Novel pressure relief exhaust structure of marine battery module
By designing pressure relief and exhaust channels and parallel pipeline systems corresponding to the cell packs in the marine battery module, the problem of gas accumulation during thermal runaway is solved, achieving efficient pressure relief and exhaust, and ensuring the safety and stability of the marine battery module.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN LITHTECH ENERGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing marine battery modules lack effective pressure relief and venting measures, which leads to gas accumulation inside the module during thermal runaway, causing a sudden increase in shell pressure, which may trigger explosive pressure relief and flame jet, endangering ship safety.
A novel pressure relief and exhaust structure for marine battery modules is designed, including pressure relief and exhaust channels corresponding to the positions of the battery cells, which are connected to external negative pressure pipes through parallel pipes, and pressure relief valves and balance valves are installed on each parallel branch pipe to ensure that high-temperature gas can be discharged in time and to avoid gas accumulation.
It effectively controls the sudden pressure increase in the early stage of thermal runaway, prevents explosive pressure relief and flame jet, improves the reliability and timeliness of pressure relief and venting, and ensures the safety and stability of the battery module.
Smart Images
Figure CN224595724U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a novel 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 novel pressure relief and venting structure for marine battery modules.
[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A novel pressure relief and venting structure for marine battery modules 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. Each parallel branch of the parallel pipes is equipped with a pressure relief valve, and the main pipe of the parallel pipes is equipped with a balancing valve to balance internal and external air pressure.
[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] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, it also includes a front panel, wherein each parallel branch pipe of the parallel pipeline is installed on the inner side of the front panel, the main pipe of the parallel pipeline is installed on the outer side of the front panel, and the front panel is provided with a first through hole corresponding to the installation position of each parallel branch pipe of the parallel pipeline, and the pressure relief valve is installed on the first through hole.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the front panel is provided with a second through hole at each parallel end position of the main pipe, and the balance valve is installed on the second through hole.
[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the two ends of the parallel branch pipe are fixed to the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channels and the inner side of the front panel respectively through the first flange.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, each parallel end of the main pipe is fixed to the outer side of the front panel via a second flange.
[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 pressure relief valves on each parallel branch pipe of the parallel pipeline, 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 working conditions, it can also release high-temperature gas in time in emergency situations. 4. By installing a balancing valve on the main pipe of the parallel pipeline, the balancing valve can automatically adjust when there is a difference between the internal and external air pressure, so as to keep the internal and external air pressures balanced. This avoids damage to the structure of the battery module due to the pressure difference, and also helps to ensure the smooth progress of the pressure relief and exhaust process. It ensures that high-temperature gas can be discharged smoothly when pressure relief is required, thereby 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 novel 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 a novel pressure relief and exhaust structure for a marine battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing plate 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. Parallel branch pipe; 202. Main pipe; 203. First flange; 204. Second flange; 3. Pressure relief valve; 4. Balance valve; 5. Fixing plate; 6. Aerogel; 7. Epoxy board; 701. Pressure relief opening; 8. First mica sheet; 9. Second mica sheet; 10. Front panel; 1001. First through hole; 1002. Second through hole. 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 2This utility model provides a novel 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. This novel 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 pipeline via parallel pipes 2. Each parallel branch pipe 201 of the parallel pipe 2 is equipped with a pressure relief valve 3, and the main pipe 202 of the parallel pipe 2 is equipped with a balancing valve 4 to balance 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 pressure relief valves 3 on each parallel branch pipe 201 of the parallel pipeline 2, when the high-temperature gas pressure generated by the thermal runaway of the battery cell reaches a certain threshold, the pressure relief valves 3 automatically open, allowing the high-temperature gas to smoothly enter the parallel pipeline 2 for discharge. The pressure relief valves 3 allow 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] Please see Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment, the novel 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] For further details, please refer to 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 In one embodiment, the novel pressure relief and exhaust structure further includes a front panel 10, with each parallel branch pipe 201 of the parallel pipe 2 installed on the inner side of the front panel 10, and the main pipe 202 of the parallel pipe 2 installed on the outer side of the front panel 10; the front panel 10 is provided with a first through hole 1001 at each installation position of each parallel branch pipe 201 of the parallel pipe 2, and a pressure relief valve 3 is installed on the first through hole 1001; the front panel 10 is provided with a second through hole 1002 at each parallel end position of the main pipe 202, and a balance valve 4 is installed on the second through hole 1002.
