Battery Module Venting Structure for Heat and Gas Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage systems face issues with heat generation and gas venting during battery cell operation, leading to potential damage to functional cells due to hot gases released by failed cells, which can compromise the integrity of the entire pack.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage system incorporates a module housing with battery cells positioned in a way that includes interstitial materials or sleeves for thermal and electrical insulation, and a top plate with weak areas designed to direct and manage gas discharge from failed cells, combined with cooling mechanisms like heat pipes and cold plates to manage heat and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are positioned closely together in the module housing, then the energy storage system achieves higher energy density, but heat generation and gas release from failed cells can damage adjacent functional cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces interstitial materials positioned between adjacent battery cells as intermediary elements. These materials serve as thermal and electrical insulators that block the transmission of harmful heat and gases from failed cells to functional cells, while allowing the cells to maintain close proximity for high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the module housing into discrete cell positions with individual isolation barriers. Each battery cell is segmented from its neighbors by positioning structures and interstitial materials, creating isolated compartments that prevent cross-contamination of heat and gases while maintaining compact arrangement.
2Reliability
If a top plate is added to seal and protect the battery cells, then the structural integrity and safety are improved, but the top plate may be damaged by gas pressure from failed cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized weak areas in the top plate positioned directly above each battery cell. These regions have reduced thickness or structural strength compared to the surrounding plate, allowing them to rupture preferentially when gas pressure builds up from a failed cell, thereby protecting the overall structural integrity of the top plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful gas pressure from failed cells into a beneficial protective mechanism. By designing weak areas that rupture under pressure, the system allows controlled failure points that redirect gases away from functional cells and prevent catastrophic failure of the entire top plate structure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If weak areas are created in the top plate to manage gas discharge, then gas venting capability is improved, but the top plate structure becomes less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized weak areas in the top plate positioned directly above each battery cell. These regions have reduced thickness or structural strength compared to the surrounding plate, allowing them to rupture preferentially when gas pressure builds up from a failed cell, thereby protecting the overall structural integrity of the top plate.
4Temperature
If cooling mechanisms like heat pipes and cold plates are added, then temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into integrated components. Heat pipes are integrated directly with the top plate structure, and cold plates are positioned to work in conjunction with existing cell positioning structures, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall cooling system.
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
This configuration effectively isolates battery cells thermally and electrically, directs harmful gases away from functional cells, and maintains temperature control, thereby reducing the risk of cell failure and enhancing the overall reliability and safety of the energy storage system.
Implementation Method 1
heat pipes and cold plates to manage heat
Implementation Method 2
heat pipes and cold plates to manage heat
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An energy storage system includes a module housing and multiple battery cells positioned inside the module housing. Each of the battery cells has a first end and a second end. Further, each of the battery cells has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The energy storage system includes a first interconnect and a second interconnect positioned over the battery cells. Multiple first cell connectors connect the positive terminals of the battery cells to the first interconnect. Multiple second cell connectors connect the negative terminals of the battery cells to the second interconnect. A top plate having an interior side and an exterior side is positioned over the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The top plate includes one or more weak areas positioned above one or more battery cell.