Battery Cell Gas Channel Layout for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell designs face issues with thermal runaway, where high-temperature gas or flame can burn the terminal post and cause secondary harm, and the small cross-sectional area of the through hole in the supporting plate leads to poor gas flow and explosion-proofing.
Innovation Solution
The battery cell design includes a housing with an explosion-proof hole on one side wall, supported by first and second bottom supports that form a gas channel, allowing smooth gas flow and preventing the electrode core from blocking the explosion-proof hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the terminal post and explosion-proof valve are arranged at the same end of the battery cell, then the structure is compact and simple, but the terminal post is vulnerable to burning and secondary harm during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the terminal post from the same end as the explosion-proof valve and relocates it to the opposite end of the battery cell. This spatial separation ensures that when thermal runaway occurs and the explosion-proof valve opens, the high-temperature gas and flame are directed away from the terminal post, preventing burning and secondary harm while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a through hole is provided on the supporting plate for gas flow, then communication between inner cavity and explosion-proof valve is enabled, but the small cross-sectional area causes poor gas flow and easy blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the gas flow path by providing multiple through holes on the supporting plate instead of a single hole. This increases the total cross-sectional area for gas flow, improves flow efficiency, and reduces the likelihood of complete blocking since only some holes may be obstructed. The segmented approach maintains reliable communication between the inner cavity and explosion-proof valve while significantly enhancing gas flow productivity.
3Volume of stationary object
If the electrode core is positioned close to the explosion-proof hole for compact design, then space is optimized, but the electrode core may block the explosion-proof hole during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a guide structure as an intermediary element between the electrode core and the explosion-proof hole. This guide structure directs the electrode core during insertion and positioning, ensuring it is accurately positioned away from the explosion-proof hole. The intermediary mechanism enables compact space utilization while guaranteeing that the explosion-proof hole remains unblocked and accessible during thermal runaway events.
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
This design effectively prevents the terminal post from being damaged during thermal runaway, ensures smooth gas flow for better explosion-proofing, and maintains the structural integrity of the battery cell.
Implementation Method 1
The first bottom support and the second bottom support are disposed in the inner cavity, spaced apart from each other, and define a first gas channel. The second side wall support the first bottom support and the second bottom support. The explosion-proof hole communicates with the inner cavity through the first gas channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell includes a housing having an inner cavity, a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to each other. The second side wall includes an explosion-proof hole. A first bottom support and a second bottom support are disposed in the inner cavity, support the electrode core, spaced apart from each other, and define a first gas channel. The second side wall support the first bottom support and the second bottom support. The explosion-proof hole communicates with the inner cavity through the first gas channel. A terminal post is disposed on a side wall of the housing other than the second side wall; An explosion-proof valve is mounted on the second side wall, and configured to cover the explosion-proof hole. An electrode core is disposed in the inner cavity, connected to the terminal post, and spaced apart from the explosion-proof hole.