Battery Module Fireproof Layer Layout for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal runaway in battery modules can lead to chain reactions causing fires or explosions due to heat transfer between compactly arranged cells, posing significant safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring fireproof layers, including a first layer on top of cells, second layers between cells and end plates, and third layers between adjacent cells, made of materials like mica sheets, to prevent fire and heat spread, with through holes for pole protrusion and a heating sheet for temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cells are arranged compactly to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but heat transfer between cells increases causing thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fireproof layers as intermediary components between adjacent cells. These layers are made of heat-resistant materials that act as thermal barriers, preventing direct heat transfer between cells while maintaining the compact arrangement. The fireproof layers are positioned at critical heat transfer paths, effectively decoupling the thermal interaction between closely spaced cells and eliminating the thermal runaway risk associated with compact cell arrangement.
2Reliability
If fireproof layers are added between cells to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin fireproof layers as flexible thermal barriers between cells. These layers are designed to be thin yet effective, providing necessary thermal protection without adding significant structural complexity. The flexible nature of these thin film fireproof layers allows them to conform to cell surfaces and fit into compact battery module designs, maintaining simplicity while achieving safety goals.
3Reliability
If fireproof layers are added between cells to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous fireproof materials that provide effective thermal insulation at reduced material thickness. The porous structure creates air gaps within the material that enhance thermal resistance, allowing thinner layers to achieve the same protective effect. This reduces material consumption and manufacturing cost while maintaining safety performance, making the fireproofing solution more economically viable for mass production.
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 fireproof and heat-insulating design effectively prevents thermal runaway by blocking fire spread and maintaining cell integrity, enhancing safety and energy density while minimizing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first fireproof layer is arranged on the top of the cells and attached to top surfaces of the cells, so that the first fireproof layer plays a role of fireproof and heat insulation on the top of the cells
Implementation Method 2
the first fireproof layer plays a role of fireproof and heat insulation on the top of the cells, which can effectively prevent fire from spreading to regions other than the cell and delay spreading of the fire between the cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of cells and a first fireproof layer. The cells are arranged in sequence. The first fireproof layer is arranged on the cells. The first fireproof layer is attached to top surfaces of the cells. A battery pack includes at least two battery modules stacked vertically. The fireproof performance of the battery module and the battery pack is improved, and the reliability and safety of the battery module and the battery pack are improved.