System and method for releasing gas from sealed housing including battery module

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for releasing gas from a sealed housing including a battery module, such as a housing of a rechargeable energy storage system, to an exhaust system. The system includes a duct configured to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and to direct the exhaust gas to an outlet for release into an ambient environment external to the vehicle; a sealed housing having an interior compartment and at least one battery module within the interior compartment; and a device fluidly coupling the interior compartment of the sealed housing and the conduit wherein the device is configured to selectively allow gas within the interior compartment to enter the conduit to be directed to its outlet and released to the ambient environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field generally relates to electric and hybrid electric vehicles, and more specifically to thermal runaway prevention and mitigation for rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS). Background Technology

[0002] Electric and hybrid electric vehicles include rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS). In hybrid vehicles, the RESS is charged by an engine running on a fossil fuel or through regenerative braking. Electric vehicles rely on an external energy supply to charge their RESS. A RESS typically comprises multiple sealed cells or battery modules that store electrical energy. During operation or charging, one or more battery modules may overheat. When a battery module overheats, unwanted gases may be generated, leading to increased pressure and temperature. In extreme cases, the temperature rise of one battery module can affect adjacent battery modules, causing further reactions that generate even more heat and may ignite unwanted gases, creating a feedback loop that can lead to catastrophic failure—a process known as thermal runaway.

[0003] Therefore, electric and hybrid electric vehicles may include a variety of systems for providing thermal management of the RESS, such as cooling systems designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures, battery management systems configured to monitor the state of the battery modules to reduce the likelihood of overcharging and overheating, and physical structures and materials designed to mitigate risks, such as vents for releasing unwanted gases from the RESS.

[0004] Despite the benefits of the systems described above, there remains a continued desire for systems and methods capable of reducing the likelihood of thermal runaway and / or mitigating its damage. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of this disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction, in conjunction with the following detailed description and appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system includes a conduit configured to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and direct the exhaust gas to an outlet for release into the surrounding environment outside the vehicle; a sealed housing having an internal compartment and at least one battery module within the internal compartment; and a device for fluidly coupling the internal compartment of the sealed housing and the conduit, wherein the device is configured to selectively allow gas in the internal compartment to enter the conduit, thereby being directed to its outlet and released into the surrounding environment.

[0006] In some examples, the system's devices may include a one-way passive valve configured to allow gas to pass from the internal compartment to the pipe in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0007] In some examples, the system's devices may include an electronically controlled valve and a controller with one or more processors, wherein the controller is configured to open the electronically controlled valve via one or more processors in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding at least a first threshold, thereby allowing gas to pass from the internal compartment into the pipe.

[0008] In some examples, the system may include a rupture disc configured to rupture in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold, thereby allowing gas to pass from the internal compartment to the pipe.

[0009] In some examples, the system's equipment can be fluidly coupled to the pipe at a location sufficiently upstream of the outlet to dilute the gas being guided through it and reduce the likelihood of spontaneous combustion when released into the surrounding environment.

[0010] In some examples, the system’s equipment can be configured as an emergency water inlet port, where water can be directed through pipes, through the equipment, and into an internal compartment.

[0011] In some examples, the system's devices can be configured to selectively allow gas to pass from the internal compartment to the pipe in order to equalize the gas pressure between the internal compartment and the pipe.

[0012] In some examples, the system's piping is configured to direct gas from the device to an exhaust pipe at the rear of the vehicle for release into the surrounding environment.

[0013] In some examples, the system's devices can be configured to allow gas to pass from the internal compartment to the pipe in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

[0014] A method for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the method includes directing exhaust gases produced by the vehicle's internal combustion engine through a pipe to an outlet for release into the surrounding environment outside the vehicle, and selectively allowing gases within an internal compartment of a hermetically sealed housing to enter the pipe, thereby being directed to its outlet and released into the surrounding environment. The hermetically sealed housing may include at least one battery module within the internal compartment.

[0015] In some examples, the internal compartment of the method can be fluidly coupled to the pipeline via a passive check valve, wherein selectively allowing gas in the internal compartment of the sealed housing to enter the pipeline includes configuring the check valve to open in response to the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0016] In some examples, the internal compartment of the method can be fluidly coupled to the pipeline via an electronically controlled valve, wherein selectively allowing gas in the internal compartment of the sealed housing to enter the pipeline includes opening the electronically controlled valve using a controller having one or more processors in response to the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding at least a first threshold.

