Battery Module Housing With Flame-Gas Vent Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery modules are prone to successive explosions due to thermal runaway and heat generation during charging or discharging, which can lead to propagation of flames and gases, causing further explosions in adjacent modules.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a housing unit with a plate member that extends a flame or gas path, formed by a hollow polygonal column pattern, which includes opening portions to dissipate flames and gases, and an opening/closing plate portion that breaks or rotates to open an entrance, allowing for controlled discharge and preventing propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional solid housing structure is used to maintain structural rigidity, then strength is improved, but weight increases and flame/gas dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing uses a honeycomb structure with hexagonal cells that create a porous framework. This structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio while the interconnected cells form channels for flame and gas dissipation, simultaneously addressing structural requirements and safety requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The housing combines the honeycomb structural framework with flame-retardant coating material to create a composite structure. The honeycomb provides mechanical strength and lightweight properties, while the flame-retardant coating provides thermal protection and flame dissipation capability
2Reliability
If a solid housing structure is used to contain battery cells, then containment is improved, but flame and gas dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The honeycomb structure creates a porous framework where the hexagonal cells act as containment spaces for battery cells while the walls between cells and the external surface form channels that guide and dissipate flames and gases, converting the solid structure into a functional flow path system
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design converts the potentially harmful accumulation of flame and gas into a beneficial dissipation mechanism. The honeycomb structure's geometry naturally channels flames and gases through the hexagonal cells and along the external surface, directing harmful energy away from battery cells and toward safe discharge paths
3Reliability
If flame-retardant coating is applied to the housing, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame-retardant coating modifies the surface properties of the housing material by changing its chemical composition and thermal characteristics. This parameter change provides fire resistance while the coating can be applied through standard industrial processes, balancing performance improvement with manufacturing feasibility
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 design effectively dissipates flames and gases, preventing successive explosions and ensuring structural rigidity while reducing weight, thereby addressing the issue of thermal propagation and enhancing safety in shock and vibration environments.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode assembly generates heat during a charging or discharging process, and the generation of heat causes an increase in temperature, resulting in a deterioration in performance of the secondary battery cell
Implementation Method 2
The opening/closing plate portion may be formed to be broken by heat or pressure caused by an explosion of any one of the secondary battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a plurality of secondary battery cells; and a housing unit having an internal space in which the plurality of secondary battery cells are accommodated and including a plate member extending a flame or gas path.