Battery Exhaust Flow Limiting for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries experience thermal runaway due to abnormal causes, leading to rapid discharge of combustible emissions that can cause fires and explosions, reducing their reliability.
Innovation Solution
A battery design incorporating a treatment mechanism with a flow limiting unit and treatment unit to reduce the mass flow and content of combustibles in emissions through an exhaust hole, using components like throttle valves, gas storage members, and adsorption structures to control and treat emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the exhaust hole is opened to discharge emissions from thermal runaway, then the pressure inside the battery box is relieved, but the mass flow of combustibles increases causing fire and combustion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter of emissions through the exhaust hole by introducing a flow limiting unit. This unit restricts the mass flow of combustibles to below a specific threshold (0.05g/s), transforming the exhaust system from a high-flow pressure relief mechanism to a controlled low-flow emission system that prevents combustion while maintaining pressure management
Solution Approach 2:
The flow limiting unit acts as an intermediary component between the battery cell and the external environment. It mediates the emission process by selectively limiting the flow of combustible gases while still allowing pressure relief, thus preventing direct discharge of high-concentration combustibles that would cause fire hazards
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow of emissions is restricted to reduce combustible mass flow, then fire risk is reduced, but the pressure relief capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flow limiting parameters to achieve a balance where the mass flow of combustibles is restricted below the combustion threshold (0.05g/s) while the exhaust hole remains open to provide pressure relief. The system changes from binary (open/closed) to a controlled flow state that simultaneously addresses both pressure management and fire prevention
3Reliability
If a treatment mechanism is added to reduce combustible content, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a flow limiting unit specifically at the exhaust hole location rather than treating the entire battery system. This localized approach targets the critical emission point with a simple flow restriction mechanism, achieving reliable combustible control without complicating the overall battery design
Solution Approach 2:
The flow limiting unit is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily integrated into the exhaust system. It functions as a disposable or maintenance-free element that provides reliable flow control through its simple structure, avoiding complex active control systems
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 reduces the concentration of combustibles in the air, minimizing the risk of fire and explosion, thereby enhancing battery reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the flow limiting unit is arranged at the box and is used for controlling the flow of the emissions through the exhaust hole to reduce the mass flow of the combustibles in the emissions through the exhaust hole
Implementation Method 2
the gas storage member is in communication with the interior of the box and is configured to buffer the emissions generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell to control the flow of the emissions through the exhaust hole
Implementation Method 3
the treatment unit is configured to adsorb the combustibles in the emissions; and/or, the treatment unit is configured to oxidize and reduce the combustibles in the emissions
Data Source
AI summary
A battery, an electrical apparatus, and an energy storage device and relates to the technical field of batteries. The battery includes a battery cell, a box, and a treatment mechanism. The box is used for accommodating the battery cell. The box has an exhaust hole used for discharging emissions generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell. The treatment mechanism is arranged at the box, and is used for reducing the mass flow of the combustibles in the emissions through the exhaust hole.