Battery Module Barrier Structure for Thermal Propagation Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face issues with thermal runaway due to heat conduction and convection between cells, leading to local damage, deformation of barrier members, and ignition risks from gas and flame, especially in high-pressure environments.
Innovation Solution
A battery module structure with a barrier member comprising a metal layer and insulating layers at its ends, which includes a thicker insulating layer to prevent heat conduction and a thermal insulation layer to absorb assembly tolerance, while a protruding end blocks convection through the housing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier member is interposed between battery cells to prevent thermal propagation, then thermal insulation is improved, but heat is concentrated in one area making the barrier member prone to melting or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier member is divided into multiple layers with different functions: a reflective layer to redirect heat, an insulating layer to provide thermal resistance, and a protective layer to prevent damage. This segmentation distributes the thermal management function across multiple specialized components rather than relying on a single barrier layer
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member uses a composite structure combining materials with different thermal properties - a reflective layer (metallic or dielectric), an insulating layer (low thermal conductivity material), and a protective outer layer. This composite approach allows each layer to address specific thermal challenges while working together to prevent heat concentration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the barrier member is made thinner to reduce heat conduction path, then thermal insulation is improved, but the structural integrity and ability to withstand high pressure and temperature is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier member is segmented into multiple thin layers, each optimized for specific functions. The reflective layer provides thermal protection with minimal thickness, the insulating layer adds thermal resistance, and the protective layer provides mechanical strength. This layered segmentation achieves effective thermal insulation without requiring a single thick barrier that would compromise structural integrity
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 structure effectively prevents thermal propagation and maintains structural integrity by blocking radiant heat, convection, and conduction, reducing the risk of short circuits and ignition, even under high-temperature and pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective layer configured to reflect radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
an insulating layer configured to reduce heat conduction between the first battery cell and the second battery cell
Implementation Method 3
a protective layer configured to protect the battery cell from damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a structure of a battery module including: a cell laminate including: a plurality of battery cells laminated in widthwise direction; and at least one barrier member interposed between and laminated together with the plurality of battery cells in widthwise direction; and a housing accommodating the cell laminate, wherein each of the at least one barrier member includes a metal layer and insulating layers provided at two widthwise ends of the metal layer, respectively, and a thickness of each of the insulating layers is greater than that of the metal layer.