Battery Module Thermal Runaway Detection via Gas Channel Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-based batteries face challenges with thermal runaway, particularly in large energy storage devices, where individual cells cannot be easily enlarged, leading to risks of overheating and gas production, which can cause neighboring cells to also experience thermal runaway, and existing solutions fail to effectively detect and manage this issue.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a housing with accumulators arranged in a specific configuration, including bursting membranes and gas channels, and strategically placed temperature sensors to detect thermal runaway, allowing for the direction and dissipation of gases, and the use of redundant sensors for accurate detection and location identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are completely sealed to prevent environmental contact, then protection from environment is improved, but pressure release capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture diaphragm is pre-installed in the battery structure to provide a predetermined failure path. When internal pressure exceeds a threshold during thermal runaway, the diaphragm bursts to release pressure safely, preventing complete seal failure while maintaining normal operational sealing
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed close to accumulators for early detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but false detection from direct gas contact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The gas channel serves as an intermediary structure between the accumulator and the temperature sensor. It directs thermal runaway gases toward the sensor in a controlled manner, allowing the sensor to detect temperature increases from actual thermal events while filtering out direct contact with explosive gases that would cause false readings
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed to detect thermal runaway, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor serves multiple functions: detecting thermal runaway events, determining their location through temperature gradients, and providing data for both immediate alarm and preventive monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each detection task
4Quantity of substance
If accumulators are arranged in large modules for energy density, then energy storage capacity is improved, but thermal runaway propagation risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful thermal runaway gases and heat are extracted from the vicinity of neighboring accumulators by directing them through dedicated gas channels. This isolation prevents the thermal event from affecting adjacent cells while maintaining the high-density modular arrangement
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 solution effectively detects thermal runaway incidents, prevents further accumulator failures by directing gases away, and allows for early detection of potential malfunctions, enhancing safety in critical environments by isolating affected cells and preventing cascading failures.
Implementation Method 1
these batteries are particularly susceptible to thermal runaway, especially if they overheat during charging or discharging, triggering chemical reactions that can lead to significant gas emissions
Implementation Method 2
If a single battery experiences thermal runaway, pressure builds up inside the battery, causing the rupture diaphragm to burst
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery module (10).