A pressure relief exhaust structure of a marine battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of pressure relief exhaust structure of marine battery module, install in the explosion-proof valve side of the electric core group of marine battery module, including several parallel distribution's pressure relief exhaust passage, the position of the pressure relief exhaust passage with each group electric core group of the marine battery module one-to-one correspondence, the side of the electric core group close to the pressure relief exhaust passage is equipped with pressure relief port, all the pressure relief exhaust passage is communicated with external negative pressure pipeline by parallel pipeline, the one end of the pressure relief exhaust passage and the parallel pipeline connection is provided with explosion-proof membrane, balance valve of the parallel pipeline is provided with balance inner and outer air pressure. The utility model effectively solves the problem that existing marine battery module is difficult to control dangerous situation in the early stage of thermal runaway due to lack of effective pressure relief exhaust measures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a pressure relief and venting structure for a marine battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most commercial ships rely primarily on heavy fuel oil as fuel, and their electrical systems also depend mainly on the combustion of heavy fuel oil for power. However, the combustion of heavy fuel oil produces pollutants such as aromatic cyclic chemicals and carbon dioxide, which pose significant risks to the environment and human health. Furthermore, heavy fuel oil is viscous and non-volatile, meaning that leaks on ships would severely threaten the marine environment. Considering these factors, and in order to conserve resources, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development, new energy ships are increasingly being widely adopted. For example, ships powered by batteries typically use high-performance batteries, such as lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride batteries, to provide electricity. Compared to traditional fuel-powered ships, battery-powered ships offer advantages such as zero emissions, low noise, and low energy consumption, making them a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient type of vessel.

