Aircraft Battery Mitigation System for Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft face inefficiencies due to the use of bleed air for subsystems, which reduces engine efficiency and adds weight, and lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway, posing risks during operating cycles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rechargeable lithium cobalt oxide battery system with dielectric separators made of fiber composite for thermal barriers, a chassis with flow channels for condensate management, a battery monitoring unit, a metal enclosure with a vent valve for pressure equalization, and a ventilation conduit to mitigate thermal runaway and failure consequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used to provide backup electrical power, then weight is reduced and energy density is increased, but thermal runaway risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple cell groups, with each group separated by thermal barrier elements. This segmentation prevents thermal runaway from propagating across the entire battery pack, isolating failures to specific segments while maintaining the overall battery system's operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal barrier elements are introduced as intermediary components between battery cells. These barriers act as mediators that block heat transfer and prevent thermal runaway propagation, allowing the battery system to maintain high energy density while incorporating safety mechanisms against thermal runaway risks.
2Reliability
If thermal barrier elements are added to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal isolation to prevent runaway propagation, act as structural support within the battery pack, and facilitate modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate safety components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If bleed air is used to power subsystems, then subsystem operation is ensured, but engine efficiency decreases and aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bleed air system with an electrical power system using lithium-ion batteries. This substitution eliminates the need for ducts, valves, and controls associated with bleed air, reducing aircraft weight and improving engine efficiency while maintaining reliable power availability for subsystems through the battery-based electrical system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the risk of thermal runaway, manages condensate effectively, and ensures safe power delivery while preventing overcharging and pressure buildup, enhancing the reliability and safety of the battery system during aircraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of dielectric separators between the battery cells for creating thermal barriers between opposing surfaces of the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
the lower fixation plate including a plurality of flow channels positioned to collect condensate from the battery cells and move the collected condensate away from the battery cells
Implementation Method 3
the enclosure having ductile containment walls, a normally closed vent configured to open when pressure inside the enclosure corresponds to a battery failure event, and at least one pressure equalization orifice
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft comprises a rechargeable battery including an array of battery cells, and means for mitigating consequences of failure of the rechargeable battery due to aircraft operating cycle.