Battery Module Venting Structure for Thermal Runaway Gas Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face inefficiencies in space usage and energy density due to elongated anti-exposure channels, which hinder effective discharge of gases and flames during thermal runaway situations, potentially leading to secondary ignitions and damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a venting structure with a duct member and filters that elongate the venting flow path within a limited space, allowing for efficient discharge of gases and flames while preventing external propagation, utilizing a cover assembly with inlets and outlets separated by a partition wall and incorporating different types of filters for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anti-exposure channel is elongated to prevent flame propagation, then safety is improved, but the overall length and size of the battery module increases, reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The venting flow path is configured to extend in multiple directions including vertical and lateral dimensions rather than solely horizontally. The duct member includes upwardly extending portions and the flow path utilizes the vertical space within the housing, allowing the effective flame protection length to be achieved without increasing the horizontal footprint of the battery module.
2Reliability
If the venting flow path is elongated to effectively discharge gases and flames, then thermal runaway protection is improved, but the space within the housing is insufficient, reducing energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The duct member is nested within the housing structure, utilizing the vertical space between the battery cells and the housing ceiling. The venting flow path is routed through the duct member which is positioned in the available vertical volume, effectively using the three-dimensional space within the housing without requiring additional horizontal or lateral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting flow path utilizes vertical and lateral dimensions within the housing by routing gas flow upward through the duct member and then laterally toward the outlet. This multi-directional path configuration achieves an effective elongated flow path without consuming additional horizontal space that would reduce battery cell packing density.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple filters are disposed perpendicular to the gas flow direction to effectively remove harmful substances, then purification efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is divided into multiple separate filter elements (first filter, second filter, third filter) that are disposed at different locations and orientations within the venting flow path. Each filter targets specific harmful substances or provides redundant filtration, and their segmented arrangement allows gas to pass through multiple filtration stages without requiring a single complex filter assembly.
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 enhances space efficiency and energy density by effectively processing high-temperature gases and flames, reducing the risk of secondary ignitions and maintaining module integrity during thermal runaway events.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of filters disposed in the venting flow path. The plurality of filters are disposed in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a duct member forming a venting flow path along which gas, generated in at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells, is flowable
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a housing having an internal space; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space; and a cover assembly coupled to at least one side of the housing. The cover assembly includes: a duct member forming a venting flow path along which gas, generated in at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells, is flowable; an end cover including one or more outlets connected to the venting flow path and facing the duct member in a first direction; and a plurality of filters disposed in the venting flow path. The plurality of filters are disposed in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction.