Battery Cell Fluid Inlet Hatch for Thermal Runaway Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery systems face challenges with heat management, as deep discharging or improper recharging can lead to thermal runaway due to excessive heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design that incorporates a thermally responsive fluid inlet system, where each battery cell has a thermally responsive hatch that opens to allow fluid to flood the cell, effectively cooling the electrode stack and mitigating thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are deeply discharged or improperly recharged to maximize energy output, then productivity increases, but heat generation increases leading to thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-installing a thermally responsive hatch that automatically opens when temperature reaches a critical threshold. This preemptive safety mechanism counteracts the harmful heat buildup before thermal runaway can occur, allowing the battery to operate at high productivity levels without compromising safety. The hatch is positioned and configured in advance to rapidly release pressure and heat when needed.
2Reliability
If a thermally responsive fluid inlet system is added to each battery cell to prevent thermal runaway, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally responsive hatch system embodies self-service by automatically detecting temperature changes and opening/closing without external control. The hatch material itself responds to thermal conditions, eliminating the need for external sensors, controllers, or power sources. This self-activating mechanism improves safety while minimizing added complexity, as the safety function is integrated into the cell structure itself rather than requiring separate control systems.
3Reliability
If a thermally responsive hatch is installed in each battery cell wall, then thermal runaway prevention improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by designing the hatch to respond to temperature parameter changes rather than requiring precise mechanical positioning. The thermally responsive material undergoes physical or chemical changes at specific temperature thresholds, causing the hatch to open automatically. This approach shifts the control mechanism from mechanical precision to thermal parameter response, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable thermal runaway prevention.
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 thermally responsive fluid inlet system rapidly cools the battery cell, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway and ensuring safer and more efficient battery operation.
Implementation Method 1
activating the thermally responsive inlet includes degrading a thermally responsive adhesive bonding the thermally responsive hatch to a wall of the battery cell
Implementation Method 2
forcing the thermally responsive inlet closed includes applying pressure to the thermally responsive hatch with the high temperature, high pressure gases
Implementation Method 3
opening the thermally responsive inlet includes removing the pressure from the thermally responsive hatch. The method also includes flooding the battery cell with fluid passing through the thermally responsive inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a module housing including a plurality of walls defining an interior, an amount of fluid arranged in the interior, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the interior and at least partially immersed in the amount of fluid. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cell can having an interior portion defined by a first wall member, a second wall member arranged opposite the first wall member, a first side wall member, and a second side wall member extending between and connected with the first wall member and the second wall member. The second wall member including a vent. An electrode stack is arranged in the interior portion. The cell can includes a thermally responsive fluid inlet that selectively exposes the interior portion of the cell can to the amount of fluid contained in the interior of the module housing.