[0017] In some examples, the internal compartment of the method can be fluidly coupled to a conduit via a rupture disc, wherein selectively allowing gas from the internal compartment of the sealed housing into the conduit includes configuring the rupture disc to rupture in response to the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0018] In some examples, the method may include diluting the gas mixture with exhaust gas from the pipeline before it is released into the surrounding environment.

[0019] In some examples, the method may include supplying water to an outlet, supplying it through a pipe, and supplying it to an internal compartment of the sealed housing via an emergency water inlet port.

[0020] In some examples, selectively allowing gas from the inner compartment of the sealed housing into the pipe can be implemented to equalize the gas pressure between the inner compartment and the pipe.

[0021] In some examples, allowing gas to pass from the internal compartment to the pipe can be performed in response to the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

[0022] A vehicle is provided, in one example, including an internal combustion engine, an exhaust system, a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), and a device fluidly connecting the internal compartment of the RSS and the exhaust system. The exhaust system has a conduit configured to direct exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine to an outlet for release into the surrounding environment outside the vehicle. The rechargeable energy storage system has a housing containing an internal compartment and at least one battery module within the internal compartment. The device can be configured to selectively allow gases from the internal compartment of the RSS to enter the conduit and thereby be directed to an outlet for release into the surrounding environment in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

[0023] In some examples, the vehicle's equipment can be configured as an emergency water inlet port, where water can be directed to an outlet, through pipes, through the equipment, and into an internal compartment.

[0024] In some examples, the vehicle's equipment may include a passive check valve, an electronically controlled valve, or a bursting disc configured to allow gas to pass from the internal compartment to a pipe in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 It is a functional block diagram of a vehicle with a system for preventing and / or mitigating thermal runaway events, based on an example.

[0027] Figure 2 The example includes a device for fluidly coupling a rechargeable energy storage system to an exhaust system. Figure 1 The first example of a system;

[0028] Figure 3 The example includes a device for fluidly coupling a rechargeable energy storage system to an exhaust system. Figure 1 A second example of a system;

[0029] Figure 4 The example includes a device for fluidly coupling a rechargeable energy storage system to an exhaust system. Figure 1 The third example of the system; and

[0030] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for preventing and / or mitigating thermal runaway events, according to an example. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing introduction or the following detailed description.

[0032] Examples of this disclosure are described herein according to functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components can be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of this disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which can perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that examples of this disclosure can be practiced in combination with any number of systems, and the systems described herein are merely examples of this disclosure.

[0033] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the system (and its various operating components) are not described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between various components. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the examples disclosed herein.

[0034] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to an example is shown. In some examples, vehicle 10 includes an automobile. Vehicle 10 includes a system that provides fluid communication between a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 30 and an exhaust system 23 to prevent and mitigate thermal runaway. Although the examples discussed herein are referenced to RESS 30, it should be understood that the teachings disclosed herein apply to other devices with sealed housings, such as housings storing vehicle battery modules not associated with the RESS.

[0035] In various examples, vehicle 10 can be any of a variety of different types of automobiles, such as sedans, vans, trucks, or sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and in some examples it can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD) and / or various other types of vehicles or mobile platforms.

[0036] like Figure 1 As depicted, the exemplary vehicle 10 typically includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near a corresponding angle of the body 14.

[0037] Vehicle 10 further includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, an exhaust system 23, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 30. The propulsion system 20 includes an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline or diesel fuel-powered internal combustion engine). In some examples, the propulsion system 20 is a hybrid system including an internal combustion engine and an electric motor (e.g., a three-phase AC electric motor). The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 20 to wheels 16, 18 according to a selectable speed ratio. Depending on various examples, the transmission system 22 may include a step-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or other suitable transmission.

[0038] The exhaust system 23 may include various components for conveying exhaust gases from the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine to an exhaust pipe for discharge to the surrounding environment (i.e., the atmosphere) outside the vehicle 10. For example, the exhaust system 23 may include a first conduit 24 (e.g., a pipe section) for receiving exhaust gases from the engine and directing them to a resonator 28 to alter the sound produced by the engine, and a second conduit 25 and a third conduit 26 for directing exhaust gases from the resonator 28 to a first outlet 27 and a second outlet 29 (e.g., a first exhaust pipe and a second exhaust pipe). In some examples, the exhaust system 23 may have fewer or more conduits and / or may include... Figure 1 Other components and systems not shown. For example, exhaust system 23 may include one or more ducts that guide exhaust gases through an aftertreatment device of the emission control system (not shown). As another example, exhaust system 23 may include one or more ducts that guide exhaust gases through one or more mufflers before being released from the first outlet 27 and the second outlet 29. As yet another example, resonator 28 may be omitted from exhaust system 23.

