Battery Module Cooling Gas Valve Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules fail to reliably prevent the backflow of toxic and flammable exhaust gases from abnormal operation conditions, such as thermal runaway, into the passenger compartment during cooling, as their cooling gas flow systems are not directly sensitive to such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design where the battery case bulges during abnormal operation, deforming a side wall that activates a cooling gas valve to close, preventing exhaust gases from entering the cooling gas inlet and thus preventing backflow into the passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used to cool battery cells, then heat dissipation is achieved, but exhaust gases from abnormal operation may mix with cooling air and enter the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The battery case is designed to bulge in advance during abnormal operation conditions, which triggers the deformation of the cooling gas inlet side wall and closes the cooling gas valve before exhaust gases can significantly mix with and enter the passenger compartment through the cooling inlet
Solution Approach 2:
The deformed side wall of the cooling gas inlet acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the bulging of the battery case into the closing action of the cooling gas valve, preventing direct communication between the battery compartment and passenger compartment when abnormal conditions occur
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a covering member is opened by cooling air flow pressure to prevent exhaust gas intrusion, then exhaust gas blocking is achieved, but the system is not directly sensitive to abnormal operation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The battery case bulging serves as direct feedback from abnormal operation conditions, which automatically triggers the deformation of the cooling gas inlet side wall and closure of the cooling gas valve, creating a reliable responsive system that directly senses and reacts to abnormal battery cell conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the abnormal operation itself (battery case bulging) to activate the protective mechanism (cooling gas valve closure), making the system self-protecting without requiring external sensing or control systems
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 solution effectively seals the cooling gas inlet during abnormal conditions, preventing the entry of harmful gases into the passenger compartment and ensuring safe operation by directly responding to the abnormal operation of a battery cell.
Implementation Method 1
the battery case is configured to bulge before gas is exhausted through the gas exhaust vent when the battery cell is in an abnormal operation condition
Implementation Method 2
a first side wall of the cooling gas inlet is configured to be deformed in response to a bulged battery case
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a plurality of aligned battery cells; a cooling gas inlet for supplying cooling gas to the battery cells; and a cooling gas valve in the cooling gas inlet. Each of the battery cells includes a battery case configured to bulge in response to a second pressure in the battery case, an electrode assembly in the battery case, a cap assembly on the battery case, and a gas exhaust vent configured to rupture in response to a first pressure in the battery case that is higher than the second pressure. The cooling gas inlet is defined by first and second side walls. The first side wall is configured to deform in response to a bulged battery case, and the cooling gas valve is configured to change from an open position into a closed position due to the deformation of the first side wall.