Battery Module Cell Isolation for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary battery modules face issues with heat propagation and potential ignition when overheated, leading to reduced efficiency and safety concerns, especially in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a battery cell stack with alternating first and second heat dissipation members and a flexible, flame-resistant blocking member to create insulation spaces around the cells, preventing heat and flame propagation, and utilizing plate-shaped flame-retardant members or cooling pads between cells for enhanced thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are stacked closely together to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but heat propagation and flame spread between cells increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member divides the battery cell stack into separate insulation spaces, segmenting the continuous structure into isolated compartments. Each battery cell is surrounded by its own insulation space formed by the blocking member, preventing direct thermal contact between adjacent cells while maintaining high energy density through efficient space utilization.
2Reliability
If insulation spaces are created around battery cells to prevent heat propagation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation between cells, maintains structural integrity of the cell stack, defines insulation spaces, and supports the overall mechanical stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity while achieving comprehensive safety.
3Reliability
If flame-resistant materials are used for blocking members to prevent ignition, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed with specific material parameters including flame resistance (ignition temperature of 800°C or higher), low thermal conductivity (0.1 W/mK or less), and appropriate flexibility. By optimizing these parameters, the material achieves necessary fire protection while maintaining cost-effectiveness through balanced performance specifications rather than using overly expensive specialized materials.
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 suppresses heat and flame propagation between battery cells, enhancing safety and efficiency by ensuring even heat dissipation and isolating cells to prevent thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking member configured to surround each of the battery cells and provide insulation spaces between the battery cells, wherein the blocking member is formed of a material having thermal conductivity of 0.1 W/mK or less
Implementation Method 2
a first heat dissipation member disposed on one side of the cell stack; a second heat dissipation member disposed on the other side of the cell stack
Implementation Method 3
the blocking member may be formed of a flame-resistant material that is ignited at a temperature of 800° C. or higher
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module, includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a first heat dissipation member disposed on one side of the cell stack; a second heat dissipation member disposed on the other side of the cell stack; and a blocking member providing a plurality of insulation spaces in which the battery cells are disposed, the blocking member surrounding at least one surface of each of the battery cells; wherein the plurality of the battery cells, include a first battery cell having a surface contacting the first heat dissipation member; and a second battery cell having a surface contacting the second heat dissipation member.