Battery Pack Casing Venting Structure for Thermal-Runaway Gas Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The internal pressure buildup in battery packs due to thermal runaway can cause gas to spread and damage other battery cells and electrical modules, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack casing with a pressure relief chamber and buffer chamber system, featuring pressure relief holes and valves, that channels thermal-runaway gas through sequential chambers for controlled release, preventing damage to internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure relief valves are installed on battery cells to release internal pressure, then pressure relief protection is provided, but thermal-runaway gas can spread throughout the battery pack and damage other battery cells and electrical modules
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack casing is divided into multiple independent pressure relief chambers, each corresponding to a battery cell. The connecting platforms segment the lower plate into multiple regions, creating isolated chambers that prevent gas from spreading between cells. Each chamber handles pressure relief independently, containing thermal runaway events to their source.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief chambers act as intermediary spaces between the battery cells and the external environment. Gas must pass through the controlled path of the pressure relief chamber and buffer chamber before reaching the pressure relief valve, preventing direct spread throughout the battery pack. The connecting platforms serve as intermediate structures that both support batteries and create the chamber segmentation.
2Reliability
If multiple connecting platforms are added to form pressure relief chambers, then gas containment and directed flow are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting platforms perform multiple functions simultaneously: they mechanically support the battery cells, segment the lower plate to form pressure relief chambers, and provide structural connection between the upper and lower plates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure and pressure relief chamber formation are merged into a single integrated design. The connecting platforms that support the batteries also define the chamber boundaries, combining structural support and safety containment functions into one element rather than requiring separate components.
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
The solution effectively manages thermal-runaway gas, enhancing protection and safety by restricting gas movement and prolonging the service life of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
When the internal pressure of one battery cell becomes too high, causing the thermal-runaway gas to break through the pressure relief valve, then the gas may move throughout the battery pack
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a battery pack casing and a battery pack. The battery pack casing includes an enclosure (1), an upper cover plate (2), a bottom protective plate (3), and at least one pressure relief valve (5). The bottom protective plate (3) includes an upper plate (31), a lower plate (32), and multiple connecting platforms (33) to form a pressure relief chamber (34). The upper plate (31) also has multiple pressure relief holes (311) that communicate with the pressure relief chamber (34). A buffer chamber (11) that communicates with the pressure relief chamber (34) is disposed in the enclosure (1). The at least one pressure relief valve (5) is disposed on the enclosure (1) and communicates with the buffer chamber (11).