Battery Module Venting Structure for Thermal Runaway Flame Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules with air-cooling structures face issues with high-temperature gas and flame leakage, leading to thermal runaway and potential explosions, as well as increased fire risk to adjacent modules.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring venting openings sealed by temperature-sensitive sheet members and blocking brackets that allow rapid discharge of high-temperature gas and prevent flame leakage, utilizing an internal cooling channel and mesh-shaped or square venting openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If venting openings are provided in the module case, then high-temperature gas can escape quickly, but flame may leak to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
A sheet member is mounted to seal the venting opening, which automatically melts and opens when temperature reaches a predetermined level. This flexible membrane structure allows gas to escape through the sealed opening under normal conditions, while the melting mechanism creates an automatic release pathway when thermal runaway occurs, preventing pressure buildup without allowing flame leakage under normal operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member acts as an intermediary between the venting opening and the external environment. It selectively permits gas passage through its temperature-dependent melting behavior, serving as a smart barrier that differentiates between normal operating conditions and thermal runaway scenarios, thereby controlling what escapes through the venting opening.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the module case is sealed to prevent flame leakage, then flame cannot escape to the outside, but high-temperature gas cannot be discharged quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member provides a sealed barrier under normal conditions to prevent flame leakage, while its temperature-sensitive melting property creates an automatic opening mechanism during thermal runaway. This transforms a static sealed structure into a dynamic smart barrier that adapts its permeability based on temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member's physical state changes from solid (sealed) to liquid/melted (open) when temperature reaches a predetermined threshold. This parameter change based on temperature allows the venting system to automatically switch between sealed and open states, enabling both flame prevention and gas discharge functions without compromising either safety requirement.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a blocking bracket is added to prevent flame leakage, then flame cannot leak to the outside, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member eliminates the need for complex blocking brackets by providing flame prevention through its sealed membrane structure. This flexible film approach is structurally simpler than rigid blocking mechanisms while achieving the same flame containment function, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the venting opening to prevent flame leakage, allows gas discharge through its melting mechanism, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, simplifying the overall module case structure.
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 discharges high-temperature gas and prevents flame leakage, mitigating the risk of explosions and fire spread within and outside the module.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet member mounted to each of both side surfaces of the module case to seal the venting opening provided at the same side surfaces of the module case and to melt over a predetermined temperature to open the venting opening
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module, which includes battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the battery cells and having an internal cooling channel provided at both sides of the plurality of battery cells; a venting opening provided at both side surfaces of the module case; a sheet member mounted to both side surfaces of the module case to cover the venting opening and melted over a predetermined temperature to open the venting opening; and a blocking bracket spaced apart from the sheet member by a predetermined distance and mounted to inner walls at both sides of the module case.