are simply replaced with new batteries. Secondary batteries (more commonly known as rechargeable batteries) employ specific chemistries that allow them to be repeatedly recharged and reused, thus offering 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) and external factors can result in internal reaction rates that generate large amounts of heat energy. This chemical reaction can cause the battery to generate more heat than it can effectively extract. Prolonged exposure of battery cells to elevated temperatures can cause the cells to experience a thermal runaway event. Consequently, a thermal runaway event initiated within a single cell can cause heat to spread to adjacent cells in the module and affect the entire battery array. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a battery module is provided. The battery module includes a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and an insulation member located on an opposite side of the first battery cell, and a battery module housing, the battery module housing being surrounded by an external environment and configured to accommodate each of the first battery cell, the adjacent second battery cell, and the insulation member. The battery module also includes a module cover mounted to the battery module housing and including a vent feature configured to vent high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the adjacent second battery cell and controlling the propagation of thermal events in the battery module. The insulation member includes a tapered portion disposed between the first battery cell and the vent feature, the tapered portion being configured to direct high-temperature gas from the first battery cell away from the adjacent second battery cell and toward the vent feature.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the vent feature includes a vent opening configured to vent high temperature gas from the first battery cell.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least one of the exhaust openings has a backhoe shape configured to direct the high temperature gas away from the adjacent second battery cell.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the vent feature includes a gasket segment configured to cover the vent opening and be blown away from the vent opening by the high temperature gas, thereby exhausting the high temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the gasket segment is glued to the battery module cover.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the gasket segment is comprised of mica.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulating member is comprised of mica.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, including a thermal barrier positioned adjacent to the insulating member.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the thermal insulation member includes a body portion extending along a height of the first battery cell.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least a portion of the tapered portions of the insulation members overlap each other and are configured to deform and contact the vent feature in response to high temperature gas exhausted from the first battery cell.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle includes a power source configured to generate power source torque and a battery module configured to supply electrical energy to the power source. The battery module includes a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and an insulation member located on opposite sides of the first battery cell, and a battery module housing, the battery module housing being surrounded by an external environment and configured to accommodate each of the first battery cell, the adjacent second battery cell, and the insulation member. The battery module also includes a module cover mounted to the battery module housing and including a vent feature configured to vent high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the adjacent second battery cell and controlling the propagation of thermal events in the battery module. The insulation member includes a tapered portion disposed between the first battery cell and the vent feature, the tapered portion being configured to direct high-temperature gas from the first battery cell away from the adjacent second battery cell and toward the vent feature.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the vent feature includes a vent opening configured to vent high temperature gas from the first battery cell.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least one of the exhaust openings has a backhoe shape configured to direct the high temperature gas away from the adjacent second battery cell.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the vent feature includes a gasket segment configured to cover the vent opening and be blown away from the vent opening by the high temperature gas, thereby exhausting the high temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the gasket segment is glued to the battery module cover.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the gasket segment is comprised of mica.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the insulating member is comprised of mica.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, including a thermal barrier positioned adjacent to the insulating member.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the thermal insulation member includes a body portion extending along a height of the first battery cell.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least a portion of the tapered portions of the insulation members overlap each other and are configured to deform and contact the vent feature in response to high temperature gas exhausted from the first battery cell.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Additional features, advantages, and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] 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 modules configured to generate and store electrical energy;

[0027] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a battery module shown, the battery module having a battery module housing and a battery module cover with a vent opening;

[0028] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1A schematic perspective view of a battery module is shown, the battery module having a battery module housing and a battery module cover having a vent opening, wherein the battery module cover includes a gasket section covering the vent opening;

[0029] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional plan view of a battery module shown along line 4 - 4 , the battery module having a battery module cover having a channel for engaging and nesting an insulating member;

[0030] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a battery module shown having a resilient sealing element positioned between an insulating member and a battery module cover, the resilient sealing element having a channel that engages and nests with the insulating member;