[0039] RESS 30 includes one or more battery modules 31 ( Figures 2-4 The RESS 30 is used to store and supply power to the electric motor (if present) of the propulsion system 20 and / or other systems connected to one or more electrical grids or systems on the vehicle 10. The electrical system may couple the RESS 30 to one or more accessories of the vehicle 10, such as audio equipment, lighting equipment, etc. In some examples, the battery module 31 may include a high-capacity lithium-ion battery or other types of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or solid-state batteries. The battery module 31 may be charged by operation of an internal combustion engine, by utilizing a regenerative braking system, and / or by an external energy supply. In various examples, the RESS 30 may include a sealed housing 33 defining the exterior of the RESS 30 and having an internal compartment for storing the battery module 31. Figures 2-4 ), and the support assembly 35 in the internal compartment ( Figures 2-4 The support assembly secures the battery module 31 within the internal compartment. In some examples, the RESS 30 may include or be coupled to a cooling system configured to maintain a desired temperature within or within the RESS 30.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 1The system includes a fluid connection between the internal compartment of the RESS 30 and the exhaust system 23. In this example, device 32 fluidly couples the internal compartment to the resonator 28; however, it should be understood that in other examples, device 32 may connect the RESS 30 to other parts of the exhaust system 23. Device 32 is configured to selectively allow gas in the internal compartment to enter the exhaust system 23, thereby being directed to its first outlet 27 and / or second outlet 29 for release into the surrounding environment. In this way, the system can reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway and / or mitigate the effects of thermal runaway by removing unwanted gases from the internal compartment. Typically, such gases may be flammable and have elevated temperatures far above the normal operating temperature of the battery module 31. Therefore, removing these gases can lower the temperature within the housing 33, thereby reducing the likelihood of thermal runaway therein.

[0041] Device 32 may include various components configured to provide the functions described above. In some examples, device 32 may include one or more valves, explosion-proof discs, or other components configured to maintain a fluid seal between the internal compartment and the exhaust system 23 during normal operation of vehicle 10, preventing exhaust gases from entering the internal compartment, and allowing undesired gases to pass through device 32 in response to certain predetermined conditions within the internal compartment, such as exceeding one or more thresholds of gas pressure within the internal compartment. In such examples, undesired gases may be released in response to gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a threshold corresponding to a gas pressure indicating thermal runaway or a threshold indicating the generation of undesired gases but prior to the onset of thermal runaway. Device 32 may be passive, active, or a combination thereof.

[0042] Figures 2-4 Various non-limiting examples of device 32 are shown. It should be noted that these examples are for illustrative purposes only, and... Figure 1 The system can have other configurations, including Figures 2-4 The various combinations of components represented in the text.

[0043] exist Figure 2In one example, device 132 includes a passive one-way check valve. In this example, the one-way check valve includes a valve body comprising a first chamber 140 fluidly coupled to an internal compartment of housing 33 via an inlet and a second chamber 142 fluidly coupled to a resonator 28 via an outlet. A connection (e.g., a seat) between the first chamber 140 and the second chamber 142 is releasably sealed with a check ball 144 (or disc). The check ball 144 is biased toward the first chamber 140 by a biasing member 146 (e.g., a spring). With this type of arrangement, if the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeds the biasing force of the biasing member 146, the check ball 144 will move toward the outlet, thereby opening the connection between the first chamber 140 and the second chamber 142. If the gas pressure in the internal compartment subsequently drops below the biasing force of the biasing member 146, the check ball 144 will move toward the inlet and reseal the connection. Therefore, the biasing member 146 can be configured to provide a biasing force corresponding to a predetermined threshold of gas pressure in the internal compartment.

