Sectional Battery Module Venting to Contain Thermal Runaway Debris
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules fail to effectively prevent or reduce the propagation of venting products, such as hot gas and particles, from a thermal runaway event in one battery cell to other cells within the module, leading to potential damage or destruction of neighboring cells and components.
Innovation Solution
The battery module design includes a venting space subdivided by separators and a back separator, forming compartments that guide venting products away from other cells, with a dedicated exit direction to contain and discharge debris and dust efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are stacked closely together in a battery module, then space utilization and energy density are improved, but the propagation of venting products from thermal runaway to neighboring cells is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The venting space is segmented into multiple compartments using separators and a back separator. Each compartment corresponds to a battery cell and contains venting products locally, preventing their propagation to neighboring cells while maintaining close stacking arrangement for high energy density.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a venting space is provided adjacent to terminal sides, then venting products can be discharged away from cells, but the complexity of the battery module structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting space is divided into multiple compartments using separators that extend between terminal rows, creating a structured arrangement that organizes venting product discharge paths while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Separators extend in a direction transverse to the stacking direction, creating a three-dimensional compartmentalized structure that adds spatial organization without significantly increasing the footprint or compromising energy density.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separators extend transversely to divide the venting space, then venting products are contained in specific compartments, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of multiple separators creates discrete compartments that are straightforward to manufacture and assemble. Each separator is a simple structural element that can be produced independently and positioned between terminal rows during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The separators serve multiple functions: they divide the venting space into compartments, provide structural support, and guide venting products toward designated exit paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery module that reduces a propagation of venting products along a battery cell stack included in the battery module. Further, the present disclosure relates to a to a battery system including one or more of the battery modules. Also, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle including at least one of the battery modules and/or at least one of the battery systems.