Battery Array Thermal Barriers With Dedicated Vent Passageways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction battery packs face challenges in managing battery cell vent byproducts and mitigating thermal propagation during battery thermal events, which can lead to inefficient energy transfer and potential cell damage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed battery array incorporates a thermal barrier and venting system, featuring a partition assembly with a thermal barrier plate and seal, along with dedicated vent passageways, to isolate cell banks and prevent thermal propagation while providing a controlled venting path for effluents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery cells are arranged in multiple cell banks without partitioning, then the device complexity is reduced, but thermal propagation between cell banks occurs during thermal events
Solution Approach 1:
The battery array is divided into multiple cell banks separated by partition assemblies. Each partition assembly includes a thermal barrier plate that physically segments the battery array, preventing thermal propagation between cell banks while maintaining electrical connectivity through the vent passageway system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier plate acts as an intermediary element between cell banks. It includes vent passageways that allow controlled gas flow while blocking thermal energy transfer. The plate serves as a mediator that permits electrical functionality while preventing thermal runaway propagation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vent passageways are provided for each cell bank, then vent byproducts are safely expelled, but the device complexity increases due to additional vent passageway covers and seals
Solution Approach 1:
The vent passageway cover serves multiple functions: it seals the vent passageway to direct gas flow, it includes a mica strip that provides thermal barrier protection, and it allows controlled venting of gases. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent passageway cover incorporates a mica strip, creating a composite structure that combines the sealing function of the cover with the thermal resistance properties of mica. This composite approach provides both venting and thermal protection in a single integrated component.
3Reliability
If thermal barrier plates with vent passageways are used, then thermal propagation is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to seal interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly includes a compressible seal that can deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations. This flexible sealing approach maintains thermal barrier effectiveness without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision for the seal interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible seal changes its physical parameters (compression, deformation) during assembly to achieve proper sealing. By allowing the seal to deform under compression, the system accommodates variations in manufacturing precision while maintaining effective thermal isolation.
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 effectively slows or prevents thermal propagation between cell banks, prolongs energy transfer times, and ensures safe expulsion of vent byproducts during thermal events, enhancing the reliability and safety of traction battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal barrier and venting system for mitigating cell-to-cell and/or cell bank-to-cell bank thermal propagation
Implementation Method 2
establishing dedicated venting paths for expelling gases and other effluents from the battery array during battery thermal events
Data Source
AI summary
Battery arrays are provided for traction battery packs. An exemplary battery array may include a thermal barrier and venting system for mitigating cell-to-cell and/or cell bank-to-cell bank thermal propagation. The battery thermal barrier and venting system may further include one or more vent passageways for establishing dedicated venting paths for expelling gases and other effluents from the battery array during battery thermal events.