[0031] Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 5 a schematic close-up view of a particular portion of the illustrated battery module, depicting a cross-section of the elastomeric sealing element; and

[0032] Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional plan view of a battery module is shown having a battery module cover with channels that engage and nest thermal insulation members. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or use. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may be designed without departing from the scope of the claims. Various connections and positional relationships (e.g., above, below, adjacent, etc.) between elements are described in the following description and drawings.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified, these connections and / or positional relationships may be direct or indirect, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this respect. Thus, a coupling of entities may refer to a direct or indirect coupling, and a positional relationship between entities may be a direct or indirect positional relationship.

[0035] refer to Figure 1, depicts a motor vehicle 10 having a powertrain 12. Vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a passenger car, an aircraft, a watercraft, a train, and the like. It is also contemplated that vehicle 10 may be a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a boat, a personal mobility device, a robot, and the like, for purposes of the present disclosure. Powertrain 12 includes a power source 14 configured to generate a power source torque T for propelling vehicle 10 relative to a road surface 18 via driven wheels 16. Power source 14 is depicted as a motor-generator.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the powertrain 12 may also include an additional power source 20, such as an internal combustion engine. The power sources 14 and 20 may work together to provide power for the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes an electronic controller 22 and a battery system 24, the battery system 24 being configured to generate and store electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction that generates heat to supply 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 powertrain control module (PCM) that is configured to control the powertrain 12 to generate a predetermined amount of power source torque T. 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 herein primarily in a vehicle environment, it does not exclude the use of the subject battery system for powering other non-automotive systems.

[0037] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the battery system 24 may include one or more sections, such as battery arrays or modules 26. Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 26 includes a plurality of battery cells, such as a first battery cell 28-1 and an adjacent immediately adjacent second battery cell 28-2, each battery cell extending generally upward (ie, in the Z direction), as shown. Figure 2-5 As shown. Although one module 26 and two battery cells 28-1, 28-2 are shown, the battery system 24 is not precluded from having a greater number of such modules and battery cells. The battery module 26 also includes a thermal barrier 30 disposed between the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The thermal barrier 30 may be constructed of a high-temperature polymer foam with a reinforcing substructure. The thermal barrier 30 is specifically configured to limit the amount of thermal energy transferred between adjacent battery cells 28-1, 28-2 during operation of the battery module 26.

[0038] like Figure 4As shown, the battery module 26 also includes an insulating member 31, which includes a first portion 31-1 and a second portion 31-2. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating member 31 is at least partially disposed between the battery cell 28 and the barrier 30. The insulating member 31 includes a first portion 31-1 (also referred to herein as a main portion) and a second portion 31-2 (also referred to herein as a tapered portion). The first portion 31-1 of the insulating member 31 is disposed between the battery cells 28-1, 28-2 and the thermal barrier 30 and extends along the height of the battery cells 28-1, 28-2 in the Z direction. The second portion 31-2 of the insulating member 31 is disposed above the battery cell 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion 31-2 has a tapered shape that is configured to direct gases generated during a thermal event toward the exhaust opening 46-1. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating member 31 can be made of mica, for example, for the subject material's tolerance to high temperatures.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion 31-2 of the thermal insulation member 31 disposed adjacent to the battery cell 28-1 is configured to direct hot gases exhausted from the battery cell 28-1 away from the battery cell 28-2. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 31-2 of the thermal insulation member 31 disposed adjacent to the battery cell 28-1 is configured to deform when exposed to hot gases exhausted from the battery cell 28-1. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the second portion 31 - 2 of the insulation member 31 is configured to deform to contact the exhaust opening 46 - 1 , thereby forming a channel to guide the flow of hot gas exhausted from the battery cell 28 - 1 .

