Battery Module Gas Cutoff Structure for Flame Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules lack a structure to prevent the spread of flames and air movement between adjacent battery cell module assemblies, leading to the enlargement of fires and continuous burning.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design with independent housings for each battery cell module assembly, incorporating a duct system with a gas cutoff structure that includes a cutoff membrane to block flame and air flow between assemblies, using a melting or elastic mechanism to close off the duct when heat is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If battery cell module assemblies are disposed to communicate with each other without being individually divided, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but flames and heat can spread to adjacent assemblies when fire breaks out
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple independent battery cell module assemblies, each with its own housing that acts as a fire containment barrier. The gas cutoff structure further segments the communication path between assemblies, allowing normal operation with simplified structure while preventing fire spread through automatic isolation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cutoff structure serves as an intermediary element between adjacent battery cell module assemblies. It normally allows communication and heat dissipation but automatically activates to block flame and gas passage when fire is detected, thus mediating between the need for structural simplicity and fire safety.
2Temperature
If a battery pack has an open structure with ducts for heat dissipation, then cooling efficiency is improved, but air including oxygen can be continuously supplied into the battery pack from outside, allowing fire to continue
Solution Approach 1:
The gas cutoff structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it transitions from an open state that allows air flow and heat dissipation to a closed state that blocks fire spread. The cutoff membrane can rotate or deform in response to heat or pressure changes, dynamically adjusting the duct's permeability based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cutoff structure utilizes phase transitions of materials (such as melting of low-melting-point alloys or thermal decomposition of polymers) to trigger the closing action. When exposed to fire-induced heat, these materials undergo phase changes that automatically seal the duct, cutting off oxygen supply while maintaining effective cooling during normal operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a gas cutoff structure is disposed in the duct to prevent flame spread, then fire safety is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gas cutoff structure is designed to be self-activating without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. It automatically responds to fire conditions through physical mechanisms such as thermal expansion, melting, or pressure-driven movement, thereby providing fire safety functionality while minimizing structural complexity and manufacturing complexity.
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
Prevents the spread of flames and air between adjacent assemblies, effectively cooling the module and allowing for reuse by replacing the affected assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a gas cutoff structure disposed in the duct such that, in the case in which fire breaks out in a specific cell module assembly, flames are prevented from spreading to battery cell module assemblies adjacent thereto
Implementation Method 2
using a melting or elastic mechanism to close off the duct when heat is detected
Implementation Method 3
using a melting or elastic mechanism to close off the duct when heat is detected
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery module configured to have a structure capable of preventing spread of flames when fire breaks out in the battery module, and more particularly to a battery module including a plurality of battery cell module assemblies, each of the battery cell module assemblies including battery cells arranged in tight contact with each other, a side plate electrically connected to electrode leads of the battery cell module assemblies, a duct disposed outside the side plate, and a gas cutoff structure disposed in the duct, wherein the plurality of battery cell module assemblies is disposed so as to have a space therebetween.