Battery Module Gas Venting and Cooling Path Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In battery modules with pouch-type secondary batteries, gases generated can flow into the cooling flow path and duct, posing risks to users, especially in vehicles, due to the lack of effective separation between the gas venting path and the cooling flow path.

Innovation Solution

The battery module design includes a cooling flow path physically separated from the secondary battery space, with convex and concave portions on the frames that couple to block gas leaks and increase internal pressure to prevent gas from entering the cooling flow path, ensuring gases are vented through a separate path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooling fin is interposed between secondary batteries to cool them, then the temperature control is improved, but gas generated from secondary batteries can flow into the cooling flow path and duct

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature of secondary batteriesVSAvoidgas flow into cooling flow path
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple portions including a first portion, second portion, third portion, and fourth portion that collectively form a sealed structure. The cooling fin is integrated with specific frame portions to create distinct functional zones: one for cooling and another for gas venting, thereby preventing gas contamination of the cooling system while maintaining effective temperature control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If frames are used to protect secondary batteries and facilitate stacking, then mechanical protection and stacking ease are improved, but gas venting path is not separated from cooling flow path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical protection of secondary batteriesVSAvoidseparation of gas venting path and cooling flow path
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for secondary batteries, enables easy stacking through standardized portions, facilitates cooling by integrating the cooling fin, and separates gas venting from the cooling flow path. The first, second, third, and fourth portions of the frame work together to achieve these diverse functions within a single integrated structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling fin is nested within the frame structure, specifically integrated with the first and second portions. The gas venting path is formed by the configuration of frame portions surrounding the secondary battery, creating a nested arrangement where the cooling system and venting system are both contained within the protective frame structure but remain functionally separated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design effectively prevents harmful gases from secondary batteries from entering the cooling flow path and duct, enhancing safety by isolating the venting and cooling paths, thereby reducing the risk of gas discharge into the environment.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling flow path in which a cooling gas for exchanging heat with a secondary battery is physically separated from a space where the secondary battery is accommodated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical separation:

Implementation Method 2

a cooling flow path in which a cooling gas for exchanging heat with a secondary battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

an air-cooling method for allowing an external air to flow around the cooling plate and thus lowering a temperature of secondary batteries by exchanging heat between the cooling plate and the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

convex and concave portions on the frames that couple to block gas leaks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3133668B1Battery module and battery pack including same
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3133668B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3133668B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3133668B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a battery module capable of preventing a gas generated from a secondary battery from flowing into a cooling flow path or a duct connected thereto. The battery module includes a plurality of pouch-type secondary batteries; a first frame having an upper cooling plate and a lower cooling plate disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a vertical direction to form a cooling flow path in a space therebetween and configured to accommodate the pouch-type secondary battery in at least one of an upper portion of the upper cooling plate and a lower portion of the lower cooling plate; and a second frame having an upper cooling plate and a lower cooling plate to accommodate the pouch-type secondary battery in a way identical to the first frame, the second frame being stacked on the first frame to form a venting flow path in a space between the first frame and the second frame.