Flame-Retardant Battery Module Venting for Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules fail to effectively suppress the propagation of flames or heat generated by battery cells, which can lead to reduced battery life, efficiency degradation, and potential ignition or explosion.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a flame retardant cover and member, with gas outlets and heat dissipating components to manage and discharge heat and gas externally, using materials like mica, stainless steel, and thermally conductive adhesives to isolate and protect adjacent cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If battery cells are arranged in a single space without isolation, then the battery module structure is simple, but flames readily propagate from one cell to others
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module divides the single space into multiple isolated compartments using flame-retardant partitions and covers. Each battery cell or group of cells is separated by these partitions made of flame-retardant materials, creating individual fire zones that prevent flame propagation between cells while maintaining a relatively simple overall module structure.
2Reliability
If flame retardant covers and members are added to encase battery cells, then flame propagation is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flame-retardant covers and members are selectively applied only to specific areas where flame propagation risk exists, such as between adjacent cells or at critical interfaces. This localized approach provides effective fire protection while minimizing the overall structural complexity and material usage compared to fully enclosing the entire module.
3Temperature
If heat dissipating members are coupled to cell groups, then heat is externally dissipated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame-retardant partitions and covers serve dual functions: they act as fire barriers to prevent flame propagation and simultaneously serve as thermal management structures for heat dissipation. By integrating these multiple functions into single structural elements, the design reduces overall device complexity while achieving both fire safety and thermal management goals.
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
Effectively prevents flame and heat propagation between battery cells, maintaining module integrity and safety by rapidly discharging gases and dissipating heat, thereby enhancing safety and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipating member coupled to one side of the at least one cell group to externally dissipate heat generated in the at least one cell group
Implementation Method 2
a flame retardant cover coupled to the battery cell stack to encase both side surfaces and an upper portion of the battery cell stack
Implementation Method 3
a flame retardant member disposed between an upper surface of the battery cell stack and the flame retardant cover and formed of a porous material
Implementation Method 4
at least one gas outlet may be provided on the upper surface portion of the flame retardant cover
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes at least one cell group, and a heat dissipating member coupled to one side of the at least one cell group to externally dissipate heat generated in the at least one cell group, wherein the at least one cell group includes at least one battery cell stack, a flame retardant cover coupled to the battery cell stack to encase both side surfaces and an upper portion of the battery cell stack, and a flame retardant member disposed between an upper surface of the battery cell stack and the flame retardant cover and formed of a porous material.