Battery Module Heat-Absorbing Member for Early Thermal Runaway Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal runaway prevention methods in battery modules are insufficient in effectively suppressing rapid heat generation during initial abnormalities, leading to potential thermal runaway and fires, as they do not adequately maintain temperatures below 300°C.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a heat absorbing member composed of a silicone matrix and small particle size aluminum hydroxide (≤5 μm) dispersed at 20 vol % or more, which enhances thermal conductivity and extends heat absorption duration at temperatures up to 300°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermal runaway prevention sheet containing mineral powder and flame retardant is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the ability to suppress rapid heat generation in the initial stage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of aluminum hydroxide to 5 μm or less, which fundamentally alters the heat absorption characteristics. This fine particle size enables the material to respond rapidly to initial heat generation while maintaining thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and rapid heat suppression capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite heat absorbing member combining silicone rubber base material with fine aluminum hydroxide particles. This composite structure integrates the thermal insulation properties of silicone with the rapid heat absorption capacity of fine aluminum hydroxide, achieving both improved thermal insulation and enhanced ability to suppress rapid heat generation
2Loss of energy
If thermal insulation materials are used to prevent heat transfer, then heat transfer to neighboring cells is reduced, but the duration of heat absorption at 300°C or less is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of aluminum hydroxide at temperatures of 300°C or less, where it undergoes decomposition and absorbs heat through this phase change process. This enables prolonged heat absorption duration at the critical temperature range, preventing thermal runaway while maintaining thermal insulation
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 absorbs generated heat at 300°C or less for an extended period, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway and enhancing safety by maintaining temperatures within a safe range.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal runaway prevention sheet containing at least one of mineral powder and flame retardant, which initiates an endothermic reaction at 100 to 1000° C. to cause a specific structural change
Implementation Method 2
the heat absorbing member has a thermal conductivity of 0.8 W/mK or more
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery module comprising a case, a plurality of cells arranged in the case, and a heat absorbing member disposed at least either between the case and the cell or between the plurality of cells, wherein the heat absorbing member comprises a silicone matrix and a small particle size aluminum hydroxide having a particle size of 5 μm or less dispersed in the silicone matrix, wherein a content of the small particle size aluminum hydroxide is 20 vol % or more. According to the present investigation, a battery module capable of absorbing a generated heat at 300° C. or less for a long period of time can be provided.