Battery Module Venting Cover for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face issues with rapid heat propagation and thermal runaway phenomena due to densely stacked battery cells, leading to reduced durability and stability, as heat, gas, or flame transfer occurs between adjacent cells and modules.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a module frame with vents and a cover layer comprising a barrier and refractory layers, which includes vents and sub-vents to discharge heat, gas, or flames externally, and a barrier layer that melts at low temperatures to prevent thermal runaway by blocking external oxygen and promoting extinguishing agents to suppress flames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are densely stacked in one space, then battery module capacity is increased, but thermal runaway phenomenon transfers rapidly between adjacent battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple independent compartments by partition walls, with each compartment containing a subset of battery cells. This segmentation prevents thermal runaway from propagating across the entire module, as the partition walls create physical barriers that isolate heat and flame between adjacent compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls serve as intermediary structures positioned between adjacent battery cells or cell groups. These walls act as mediators that block the direct transfer of heat, gas, and flame while maintaining the structural integrity and electrical connectivity of the battery module.
2Volume of stationary object
If battery cells are densely stacked, then space utilization is improved, but heat propagation speed increases between cells
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into compartments using partition walls that extend through the battery cell stack. This segmentation creates thermal barriers that slow heat propagation between cell groups while maintaining high space utilization within each compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls are strategically positioned at specific locations within the battery module where thermal isolation is most critical. The walls have varying thicknesses and material properties tailored to local thermal management requirements, providing enhanced heat blocking capability where needed while maintaining overall compactness.
3Productivity
If end plates face each other in adjacent modules, then module density is improved, but heat, gas, or flame discharge affects adjacent modules
Solution Approach 1:
Vent channels are extracted and positioned on the lateral surfaces of the module frame, away from the end plates. This allows hot gas and flame to be discharged laterally through the partition walls into external environments, preventing accumulation and reducing the risk of affecting adjacent modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge path is redirected from the traditional end-plate direction to lateral surfaces of the module. Vent channels on the side surfaces provide alternative discharge routes that utilize the lateral dimension, allowing thermal runaway products to escape in directions that minimize impact on adjacent modules while maintaining high module density.
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 design effectively delays heat propagation and prevents continuous thermal runaway by rapidly discharging ignition products outside the module, enhancing durability and stability by minimizing pressure increases and suppressing internal fires.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier layer that melts at low temperatures to prevent thermal runaway by blocking external oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a cover layer including a barrier layer and at least one refractory layer is positioned between the first surface of the module frame and the battery cell stack, wherein at least one vent penetrating the inner surface and the outer surface is formed on a first surface of the module frame
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack can include a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction, and a battery cover covering the battery cell stack and having a first surface facing the battery cell stack and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The battery cover can include a venting part that extends from the first surface to the second surface of the battery cover, a barrier layer covers the venting part at the first surface of the battery cover, the barrier layer having an inner surface that is exposed to the battery cell stack, and a first refractory part positioned on an outer surface of the barrier layer that is opposite to the inner surface of the barrier layer.