Composite Thermal Insulation Member for Battery Cell Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal insulation materials fail to effectively prevent heat transfer between battery cells during thermal runaway, as they either absorb heat or lose structural integrity, leading to continued heat transfer to adjacent cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a thermal insulation member having a composite structure, comprising an outer plastic portion with a lower melting point and an inner support member made of high heat-resistant polyamide-based plastic, which maintains structural integrity and forms an air layer to prevent heat transfer during thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional thermal insulation material is used between battery cells, then heat transfer between battery cells is reduced, but the material loses structural integrity when thermal runaway occurs and cannot support battery cells or interrupt heat transfer after thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation member uses a composite structure combining plastic material (for heat absorption and initial insulation) with inorganic filler particles (for structural stability). This composite formulation allows the material to maintain its shape and support function even at high temperatures during thermal runaway, while still providing effective heat transfer interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the thermal insulation material by incorporating inorganic filler particles with high thermal stability. This changes the material's temperature-resistance characteristics, enabling it to maintain structural integrity at temperatures where conventional organic insulation materials would degrade.
2Reliability
If a conventional thermal insulation material having a shape remaining unchanged after thermal runaway occurs is disposed in tight contact with a battery cell, then it is difficult to discharge heat generated from the battery cell, whereby the battery cell is maintained in a high temperature state
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation member incorporates a porous structure with controlled void spaces that allow heat dissipation pathways. The inorganic filler particles create a microstructure that provides both thermal insulation and heat dissipation channels, preventing heat accumulation while maintaining structural form.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic filler particles act as an intermediary substance between the battery cell and the plastic matrix, creating thermal pathways that facilitate controlled heat dissipation while the overall structure maintains insulation properties. This mediator enables the material to simultaneously provide insulation and heat discharge pathways.
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 composite thermal insulation member effectively interrupts heat transfer between battery cells during thermal runaway, enhancing heat insulation and cooling effects while maintaining distance between affected cells.
Implementation Method 1
an outer portion made of plastic having a lower melting point than temperature when thermal runaway occurs, in such a way that the plastic melts when thermal runaway occurs
Implementation Method 2
a thermal insulation member located between the plurality of battery cells, the thermal insulation member being configured to interrupt heat transfer between adjacent ones of the plurality of battery cells
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery module capable of, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, preventing heat transfer to an adjacent battery cell, the battery module including a plurality of battery cells each having electrode leads, a case configured to receive the plurality of battery cells, and a thermal insulation member located between the plurality of battery cells, the thermal insulation member being configured to interrupt heat transfer between adjacent ones of the battery cells, wherein the thermal insulation member is configured to have a composite structure including an outer portion made of plastic having a lower melting point than temperature when thermal runaway occurs and a support member provided in an inner portion of the thermal insulation member, the support member being made of a heat-resistant material having a higher melting point than the temperature when the thermal runaway occurs.