[0044] exist Figure 3 In one example, device 232 includes an electronically controlled valve. In this example, the valve includes a valve body comprising a first chamber 240 fluidly coupled to an internal compartment of housing 33 via an inlet and a second chamber 242 fluidly coupled to a resonator 28 via an outlet. A connection (e.g., a valve seat) between the first chamber 240 and the second chamber 242 is releasably sealed with a valve member 261 movable relative to the connection by an actuator 262 to open and close the valve, thereby allowing or preventing the passage of gas between the first chamber 240 and the second chamber 242.

[0045] A controller 250 may be provided to manage the operation of the device 232, and at least one sensor 260 may be provided to monitor the state of the internal compartment of the RESS 30. In these examples, the controller 250 is operatively coupled to the sensor 260 and the actuator 262. The sensor 260 may be configured to sense one or more conditions within the housing 33, such as gas pressure and / or temperature within the internal compartment.

[0046] Controller 250 includes at least one processor 252, a communication bus 254, and a computer-readable storage device or medium 256. Processor 252 performs the computational and control functions of controller 250. Processor 252 can be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), auxiliary processor among several processors associated with controller 250, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device typically used for executing instructions. Computer-readable storage device or medium 256 can include volatile and non-volatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and / or keep-alive memory (KAM). Computer-readable storage device or medium 256 can be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions. Bus 254 is used to transmit programs, data, status, and other information or signals between various components of controller 250. Bus 254 can be any suitable physical or logical method for connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hardwired connections, fiber optic, infrared, and wireless bus technologies.

[0047] Instructions may include one or more separate programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by processor 252, the instructions receive and process signals from sensor 260, perform logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms, and generate data based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms. Although Figure 3 Only one controller 250 is shown, but the system may include any number of controllers 250 that communicate through any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate data.

[0048] In some examples, a data storage device 258 may be provided to store data for use by the controller 250. The storage device 258 may be any suitable type of storage device, including various different types of direct-access storage and / or other memory devices. In one example, the storage device 258 includes a program product from which a computer-readable storage device may receive a program that performs one or more examples of one or more processes of this disclosure, such as those described below. Figure 5Further discussion of the process steps. In another example, the program product may be stored directly on a storage device and / or one or more other disks and / or other storage devices, and / or otherwise accessed therefrom.

[0049] Refer again Figure 3 For example, controller 250 may continuously or periodically receive signals from sensor 260 indicating conditions such as gas pressure in the internal compartment of housing 33. Controller 250 may monitor signals comparing the indicated current gas pressure to one or more pre-programmed thresholds. If controller 250 determines that one or more threshold criteria are met, controller 250 may transmit control signals to actuator 262 to open and / or close the valve by moving valve member 261 relative to the connection between first chamber 240 and second chamber 242. In some examples, one or more of the thresholds may correspond to gas pressures associated with the generation of unwanted gas and / or thermal runaway states.

[0050] exist Figure 4 In the example, device 332 includes a body comprising a first chamber 340 fluidly coupled to an internal compartment of housing 33 via an inlet and a second chamber 342 fluidly coupled to a resonator 28 via an outlet. A rupture disc 341 is disposed between the first chamber 340 and the second chamber 342 and fluidly separates them. The rupture disc 341 is a single-use membrane that ruptures or fails under a predetermined pressure differential. The pressure at which the rupture disc 341 ruptures is referred to herein as the rupture pressure. With this type of arrangement, if the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeds the rupture pressure of the rupture disc 341, the rupture disc 341 will rupture, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first chamber 340 and the second chamber 342. Therefore, the rupture disc 341 can be configured to provide a rupture pressure corresponding to a predetermined threshold of gas pressure in the internal compartment.

[0051] In some examples, RESS 30 may include one or more vents 37 ( Figures 2-4The device 32 is configured to allow gases generated therein to be released into the surrounding atmosphere. In such an example, the vent 37 may be fluid-tight and configured to allow gas to escape only in response to the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold. For example, the vent 37 may include, or be fluidly coupled to, a rupture panel or pressure relief valve. If the RESS 30 includes the vent 37, the device 32 may be configured to allow unwanted gas from the internal compartment to the exhaust system 23 in response to a first threshold of gas pressure in the internal compartment, and the vent 37 may be configured to allow unwanted gas from the internal compartment to the surrounding environment in response to a second threshold of gas pressure in the internal compartment, wherein the first threshold is less than the second threshold. That is, when unwanted gas is generated in the internal compartment, such gas may be released through the device 32 before being released through the vent 37.

