Battery Module Case with Integrated Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire detection and extinguishing methods for battery packs, particularly in electric vehicles, lack accuracy and often fail to prevent fires at the early stage, posing safety risks to vehicles and people.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design incorporating a fire retarding material or extinguishing agent within a module case that automatically discharges when the cell swells, eliminating the need for separate sensors and providing accurate and timely fire suppression without additional space or production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fire detection methods using temperature sensors and current/voltage sensors are employed, then fire detection capability is provided, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for early-stage fire diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional sensor-based detection system (temperature sensors, current/voltage sensors) with a mechanical detection system that utilizes the physical swelling of the battery case as a fire indicator. The module case is designed to detect cell swelling mechanically through deformable walls or protrusion detection, which occurs earlier than temperature-based detection and provides more reliable early-stage fire diagnosis without requiring additional sensors.
2Reliability
If separate fire extinguishers and sensors are added to the battery pack, then fire suppression capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fire detection function and fire suppression function into a single integrated system. The module case serves dual purposes: it is both the structural housing for the battery cells and the detection mechanism for cell swelling. The fire-retarding material is integrated directly into the module case structure, eliminating the need for separate fire extinguishers and sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fire suppression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The module case is designed with multi-functionality: it provides structural support for battery cells, serves as a detection mechanism for cell swelling through its deformable walls, and contains/integrates the fire-retarding material for fire suppression. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If additional sensors and fire extinguishing devices are installed outside the battery pack, then fire detection and suppression are enabled, but production costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (structural housing, fire detection, and fire suppression) into the existing module case structure. The fire-retarding material is integrated directly into the module case during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate fire extinguishing devices and sensors. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs while maintaining fire 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
Effectively prevents and suppresses fires at the early stage, enhancing safety by automatically discharging the fire retarding material or extinguishing agent directly to the source of ignition, reducing the risk of fire-related damage and accidents in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
when swelling of the cell occurs
Implementation Method 2
the cell swells and the walls of the module case are spread apart
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a battery pack and a control method using the same, the battery pack having improved safety so as to prevent fire or prevent fire from spreading even if ignited, thereby reducing the risks which can occur during ignition. The battery pack, according to the present invention, comprises: an electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode, and a separator; and a single cell or a plurality of cells having a pouch-shaped battery case for accommodating the electrode assembly, wherein the cell is accommodated and stacked by the module case, the module case comprises a fire suppression agent or a fire extinguishing agent at the inner or outer part thereof such that the fire suppression agent or the fire extinguishing agent is automatically discharged from the module case when cell swelling occurs.