Venting apparatus for buildings containing energy storage batteries

Abstract

A roof vent 100 with a vent frame 3, which may be free of through-holes, mounted over an opening, a pivotally connected subframe 2 and vent door 1 with a hinged point 9, with a manual or motorised ope

Description

Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for improved venting in buildings housing energy storage batteries, and more particularly to a venting apparatus designed to safely manage off-gassing, explosion relief, and environmental sealing in such installations. Background to the invention Buildings housing lithium-ion battery systems present significant safety challenges, particularly due to the risk of fault conditions that may generate explosive gases and trigger thermal runaway events. A critical concern is the need to safely extract off-gassing from battery faults to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases within the structure. In the event that such gases ignite, the resulting explosion can cause severe structural damage and pose a serious threat to occupants and first responders. To mitigate these risks, explosion relief venting is essential. Roof-mounted vents are preferred to ensure that any pressure release or flame discharge is directed vertically, thereby reducing the danger to personnel who may be located near the perimeter walls, including emergency responders. In retrofit applications, conventional vent systems often rely on through-roof fastenings, such as external flanges bolted directly through roof panels. These penetrations can become sources of water ingress if not properly sealed, raising long-term durability and maintenance concerns. Furthermore, in certain installations, fire safety codes may require gas suppression systems. These systems also necessitate venting provisions to release displaced air or gas, adding another layer of complexity to the design and integration of safe and effective vent solutions. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an assembled view of the device in accordance with the invention. In this configuration, a vent door and a subframe are hinged together and mounted onto a vent frame. The vent door is held against the subframe under low pressure conditions by permanent magnets. Optionally, electromagnets may be employed to secure the vent door directly to the vent frame, thereby preventing unauthorized manual opening by an intruder. A motor is connected to a linkage mechanism, which in turn is attached to the subframe to enable controlled actuation. The figure also depicts an internal room liner situated adjacent to the vent frame assembly; Figure 2 illustrates the vent door positioned on the subframe in an open configuration, actuated by the motor to provide smoke relief; Figure 3 illustrates the vent door in a fully open position, separated from the subframe in response to a deflagration event. The figure further depicts electromagnet receiver plates fixed to the inner surface of the vent door, configured to engage with the corresponding electromagnets when in the closed position; Figure 4 shows the vent assembly in the closed position, with all components secured and the vent door seated against the subframe and vent frame; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly in the closed position, wherein the vent door is shown resting on the subframe and secured to it by permanent magnets integrated within the subframe; additionally, the door is held closed against the vent frame by electromagnets, which are magnetically engaged with receiver plates fixed to the interior surface of the vent door; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the vent door attached to the subframe by means of permanent magnets, securing the door in place under normal operating conditions; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vent door having detached from the subframe due to a deflagration force acting in an upward direction. Figure 8 depicts the vent door opened by a pressure force from below. In the scenario where the electromagnet remains powered during a deflagration event, the door still opens; however, the resisting magnetic force significantly increases the peak internal pressure within the room. Figure 9 shows the inner room liner inserted into a roof cutout and a roof-mounted vent assembly positioned externally over the roof opening. Figure 10 illustrates the inner liner being inserted into the roof section from below, in an upward direction, and aligned with designated fixing points. Figure 11 depicts the vent frame, which includes a series of fixing points for securing it to adjoining structures. Figure 12 shows the interaction of the fixing points of the vent frame and inner liner, into which fixing bolts and nuts are applied to securely fasten the vent frame to the liner. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flanges of the inner liner and vent frame sandwiching the roof section between them, thereby forming a sealed mounting. Figure 14 presents an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention, where a battery storage vent is mounted in a vertical orientation. In this embodiment, the vent door is shown in the closed position with its hinge located at the bottom. An inner wall fixing frame is used for structural attachment, and an exploded representation of a protective cowl is included. Figure 15 shows the same exploded view as in Figure 14, but with the door in an open position about the bottom hinge, allowing any exhaust gases to be directed laterally. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the vent and cowl assembly, showing the door in the closed position and the cowl in its fully assembled state. Figure 17 illustrates the vent door in its maximum open position, where it is mechanically limited by contact with a portion of the cowl assembly, ensuring that the expelled pressure and flame are directed outward along a defined path. Statement of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a venting apparatus for use on the roof of a building housing energy storage batteries, the apparatus comprising: a vent frame configured to be mounted over an opening in the roof; a subframe pivotally connected to the vent frame about a first hinge axis; a vent door pivotally connected to the subframe about a second hinge axis substantially parallel to the first hinge axis; manual, or motorised, means operatively connected to the subframe via a linkage and configured to move the vent door from a closed position to an open position; one or more permanent magnets configured to retain the vent door against the subframe under normal conditions; and wherein the vent door is configured to open automatically in response to an overpressure condition within the building or a loss of power to provide smoke or explosion relief. