Battery Module Venting Barrier for Thermal Runaway Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face safety issues due to high-temperature heat and flame propagation during ignition, which can lead to continuous ignition between adjacent modules, damaging busbars and reducing durability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a module frame with vents and a barrier layer, where the barrier layer includes materials with a melting point of 200°C or less, such as heat-resistant plastics or ceramics, and fire extinguishing agents, to control the discharge of heat, gas, and flame, and prevent external contaminants from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the battery module uses a closed structure with frame and end plates, then the structural integrity is improved, but heat and flame discharge is blocked causing thermal runaway propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module structure is segmented into multiple regions: a closed frame structure for structural integrity, and specific venting regions with controlled openings for heat discharge. The end plates are divided into heat-resistant regions (covering battery cells) and venting regions (allowing flame/gas escape), creating functional segmentation that simultaneously maintains structural strength and enables thermal runaway management.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat-resistant plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery cells and the external environment. This plate selectively blocks heat transfer to adjacent modules while incorporating venting regions that allow controlled discharge of flames and gases. The heat-resistant plate acts as a mediator that transforms the closed structure from a heat-trapping enclosure into a controlled venting system.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vents are provided in the module frame, then heat and gas discharge is improved, but external contaminants can enter the battery module
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the end plate are assigned different functional qualities: the heat-resistant plate region provides thermal blocking quality, while the venting regions provide gas discharge quality. The venting regions are locally positioned away from direct battery cell contact zones, creating spatial differentiation in protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-resistant plate is pre-installed to cover the battery cells before thermal runaway occurs, establishing a protective barrier in advance. The venting regions are pre-configured in specific locations on the end plates, preparing controlled discharge paths before any thermal event, thus preventing uncontrolled flame propagation and contaminant ingress.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery cells are arranged in a compact stack, then the energy density is improved, but heat propagation between cells is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The compact stacking arrangement, which initially creates heat propagation risk, is transformed into a benefit through the heat-resistant plate design. The plate's venting regions are strategically positioned to convert the accumulated heat and pressure from compact stacking into controlled upward discharge through the venting regions, preventing lateral heat propagation to adjacent modules while maintaining the space-efficient compact 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
The solution effectively suppresses high-temperature heat and flame propagation, enhancing the safety and durability of the battery module by rapidly discharging heat and gas outside and preventing external oxygen from fueling the ignition, thus reducing the risk of thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
the barrier layer includes materials with a melting point of 200°C or less
Implementation Method 2
the barrier layer includes materials with a melting point of 200°C or less, such as heat-resistant plastics or ceramics
Implementation Method 3
the barrier layer includes fire extinguishing agents
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack and has an inner surface and an outer surface, and an end plate that is coupled with the module frame and covers the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell stack. The module frame is formed with at least one venting part in the form of a hole that defines an inlet port formed on the inner surface and an outlet port formed on the outer surface. The hole of the venting part is covered by a barrier layer.