Battery Module End Plate Sealing Against Thermal Runaway Spread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face issues with continuous thermal runaway phenomena due to heat, gas, or flame discharge from one battery cell affecting adjacent cells, leading to potential ignition and damage to busbars and adjacent modules.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design with an end plate featuring openings sealed by a flame retardant sealing member, which prevents the propagation of thermal runaway by sealing gaps around busbars and module connectors, using materials like silicone or polyurethane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the end plate is formed with openings to allow access to busbars and connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal runaway can propagate to adjacent modules
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the opening in the end plate and the busbar/connector. This sealing member allows electrical connection while preventing the passage of flames and gases, thus mediating between the need for accessibility and the need for thermal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is positioned specifically at the opening where electrical components need to access the external environment. This localized sealing approach maintains ease of operation for electrical connections while providing thermal protection precisely where the vulnerability exists.
2Productivity
If battery cells are arranged in a compact stack to increase energy density, then productivity is improved, but heat discharge from one cell can ignite adjacent cells
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is segmented into multiple battery cells that are electrically connected but physically isolated from each other. The sealing members create thermal barriers between adjacent cells, allowing high energy density through compact arrangement while preventing thermal runaway propagation through segmentation of the thermal pathways.
3Reliability
If the module structure is sealed to prevent thermal runaway, then reliability is improved, but access to electrical components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member serves as an intermediary that reconciles the conflicting requirements of sealing and accessibility. It maintains the sealed structure for reliability while providing a controlled passage for electrical components, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
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
Prevents the spread of thermal runaway from one battery module to adjacent modules by sealing gaps, enhancing durability and safety through effective containment of discharge gases and flames.
Implementation Method 1
an end plate that couples to the module frame and covers the busbar frame, wherein the end plate is formed with at least one opening, wherein a part of the inner member of the battery module is exposed to the outside through the opening, and wherein a gap between the inner member and the opening is sealed with a sealing member
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, a busbar frame that covers the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell stack, and an end plate that couples to the module frame and covers the busbar frame, wherein the end plate is formed with at least one opening, wherein a part of the inner member of the battery module is exposed to the outside through the opening, and wherein a gap between the inner member and the opening is sealed with a sealing member.