Battery Pack Module Isolation for Thermal Propagation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-energy density battery packs used in vehicles face the risk of thermal propagation when some battery modules are damaged, posing a significant safety hazard.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design incorporating a battery module array with current blocking elements, sensors, and a battery management system that controls switch units to isolate abnormal modules, preventing thermal propagation by short-circuiting and electrically separating damaged modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the battery pack has higher energy density, then the power output and capacity are improved, but thermal propagation risk increases when battery modules are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each equipped with its own current blocking element. When thermal propagation is detected in one module, the battery management system activates the corresponding current blocking element to electrically isolate that module from the rest of the pack, preventing the spread of thermal runaway while maintaining the high energy density configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Current blocking elements serve as intermediary protective components between battery modules. These elements remain inactive during normal operation but activate as mediators to block abnormal current flow when thermal propagation occurs, thereby protecting the overall battery pack while allowing high power output during normal conditions
2Quantity of substance
If multiple battery modules are coupled in series to increase capacity, then the energy density is improved, but the complexity of the battery management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple series-connected modules, each with its own sensor unit and current blocking element. This modular segmentation allows the battery management system to monitor and control each module independently, simplifying the overall management architecture while achieving high capacity through series connection
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery module is equipped with its own sensor unit that autonomously monitors temperature and other parameters, and its own current blocking element that can independently activate when abnormal conditions are detected. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the central battery management system while maintaining comprehensive monitoring of the high-capacity configuration
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
Prevents large-scale explosions by transforming high-voltage states into low-voltage conditions, reducing thermal propagation and minimizing safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
a current blocking element coupled to the battery cell and opened when an overcurrent is applied
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit measuring state information of the battery cell and transmitting the measured information
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery pack, including a battery module array including a plurality of battery modules coupled in series and having first and second terminals, each of the plurality of battery modules including at least one battery cell, a current blocking element coupled to the battery cell and opened when an overcurrent is applied, and a sensor unit measuring state information of the battery cell and transmitting the measured information; a battery blocking unit including a first switch unit coupled to the first terminal in series, a second switch unit coupled to the second terminal in series, and a third switch unit coupled to the first and second terminals; and a battery management system turning on the third switch unit to open the current blocking element when the measured information exceeds a predetermined threshold value.