Battery Module Flame Blocking Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in preventing external exposure of flames and successive ignition of battery cells due to inadequate fire containment and gas discharge mechanisms, leading to potential large-scale fires in vehicles or energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a cell assembly with a module housing, a cover plate having discharge holes, and a blocking member to prevent external flame exposure and successive ignition, along with a battery pack that includes a venting unit and flow guide member for stable gas discharge and flame blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling channels are extended externally to cool battery cells, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but flame containment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls, with each compartment containing one or more battery cells. This segmentation isolates potential flames within individual compartments while maintaining external cooling channels for temperature control, thereby resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and flame containment.
Solution Approach 2:
Fire-retardant coatings or flame-blocking materials are applied to the internal surfaces of the module housing and partition walls. These intermediary layers act as barriers that prevent flame propagation while allowing the cooling system to function externally, thus maintaining both cooling effectiveness and flame containment.
2Productivity
If battery cells are arranged closely to increase energy density, then productivity is improved, but flame spread risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Partition walls are strategically positioned between closely arranged battery cells to create fire compartments. This segmentation allows maximum spatial utilization for high energy density while preventing flame spread between adjacent cells, as the partition walls act as fire barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls and housing materials exhibit different thermal and flame-resistant properties at different locations. Fire-retardant materials are applied specifically at critical interfaces between battery cells, allowing close arrangement for productivity while providing localized flame protection where needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If module housing is made robust to contain fire, then flame containment is improved, but gas discharge capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module housing incorporates designated vent ports or discharge openings in the partition walls and housing structure. These segmented openings allow controlled gas discharge from specific compartments while the overall robust housing structure maintains flame containment capability, resolving the contradiction between containment and discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
Fire-retardant coatings or flame-blocking materials are applied to the internal surfaces of the module housing and partition walls. These intermediary layers act as barriers that prevent flame propagation while allowing the cooling system to function externally, thus maintaining both cooling effectiveness and flame containment.
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 design effectively delays or minimizes external flame exposure and prevents successive ignition of battery cells by blocking flame and high-temperature heat transfer, while ensuring stable gas discharge, thereby reducing the risk of module damage or explosion.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking member disposed between the top surface of the cell assembly and the cover plate to block a flame or a combustion material from being discharged externally of the module housing through the discharge hole
Implementation Method 2
The cover plate may have at least one discharge hole for discharging gas generated in the cell assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A battery module (100) includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, and a module housing (110) having an arrangement space for accommodating the cell assembly and a cover plate (115) covering a top surface of the cell assembly. The cover plate has at least one discharge hole (116) for discharging gas generated in the cell assembly. A blocking member (160) is disposed between the top surface of the cell assembly and the cover plate to block flame or a combustion material from being discharged externally of the module housing through the discharge hole. A battery pack (200) comprising the battery module (100) may include a pack case (210) comprising a cover case (215), a bottom case (211) and a venting unit (240).