Fire-Extinguishing Pipe Layout for Battery Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules lack effective mechanisms to prevent and extinguish thermal runaway, which can lead to instability and potential fire hazards.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a fire-extinguishing pipe with metal knitting yarns and spacers that extends between battery cells, positioned to rapidly melt and immerse cells in a fire-extinguishing agent during thermal runaway, while being structurally supported by end plates and spacers to maintain alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fire-extinguishing pipe is added to the battery module, then thermal runaway prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-extinguishing pipe is nested within the housing structure, utilizing the existing internal space of the battery module. The pipe is positioned between the battery cells and the housing wall, effectively using the available void space without requiring additional external volume or complex integration with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-extinguishing pipe acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the delivery of fire-extinguishing agent from the housing exterior to the battery cells. It serves as a conduit that simplifies the overall system by providing a direct pathway for the extinguishing agent, avoiding the need for complex pumping or injection systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spacers and guide portions are added to fix the fire-extinguishing pipe, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into multiple functional portions: a main body portion that provides spacing between battery cells, and guide portions that specifically engage with the fire-extinguishing pipe. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portions are integrated directly into the spacer structure, combining the spacing function and the pipe-positioning function into a single molded component. This merging eliminates the need for separate fasteners or positioning mechanisms, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Reliability
If the fire-extinguishing pipe is positioned at 30%-90% height of battery cells, then fire-extinguishing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer with integrated guide portions is installed beforehand to pre-position the fire-extinguishing pipe at the correct height (30%-90% of battery cell height). This preliminary action ensures that when the pipe is installed, it is automatically positioned at the optimal location for fire-extinguishing effectiveness, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical positioning function is replaced by the geometric design of the guide portions, which physically constrain the pipe to the correct position through their convex shape and engagement features. This geometric constraint system is simpler and more reliable than adjustable mechanical positioning systems.
4Temperature
If metal knitting yarns are embedded in the fire-extinguishing pipe, then heat resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-extinguishing pipe is constructed as a composite structure with metal knitting yarns embedded within a polymer matrix. The metal yarns provide heat resistance and structural reinforcement, while the polymer provides flexibility and ease of installation. This composite approach achieves high heat resistance without requiring a completely metal construction, which would be more complex and less flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of knitting yarns creates a flexible, mesh-like structure within the pipe that can conform to the pipe's shape and provide heat resistance throughout the wall thickness. This flexible reinforcement is easier to manufacture and install than rigid metal layers, maintaining simplicity while achieving the required thermal properties.
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 extinguishes thermal runaway events, reduces heat transfer between cells, and enhances structural stability by preventing interference and ensuring precise alignment of the fire-extinguishing pipe.
Implementation Method 1
rapidly melt and immerse cells in a fire-extinguishing agent during thermal runaway
Implementation Method 2
a fire-extinguishing pipe with metal knitting yarns
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel in a first direction; a housing accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a fire-extinguishing pipe in the housing and extending in the first direction. The fire-extinguishing pipe includes a plurality of metal knitting yarns between an inner surface and an outer surface of the fire-extinguishing pipe, and the plurality of metal knitting yarns extend in the first direction and are spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the fire-extinguishing pipe.