Battery Module Venting Structure for Thermal Runaway Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face issues with durability and stability due to rapid heat propagation and continuous ignition phenomena when internal pressure increases, leading to heat, gas, or flame discharge between closely stacked battery cells, which can affect adjacent modules in a pack.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a venting part with a concentric pattern and support structure in the module frame, including a blocking sheet that melts at high temperatures, to effectively discharge heat, gas, or flames externally and suppress internal ignition, while the venting part's design facilitates rapid discharge through a reverse tapered shape and strategically positioned inlet and outlet ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are stacked at narrow intervals to maximize energy storage capacity, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but heat propagation speed increases and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A heat-resistant baffle is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent battery cells. The baffle is positioned to extend from the end plate toward the battery cells, creating a physical barrier that blocks the direct path of heat and flame propagation while allowing the cells to remain closely stacked for maximum energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal space of the battery module is segmented by dividing walls or baffles that partition the region between battery cells. This segmentation creates isolated compartments that prevent continuous ignition phenomena from spreading across the entire battery stack, while maintaining compact cell arrangement.
2Quantity of substance
If battery cells are stacked at narrow intervals to maximize energy storage capacity, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but heat discharge efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-resistant baffle acts as a mediator that redirects heat flow paths. Instead of allowing heat to travel directly between adjacent cells, the baffle forces heat to discharge through controlled pathways toward designated venting regions, improving heat discharge efficiency without increasing cell spacing.
3Strength
If no venting structure is provided in the module frame, then the structural integrity is maintained, but heat and flame discharge capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module frame is designed with localized venting structures at specific positions rather than compromising overall structural integrity. The venting parts are strategically placed in regions where heat and flame discharge is most critical, allowing the majority of the frame to maintain full structural strength while providing targeted heat discharge pathways.
4Device complexity
If a simple end plate structure is used to cover battery cells, then the device complexity is reduced, but heat propagation between adjacent modules worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Heat-resistant baffles are positioned between the end plate and battery cells to serve as intermediaries that block heat propagation. These baffles extend from the end plate toward the cells, creating a protective barrier that prevents heat from adjacent modules from reaching the battery cells while maintaining the simplicity of the end plate structure.
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 flames and rapidly discharges internal heat and gases, enhancing the durability and stability of the battery module by minimizing the impact of heat and gas transfer between modules, thereby improving the safety and performance of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking sheet that melts at high temperatures, to effectively discharge heat, gas, or flames externally and suppress internal ignition
Data Source
AI summary
Discussed is a battery module that may include a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells 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 coupled to the module frame and configured to cover a front surface or a rear surface of the battery cell stack, wherein a venting part is formed in the module frame, and wherein the venting part comprises a pattern part having a concentric diagram shape and a support part configured to support the pattern part.