[0003] As the electrification of ships progresses, the safety of marine batteries is becoming increasingly important. Ternary lithium batteries are widely used in the marine battery field due to their high energy density, but ternary cells pose a risk of thermal runaway. Once thermal runaway occurs, it generates high temperatures, large amounts of gas, and flames, which can not only damage the battery module but also potentially cause serious accidents such as ship fires, endangering the safety of navigation and the lives and property of personnel. However, most existing marine battery modules adopt a closed or semi-closed structure and are not designed with a dedicated pressure relief path for the gas ejection characteristics of ternary lithium batteries during thermal runaway, making it difficult to control the danger in the early stages of thermal runaway. When the cell releases high-temperature gas during thermal runaway, the gas accumulates rapidly inside the module, causing a sudden increase in shell pressure, which may eventually break through the shell and cause an explosive pressure relief, exacerbating flame ejection and heat spread. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the problem that existing marine battery modules lack effective pressure relief and venting measures, making it difficult to control the danger in the early stage of thermal runaway, this utility model provides a pressure relief and venting structure for marine battery modules.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A pressure relief and venting structure for a marine battery module is installed on the explosion-proof valve side of the battery cell group within the marine battery module. It includes several parallel pressure relief and venting channels, each corresponding to a specific battery cell group within the module. Each channel has a pressure relief port on its side closest to the battery cell group. All channels are connected to an external negative pressure pipeline via parallel pipes. An explosion-proof membrane is installed at the end of each channel connected to the parallel pipe, and a balancing valve for balancing internal and external air pressure is installed on the parallel pipe.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, it includes a fixing plate, and the fixing plate forms a plurality of pressure relief and exhaust channels on the side near the battery cell assembly.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the pressure relief and exhaust channel is provided with aerogel on the side near the battery cell assembly, and the aerogel covers the pressure relief port.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, an epoxy board is provided between the pressure relief and exhaust channel and the aerogel. The length and width dimensions of the epoxy board are the same as those of the aerogel. Pressure relief openings are provided on the epoxy board at the positions of the explosion-proof valves of the battery cell assembly.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a first mica sheet is provided on both the left and right sides of the aerogel, and the length of the first mica sheet is the same as the length of the aerogel.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a second mica sheet is laid inside the pressure relief and exhaust channel on the side facing the battery cell assembly.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the balancing valve is disposed at the end where the parallel pipeline connects to the external negative pressure pipeline.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the parallel pipe is installed inside the front panel of the marine battery module, and one end of the parallel pipe connected to the external negative pressure pipe passes through the front panel.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the end of the parallel pipe connected to the external negative pressure pipe is provided with a first flange for connection to the front panel.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, each parallel branch pipe of the parallel pipeline is provided with a second flange at its end, which is connected to the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channel.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. By setting up pressure relief and exhaust channels that correspond one-to-one with the positions of the battery cells, and opening pressure relief ports near the explosion-proof valve, high-temperature gas can be directly discharged through the corresponding channels in the event of thermal runaway, avoiding the accumulation of gas inside the module, controlling the problem of sudden pressure increase from the source, and preventing flame jet and heat spread caused by explosive pressure relief. 2. Parallel pipe connections are used for each pressure relief and exhaust channel, avoiding the problem that may occur in series connections where blockage or excessive resistance in one channel affects the pressure relief efficiency of other channels, thus improving the overall reliability and timeliness of pressure relief and exhaust. 3. By installing an explosion-proof membrane at the connection between the pressure relief and exhaust channels and the parallel pipelines, the timing and pressure range of pressure relief can be precisely controlled. While ensuring the sealing of each pressure relief and exhaust channel under normal operating conditions, it can also release high-temperature gas in a timely manner in emergency situations. 4. By installing a balancing valve on the parallel pipeline, when there is a difference between the internal and external air pressure, the balancing valve can automatically adjust to keep the internal and external air pressures balanced, avoiding damage to the battery module structure due to the pressure difference. At the same time, it also helps to ensure the smooth progress of the pressure relief and exhaust process, ensuring that high-temperature gas can be smoothly discharged when pressure relief is required, thus improving the reliability and stability of the entire system. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure relief and exhaust structure of a marine battery module in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the pressure relief and exhaust structure of a marine battery module in one embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing plate in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the parallel pipe structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram, 1. Pressure relief and exhaust channel; 101. Pressure relief port; 2. Parallel pipeline; 201. First flange; 202. Second flange; 3. Explosion-proof membrane; 4. Balance valve; 5. Fixing plate; 6. Aerogel; 7. Epoxy board; 701. Pressure relief opening; 8. First mica sheet; 9. Second mica sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings. It is also declared that the embodiments described below are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Indications of orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used in the application's product, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying a number of technical features. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 This utility model provides a pressure relief and venting structure for a marine battery module, installed on the explosion-proof valve side of the cell group within the marine battery module. The pressure relief and venting structure includes several parallel pressure relief and venting channels 1, each corresponding to a cell group within the marine battery module. Each pressure relief and venting channel 1 has a pressure relief port 101 on the side closest to the cell group. All pressure relief and venting channels 1 are connected to an external negative pressure pipe via parallel pipes 2. An explosion-proof membrane 3 is installed at the end of the pressure relief and venting channel 1 connected to the parallel pipe 2, and a balancing valve 4 is installed on the parallel pipe 2 to balance the internal and external air pressure.

[0022] In this embodiment, the pressure relief and exhaust channels 1 correspond one-to-one with the positions of the battery cells, and a pressure relief port 101 is opened near the explosion-proof valve side. This allows high-temperature gas to be directly discharged through the corresponding channel in the event of thermal runaway, preventing gas accumulation inside the module and controlling the problem of sudden pressure increase from the source, thus preventing flame jet and heat spread caused by explosive pressure relief. The parallel pipe connection 2 ensures that each pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 can be independently and directly connected to the external negative pressure pipe. This guarantees that when a cell in a certain battery cell group experiences thermal runaway, the generated high-temperature gas passes through its explosion-proof valve and pressure relief port 101 to quickly enter the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channel 1, then through the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 into the parallel pipe 2, and is then quickly extracted by the external negative pressure pipe, achieving rapid pressure relief and exhaust. This avoids the problem that may occur in series connection methods where a blockage or excessive resistance in one channel affects the pressure relief efficiency of other channels, improving the overall reliability and timeliness of pressure relief and exhaust, effectively preventing gas accumulation inside the compartment from causing an explosion, and further ensuring the safety of the marine battery module.

