Battery Gas Containment Structure for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway due to manufacturing defects, leading to abnormal heat release, gas emission, and potential explosion, posing risks to safety and environment.
Innovation Solution
A non-sealed battery enclosure with a containment structure that includes a transfer channel assembly and a fan system to capture and isolate gases, using a battery containment structure that moves to seal the batteries upon detection of a thermal runaway event, utilizing activators like nitinol shape-memory alloy or intumescent materials to apply force for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a non-sealed battery enclosure is used, then heat dissipation and air circulation are improved, but harmful gases can escape into the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The battery containment structure is pre-positioned above the batteries in a non-sealed state during normal operation, allowing heat dissipation. Upon detection of thermal runaway conditions, the structure automatically moves downward to seal the batteries before harmful gases can escape into the atmosphere, thus preventing gas emission while maintaining effective heat dissipation during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The battery containment structure transitions from a static design to a dynamic one, capable of moving between an upper position (allowing air circulation and heat dissipation) and a lower position (sealing the batteries). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt its sealing state based on operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation and gas containment
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a sealed enclosure is used to contain gases, then harmful gas emission is prevented, but heat dissipation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery containment structure is designed to dynamically transition between sealed and non-sealed states. During normal operation, it remains in an upper non-sealed position that allows effective heat dissipation and air circulation. When thermal runaway is detected, it moves to a lower sealed position to contain harmful gases, thus achieving both effective heat dissipation and gas containment at different operational stages
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a battery containment structure that moves downward to seal batteries is implemented, then harmful gases are contained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery containment structure is equipped with activators (such as shape memory alloy or intumescent materials) that automatically activate upon detection of thermal runaway conditions. These self-service mechanisms trigger the downward movement and sealing action without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby achieving gas containment while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with materials-based mechanisms. Shape memory alloy activators use thermal stimuli to automatically trigger the sealing action, while intumescent materials expand under heat to initiate closure. This substitution of mechanical control with material-based responses simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining effective gas containment capability
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
Effectively reduces the risks associated with thermal runaway by isolating and capturing harmful gases, preventing cascading failures and protecting equipment and personnel from toxic emissions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing activators like nitinol shape-memory alloy or intumescent materials to apply force for sealing
Implementation Method 2
at least one fan configured to circulate the air in and out of the battery enclosure through the first perforated opening and the second perforated opening
Data Source
AI summary
A non-sealed apparatus for batteries with a containment structure for gasses that includes a battery enclosure with an upper portion and a lower portion. The apparatus further includes a plurality of batteries disposed in a lower portion of the battery enclosure. The apparatus has at least one battery containment structure disposed in an upper portion of the battery enclosure, which is configured to move downward thereby sealing the plurality of batteries upon a condition. Further, a transfer channel assembly is provided within the battery enclosure and configured to transfer and/or contain gases emitted by the plurality of batteries upon the condition. The apparatus also has at least one fan configured to circulate the air in and out of the battery enclosure through the first perforated opening and the second perforated opening.