Dual-Enclosure Battery Containment for Explosion Gas Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively manage the explosive events of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in confined spaces, due to the inability to contain the enormous volume of gas generated, leading to dangerous situations such as panic, exposure to debris and fire, and the need for emergency landings.
Innovation Solution
A containment assembly comprising a first enclosure with a gas permeable barrier and a second enclosure with a gas impermeable layer, designed to contain explosive events and gas byproducts, using multiple layers of materials to withstand high temperatures and pressures, and a gas permeable barrier to allow controlled release of gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing devices are used to dampen lithium-ion battery explosions, then the explosive force is reduced, but the enormous volume of gas generated by evaporation of cell material cannot be contained, leading to toxic fumes and pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into two separate enclosures: a first enclosure for containing the explosive event and debris, and a second enclosure for containing the gas byproducts. This segmentation allows each enclosure to be optimized for its specific function - the first for mechanical containment and the second for gas volume accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas permeable barrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second enclosures. This barrier allows gas to pass from the first enclosure to the second enclosure while maintaining the separation between the explosive containment zone and the gas containment zone, enabling controlled gas transfer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a gas impermeable barrier is used to contain toxic gases, then gas leakage is prevented, but pressure buildup occurs inside the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the containment system have different permeability properties. The gas permeable barrier is selectively permeable to gas molecules, allowing gas to pass through while blocking larger debris and flames. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous pressure relief and gas containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas permeable barrier is constructed from porous or permeable material that allows gas molecules to diffuse through while maintaining structural integrity. This porous structure enables gas to escape the first enclosure and enter the second enclosure, preventing pressure buildup in the explosive containment zone.
3Strength
If the first enclosure is made rigid to withstand explosive force, then containment strength is improved, but the assembly becomes more complex and harder to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The first enclosure is constructed from flexible, fire-resistant material that can deform under explosive load rather than rigidly resisting it. This flexible construction allows the enclosure to absorb explosive energy through deformation, maintaining containment strength while reducing the complexity of rigid structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system uses composite materials with different properties for different functions. The first enclosure uses fire-resistant and flexible materials to contain debris and flames, while the gas permeable barrier uses selectively permeable materials to allow gas passage. This composite approach simplifies the overall system by assigning specific material functions to specific components.
4Stress or pressure
If the gas permeable barrier is made highly permeable to allow gas release, then pressure buildup is reduced, but toxic gases may escape into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The gas permeable barrier acts as an intermediary that selectively allows gas molecules to pass through while blocking larger harmful particles and flames. This selective permeability enables pressure relief through gas passage while preventing toxic gas escape into the external environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of gas containment is extracted from the first enclosure and transferred to the second enclosure. The gas permeable barrier enables this extraction by allowing gas to leave the explosive containment zone while the second enclosure's gas impermeable walls prevent the gas from escaping the overall system.
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 assembly effectively contains lithium-ion battery explosions, preventing the escape of toxic gases and debris, and allows controlled release of gases, minimizing risk and enabling safe handling of such events in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A gas permeable barrier may be disposed between the cavity of the first enclosure and the inner volume of the second enclosure
Implementation Method 2
The wall may include a first layer of Aerogel-based material (e.g., Pyrogel), a second layer of Aerogel-based material
Implementation Method 3
a heat conductive material, such as a heat conductive metallic layer, disposed between the first and second layers of Aerogel-based material
Data Source
AI summary
A containment assembly comprises a first enclosure comprising a cavity for receiving a hazardous object. The first enclosure is configured for containing an explosive event of the hazardous object. A second enclosure comprises a gas impermeable layer, an inner volume, and an air-tight closure. The second enclosure is configured for receiving and containing a gas byproduct of the explosive event from the first enclosure. A gas permeable barrier is disposed between the cavity of the first enclosure and the inner volume of the second enclosure. A smart insulation arrangement may be implemented on the lower side of the first enclosure to allow the event to happen and to cool down over a longer period of time without exceeding maximum allowable temperatures on the outside of the second enclosure. This permits the flight or journey to continue.