Battery Module Fire Extinguisher Layout for Thermal Runaway Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery modules suffer from thermal runaway that spreads across multiple cells, causing widespread damage.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design incorporating a fire extinguisher within a module case, connected to a fire extinguishing tank, with an insulation cover and injection mechanism to directly inject fire extinguishing agent into the case upon thermal runaway, and a glass bulb that breaks at high temperatures to initiate agent injection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional battery module design is used without fire suppression components, then the device complexity is low, but thermal runaway spreads across multiple cells causing widespread damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal runaway blocking capabilityVSAvoidmodule structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fire extinguisher is disposed at least partially inside the module case, nested within the existing battery module structure. The insulation cover is mounted to the rear surface of the module case and covers the fire extinguisher, creating a nested arrangement where components are integrated into each other's space rather than adding external attachments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The module case serves multiple functions: it accommodates battery cells, contains the fire extinguisher, and provides structural support. The insulation cover both insulates the fire extinguisher and structurally mounts to the module case rear surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fire extinguisher is added inside the module case, then thermal runaway can be blocked, but the volume available for battery cells is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression capabilityVSAvoidbattery cell accommodation volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fire extinguisher is disposed at least partially inside the module case rather than mounting it externally on the sides or top. This utilizes the internal vertical space and depth of the module case, transitioning from a lateral arrangement to a depth-based arrangement that better utilizes available three-dimensional space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the fire extinguisher is fully enclosed by the insulation cover, then insulation and protection are improved, but heat dissipation may be hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation protectionVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation cover is configured to at least partially cover the fire extinguisher rather than fully enclosing it. This partial coverage approach provides insulation protection where needed while maintaining thermal pathways through the open portions, balancing protection with heat management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Quickly extinguishes thermal runaway and fire within the module, preventing further damage to adjacent cells by direct agent injection and insulation, thus preventing secondary explosions.

Implementation Method 1

a glass bulb provided to the nozzle body and configured to cover the injection hole, the glass bulb being separated from the injection hole or at least partially broken to open the injection hole when the inside of the module case is exposed to an internal gas above a predetermined temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion and fracture: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

an insulation cover configured to at least partially cover the fire extinguisher and disposed at least partially inside the module case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

configured to be connected to a fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent to inject the fire extinguishing agent directly into the module case when a thermal runaway or fire occurs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption and chemical inhibition: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12469906B2Battery module comprising a fire extinguisher, battery rack comprising same, and power storage device

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A battery module includes at least one battery cell, a module case configured to accommodate the at least one battery cell, a fire extinguisher disposed at least partially inside the module case and connected to a fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent to inject the fire extinguishing agent directly into the module case when a thermal runaway or fire occurs in the at least one battery cell and an insulation cover configured to cover the fire extinguisher at least partially and disposed at least partially inside the module case.