[0052] This arrangement can provide several advantages related to, for example, reducing the risk of vehicle damage and passenger safety in emergency situations. In particular, the unwanted gas may be flammable and have an elevated temperature. Under certain conditions, exposure of the unwanted gas to the surrounding environment may have the potential for spontaneous combustion, meaning the gas may ignite without an external ignition source (such as a flame or spark).

[0053] By guiding unwanted gases through exhaust system 23 before release into the surrounding environment, the gases can expand and cool, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of spontaneous combustion upon release. Furthermore, if the unwanted gases are mixed with exhaust gases (which may have a low oxygen content), the unwanted gases can be diluted before release, further reducing the likelihood of spontaneous combustion upon release. Therefore, in some examples, device 32 can be fluidly coupled to exhaust system 23 at a location sufficiently upstream of the outlet of exhaust system 23 to alter (e.g., dilute, cool, etc.) the gases guided through it to prevent or reduce the likelihood of spontaneous combustion upon release into the surrounding environment via the outlet. In some examples, the engine of vehicle 10 can be configured to initiate its operation or continue operating to generate exhaust gases during a thermal runaway event, thereby diluting the unwanted gases before their release.

[0054] In some examples, the exhaust system 23 is configured to release unwanted gases through outlets located at the rear of the vehicle 10, such as via one or more exhaust pipes. This arrangement can provide additional safety advantages for passengers in emergency situations. For example, an existing RESS might be configured to release unwanted gases through vents located under the vehicle. Thus, passengers leaving the vehicle could potentially be exposed to unwanted gases upon exiting. Conversely, if unwanted gases are released into the surrounding environment at the rear of the vehicle 10, as in the various examples discussed herein, the likelihood of passengers being exposed to unwanted gases can be reduced.

[0055] Typically, the housing of existing RSSs is configured as fluid-sealed. During a thermal runaway event, reactions occurring within the housing can lead to an internal fire. Due to the fluid-sealed structure of existing RSSs, it can be difficult for emergency responders to extinguish an internal fire. Therefore, in some examples, device 32 can be used as a water inlet port to supply water to the internal compartment in an emergency.

[0056] For example, emergency responders can direct water from a hose to the outlet (e.g., an exhaust pipe) of the exhaust system 23. This water flow can then travel through the exhaust system 23, through device 32, and into the internal compartment of housing 33. In some examples, device 32 may have provided fluid communication through it in response to the generation of unwanted gas within the internal compartment. In some examples, device 32 may be configured to allow water to enter the internal compartment even if device 32 remains sealed. Various methods can be used to provide this functionality. For example, the pressure of the water flow from the hose may significantly exceed the pressure required to force water through device 32. Alternatively, device 32 can be actively controlled to allow water to pass through.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the example, device 132 can be modified to include a second check valve oriented in the opposite direction to the check valve shown in the figure. The second check valve can be configured with a biasing member having a biasing force exceeding the normal operating gas pressure within the exhaust system 23 but less than the fluid pressure provided by the water flow from the hose. Alternatively, device 132 can be modified to include a burst disc with burst pressure, configured to remain intact during normal operation and burst in response to water flow.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In some examples, if device 232 remains sealed, the electronically controlled valve of device 232 can be opened manually via user command or automatically by controller 250. In some examples, valve member 261 can be configured to rupture in response to fluid pressure provided by water flow from a hose. In some examples, device 232 can be modified to include a rupture disc with burst pressure, which is configured to remain intact during normal operation and rupture in response to water flow.

[0059] exist Figure 4 In the example, the rupture disc 341 can be configured to rupture in response to fluid pressure provided by a flow of water from a hose, which may significantly exceed the rupture pressure required to release unwanted gas generated in the internal compartment.

[0060] In some examples, device 32 may be configured to release gas from the internal compartment for reasons unrelated to thermal runaway. For example, device 32 may be configured to release gas from the internal compartment to exhaust system 23 to allow pressure equalization between the internal compartment of housing 33 and exhaust system 23. This pressure equalization can be beneficial under various conditions, such as when vehicle 10 drives over potholes or when vehicle 10 rapidly changes height. In such examples, device 32 may include a one-way valve configured to allow gas to pass from the internal compartment to exhaust system 23 in response to gas pressures significantly lower than those associated with a potential or active thermal runaway event. Figure 3 In a specific example, controller 250 can be configured to allow gas to pass through a valve to equalize the pressure between the internal compartment and the exhaust system 23.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 5 And continue to refer to Figures 1-4 Based on various examples, the flowchart provides a method 400 for preventing and / or mitigating thermal runaway in RESS or other housings including one or more battery modules, such as by... Figure 1 The system executes this. As can be understood from this disclosure, the order of operations within method 400 is not limited to the following... Figure 5 The order of execution shown may be used, but may be performed in one or more different orders as applicable and in accordance with this disclosure.