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises one or more electromagnets configured to retain the vent door against the vent frame when powered. Preferably, the electromagnets are deactivated in response to detection of a battery fault, thereby allowing the vent door to open under pressure. Preferably, the permanent magnets are configured to release the vent door at an internal pressure in the range of 150 to 250 pascals. Preferably, the motor is configured to open the vent door in response to a smoke detection signal or manual command. Preferably, the motor includes a spring-return mechanism configured to open the door upon power failure. Preferably, the vent door includes one or more receiver plates configured to magnetically engage with the electromagnets when in the closed position. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an inner room liner configured to be inserted into a roof cutout, the liner including internal fixing points aligned with corresponding fixing points on the vent frame. Preferably, the vent frame and inner room liner are configured to sandwich a portion of the roof structure to form a sealed interface. Preferably, the fixing points of the vent frame and inner room liner are secured using internal bolts and nuts located entirely within the interior of the building. Preferably, the vent frame is free of through-holes for external fasteners, thereby reducing the risk of water ingress. Preferably, the vent door is formed from sheet metal and has a weight suitable for use as a low-pressure explosion relief panel. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a control system configured to receive an input from a battery management system or fire detection system and activate the motor or deactivate the electromagnets accordingly. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a venting apparatus for use on a vertical wall of a building housing energy storage batteries, the apparatus comprising: a vent frame configured to be mounted over an opening in the wall; a vent door pivotally connected to a lower portion of the vent frame about a horizontal hinge axis; one or more permanent magnets configured to retain the vent door in a closed position under normal conditions; an angled cowl mounted externally to the wall and surrounding at least the top and sides of the vent door; and a stop surface formed by the cowl and positioned to engage the vent door as it opens, thereby limiting its travel and directing any discharged pressure or flame upward and away from the building. Preferably, the vent door is formed from sheet metal having a maximum thickness of 1 mm. Preferably, the vent door has a mass not exceeding 12 kg per square metre in accordance with deflagration protection standards. Preferably, the angled cowl includes side shields positioned adjacent to lateral edges of the vent door to inhibit lateral flame propagation. Preferably, the vent door is configured to open in response to an internal overpressure condition without motorised actuation. Preferably, the stop surface of the cowl is configured to limit the door to a maximum opening angle of 45 degrees. Preferably, the cowl and vent door are configured such that, when the door opens, the discharged flame or pressure is directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wall surface. Description of the Invention The present invention describes a venting apparatus for use in a building housing energy storage batteries, and more particularly to a venting apparatus designed to safely manage off-gassing, explosion relief, and environmental sealing in such installations. This invention proposes a solution to all of these requirements mention in the Background section in one roof mounted vent. The proposed apparatus improves venting in buildings containing energy storage batteries. In more detail the requirements fulfilled by the invention are: 1. Off-Gassing Management - The apparatus must be capable of safely extracting or venting gases released during battery fault conditions. It should prevent the accumulation of explosive gases inside the building. 2. Explosion Relief - The apparatus must provide effective explosion relief to avoid structural damage and injury. It must allow rapid pressure release in the event of gas ignition (e.g., during thermal runaway or deflagration). Explosion relief should be directional, preferably upward, to protect nearby personnel such as firefighters. 3. Roof-Mounted Configuration - The venting apparatus should be suitable for roof installation to ensure upward flame and gas ejection. Explosion or flame exit must avoid horizontal ejection, especially near building occupants. 4. Retrofit Compatibility - The apparatus should be installable on existing buildings (retrofitting), without compromising weatherproofing. 5. Water Ingress Protection - Any roof penetration must be designed to minimize or eliminate water leaks. Fastening methods should avoid external bolt holes or provide robust sealing (e.g., internal caulking, liner systems). 6. Gas Suppression System Compatibility - The venting apparatus must support use with inert gas suppression systems, which may require low-pressure relief capabilities. 