[0040] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the battery module 26 also includes a heat sink 32. The heat sink 32 is generally positioned below each of the battery cells 28 and in direct contact with each of the battery cells 28 to absorb heat energy from the first battery cell and the second battery cell. As shown, the heat sink 32 can be in direct physical contact with the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The heat sink 32 can be configured as a coolant plate having a plurality of coolant channels, the coolant channels being arranged in a manner similar to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The coolant passages 34-1 and 34-2 are shown as corresponding first coolant passages 34-1 and 34-2. The coolant passages 34-1 and 34-2 are configured to allow the coolant 36 ( Figure 2 ) cycle, thereby removing heat energy from the battery cells 28 while the battery modules 26 generate / store electrical energy. Figure 4 As shown, the first coolant passage 34 - 1 may be arranged proximate to the first battery cell 28 - 1 , and the second coolant passage 34 - 2 may be arranged proximate to the second battery cell 28 - 2 .

[0041] Typically, during normal operation of the module 26, the thermal barrier 30 effectively absorbs the thermal energy released by the first cell 28-1 and the second cell 28-2 and facilitates the transfer of the thermal energy to the heat sink 32. However, during extreme conditions, such as during a thermal event (e.g., during a Figure 4 ), the amount of thermal energy released by the cell experiencing the event will typically saturate the thermal barrier 30 and exceed its ability to absorb heat and effectively transfer the heat to the heat sink 32. As a result, the excess thermal energy will typically be transferred between adjacent cells 28-1, 28-2, causing thermal runaway to propagate through the battery module 26. The term "thermal runaway event" generally refers to an uncontrolled increase in temperature in a battery system. During a thermal runaway event, heat generation within the battery system or battery cell exceeds heat dissipation, resulting in a further increase in temperature. A thermal runaway event can be triggered by a variety of conditions, including a short circuit within a cell, improper use of the cell, physical abuse, manufacturing defects, or exposure of the cell to extreme external temperatures.

[0042] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the battery module 26 also includes a battery module housing 38, which is surrounded by an environment or surrounding environment 40 outside the battery module housing. The battery module housing 38 is configured to accommodate each of the first battery cell 28-1, the second battery cell 28-2, the thermal barrier 30, and the heat sink 32. Figure 2 As shown, the battery module housing 38 includes side walls 38-1, 38-2, 38-3, 38-4 and a bottom plate 38-5 to which the heat sink 32 is mounted or incorporated. The battery module 26 also includes a battery module cover 42, which is generally positioned above the battery cells 28 and attached to the side walls 38-1, 38-2, 38-3, 38-4 of the battery module housing 38. For example, in the event that a first battery cell 28-1 experiences thermal runaway, the excess gas generated by this event will cause a high level of internal pressure, which has a tendency to deform the battery module cover 42 and allow gas to leak through or around the thermal barrier 30 to the adjacent second battery cell 28-2. This leakage of high-temperature gas will increase the likelihood of thermal runaway from the first battery cell 28-1 to the second battery cell 28-2 in the battery module 26, thereby creating a chain reaction and affecting the entire battery module.

[0043] As shown, the battery module cover 42 is arranged in the XY plane, substantially parallel to the heat sink 32, and approximately perpendicular to the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The battery module cover 42 is mounted to the battery module housing 38 and includes a vent feature 46 that is configured to vent high-temperature gases from one of the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The vent feature 46 is further configured to divert (i.e., deflect or redirect) the high-temperature gases from the second battery cell 28-2 directly to the ambient environment 40. Thus, the battery module cover 42 is configured to minimize the transfer of high-temperature gases from one of the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2 to the other of the two cells and control the propagation of a thermal runaway event 44 in the battery module 26. Although the first battery cell 28-1 or the second battery cell 28-2 can generate high-temperature gases due to the thermal event 44, the present disclosure will specifically focus on the exemplary case when the first battery cell generates the subject gases.

