Battery Module Flame Venting With Compact Meandering Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face issues with external flame exposure and secondary ignition due to insufficient flame path length and increased volume caused by duct structures, which compromise safety and structural rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a housing with a flow path forming compartment and a flame blocking member, where the flow path length exceeds the linear distance between the inlet and outlet, and a flame blocking member, such as porous metal foam or metal mesh, is installed to inhibit flame exposure, with a configuration that reduces overall volume and enhances structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flow path space is formed on the sidewall of the housing, then flame exposure to the outside is reduced, but the flow path length is insufficient and the volume of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path forming compartment is disposed to overlap with the cell stack in a planar view, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than extending along the sidewall. This dimensional repositioning allows the flow path to achieve sufficient length within the existing module volume, preventing flame exposure without increasing the overall battery module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path forming compartment is nested within the housing structure, utilizing the space between the housing and the cell stack. This nesting approach integrates the flame prevention function into the existing structural envelope, avoiding additional volume increase while maintaining effective flow path length.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a duct structure having a flow path is formed on the sidewall, then flame exposure is reduced, but the volume of the battery module increases due to the duct structure
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path forming compartment is merged with the existing housing structure, sharing the same structural envelope and space. By combining the flame prevention function with the existing housing design rather than adding a separate duct structure, the overall volume of the battery module is maintained while achieving effective flame exposure prevention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow path length is extended, then flame exposure prevention is improved, but the linear distance between inlet and outlet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path within the flow path forming compartment follows a curved or meandering configuration rather than a straight line. This curved path arrangement extends the actual flow path length between inlet and outlet, providing sufficient flame cooling distance while maintaining a compact linear footprint within the battery module.
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 solution effectively prevents external flame exposure, reduces the risk of secondary ignition, and minimizes the overall volume of the battery module while improving structural rigidity, ensuring safer and more compact battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path forming member forming a flow path between the inlet and the outlet such that at least one of a gas and flames generated in the accommodating space flows
Implementation Method 2
a flame blocking member installed in the flow path forming compartment and inhibiting the gas or flames generated in the accommodation space from being exposed to the outside through the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A battery module having a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a housing having an accommodation space in which the cell stack is accommodated, wherein the accommodation space comprises an open end; a flow path forming compartment covering the open end and comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path forming member ; and a flame blocking member installed in the flow path forming compartment, wherein a first area of a first side opposite to the cell stack among sides of the flow path forming compartment has a value greater than a second area second side opposite to the cell stack among sides of each of the sidewalls.