[0023] By installing an explosion-proof membrane 3 at the connection between the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 and the parallel pipe 2, the membrane 3 ruptures when the high-temperature gas pressure generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell reaches a certain threshold, allowing the high-temperature gas to smoothly enter and exit the parallel pipe 2. The explosion-proof membrane 3 allows for precise control of the timing and pressure range of pressure relief, ensuring the sealing of each pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 under normal operating conditions while enabling timely pressure relief of high-temperature gas in emergencies. During normal operation of the battery module, when a difference occurs between the internal and external air pressure, the balance valve 4 automatically adjusts to maintain a balance between the internal and external air pressures, preventing damage to the battery module structure due to pressure differences. This also helps ensure a smooth pressure relief and exhaust process, ensuring that high-temperature gas can be smoothly discharged when pressure relief is needed, thus improving the reliability and stability of the entire system.

[0024] It should be noted that, since the high-temperature gas in a certain secondary pressure relief exhaust channel 1 will quickly be discharged along the external negative pressure pipe after it breaks through its explosion-proof membrane 3, the pressure exerted by the high-temperature gas on the explosion-proof membrane 3 of other pressure relief exhaust channels 1 is very small and will not break through the explosion-proof membrane 3 of other pressure relief exhaust channels 1, thereby ensuring the sealing of other pressure relief exhaust channels 1 in the event of thermal runaway.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment, the pressure relief and venting structure includes a fixing plate 5. The fixing plate 5 forms several pressure relief and venting channels 1 on the side near the battery cell assembly, allowing the pressure relief and venting channels 1 to form a stable and regular structure based on the fixing plate 5. Compared to a simple channel arrangement without the support of the fixing plate 5, the fixing plate 5 provides the necessary framework for the pressure relief and venting channels 1, ensuring that the channels will not deform or shift due to vibrations or shaking of the battery module in the complex working environment of the marine battery module. This ensures the unobstructed flow and stability of the pressure relief and venting channels 1, enabling them to continuously and effectively perform their pressure relief and venting function. The pressure relief and venting structure is fixed to the explosion-proof valve side of the battery cell assembly within the marine battery module by the fixing plate 5. The installation method of the fixing plate 5 enables precise positioning of the pressure relief and venting structure. Furthermore, while fixing the pressure relief and venting structure, the fixing plate 5 also provides stable support for the battery cell assembly.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 In one embodiment, an aerogel 6 is disposed on the side of the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 near the cell assembly, and the aerogel 6 covers the pressure relief port 101. The aerogel 6 has excellent heat insulation and high temperature resistance properties. By placing the aerogel 6 between the cell assembly and the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1, and covering the corresponding area of ​​the pressure relief port 101, it can prevent high temperature gas from causing heat radiation and conduction to other cells in the same group when a cell in a certain cell group experiences thermal runaway, thus protecting the cells in the same group from the influence of adjacent runaway cells.

[0027] For further details, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 In one embodiment, an epoxy plate 7 is disposed between the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 and the aerogel 6. The length and width dimensions of the epoxy plate 7 are the same as those of the aerogel 6. Pressure relief openings 701 are provided on the epoxy plate 7 at the positions of the explosion-proof valves of the battery cell assembly, forming a directional exhaust channel. The epoxy plate 7 has high strength, high temperature resistance, and insulation properties, which can reduce the thermal shock to surrounding battery cells when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway. At the same time, the epoxy plate 7 serves as a support structure to prevent the aerogel 6 from being sucked down during negative pressure exhaust, thus affecting the pressure relief efficiency. The directional exhaust channel formed by the explosion-proof valve and the pressure relief opening 701 allows the high-temperature gas generated by thermal runaway to smoothly enter the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1, ensuring pressure relief efficiency. The non-opening areas of the epoxy plate 7 can further block heat conduction between the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 and the battery cell assembly, preventing the high-temperature gas in the channel from heating other battery cells in the same group through the aerogel 6, forming a protective mechanism where exhaust is not heat-conducting.

[0028] In addition, please see Figure 1 , Figure 2In one embodiment, first mica sheets 8 are provided on both the left and right sides of the aerogel 6, and the length of the first mica sheets 8 is the same as the length of the aerogel 6. The first mica sheets 8 have excellent high temperature resistance and thermal insulation properties, and a high fire resistance rating. By providing first mica sheets 8 on both the left and right sides of the aerogel, heat radiation and heat conduction between adjacent cell groups can be blocked, preventing the high temperature from spreading to other groups when one group of cells experiences thermal runaway, forming a thermal barrier between groups, meeting the strict standards for fire protection zones in marine battery modules, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway spreading throughout the entire module.

