Battery Module Lead Isolation for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary battery modules are vulnerable to thermal runaway and subsequent fires or explosions when battery cells are densely packed, posing risks to adjacent cells and causing potential human and property damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a separation member with slots for electrode leads and an insulation block made of electrical insulating material to isolate and protect the leads, preventing the transfer of heat, flames, and foreign substances between cells, and including a bus bar assembly outside the separation member for electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are densely packed to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but thermal safety deteriorates and risk of thermal runaway propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module employs separation members that divide the module into multiple independent spaces, each accommodating battery cells. These separation members create physical barriers that segment the thermal environment, preventing thermal runaway propagation between cells while maintaining dense packing arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulation blocks are introduced as intermediary components between battery cells and separation members. These insulation blocks wrap around electrode leads and provide thermal insulation, acting as a mediator that reduces heat transfer between adjacent cells while allowing electrical connectivity through the separation members.
2Reliability
If separation members are added to isolate battery cells, then thermal safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal insulation between cells, guide and protect electrode leads, and maintain structural integrity of the battery module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation blocks are integrated with the separation members to form a combined thermal management structure. The insulation blocks are positioned between the separation members and battery cells, creating a unified system that simplifies assembly while enhancing thermal safety.
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 suppresses thermal runaway propagation and protects adjacent battery cells from heat, flames, and foreign substances, enhancing safety and preventing structural collapse within the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation block having an electrical insulating material and configured to surround an outer side of at least a part of the electrode lead inserted into the slot
Implementation Method 2
a separation member configured to divide a space between at least some of the plurality of battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module reinforces safety by reducing the influence on adjacent battery cells when a thermal event occurs. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads; a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells in an inner space; a separation member configured to divide a space between at least some of the plurality of battery cells and having a slot into which the electrode lead is inserted; and an insulation block having an electrical insulating material and configured to surround an outer side of at least a part of the electrode lead inserted into the slot.