Battery Compartment Covers for EV Thermal Runaway Cooling Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle batteries are prone to thermal runaway, leading to dangerous temperature increases, exothermic reactions, and potential explosions or fires, requiring rapid cooling that current methods, such as manual spraying of fire extinguishing liquids, are inefficient and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A security system with thermosensitive devices and automatic cover opening mechanisms, using either elastic or pneumatic means, to quickly access and cool the battery packs by opening covers when a pre-set temperature is exceeded, allowing for immediate external cooling and safe access for rescuers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual spraying of fire extinguishing liquids is used to cool battery packs during thermal runaway, then cooling effect is achieved, but the operation is long and dangerous for rescuers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning water reservoirs and cooling conduits within the battery compartment, and by designing automatic cover opening mechanisms that activate before rescuers need to manually apply cooling agents. This preparation enables immediate cooling without requiring rescuers to manually position equipment or wait for system setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic detection of thermal runaway conditions and autonomous activation of cooling mechanisms. Temperature sensors detect overheating, trigger cover opening, and activate water delivery systems without human intervention, allowing the battery pack to cool itself during the critical initial phase of thermal runaway.
2Reliability
If covers of battery compartments are kept closed for protection, then battery protection is improved, but rapid access for cooling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing covers that transition from a closed protective state to an open accessible state based on thermal conditions. The covers remain closed during normal operation to protect batteries, but automatically open when temperature sensors detect thermal runaway, enabling rapid access for cooling while maintaining protection during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors and control mechanisms as intermediaries between the battery pack and the covers. These intermediaries detect thermal conditions and translate them into mechanical actions (cover opening/closing), mediating between the need for protection and the need for rapid access without requiring direct human intervention.
3Temperature
If large quantities of water or fire extinguishing mixture are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the complexity and hazard of the cooling operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics and hydraulics by using pressurized water reservoirs and conduit systems to deliver cooling agents directly to the battery pack. This hydraulic system enables effective cooling through controlled fluid delivery rather than manual spraying, reducing the physical complexity and hazard of the operation while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
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
Enables prompt and safe de-energization of battery packs during thermal runaway, reducing the risk of explosions or fires by facilitating rapid cooling and ensuring operator safety through automated and efficient temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
identifying a threshold temperature in the volume (8) and/or in the battery pack (4) itself through thermosensitive devices (15)
Implementation Method 2
elastic means (16), which are interposed between said cover (9) and one between said lid (7) and the roof (2), and are configured to constantly exert a force upon said cover (9) so as to enable the opening thereof
Implementation Method 3
pneumatic means (22), which are interposed between said cover (9) and one between said lid (7) and the roof (2), and are configured to exert, when they are operated, a force upon said cover (9) so as to enable the opening thereof
Implementation Method 4
This cooling operation, which requires large quantities of water or a mixture thereof with a fire extinguishing liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a plurality of walls defining a volume adapted to house passengers and/or merchandise and at least one electric battery pack to supply energy for the operation of the vehicle, said at least one electric battery pack being housed in a respective seat made in at least one of the walls and defining with the latter a housing volume comprising at least one cover configured to assume a first operating position in which the volume communicates with the outside environment and a second operating position in which the volume is isolated from the outside environment. The vehicle also includes a security system configured to enable the covers to move from the first operating position to the second operating position when a temperature of the electric battery pack and/or a temperature inside the volume exceed/s a pre-set threshold temperature value.