[0044] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the vent feature 46 can include an array of exhaust openings, which are depicted as a first set of exhaust openings 46-1 corresponding to the first battery cell 28-1 and a second set of exhaust openings 46-2 corresponding to the second battery cell 28-2. The battery module cover 42 can be formed from mild steel, such as by stamping, with the exhaust openings 46-1, 46-2 formed in the battery module cover. The exhaust openings 46-1, 46-2 are arranged relative to the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2 so that the exhaust openings exhaust rising high temperature gases from the uppermost / highest level within the battery module housing 38. In particular, the exhaust opening 46-1 is configured to operate in a chimney manner to exhaust the high temperature gases 48 from the first battery cell 28-1 experiencing the thermal runaway event 44 and to divert the high temperature gases away from the second battery cell 28-2 by providing a direct path to the ambient environment 40.

[0045] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the exhaust openings 46-1, 46-2 can have a reverse scoop shape 49 that is configured to direct the high temperature gases 48 generated by the first battery cell 28-1 away from the second battery cell 28-2. The back scoop shape 49 can be specifically configured to direct the high temperature gases 48 at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the cover XY plane. An array of vent openings having this back scoop shape 49, for example having first and second exhaust openings 46-1, 46-2, can generally be defined as having a directional "cheese grater" profile relative to the environment 40. The back scoop shape 49 of the exhaust opening can be directly formed (e.g., stamped) into the structure of the battery module cover 42.

[0046] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the battery module 26 includes a backing layer 50 secured to the battery module cover 42. The backing layer 50 includes a plurality of blow-off sections 51 configured to cover corresponding exhaust openings (e.g., a first exhaust opening 46-1 and a second exhaust opening 46-2). The blow-off sections 51 are specifically configured to be partially or completely blown away from the exhaust opening 46-1 via pressure from the high temperature gas 48. For example, the blow-off sections 51 may have perforated edges to facilitate their separation from the backing layer 50. This exposure of the high temperature gas 48 to the exhaust opening 46-1 will allow the battery module cover 42 to vent the high temperature gas 48 from the battery cell 28-1 to the surrounding environment 40. The backing layer 50 may be constructed, for example, of mica for the subject material's tolerance to elevated temperatures and be glued to the battery module cover 42 over the vent feature 46. The glue used to attach the gasket segments 50 may be specifically selected to maintain attachment of the gasket segments to the battery module cover 42 under normal module operating conditions and to give way under high gas pressures during thermal runaway.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the vent feature 46 may further include an elastic element 52. Each elastic element 52 may be located between a corresponding thermal barrier 30 and the battery module cover 42. The elastic element 52 may be constructed of a heat-resistant flexible material (e.g., silicon). The elastic element 52 is specifically configured to maintain contact with a portion of the thermal insulation member 31 under pressure from the high-temperature gas generated by the battery cells 28-1, 28-2. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic element 52 is configured to control the movement or deformation of the thermal insulation member 31 due to the pressure from the high-temperature gas generated by the battery cells 28-1, 28-2. Thus, the elastic sealing element 52 helps, for example, the high-temperature gas 48 to be discharged from the first battery cell 28-1 to the surrounding environment 40 through the exhaust opening 46-1.

[0048] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A close-up view of section 6 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, each elastic element 52 can include (i.e., define) a channel 54 that is configured to engage and nest with the thermal barrier 30. This configuration of the interface between the elastic element 52 and the thermal barrier 30 is intended to minimize deformation of the subject thermal insulation member 31 under pressure, such as from high temperature gas 48. Each elastic element 52 can also include lateral sections 56-1 and 56-2 arranged away from the channel 54. The lateral sections 56-1 and 56-2 are configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from a high temperature gas (e.g., gas 48) to minimize the transfer or leakage of the target gas between the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. Alternatively, as Figure 4 As shown, the channel 54 can be directly incorporated into the battery module cover 42 to engage and nest the thermal barrier 30, thereby maintaining separation between the corresponding battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2) and minimizing deformation of the corresponding insulation member 31 under increased pressure.

