Battery Module Insert Panel for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in effectively venting flames, conductive materials, gases, and preventing heat transfer to neighboring battery cells during a fire, which can lead to thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
The battery module incorporates an insert panel with a top flange extending above the battery cells, which acts as a protective wall to vent flames and gases outside while preventing heat transfer to adjacent cells. The insert panel is designed to be spaced apart from the top of the battery cells and can be made of metal or fireproof materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are closely overlapped to increase energy density, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but heat transfer to neighboring cells increases and flame venting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insert panel divides the battery module into separate compartments by inserting partitions between adjacent battery cells. This segmentation prevents flame and heat from spreading to neighboring cells while maintaining close stacking for high energy density. The partition structure creates isolated chambers that contain thermal runaway events within individual cell regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert panel acts as an intermediary component positioned between battery cells to mediate heat and flame transfer. The panel includes heat-resistant materials that block thermal conduction and convection paths, while the top flange provides a designated pathway for controlled flame venting away from adjacent cells.
2Reliability
If a protective structure is added between battery cells to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert panel performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for battery cell alignment, acts as a thermal barrier to prevent heat transfer, creates flame containment partitions, and provides a controlled venting pathway through the top flange. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive safety without requiring separate components for each protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure and venting mechanism are merged into a single integrated insert panel component. The partition walls and top flange form one continuous structure that combines flame containment and controlled venting functions, simplifying assembly compared to separate protective components.
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
This design effectively vents flames and gases away from the battery module, preventing heat transfer to neighboring cells and thus mitigating the risk of thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
an abnormal phenomenon such as a fire breaks out in the battery cells making up the battery module. In this case, a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs due to flames spreading to neighboring battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of overlapped battery cells and an insert panel inserted between the overlapped battery cells. The battery module further includes a top flange extended in an overlapping direction of the battery cells above the battery cells.