Battery Heat Absorber Venting for Thermal Runaway Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face safety issues due to thermal runaway, which conventional insulators fail to prevent effectively, leading to reduced energy density and potential fires.
Innovation Solution
A heat absorber system comprising an absorbent material and an exterior structure that accommodates a cooling liquid, with a venting mechanism to discharge vaporized liquid, is integrated into the battery module to absorb and dissipate heat, and includes a fire extinguishing additive to minimize fire risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick insulator is disposed between battery cells to delay heat propagation, then thermal safety is improved, but energy density is reduced due to increased volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal property parameter from insulation (heat resistance) to heat absorption (heat capacity). The heat absorber uses materials with high heat capacity to absorb excess heat from thermal runaway, transforming the approach from preventing heat transfer to actively managing heat energy, thereby achieving thermal safety without requiring thick insulator layers that would reduce energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat energy from thermal runaway into a beneficial cooling effect. The heat absorber materials absorb the excessive heat generated during battery failure, utilizing the heat energy itself to drive the absorption process and prevent fire propagation, thereby turning the harmful thermal runaway into a self-limiting process that protects surrounding cells
2Reliability
If a heat insulator is used to delay heat propagation, then thermal runaway spread is slowed, but fire prevention capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition materials that undergo solid-liquid or solid-gas transitions at specific temperatures. When thermal runaway occurs, these materials absorb large amounts of heat during phase change, effectively cooling the battery cells and preventing fire. The phase transition process provides active fire suppression rather than merely delaying heat propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite heat absorber materials combining multiple functional components: high heat capacity materials for heat absorption, phase change materials for active cooling, and fire-retardant additives for fire suppression. This composite approach provides comprehensive protection against both thermal runaway spread and fire, overcoming the limitations of simple insulator materials
3Reliability
If cooling liquid is absorbed by super absorbent polymer to increase heat absorption capacity, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs super absorbent polymer materials that automatically absorb and retain cooling liquid through capillary action and polymer swelling when thermal runaway occurs. The material self-activates upon contact with heat, requiring no external control systems, sensors, or power sources, thereby increasing heat absorption capacity while maintaining simple passive device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses porous super absorbent polymer structures with high surface area and interconnected pores that rapidly absorb cooling liquid through capillary forces. The porous structure provides large heat absorption capacity while maintaining a simple, lightweight form factor without complex mechanical components
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 heat absorber effectively dissipates heat and extinguishes fires by vaporizing and discharging the cooling liquid, maintaining energy density and preventing thermal runaway, thus enhancing safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent configured to absorb a cooling liquid
Implementation Method 2
the cooling liquid may be water in which an adhesive is mixed
Implementation Method 3
a venting part configured to discharge a vaporized cooling liquid when the cooling liquid is vaporized
Implementation Method 4
when the cooling liquid is vaporized to increase in internal pressure of the exterior
Implementation Method 5
A heat absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention may absorb heat generated in a battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
A heat absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention may absorb heat generated in a battery cell. The heat absorber may include: an absorbent configured to absorb a cooling liquid; and an exterior in which the absorbent is accommodated in a state of absorbing the cooling liquid.