Battery Module Degassing Channel for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module arrangements face challenges in safely managing gases released during thermal runaway in high-voltage vehicle batteries, as conventional seals melt at high temperatures and mechanical stresses occur due to battery swelling, leading to potential short circuits and arcing.
Innovation Solution
A battery module arrangement with a degassing channel connected to a tube protruding from the battery cell housing, which provides a secure and temperature-resistant seal without using plastic seals or adhesives, allowing for efficient gas diversion during thermal events while accommodating battery swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional seals are used to connect the battery cell to the degassing channel, then the connection is simple to manufacture, but the seals melt at high temperatures during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional seal component from the connection between the battery cell and degassing channel. Instead of using a separate seal element that melts at high temperatures, the connection is achieved through direct mechanical engagement of the tube with the cell housing, eliminating the vulnerable seal component while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube acts as an intermediary element that connects the battery cell to the degassing channel without requiring a separate seal. The tube's design with its protruding end and receiving structure creates a mechanical interface that provides both connection and sealing functions through a single component, resistant to high temperatures.
2Reliability
If additional cell separating elements are used to prevent thermal runaway, then cell safety is improved, but installation space increases reducing energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety function from additional cell separating elements and integrates it into the existing cell structure through the degassing channel system. By providing a controlled gas discharge path, the system prevents thermal runaway propagation without requiring extra space-consuming separating elements between cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gas accumulation during thermal runaway into a beneficial controlled discharge process. The degassing channel provides a designated path for gas escape, transforming the potentially dangerous pressure buildup into a controlled venting mechanism that enhances safety without occupying additional cell space.
3Productivity
If the tube protrudes further into the degassing channel, then gas diversion efficiency is improved, but mechanical stress on the battery cell increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the tube protrude only to the necessary extent into the degassing channel to achieve adequate gas diversion. The protrusion distance is optimized to be sufficient for gas capture but limited to avoid excessive mechanical stress on the battery cell, representing a balanced compromise rather than maximum protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the protrusion parameter of the tube into the degassing channel to achieve the desired balance between gas diversion efficiency and mechanical stress. By carefully selecting the protrusion distance as a specific parameter, the system achieves effective gas capture while maintaining acceptable mechanical loads on the battery cell structure.
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
This solution significantly increases the proportion of gases diverted into the degassing channel, enhancing safety by preventing gas entry into critical electrical connectors and reducing mechanical stress on battery cells, thus preventing short circuits and arcing.
Implementation Method 1
a gas escaping from the battery cell through the degassing opening is introducible at least partially through the assigned channel opening into the degassing channel
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module arrangement for a high-voltage battery of a motor vehicle, which includes a battery module having at least one battery cell, which includes a cell housing having a releasable degassing opening, and includes a a degassing channel, which has a channel opening and is connected to the degassing opening of the at least one battery cell, so that a gas escaping from the battery cell through the degassing opening is at least partially introducible through the assigned channel opening into the degassing channel. The battery cell includes a connecting element for connecting the battery cell to the degassing channel. The connecting element has a tube which is arranged on the cell housing and encloses the degassing opening, and which has a tube end facing away from the cell housing, which protrudes through the assigned channel opening into the degassing channel.