Battery Module Flame Retardant Release Through Cooling Manifolds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems for battery modules fail to efficiently distribute a flame retardant when the cells are cooled by a heat transfer medium, leading to uneven application and potential ignition risks due to uncontrolled temperature increases.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that integrates a flame retardant reservoir connected to a heat transfer medium manifold, using a meltable seal or electronically controlled valve to release the flame retardant when critical temperatures are reached, ensuring even distribution and controlled application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the flame retardant is supplied through a single opening, then the system structure is simple, but the distribution of flame retardant is uneven and rapid cooling is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The single opening supply system is segmented into multiple openings distributed across the battery module. Each opening supplies flame retardant to specific regions, ensuring uniform distribution. This segmentation transforms the simple but ineffective single-point supply into a distributed network that maintains structural simplicity while achieving even coverage across all battery cells.
2Speed
If the flame retardant reservoir is connected directly to the battery module, then the response time is fast, but the distribution efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is introduced as an intermediary system that serves dual purposes: normal cooling operation and flame retardant distribution. During emergencies, the same circuit pathways that circulate coolant are utilized to distribute flame retardant throughout the battery module. This intermediary approach maintains fast response time by using existing pathways while achieving high distribution efficiency through the distributed network of cooling channels.
3Ease of operation
If a control unit and temperature sensor are used, then the flame retardant application is controlled, but the system reliability decreases due to potential component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs temperature-sensitive materials that automatically respond to thermal conditions without requiring external control units or sensors. When critical temperature is reached, the materials inherently trigger flame retardant release through physical or chemical changes. This self-service mechanism eliminates single points of failure associated with electronic controls while maintaining controlled, temperature-responsive operation.
4Speed
If the flame retardant is pushed into the battery module at once, then the cooling effect is rapid, but the pressure increase may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flame retardant supply operates through periodic action via the distributed openings rather than a single instantaneous release. The flame retardant is supplied continuously or in controlled intervals through multiple distributed openings, achieving rapid overall cooling effect while distributing pressure increases across the structure. This prevents localized pressure spikes that could damage components while maintaining fast cooling response.
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
Ensures efficient and controlled distribution of the flame retardant, effectively preventing ignition by adapting to temperature changes and maintaining even cooling across the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
A safety system that integrates a flame retardant reservoir connected to a heat transfer medium manifold, using a meltable seal or electronically controlled valve to release the flame retardant when critical temperatures are reached
Implementation Method 2
The manifold of the heat transfer medium acts as a heat exchanger of the battery module through which the heat transfer medium circulates and cools the battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system of a battery module comprises a reservoir of a flame retardant for storing the flame retardant connected to the battery module, with a set of at least three battery cells arranged such as to form a space between them for the flowing of the heat transfer medium, and a cooling circuit. The method of operation of the safety system lies in the fact that when the first critical temperature is reached, the access of the flame retardant to the manifold of the heat transfer medium, through which the flame retardant is discharged through the mouths for the outflow of the heat transfer medium into the space for the flowing of the heat transfer medium between the battery cells is open.