[0029] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 In one embodiment, a second mica sheet 9 is laid inside the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 on the side facing the battery cell assembly. The mica sheet can withstand temperatures above 1300°C, preventing the high-temperature gases ejected during thermal runaway of the battery cell (the instantaneous temperature during thermal runaway of a ternary battery cell can reach 1300°C) from directly burning the inner wall of the channel, thus extending the service life of the channel. At the same time, the high reflectivity of the mica sheet can reflect the thermal radiation of the high-temperature gases back to the center of the channel, reducing thermal damage to the sidewall material of the channel and lowering the risk of channel deformation.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment, the balance valve 4 is located at the end where the parallel pipe 2 connects to the external negative pressure pipe. Positioning the balance valve 4 in this critical location allows for more precise sensing and adjustment of the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery module. During normal operation of the marine battery module, when the internal pressure differs from the external pressure due to various factors (such as temperature changes, cell charging and discharging), the balance valve 4 can respond quickly and adjust the gas flow rate in a timely manner, rapidly bringing the internal and external pressures to a balanced state. This effectively prevents damage to the battery module structure due to excessive pressure differences and ensures the physical integrity of the battery module.

[0031] In one embodiment, the parallel pipe 2 is installed inside the front panel of the marine battery module, and one end of the parallel pipe 2 that connects to the external negative pressure pipe passes through the front panel. Installing the parallel pipe 2 inside the front panel makes full use of the internal space of the marine battery module, making the overall structure more compact and facilitating the miniaturization and integration design of the battery module.

[0032] Please see Figure 4 Furthermore, in one embodiment, the end of the parallel pipe 2 connected to the external negative pressure pipe is provided with a first flange 201 for connection to the front panel, and each parallel branch pipe of the parallel pipe 2 is provided with a second flange 202 for connection to the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channel 1. The provision of the first flange 201 enhances the connection strength and stability between the parallel pipe 2 and the front panel. By providing a second flange 202 at the end of each parallel branch pipe, it can be ensured that the parallel branch pipe and the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 are accurately and stably connected.

[0033] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

[0034] The present utility model patent has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the implementation of the present utility model patent is not limited to the above-described manner. Any improvements made by adopting the inventive concept and technical solution of the present utility model patent, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present utility model patent to other occasions without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A pressure relief and venting structure for a marine battery module, installed on the explosion-proof valve side of the cell assembly within the marine battery module, characterized in that, It includes several pressure relief and exhaust channels arranged in parallel. The pressure relief and exhaust channels correspond one-to-one with the positions of each group of battery cells in the marine battery module. Each pressure relief and exhaust channel has a pressure relief port on the side near the battery cell group. All the pressure relief and exhaust channels are connected to an external negative pressure pipeline through parallel pipes. An explosion-proof membrane is installed at the end of the pressure relief and exhaust channel connected to the parallel pipe. A balancing valve to balance the internal and external air pressure is installed on the parallel pipe.

2. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a fixing plate, and the fixing plate forms several pressure relief and exhaust channels on the side near the battery cell assembly.

3. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Aerogel is provided on the side of the pressure relief and exhaust channel near the battery cell assembly, and the aerogel covers the pressure relief port.

4. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, An epoxy board is provided between the pressure relief and exhaust channel and the aerogel. The length and width of the epoxy board are the same as those of the aerogel. Pressure relief openings are provided on the epoxy board at the positions of the explosion-proof valves of the battery cell assembly.

5. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aerogel has a first mica sheet on each of its left and right sides, and the length of the first mica sheet is the same as the length of the aerogel.

6. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure relief and exhaust channel has a second mica sheet laid on the side facing the battery cell assembly.

7. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The balancing valve is located at the end where the parallel pipeline connects to the external negative pressure pipeline.

8. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parallel pipe is installed inside the front panel of the marine battery module, and one end of the parallel pipe that is connected to the external negative pressure pipe passes through the front panel.

9. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The end of the parallel pipe that connects to the external negative pressure pipe is provided with a first flange for connection to the front panel.

10. The pressure relief and venting structure of the marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each parallel branch of the parallel pipeline is provided with a second flange at its end, which is connected to the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channel.

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