Battery Module Venting Structure for Delayed Thermal Propagation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face issues with thermal propagation and venting of high-temperature gases and flames between stacked pouch-type battery cells, which can lead to serial ignition and module-level ignition, and existing solutions often require significant structural changes to the battery cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery module structure that includes compressible pads with packing portions at the ends of each cell, guided by a pressing mechanism to ensure venting is directed towards a sealed portion, minimizing thermal propagation and assembly clearance without altering the cell structure significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are stacked with high integration to reduce module size and weight, then productivity and energy density are improved, but thermal propagation risk increases due to closer spacing between cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces venting channels that segment the internal space of the battery cell, creating separate zones for electrolyte vapor discharge. This segmentation allows thermal runaway gases to be contained and directed within the cell structure rather than propagating to adjacent cells, resolving the contradiction between high integration density and thermal propagation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting channel structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the electrolyte vapor source and the external environment. It provides a controlled pathway that mediates the discharge process, directing vapors through specific routes away from adjacent cells while maintaining the compact stacked arrangement.
2Reliability
If venting is allowed through the terrace portion where electrode leads protrude, then pressure relief is achieved, but thermal propagation occurs to adjacent modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different venting characteristics at different locations of the battery cell. The venting channels are specifically configured to direct vapors away from the terrace portion and electrode leads, creating localized venting zones that maintain pressure relief functionality while preventing harmful discharge at critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing venting through the traditional terrace portion where electrode leads protrude, the patent inverts the approach by directing venting through sealed portions and internal channels that redirect the flow away from the terrace. This inversion prevents flame and hot gas discharge at the vulnerable electrode lead areas while maintaining pressure relief.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pouch structure is significantly altered to improve venting, then thermal propagation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting channels are nested within the existing pouch structure, utilizing the folded portions and sealed portions that already exist in the conventional pouch design. This nesting approach allows the venting functionality to be integrated without requiring significant structural alterations, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while preventing thermal propagation.
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 directs venting away from electrode leads and adjacent modules, delaying thermal propagation and preventing serial ignition, while maintaining the module's compactness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a battery module structure including compressible pads with packing portions at ends of each cell, guided by a pressing mechanism to ensure venting is directed towards a sealed portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a structure of a battery module containing a battery cell laminate comprising a plurality of pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of compressible pads stacked therein in widthwise direction, wherein each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells is provided with a terrace portion at each of two lengthwise ends thereof, the terrace portion being thinner than other portions thereof, and each of the plurality of compressible pads is provided with a packing portion at each of two lengthwise ends thereof, the packing portion protruding in one side or two sides of the widthwise direction and being in contact with the terrace portion in the widthwise direction.