[0049] In general, during operation of the battery module 26, the vent feature 46 is configured to automatically transfer excess thermal energy generated by a thermal runaway event in a particular battery cell of the battery module directly to the surrounding environment. The transfer of excess thermal energy out of the battery module 26 is intended to control the propagation of thermal runaway to other adjacent cells in the battery module. Specifically, the battery module 26 includes an insulation member 31 that is configured to direct the flow of high-temperature gases 48 generated by the battery cells during a thermal runaway event 44. In addition, the vent feature 46 may include exhaust openings, as well as support structures to minimize the transfer of high-temperature gases from the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway to adjacent battery cells, thereby facilitating the transfer of such gases to the surrounding environment 40. Therefore, the insulation member 31 and the vent feature 46 are particularly effective in mitigating the propagation of thermal runaway between individual battery cells within the battery module 26 without the need for additional external hardware or controls.

[0050] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the second portions 31-2 of the thermal insulation members 31 disposed on opposite sides of the battery cell 28 are configured to at least partially overlap each other. In one embodiment, the second portions 31-2 of the thermal insulation members 31 disposed on opposite sides of the battery cell 28 may contact each other. In another embodiment, an air gap may exist between the overlapping portions of the second portions 31-2 of the thermal insulation members 31 disposed on opposite sides of the battery cell 28. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion 31-2 of the thermal insulation member 31 disposed adjacent to the battery cell 28-1 is configured to deform when exposed to hot gas exhausted from the battery cell 28-1. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the second portion 31 - 2 of the insulation member 31 is configured to deform to contact the exhaust opening 46 - 1 , thereby forming a channel to guide the flow of hot gas exhausted from the battery cell 28 - 1 .

[0051] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout this specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0052] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0053] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0054] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0055] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and a thermal insulation member located on opposite sides of the first battery cell; a battery module housing surrounded by an external environment and configured to accommodate each of the first battery cell, the adjacent second battery cell, and the insulation member; as well as a module cover mounted to the battery module housing and including a vent feature configured to vent high-temperature gases from the first battery cell to the external environment, thereby minimizing transfer of the high-temperature gases from the first battery cell to the adjacent second battery cell and controlling propagation of a thermal event in the battery module, The thermal insulation member includes a tapered portion disposed between the first battery cell and the vent feature, the tapered portion being configured to direct high-temperature gas from the first battery cell away from the adjacent second battery cell and toward the vent feature. 2 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the vent feature comprises a vent opening configured to vent high-temperature gas from the first battery cell. 3 . The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the exhaust openings has a backhoe shape configured to guide the high-temperature gas away from the adjacent second battery cell.

4. The battery module of claim 2, wherein the vent feature comprises a gasket segment configured to cover the vent opening and be blown away from the vent opening by the high temperature gas, thereby exhausting the high temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The gasket segment is glued to the battery module cover. The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the gasket segment is composed of mica. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the heat insulating member is composed of mica. 8 . The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a thermal barrier disposed adjacent to the thermal insulation member.

9. A motor vehicle comprising: a power source configured to generate a power source torque; as well as a battery module configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery module comprising: a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and a thermal insulation member located on opposite sides of the first battery cell; a battery module case surrounded by an external environment and configured to accommodate each of the first battery cell, the adjacent second battery cell, and the insulation member; and a module cover mounted to the battery module housing and including a vent feature configured to vent high-temperature gases from the first battery cell to the external environment, thereby minimizing transfer of the high-temperature gases from the first battery cell to the adjacent second battery cell and controlling propagation of a thermal event in the battery module, The thermal insulation member includes a tapered portion disposed between the first battery cell and the vent feature, the tapered portion being configured to direct high-temperature gas from the first battery cell away from the adjacent second battery cell and toward the vent feature.

10. The motor vehicle of claim 9, wherein: The vent feature includes a vent opening configured to vent high temperature gas from the first battery cell.

Images