7. Low Activation Pressure - The apparatus must activate (open) under relatively low pressure (e.g., 150-250 Pa), unlike conventional systems which may require 5000+ Pa. Describing the invention In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the invention comprises an apparatus in accordance with the invention, more specifically a roof-mounted vent assembly (100) configured for use in buildings that require immediate aeration, such as buildings containing energy storage batteries. The vent (100) comprises a vent door (1) hingedly mounted at point (9) to a subframe (2), which is itself mounted to a vent frame (3). The vent may be installed on either flat or pitched roof structures. The vent door (1) is operable by a motor (8) via a linkage (7) connected to the subframe (2), allowing the door to be actively opened for smoke relief. The motorised operation may be configured either as a power-on-to-open / power-off-to-close mechanism or, alternatively, as a fail-open system in which a spring-return motor opens the door upon power loss, thereby ensuring functionality during electrical failure or fault detection. The subframe (2) shares the hinge axis (9) with the door (1) and supports the motor linkage (7). Under normal conditions, the door (1) is held against the subframe (2) by a set of permanent magnets (6), dimensioned to resist environmental wind loads but sufficiently weak to permit release under low overpressure conditions, such as those generated during a battery deflagration event. This magnetic coupling enables the door to function similarly to a rupture panel, releasing at a significantly lower pressure threshold (typically 150-250 Pa) in contrast to conventional venting systems, which may require pressure in excess of 5000 Pa to activate. For enhanced security, optional electromagnets (5) may be installed to secure the door (1) directly to the vent frame (3). These electromagnets may exert a holding force exceeding approximately 1334 N (300 lbs) and are intended to prevent unauthorized manual opening. During normal operation or in the event of a detected battery fault, the electromagnets (5) may be de-energised to place the system into an overpressure relief mode, wherein the door (1) is retained solely by the weaker permanent magnets (6) on the subframe (2), allowing for rapid pressure relief. The vent also accommodates scenarios where an inert gas suppression system is used. In such cases, low-pressure relief is required to vent the displacement caused by the suppression gas. The deactivation of the electromagnets (5) permits the door (1) to open under such low positive pressures, enabling compliant and safe discharge of the suppression agent. To address water ingress risks, the system incorporates an internal room liner (4) with internal bolt holes that correspond to mating holes in a fixing flange formed within the vent housing. This configuration eliminates the need for through-roof penetrations in external flanges, thereby reducing leak potential. The hole-free external flange of the vent frame (3) and the internal liner (4) are arranged to sandwich the roof cut-out, enabling a double-sealed interface for enhanced waterproofing. Referring to Figure 2, the vent door (1) is shown in an open position, motor-actuated for smoke relief. Figure 3 illustrates the door (1) in a fully open state, separated from subframe (2) as would occur during a deflagration. Receiver plates (10) are fixed to the door (1) and are configured to magnetically engage the electromagnets (5) when the door is closed. Referring now to Figure 4, the vent assembly (100) is shown in the closed configuration. Figure 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the closed vent assembly. The door (1) is held on subframe (2) by permanent magnets (6), and retained against vent frame (3) by electromagnets (5) magnetically coupled to the receiver plates (10) mounted on door (1). Following on to Figure 6, a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shows the vent door (1) attached to the subframe (2) by means of permanent magnets (6), securing the door in place under normal, low-pressure conditions. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vent door (1) having detached from the subframe (2) and magnets (6) due to a deflagration force acting in an upward direction (U). Referring now to Figure 8, the door (1) is depicted opened under pressure in direction (U). In the scenario where the electromagnets (5) remains powered during a deflagration event, the door (1) still opens; however, the resisting magnetic force significantly increases the peak internal pressure within the room. Figure 9 illustrates the inner liner (4) inserted into a roof cutout (13), with a roof vent assembly (12) mounted externally to the roof surface. Figure 10 shows the inner liner (4) inserted into the roof section (13) from below in direction (U), aligned with fixing points (14). Figure 11 depicts the vent frame (3) with associated fixing points (15). Whereas, Figure 12 shows the interaction between fixing points (14) and (15), through which fixing bolts (16) and nuts (17) are used to secure the vent frame (3) to the inner liner (4). Referring now to Figure 13 a cross-sectional view is shown, illustrating how the inner liner flange (12) and vent frame flange (20) sandwich the roof section (13), creating a sealed and reinforced interface. In a second embodiment, the vent assembly is mounted to a vertical wall of the building rather than the roof. As a horizontal venting path poses a safety hazard to personnel, a configuration that vents vertically is preferred. In this embodiment, the door is hinged at the bottom to open from the top, with a mechanical stop limiting the door's opening angle to approximately 45 degrees. To comply with NFPA 68 standards, the vent door must not exceed 12 kg per square meter. For this reason, the door is fabricated from lightweight sheet metal, typically 1 mm thick. Direct reinforcement or use of stays would introduce excess mass or impose high mechanical loads on the hinges or fixing points. Instead, an angled cowl structure is employed. This cowl not only redirects flame and pressure discharge vertically but also provides a perimeter stop to limit door travel and prevent contact with nearby personnel. Figure 14 shows an exploded view of this second embodiment, with the battery storage vent (202) mounted vertically. A vertical door (205) is in a closed position, hinged at bottom hinge (204) connected to inner wall fixing frame (203). A cowl (201) that is placed in front of this assembly is also shown. Figures 16 and 17 shows a cross sectional view of the assembly and installation. Figure 15 illustrates the same configuration as Figure 14 but with the door (205) open about hinge (204), allowing exhaust to be directed in direction (206). Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled vent and cowl, with 5 the door (205) in the closed position and the cowl (201) in place. Figure 17 illustrates the door (205) reaching its maximum open position, limited by contact with part (208) of the cowl assembly, ensuring that pressure and flame are expelled upward in direction (209). io

