Expandable Cell Insert Structure for Battery Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries with high energy density are prone to rapid temperature rises during thermal runaway, leading to potential fires that can spread between adjacent cells.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an insertion member between battery cells that expands to absorb heat, featuring an insulation layer to minimize heat transfer and a fluid supply system controlled by temperature and gas sensors to manage thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If secondary batteries are grouped to achieve high energy density, then productivity and energy output are improved, but thermal runaway can spread rapidly between adjacent cells causing fire
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assembly is divided into individual cell units with thermal insulation structures between them. Each battery cell is surrounded by insulating material and positioned in a structured arrangement that creates thermal barriers, preventing heat from spreading from one cell to adjacent cells while maintaining high energy density configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal insulation structures are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent battery cells. These insulating materials act as mediators that block heat transfer pathways while allowing the battery cells to remain in close proximity for high energy density, thus preventing thermal runaway propagation.
2Reliability
If thermal insulation structures are added between battery cells to prevent heat transfer, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thin film thermal insulation layers are applied between battery cells to provide effective thermal barrier properties without adding significant structural complexity. These thin insulating films maintain cell spacing and prevent heat transfer while keeping the overall assembly compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Composite thermal insulation structures combining multiple materials with different thermal properties are used to achieve optimal heat blocking performance. The composite design integrates insulating materials with structural components, providing both thermal protection and mechanical support without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Effectively suppresses thermal runaway and fire propagation by absorbing heat and minimizing heat transfer between cells, enhancing safety in battery assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an insertion member positioned between the plurality of battery cells... to absorb heat generated from battery cells as much as possible... to minimize heat transfer between battery cells
Implementation Method 2
to allow the insertion member to be melted under specific conditions to bring the fluid to contact with an adjacent battery cell, thereby providing rapid suppression
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly including: a plurality of battery cells; an insertion member positioned between the plurality of battery cells; an inlet formed on one side of the insertion member; and a cover member covering the plurality of battery cells and the insertion member, wherein the insertion member may expanded when a fluid is injected to the inside of the insertion member through the inlet.