Compartmented Battery Module Housing for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in preventing heat transfer and propagation due to thermal runaway, which can cause damage by high-temperature heat and exhaust gases, and existing partition methods are costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring compartments defined by barriers and vents within a housing, using heat-resistant and fire-resistant materials to isolate battery cells, with vents allowing safe discharge of gases and flames outside the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are arranged closely to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization improve, but heat propagation risk increases during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple compartments by barriers, with each battery cell or group of cells assigned to a separate compartment. This segmentation prevents heat and exhaust gases from propagating between adjacent battery cells, addressing the heat propagation risk while maintaining close arrangement for high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
Barriers made of heat-resistant materials are introduced as intermediary elements between battery cells. These barriers act as thermal insulation mediators that block heat transfer pathways while allowing the battery cells to remain closely spaced within their respective compartments
2Reliability
If partitions are added to prevent heat propagation, then thermal safety improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barriers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as thermal insulation barriers to prevent heat propagation, provide structural support for the housing, and define compartment boundaries. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Heat-resistant materials with high thermal insulation properties are used for the barriers and housing. These composite materials provide effective thermal protection while maintaining structural integrity, achieving thermal safety without requiring overly complex multi-layer constructions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vents are provided for exhaust gas discharge, then thermal runaway damage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vents are provided for each compartment or group of compartments, allowing exhaust gases and flames to be discharged locally at the source. This segmented venting approach contains the thermal runaway effects within individual compartments while providing dedicated escape pathways, reducing overall damage without requiring a complex centralized venting system
Solution Approach 2:
The venting function is integrated into the housing structure itself, combining the protective housing and exhaust discharge functions. The barriers and housing are configured to work together as a unified thermal management system with built-in venting pathways, eliminating the need for separate venting 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
Prevents heat and exhaust gas propagation between battery cells, minimizing damage and maintaining module integrity during thermal runaway events.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier (300) arranged between the plurality of battery cells (110) and forming a plurality of compartments (310, 312, 314, and 316) within the housing (120). The barrier (300) may include a heat-resistant material or a fire-resistant material
Implementation Method 2
a vent for a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells that is provided in the housing and arranged in a compartment of the plurality of compartments
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells; a housing that houses a plurality of battery cells; a barrier that is arranged between the plurality of battery cells and partitions a compartment together with the housing; and a vent part for a battery cell that is provided in the housing and arranged in the compartment. The housing and the barrier are connected to each other to define the compartment.