Claims

1. A venting apparatus for use on the roof of a building, the apparatus comprising:a vent frame configured to be mounted over an opening in a roof;a subframe pivotally connected to the vent frame about a first hinge axis;a vent door pivotally connected to the subframe about a second hinge axis substantially parallel to the first hinge axis;manual, or motorised, means operatively connected to the subframe via a linkage and configured to move the vent door from a closed position to an open position;one or more permanent magnets configured to retain the vent door against the subframe under normal conditions; andwherein the vent door is configured to open automatically in response to an overpressure condition within the building or a loss of power to provide smoke or explosion relief.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more electromagnets configured to retain the vent door against the vent frame when powered.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electromagnets are deactivated in response to detection of a battery fault, thereby allowing the vent door to open under pressure.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the permanent magnets are configured to release the vent door at an internal pressure in the range of 150 to 250 pascals.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is configured to open the vent door in response to a smoke detection signal or manual command.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor includes a spring-return mechanism configured to open the door upon power failure.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent door includes one or more receiver plates configured to magnetically engage with the electromagnets when in the closed position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an inner room liner configured to be inserted into a roof cutout, the liner including internal fixing points aligned with corresponding fixing points on the vent frame.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the vent frame and inner room liner are configured to sandwich a portion of the roof structure to form a sealed interface.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the fixing points of the vent frame and inner room liner are secured using internal bolts and nuts located entirely within the interior of the building.

11. The apparatus of any one of the above claims, wherein the vent frame is free of through-holes for external fasteners, thereby reducing the risk of water ingress.

12. The apparatus of any one of the above claims, wherein the vent door is formed from sheet metal and has a weight suitable for use as a low-pressure explosion relief panel.

13. The apparatus of any one of the above claims, further comprising a control system configured to receive an input from a battery management system or fire detection system and activate the motor or deactivate the electromagnets accordingly.

14. A venting apparatus for use on a vertical wall of a building, the apparatus comprising:a vent frame configured to be mounted over an opening in a wall;a vent door pivotally connected to a lower portion of the vent frame about a horizontal hinge axis;one or more permanent magnets configured to retain the vent door in a closed position under normal conditions;an angled cowl mounted externally to the wall and surrounding at least the top and sides of the vent door; anda stop surface formed by the cowl and positioned to engage the vent door as it opens, thereby limiting its travel and directing any discharged pressure or flame upward and away from the building.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the vent door is formed from sheet metal having a maximum thickness of 1 mm.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the vent door has a mass not exceeding 12 kg per square metre in accordance with deflagration protection standards.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the angled cowl includes side shields positioned adjacent to lateral edges of the vent door to inhibit lateral flame propagation.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the vent door is configured to open in response to an internal overpressure condition without motorised actuation.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the stop surface of the cowl is configured to limit the door to a maximum opening angle of 45 degrees.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the cowl and vent door are configured such that, when the door opens, the discharged flame or pressure is directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wall surface.A

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