Battery Pack CCU Layout for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal runaway in battery systems can lead to rapid temperature increases, gas ejection, and potential fire or explosion, posing risks to neighboring cells and electronics due to flammable and toxic vented gases.
Innovation Solution
A battery system design featuring a cell contacting unit (CCU) that electrically connects adjacent rows of electrode terminals while leaving an open space between them, incorporating degassing channels and venting gas guiding elements to safely discharge hot gases away from electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the CCU covers a large area between electrode terminals to provide structural support and electrical connection, then the structural stability and electrical connectivity are improved, but the space for gas discharge is reduced and pressure buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CCU is designed with a segmented structure that covers only specific areas between electrode terminals rather than spanning the entire space. This segmentation allows the CCU to provide necessary structural support and electrical connectivity while leaving sufficient open space for gas discharge, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and pressure management.
2Volume of stationary object
If the CCU is positioned close to electrode terminals to minimize space usage, then the space for gas discharge is maximized, but the electrical connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The CCU is positioned to provide localized coverage at critical areas where electrical connection is most needed, rather than uniform coverage across all electrode terminals. This local quality approach ensures reliable electrical connections at key points while maximizing the overall space available for gas discharge, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and gas discharge space.
3Productivity
If the venting valve opens fully to release large quantities of hot gas rapidly, then the pressure relief efficiency is improved, but the risk of fire and damage to neighboring cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CCU serves as an intermediary structure between the venting valve and the surrounding environment. It provides a controlled pathway for hot gas discharge, directing the flow away from neighboring cells and electronics while maintaining pressure relief efficiency. This intermediary function reduces the fire risk associated with full venting while preserving the necessary pressure relief capability.
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 design effectively manages thermal runaway by preventing pressure buildup and protecting electronics from harmful gases, enhancing safety and stability of the battery system.
Implementation Method 1
The vented gas also causes a gas-pressure to increase inside the battery pack
Implementation Method 2
the CCU including a plurality of busbars electrically connecting the adjacent rows of electrode terminals of battery cells of two adjacent cell stacks
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a battery system (100) including a battery pack (10) including a plurality of battery cells (14) each having a pair of electrode terminals (16) and a venting valve (18) disposed between the electrode terminals (16). The battery cells (14) are arranged in at least two cell stacks (20) extending adjacent to each other along a stacking direction and the electrode terminals (16) and the venting valves (18) of the battery cells (14) face a first side of the battery pack (10). The battery system (100) further includes a cell contacting unit, CCU, (12) disposed on the first side of the battery pack (10), the CCU (12) including a plurality of busbars electrically connecting the adjacent rows of electrode terminals (16) of battery cells (14) of two adjacent cell stacks (20). The CCU (12) is configured to cover both adjacent rows of the electrode terminals (16) of the battery cells (14) of the adjacent cell stacks (20) and less than half of the area (22) between the electrode terminals (16) of each of the battery cells (14) of the adjacent cell stacks (20).