Battery Module Venting Layout for Compact Cell Stacking Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face challenges in space utilization, design flexibility, and safety due to stacked battery cells, complex bus bar structures, and lack of effective gas venting, leading to potential fire risks and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design that connects battery cells in both longitudinal and thickness directions, uses a simplified electrical connection without inter-bus bars, and incorporates a venting plate with a gas venting channel to efficiently discharge gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If battery cells are stacked only in the thickness direction, then the battery module structure is simple, but space utilization is reduced and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction (thickness direction) stacking to multi-directional stacking by arranging battery cells in both the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction of the module case. This dimensional expansion enables more flexible space utilization and design configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Productivity
If several tens of battery cells are stacked in one module, then space utilization improves, but flame propagation risk increases when ignition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into multiple stacks, where each stack contains a limited number of battery cells (e.g., 2-4 cells per stack). This segmentation isolates potential ignition sources, preventing flame propagation across the entire module while still achieving high space utilization through multi-stack configuration.
3Reliability
If a bus bar frame is installed at the front end with inter-bus bars connected to each battery cell, then electrical connection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex bus bar frame structure and extracts only the essential electrical connection function. Instead of using separate inter-bus bars for each cell, the invention uses simplified terminal bus bars that connect to electrode leads, eliminating unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
4Device complexity
If no gas venting path is provided in the module, then the structure remains simple, but internal temperature rises and fire/explosion risk increases when internal venting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas venting path as an intermediary structure that safely channels gas from the battery cells to the external environment. This mediator prevents direct pressure buildup and potential explosions while adding minimal structural complexity to the module design.
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
Improves space utilization and design flexibility, reduces assembly costs, and enhances safety by preventing flame propagation and efficiently venting gas, making the battery module more compact and safer.
Implementation Method 1
a venting plate installed between the columns of the longitudinal unit cells and having a gas venting channel therein, and a module case configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and the venting plate, wherein a venting hole communicating with the gas venting channel is provided in the module case
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a battery cell assembly in which two or more longitudinal unit cells, each of which has electrode leads at both ends in the longitudinal direction arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction, are stacked in two or more columns in the thickness direction of the battery cell; a terminal bus bar coupled to the battery cell; a venting plate installed between the columns of the longitudinal unit cells and having a gas venting channel therein; and a module case configured to accommodate the battery cell assembly and the venting plate. The electrode leads of the adjacent battery cells except for the battery cells coupled to the terminal bus bar are directly connected to each other, and a venting hole communicating with the gas venting channel is provided in the module case.