[0030] In this embodiment, by installing each parallel branch pipe 201 of the parallel pipeline 2 on the inner side of the front panel 10 and the main pipe 202 on the outer side of the front panel 10, the installation of the components of the entire pressure relief and exhaust structure is more orderly and systematic. Using the front panel 10 as the mounting carrier, the parallel branch pipes 201 and the main pipe 202 are rationally partitioned for installation, which improves space utilization, makes the structure more compact, and facilitates installation and arrangement within the limited space of the marine battery module. By opening a first through hole 1001 at the installation position of each parallel branch pipe 201 of the parallel pipeline 2 on the front panel 10, and installing the pressure relief valve 3 on the first through hole 1001, and opening a second through hole 1002 at each parallel end position of the main pipe 202, and installing the balance valve 4 on the second through hole 1002, the installation positions of the pressure relief valve 3 and the balance valve 4 are clearly defined and fixed, facilitating the installation, disassembly, and maintenance of the components. When valves need to be inspected or replaced, they can be quickly located and operated, improving maintenance efficiency.
[0031] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, the two ends of the parallel branch pipe 201 are fixed to the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 and the inner side of the front panel 10 respectively via a first flange 203, and each parallel end of the main pipe 202 is fixed to the outer side of the front panel 10 via a second flange 204. Using flange connections ensures a secure connection between the parallel branch pipe 201 and the main pipe 202 and the pressure relief and exhaust channel 1 and the front panel 10, preventing detachment or leakage due to external forces, thus guaranteeing the sealing and stability of the pressure relief and exhaust system, and facilitating the installation and disassembly of the parallel branch pipe 201.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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 novel pressure relief exhaust structure of a marine battery module, installed at the explosion-proof valve side of a cell group in a marine battery module, characterized by, It includes several pressure relief and exhaust channels arranged in parallel. Each pressure relief and exhaust channel corresponds to the position 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. Each parallel branch of the parallel pipe is equipped with a pressure relief valve, and the main pipe of the parallel pipe is equipped with a balancing valve to balance the internal and external air pressure.
2. The novel pressure relief vent structure for a marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized by, 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 novel pressure relief vent structure for a marine battery module according to claim 1, characterized by, 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 novel pressure relief vent structure for a marine battery module according to claim 3, characterized by, 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 novel pressure relief vent structure for a marine battery module according to claim 3, characterized by, 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 novel pressure relief vent structure for marine battery modules according to claim 1, characterized by, The pressure relief and exhaust channel has a second mica sheet laid on the side facing the battery cell assembly.
7. The novel pressure relief vent structure for marine battery modules according to claim 1, characterized by, It also includes a front panel, with each parallel branch of the parallel pipeline installed on the inner side of the front panel, and the main pipe of the parallel pipeline installed on the outer side of the front panel. The front panel has a first through hole corresponding to the installation position of each parallel branch of the parallel pipeline, and the pressure relief valve is installed on the first through hole.
8. The novel pressure relief vent structure for a marine battery module according to claim 7, characterized by, The front panel has a second through hole at each parallel end position of the main pipe, and the balance valve is installed on the second through hole.
9. The novel pressure relief vent structure for marine battery modules according to claim 7, characterized by, The two ends of the parallel branch pipe are fixed to the corresponding pressure relief and exhaust channels and the inner side of the front panel respectively through the first flange.
10. The novel pressure relief vent structure for a marine battery module according to claim 7, characterized by, Each parallel end of the main pipe is fixed to the outside of the front panel via a second flange.