[0062] In one example, method 400 may begin at 410. At 412, method 400 may include directing exhaust gases produced by the vehicle's internal combustion engine through a conduit to an outlet for release into the surrounding environment outside the vehicle. At 414, method 400 may include selectively allowing gas in an internal compartment of a sealed housing (such as housing 33 of RESS 30) to enter the conduit, thereby being directed to the outlet and released into the surrounding environment. In some examples, gas is released in response to the gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event. In some examples, gas is released in response to a rapid change in pressure within the internal compartment. For example, gas may be released to equalize the gas pressure between the internal compartment and the conduit. At 416, method 400 may optionally include supplying water to the outlet, supplied through the conduit, and supplied to the internal compartment of the sealed housing via an emergency water inlet port that fluidly couples the sealed housing and the conduit. Method 400 may end at 418.

[0063] The systems and methods disclosed herein offer a variety of benefits superior to certain existing systems and methods. For example, allowing gases to be released from the internal compartment of the RSS to the surrounding environment through the vehicle's exhaust system can prevent or mitigate thermal runaway, can promote optimal operation of the RSS (e.g., via pressure equalization), reduce the likelihood of spontaneous combustion of gases upon exposure to the surrounding environment, reduce the likelihood of damage to the vehicle, promote passenger safety, and / or provide a water passage for emergency personnel to reach the internal compartment.

[0064] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for a vehicle, comprising: A duct configured to receive exhaust gases from the vehicle's internal combustion engine and direct the exhaust gases to an outlet for release into the surrounding environment outside the vehicle; A sealed housing having an internal compartment and at least one battery module within the internal compartment; as well as A device for fluidly coupling the internal compartment of the sealed housing and the conduit, wherein the device is configured to selectively allow gas in the internal compartment to enter the conduit, thereby being directed to its outlet and released into the surrounding environment.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a one-way passive valve configured to allow gas to pass from the internal compartment to the pipe in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes an electronically controlled valve and a controller having one or more processors, wherein the controller is configured to open the electronically controlled valve via the one or more processors in response to a gas pressure in the internal compartment exceeding at least a first threshold, thereby allowing the gas to pass from the internal compartment to the pipe.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a rupture disc configured to rupture in response to a gas pressure in the inner compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold, thereby allowing the gas to pass from the inner compartment to the pipe.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to selectively allow the gas to pass from the internal compartment to the conduit to equalize the gas pressure between the internal compartment and the conduit, or in response to the gas pressure in the internal conduit exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

6. A method for a vehicle, comprising: The exhaust gases produced by the vehicle's internal combustion engine are guided through pipes to an outlet to be released into the surrounding environment outside the vehicle. as well as The gas in the inner compartment of the sealed housing is selectively allowed to enter the pipe, thereby being guided to its outlet and released into the surrounding environment, wherein the sealed housing includes at least one battery module in the inner compartment.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The internal compartment is fluidly coupled to the pipe in the following manner: A passive check valve, wherein selectively allowing gas in the inner compartment of the sealed housing to enter the conduit includes configuring the check valve to open in response to the gas pressure in the inner compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold; An electronically controlled valve, wherein selectively allowing gas in the inner compartment of the sealed housing to enter the conduit comprises opening the electronically controlled valve using a controller having one or more processors in response to the gas pressure in the inner compartment exceeding at least a first threshold; or A rupture disc, wherein selectively allowing gas in the inner compartment of the sealed housing to enter the conduit includes configuring the rupture disc to rupture in response to the gas pressure in the inner compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising diluting the gas with the exhaust gas in the pipeline before the gas mixture is released into the surrounding environment.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising supplying water to the outlet, supplying water through the conduit, and supplying water to the internal compartment of the sealed housing via an emergency water inlet port.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The system selectively allows gas from the inner compartment of the sealed housing to enter the conduit to equalize the gas pressure between the inner compartment and the conduit, or in response to the gas pressure in the inner compartment exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

Images